"COVID-19 Lockdown Exit Analysis" 14th Jul 2021
Overnight NewsRoundUp
COVID-19: PM's easing of England's restrictions is 'irresponsible.' BMA says
- Boris Johnson's decision to press ahead with easing coronavirus restrictions in England is 'irresponsible,' senior doctors have said - although a government minister has admitted COVID rules could return this winter.
- The prime minister announced on Monday that most of the last remaining restrictions in England would be axed from 19 July.
- This was despite modelling showing that there could be 1,000 to 2,000 hospital admissions per day, with deaths reaching between 100 and 200 per day by mid-August, when the peak of the current wave is expected.
- The British Medical Association said easing restrictions risked 'potentially devastating consequences.'
- BMA council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: 'It's irresponsible - and frankly perilous - that the government has decided to press ahead with plans to lift the remaining COVID-19 restrictions on 19 July.
- 'The BMA has repeatedly warned of the rapidly rising infection rate and the crippling impact that COVID-related hospitalisations continue to have on the NHS.
- 'Not only pushing staff to the brink of collapse but also driving up already lengthy waiting times for elective care.
- 'The prime minister repeatedly emphasized the importance of a slow and cautious approach.
- 'But in reality the government is throwing caution to the wind by scrapping all regulations in one fell swoop - with potentially devastating consequences.'
- However, asked about the 200 deaths a day estimation, government minister Stephen Barclay suggested lifting restrictions as schools close for the summer holidays was the 'optimum time to do so.'
- 'Reopening when the schools are back in September, reopening when the colder weather is also bringing other challenges, also brings its risks,' he told Sky News.
- 'So there's no perfect time to do this. What we've done is deploy the vaccine...opening when the schools are going to be shut is seen as an optiimum time to do so.'
- Mr Barclay, the chief secretary to the Treasury, added the country needed to 'get back to normal' and to 'learn to live with the virus.'
- 'It is about getting the balance right, so people reaching their own judgements, being sensible, following the guidance,' he said.
- 'But we also need to get back to normal, businesses need to fire up, we need to get the economy going - those are important as well.
- 'Because there are consequences to not doing that, both economically and in terms of people's health.'
- The prime minister has previously described his roadmap for lifting restrictions as 'cautious and irreversible.'
- But Mr Barclay admitted there was a possibility that COVID restrictions could return later this year.
- 'We've been cautious in order to seek for it to be irreversible,' he added. 'One never knows what will be in the winter.'
- A German official has said the decision to lift all restrictions in England is 'a highly risky experiment.'
- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that more people need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before restrictions can be lifted there.
COVID-19: PM's easing of England's restrictions is 'irresponsible', BMA says
COVID-19: PM's easing of England's restrictions is 'irresponsible', BMA says
Boris Johnson's decision to press ahead with easing coronavirus restrictions in England is "irresponsible", senior doctors have said - although a government minister has admitted COVID rules could return this winter. The prime minister announced on Monday that most of the last remaining restrictions in England would be axed from 19 July. This was despite modelling showing that there could be 1,000 to 2,000 hospital admissions per day, with deaths reaching between 100 and 200 per day by mid-August, when the peak of the current wave is expected.
New Zealand scientists say UK’s ‘awful experiment’ on Covid will threaten the country
New Zealand scientists say UK’s ‘awful experiment’ on Covid will threaten the country
Scientists in New Zealand have expressed concern at Britain’s unlocking of Covid restrictions, describing it as an “awful experiment.” On Monday Boris Johnson announced plans to scrap a number of coronavirus lockdown measures on July 19, including ditching social distancing and dropping the legal requirement to wear a face mask.
Immunized but banned: EU says not all COVID vaccines equal
Immunized but banned: EU says not all COVID vaccines equal
After Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor and his wife received two doses of AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine in Nigeria, they assumed they would be free to travel this summer to a European destination of their choice. They were wrong. The couple — and millions of other people vaccinated through a U.N.-backed effort — could find themselves barred from entering many European and other countries because those nations don’t recognize the Indian-made version of the vaccine for travel. Although AstraZeneca vaccine produced in Europe has been authorized by the continent’s drug regulatory agency, the same shot manufactured in India hasn’t been given the green light.
Analysis: Ministers shift responsibility for fighting coronavirus to the public
Analysis: Ministers shift responsibility for fighting coronavirus to the public
The government today passed the baton for fighting coronavirus to the public, as Boris Johnson confirmed that the last of the emergency Covid restrictions would be lifted from next week. After 16 months of government-imposed curbs on our everyday life, it appears the government has decided that enough is enough and that it’s time for it to depart the pitch, mid-game, as a summer wave of infection builds. Johnson’s message was simple. It is up to each and every one of us to look out not just for ourselves but for each other, because the government has now returned to the idea of herd immunity as the only way out of the pandemic.
Experts warn Jersey Covid cases could reach 500 per day by next week
Experts warn Jersey Covid cases could reach 500 per day by next week
Stage 7 of Jersey's reconnection plan will not go ahead as scheduled for 15 July, working from home is to return and masks are advised once again. The announcement has been made following a sharp rise in the number of Covid cases in the island. Experts are warning case numbers could reach 500 per day by this time next week. At a press conference this afternoon (13 July) officials announced their objective is to slow the rate of infection and reduce levels of isolation, which is impacting on individuals, and consequently businesses are having to close.
Germany won't make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory - Merkel
Germany won't make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory - Merkel
Germany will not make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday, adding that ensuring more Germans get vaccinated, sticking to distancing rules and testing should help prevent a fourth wave. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said during a news conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination."
UK megalab opens to process hundreds of thousands of Covid tests and identify new variants
UK megalab opens to process hundreds of thousands of Covid tests and identify new variants
The UK’s first testing megalab - which will process hundreds of thousands of Covid-19 samples every day - has opened as the “centrepiece” of the country’s future test and trace infrastructure, the government has said. The new Rosalind Franklin laboratory in Royal Leamington Spa will play a role in responding to new Covid variants of concern and future disease threats as part of plans to prevent another national lockdown. The facility is named after the British scientist who played a key role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA and in pioneering the use of X-ray diffraction.
Lack of COVID awareness at Euro final 'devastating' - WHO
Lack of COVID awareness at Euro final 'devastating' - WHO
A WHO epidemiologist said she had been devastated to watch unmasked crowds singing and shouting at the Euro 2020 soccer final in London on Sunday, expressing concerns that it would spur COVID-19 transmission, including of the Delta variant. Britain is facing a new wave of COVID-19 driven by the more transmissible variant despite having one of the world's highest vaccination rates. It plans to scrap most remaining anti-coronavirus restrictions on July 19, in a move that worries some scientists
Masks to remain mandatory on London transport after national rule easing
Masks to remain mandatory on London transport after national rule easing
Masks will remain mandatory on London's public transport network after July 19, the city's mayor said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government plans to lift most COVID-19 restrictions from that date in England despite rising cases. The public will be expected, rather than compelled by law, to wear masks in indoor enclosed spaces across the country from next week, as rules decided upon by the Conservative administration are eased
UAE sends 500,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to Tunisia
UAE sends 500,000 coronavirus vaccine doses to Tunisia
A plane carrying 500,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses, donated by the UAE to help curb the spread of the virus, has arrived in Tunisia. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, ordered the donation of half a million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Tunisia. The country is battling to contain a second wave of infections, with several countries in the region pledging aid.
Long Lines Form for Russia's Third Coronavirus Vaccine in Moscow
Long Lines Form for Russia's Third Coronavirus Vaccine in Moscow
Long lines formed outside Moscow vaccination sites over the weekend as demand for Russia’s third registered coronavirus jab outstripped supply and caused yet another shortage of the jab. Videos published to social media showed Muscovites lining up outside a dozen vaccination sites where authorities had shipped around 850 doses of CoviVac each. Moscow City Hall, which had previously suspended CoviVac vaccinations due to shortages on June 22 and June 28, announced that it ran out of doses on Sunday.
Moldova gets 500,000 doses of J&J's COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. - State Dept
Moldova gets 500,000 doses of J&J's COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. - State Dept
The United States has sent 500,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine to Moldova as part of Washington's coronavirus diplomacy to send surplus shots overseas to help fight the global pandemic, the U.S. Department of State said on Tuesday. "I’m pleased to announce the donation of 500,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to Moldova. This delivery furthers the U.S. commitment to defeating the global COVID-19 pandemic and helping Moldova," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a post on Twitter alongside pictures of the shipments. The COVID-19 pandemic has battered the economy of tiny ex-Soviet republic, which has 3.5 million people and is one of Europe's poorest nations.
Greece and France join Italy in making Covid-19 shots mandatory for health workers, telling the unvaccinated they won't get paid
Greece and France join Italy in making Covid-19 shots mandatory for health workers, telling the unvaccinated they won't get paid
As Europe struggles with a rising number of coronavirus cases caused by the Delta variant, several countries are making vaccinations compulsory for health care workers, and some leaders are even considering making shots mandatory for all. France and Greece both announced new vaccine requirements on Monday, following in the footsteps of Italy, which made vaccinations compulsory for health employees in April. The UK government, which is pushing ahead with its unlocking plan despite strong warnings from experts, has previously said it will mandate shots for care home staff from October.
COVID-19: Train and bus operators will no longer enforce mask wearing in England from 19 July
COVID-19: Train and bus operators will no longer enforce mask wearing in England from 19 July
Train and bus operators will not require passengers to wear face masks on services in England from 19 July, industry bodies have confirmed. The government has left it up to transport companies to decide whether they wish to enforce the wearing of face coverings, giving them the power to turn customers away for not wearing a mask. But only airlines, such as Ryanair, British Airways, and easyJet, and the Eurostar service will continue to require face masks from Monday. Train, bus and coach operators have said that, in the absence of government legislation enforcing masks, they will not require travellers to continue wearing face coverings.
France insists health workers get COVID-19 shots as infections rise
France insists health workers get COVID-19 shots as infections rise
All health workers in France must get COVID-19 jabs and anyone wanting to get into a cinema or board a train will need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test under new rules announced by President Emmanuel Macron on Monday. Unveiling sweeping measures to combat a surge in infections, Macron said vaccination would not be compulsory for the general public for now but stressed that restrictions would focus on those who are not vaccinated. "We must go towards vaccination of all French people, it is the only way towards a normal life," Macron said in a televised address to the nation.
Germany won't make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory - Merkel
Germany won't make COVID-19 vaccination compulsory - Merkel
Germany will not make vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Tuesday, adding that ensuring more Germans get vaccinated, sticking to distancing rules and testing should help prevent a fourth wave. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said during a news conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination."
French rush to get vaccinated after president’s warning
French rush to get vaccinated after president’s warning
More than 1 million people in France made vaccine appointments in less than a day, according to figures released Tuesday, after the president cranked up pressure on everyone to get vaccinated to save the summer vacation season and the French economy. Some bristled at President Emmanuel Macron’s admonition to “get vaccinated!” immediately, but many people signed up for shots, accepting that getting injected was the only way to return to some semblance of pre-pandemic life.
WHO director-general slams notion of Covid-19 vaccine booster doses given global health needs
WHO director-general slams notion of Covid-19 vaccine booster doses given global health needs
The director-general of the World Health Organization issued a stinging rebuke to Pfizer and other vaccine manufacturers focused on developing — and selling — Covid-19 vaccine booster shots to high-income countries, saying they should focus instead on providing vaccine to nations that have had little access to first doses. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus’ statement came four days after Pfizer said it has data to support its repeated claim that a third dose of its vaccine will be needed to keep protection levels high. He also singled out Moderna, which, like Pfizer, is developing updated vaccines targeted at variants. “We’re making conscious choices right now not to protect those in most need,” Tedros said in Geneva.
India sees 2,000 COVID deaths as Modi warns against overcrowding
India sees 2,000 COVID deaths as Modi warns against overcrowding
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned against overcrowding at tourist sites and has called for faster vaccinations against the coronavirus even as official figures indicated a slower spread of new infections. The country’s top doctors’ body, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), said on Monday it feared gathering of tourists and pilgrims could become “super-spreader events” that fuel a deadly third wave of infections and it warned against complacency.
WHO criticises Boris Johnson’s mixed messages on Covid Freedom Day
WHO criticises Boris Johnson’s mixed messages on Covid Freedom Day
It is “too early to be talking about massive relaxation or freedom”, a World Health Organisation special envoy on Covid-19 has said. Dr David Nabarro told Radio 4’s Today programme the “pandemic is advancing ferociously around the world” and that we haven’t “got through the worst of it” despite the vaccine rollout. He said: “Yes, relax, but don’t have these mixed messages about what’s going on. This dangerous virus hasn’t gone away, it’s variants are coming back and are threatening those who have already been vaccinated – we have to take it seriously.”
Tennessee fires official Michelle Fiscus because of coronavirus vaccination guidance
Tennessee fires official Michelle Fiscus because of coronavirus vaccination guidance
Tennessee fired its top immunization official Monday, the official said, in retaliation for her attempts to let teenagers choose whether to be vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. Michelle Fiscus said she was fired from her job as director of immunization programs at the Tennessee Department of Health on Monday afternoon as retaliation for the department’s efforts to vaccinate teenagers against the coronavirus, a plan that angered several state lawmakers.
Philippine vaccine hesitancy drops as safety concerns ebb, poll shows
Philippine vaccine hesitancy drops as safety concerns ebb, poll shows
The number of Filipinos willing to get inoculated against the coronavirus rose to 43% in June from just 16% in February, an opinion poll showed on Monday, as concerns over the safety of vaccines eased. The Pulse Asia survey of 2,400 respondents took place from June 7 to 16, more than three months after the Philippines began its vaccination drive on March 1. So far, nearly 9.7 million people have been given at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 3.5 million have been fully vaccinated, about 3.2 % of the 110 population.
Politics, health collided in Taiwan's tortured BioNTech vaccine talks
Politics, health collided in Taiwan's tortured BioNTech vaccine talks
As talks for Taiwan to access BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine via two major Taiwanese companies reached a head last week, the German firm's Chinese sales agent put forward a template contract seeking access to Taiwanese medical records. The clause sparked alarm, as such a requirement would be anathema for Taiwan's government, long wary of Beijing's attempts at influence over the democratic island, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
Thailand approves $1.3 bln measures to ease impact of COVID-19 lockdown
Thailand approves $1.3 bln measures to ease impact of COVID-19 lockdown
Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday approved 42 billion baht ($1.29 billion) of relief measures to help businesses and workers affected by the latest coronavirus restrictions as the country deals with its biggest outbreak so far. The measures included compensation for businesses and utility subsidies, government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said in a statement. The lockdown began on Monday in the capital Bangkok and nine provinces.
Period between two Pfizer coronavirus shots shortened to three weeks again
Period between two Pfizer coronavirus shots shortened to three weeks again
Starting from Tuesday, anyone who is invited to get the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine in Flanders will have to wait just three weeks rather than five weeks between receiving both doses. The period between both shots was originally just three weeks, but in March this was extended to five to allow more people to receive the first shot more quickly, however, it will once again be shortened, according to Flemish Health Minister Wouter Beke.
Chinese COVID-19 vaccine makers in supply deal with COVAX
Chinese COVID-19 vaccine makers in supply deal with COVAX
Gavi, which manages COVAX, the global COVID-19 vaccine sharing scheme, says it has secured much-needed vaccines from Chinese producers, Sinovac and Sinopharm.
Serbia to become first country in Europe to produce China-developed COVID-19 vaccine
Serbia to become first country in Europe to produce China-developed COVID-19 vaccine
Serbia will become the first country in Europe to produce China-developed inactivated COVID-19 vaccines as the country has reached an agreement with Sinopharm, the Chinese company announced Tuesday. The production line in Serbia will be able to deliver about three million doses of vaccines per month and is set to produce 10 million doses of Sinopharm's inactivated vaccine, according to the announcement. The first batch of the doses will be provided to the local Serbian market to help the country fight against the epidemic, according to the announcement.
COVAX signs deal for 550 million Chinese Covid-19 vaccines amid questions over efficacy
COVAX signs deal for 550 million Chinese Covid-19 vaccines amid questions over efficacy
COVAX has signed agreements with two Chinese pharmaceutical companies to buy more than half a billion of their Covid-19 vaccines by the first half of next year, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi) announced Monday. Under the agreements, Chinese vaccine makers Sinopharm and Sinovac will begin to make 110 million doses immediately available, according to a news release from Gavi, a public-private global health partnership that is co-leading COVAX, a worldwide initiative aimed at distributing vaccines to countries regardless of wealth.
The agreements came at a time when "the Delta variant is posing a rising risk to health systems," Gavi said in the statement.
J&J, AstraZeneca Explore Covid-19 Vaccine Modification in Response to Rare Blood Clots
J&J, AstraZeneca Explore Covid-19 Vaccine Modification in Response to Rare Blood Clots
Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca PLC and the University of Oxford, along with outside scientists, are conducting early-stage research into whether potential modifications of their Covid-19 vaccines could reduce or eliminate the risk of rare but serious blood clots associated with the shots, according to people close to the process. Fast-developing clues into how the clots form—driven in part by independent scientists in Europe, the U.S. and Canada—are boosting hopes of identifying the cause and possibly re-engineering AstraZeneca’s shot by next year, according to some of these people. It is too early to know whether either shot can be modified, or whether doing so would make commercial sense, these people say.
Guillain-Barre syndrome: FDA flags ‘small’ risk with J&J jab
Guillain-Barre syndrome: FDA flags ‘small’ risk with J&J jab
United States regulators have added a new warning to Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine about links to a rare and potentially dangerous neurological reaction. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the new warning on Monday, flagging reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome, an immune system disorder that can cause muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis. Health officials described the side effect as a “small possible risk” for those getting the shot.
Pfizer COVID vaccine shows 78% efficacy in pregnancy
Pfizer COVID vaccine shows 78% efficacy in pregnancy
Two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine were safe and 78% effective in preventing infection in pregnant women in a real-world study in Israel. Led by researchers at Maccabi Healthcare Services in Tel Aviv, the retrospective, observational study was published yesterday in JAMA. It involved analyzing data on 15,060 women in a pregnancy registry of a large, state-mandated healthcare system who were vaccinated with a first dose from Dec 19, 2020, to Feb 28, 2021.
FDA adds J&J COVID-19 vaccine warning
FDA adds J&J COVID-19 vaccine warning
A Food and Drug Administration fact sheet distributed with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will now contain warning language about a small increased risk that vaccine recipients have of developing Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurologic disorder that can cause progressive, but usually reversible, paralysis. So far, the FDA has said there have been 100 cases identified in 12.8 million US J&J recipients, mostly in men over the age of 50.
The world will not exit Covid-19 pandemic without booster shots, vaccine developer says
The world will not exit Covid-19 pandemic without booster shots, vaccine developer says
The world will not get the Covid-19 pandemic under control without using booster shots for messenger RNA vaccines, one of the key figures involved in the development of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine said Tuesday. Ugur Sahin, co-founder and CEO of BioNTech, insisted booster shots are going to be necessary, despite caution from some experts. “At the end of the day it really matters that we get this pandemic under control. And we will not get it under control without boosting. That’s my strong opinion,” Sahin said.
The decline in Covid-19 preceded vaccines. But we need jabs to finish the job
The decline in Covid-19 preceded vaccines. But we need jabs to finish the job
Following patterns from previous pandemics, the precipitous decline in new cases of Covid-19 started well before a meaningful number of people had been vaccinated. To be sure, coronavirus vaccines are a remarkable accomplishment. But even a vaccine that’s 95% effective can’t take full credit if it is introduced on the back of a naturally receding epidemic. Timing is everything. There are two ways to develop immunity: natural infection and vaccination. The best explanation for declining rates of Covid-19 appears to be previous infections, which vary considerably from state to state. Individuals with confirmed Covid-19 diagnoses are only the tip of the iceberg. Although estimates vary, the most recent study from the National Institutes of Health suggests that about five people were infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, for each person with a confirmed case
Delta surge ‘could leave hundreds of thousands with long Covid’
Delta surge ‘could leave hundreds of thousands with long Covid’
The decision to lift England’s remaining Covid restrictions next Monday – even as cases of the Delta variant surge around the country – is expected to turbocharge the epidemic and push the nation into what one leading scientist called “uncharted territory” in terms of the numbers of people left suffering from long Covid. Ministers have been told to expect at least one to two million coronavirus infections in the coming weeks. And while the mass rollout of vaccines – which started with elderly and vulnerable people – will dramatically reduce the proportion who are hospitalised and die, the wave may leave hundreds of thousands of younger people with long-term health problems, researchers have said.
Ministers 'are told to brace for up to 2MILLION Covid cases over the next few weeks' after July 19
Ministers 'are told to brace for up to 2MILLION Covid cases over the next few weeks' after July 19
Ministers are preparing to relax all remaining legal restrictions next week, with the move to be unveiled today. But the public will still be urged to work from home and wear masks in crowded places and on transport. Downing Street has shifted its tone in recent days following a surge in cases due to the Indian 'Delta' variant. But there are already promising hints Britain's outbreak may be slowing, although infections are still rising
In first, Thailand to mix Sinovac, AstraZeneca vaccine doses
In first, Thailand to mix Sinovac, AstraZeneca vaccine doses
Thailand used Sinovac vaccine for frontliners. AstraZeneca vaccine available since June. Delta variant on increase in Thailand. New curbs imposed around capital
COVID-19: Why no one should feel especially comfortable with this genuine new wave of infections
COVID-19: Why no one should feel especially comfortable with this genuine new wave of infections
Every other time COVID-19 infection rates were as high as this, and heading up at the rate they are now, this government, tried to put the epidemiological brakes on, but this time it's different, as lockdown easing will go ahead as planned.
In South African COVID-19 ward, medics battle worst infection wave yet
In South African COVID-19 ward, medics battle worst infection wave yet
At an emergency COVID-19 ward run by a charity in southern Johannesburg, medics wheel gasping patients to their beds, rush from room to room with oxygen cylinders and pat the back of someone in the grip of a coughing fit. The scenes in the converted community hall are a reminder of how badly South Africa has been hit by its third and most debilitating COVID-19 wave yet, as the infectious Delta variant surges through a mostly unvaccinated population.
S.Korea COVID-19 vaccine rollout grinds to halt as new cases hit record high
S.Korea COVID-19 vaccine rollout grinds to halt as new cases hit record high
Shot bookings for 1.67 mln people aged 55-59 on hold for week. Govt website crashes, available supplies now booked up. Vaccination pace slows sharply in recent weeks due to shortage. South Korea records highest ever daily COVID cases on Tuesday
Dutch coronavirus reproduction rate jumps, mostly young adults infected
Dutch coronavirus reproduction rate jumps, mostly young adults infected
New coronavirus cases in the Netherlands have jumped more than six-fold in the past week, mainly among young adults, following a decision to largely scrap restrictions.
Delta variant behind all COVID-19 cases in Portugal's Lisbon, Algarve
Delta variant behind all COVID-19 cases in Portugal's Lisbon, Algarve
All COVID-19 cases in the Lisbon area and the popular southern Algarve region are of the more contagious Delta variant, data showed on Tuesday, as Portuguese authorities scramble to bring under control a worrying surge in infections. Portugal's new daily case numbers have been rising steadily in recent weeks, returning to levels last seen in February when the country was under a strict lockdown battling what was then the world's worst coronavirus surge.
Living with COVID-19: Israel changes strategy as Delta variant hits
Living with COVID-19: Israel changes strategy as Delta variant hits
Masks back on indoors in Israel. Delta variant has driven up infections
Israel following "soft suppression" strategy. Aims for minimum disruption to daily life
Indonesia's surge intensifies; other Asian nations set daily COVID records
Indonesia's surge intensifies; other Asian nations set daily COVID records
Indonesia's daily COVID-19 cases today topped 47,000, as the government unveiled new plans to boost the oxygen supply and as other countries in Asia logged more record highs fueled by the expanding Delta (1617.2) variant spread. Elsewhere in the world, Africa's COVID 19 deaths rose sharply, and countries in Europe took more steps to counter rising illness numbers.
New COVID-19 cases up 94 percent in two weeks
New COVID-19 cases up 94 percent in two weeks
The average number of new daily COVID-19 cases has increased 94 percent over the past two weeks, according to data from The New York Times, as worries over outbreaks climb nationwide. The U.S. recorded a seven-day average of more than 23,000 daily cases on Monday, almost doubling from the average two weeks ago, as less than half of the total population is fully vaccinated. Monday’s count of 32,105 newly confirmed cases pushed the seven-day average up from its Sunday level of more than 19,000 new cases — a 60 percent increase from two weeks prior.
State of emergency begins in host city Tokyo as Games near
State of emergency begins in host city Tokyo as Games near
Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases. Organisers last week announced that spectators would be banned from nearly all venues. Spectators from abroad were already banned months ago, and officials are now asking residents to watch the Games on TV to keep the movement of people, which could spread contagion, to a minimum.
Nigeria's Lagos state faces
Nigeria's Lagos state faces "potential third wave" of COVID-19
Nigeria's Lagos state faces a "potential third wave" of coronovirus infections, its governor said in a statement. He warned of fines or even imprisonment for those who break rules to contain the virus and said Lagos state would step up its vaccination campaign, following the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant in an incoming traveller. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, has not been as hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic as other parts of the continent, with just over 168,000 cases and 2,124 deaths confirmed since the outbreak began.
Thailand starts tighter coronavirus lockdown around capital
Thailand starts tighter coronavirus lockdown around capital
Thailand used Sinovac vaccine for frontliners. AstraZeneca vaccine available since June. Delta variant on increase in Thailand. New curbs imposed around capital