5th Jul 2021 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=389 lockdown_exit

Some Vaccinated People Are Dying of Covid-19. Here’s Why Scientists Aren’t Surprised.

Wall Street Journal As the Delta variant of the coronavirus surges through the U.K. almost half of the countrys recent Covid19 deaths are of people who have been vaccinated. But doctors and scientists arent sounding the alarm about the apparently high proportion of deaths among the vaccinated population. On the contrary they say the figures so far offer reassurance that vaccines offer substantial protection against the variant particularly after two doses. Delta first identified in India has since spread to at least 85 countries including the U.S. where it is now estimated to be the most common variant. https://www.wsj.com/articles/some-vaccinated-people-are-dying-of-covid-19-heres-why-scientists-arent-surprised-11625227200 2nd Jul 2021

‘A lot more dead people’: COVID too dangerous to be treated like flu

Sydney Morning Herald Epidemiologists have disputed Prime Minister Scott Morrisons claim that coronavirus will be able to be treated like the flu when Australia reaches a high vaccination rate saying contact tracing and widespread mask wearing may be needed for years to avoid excess deaths. Infectious diseases experts are optimistic that the nation will be able to reach what Mr Morrison described as the third stage of a fourstage pathway out of the pandemic when vaccinated people can start freely travelling overseas and lockdowns are avoided. https://www.smh.com.au/national/a-lot-more-dead-people-covid-too-dangerous-to-be-treated-like-flu-20210702-p586d5.html 4th Jul 2021

Nevada Leads Nation in Covid Cases as 300000 Descend on Vegas

Bloomberg Nevada is reporting the highestinthe nation rate of new Covid19 cases just as the gambling mecca of Las Vegas prepares for what could be its biggest weekend since reopening. The state ranked first in the U.S. with almost 112 new cases per 100000 residents over the past seven days according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The average daily hospital admissions have jumped 44 from a week earlier to about 55 a day with a surprising increase in the 30to39yearold cohort. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-02/nevada-leads-nation-in-covid-cases-as-300-000-descend-on-vegas 3rd Jul 2021

‘Last one standing’: Delta variant poses threat to New Zealand’s Covid-free bubble

The Guardian Last week was a sharp reminder for Dr Siouxsie Wiles one of New Zealands most prominent pandemic communicators of how close the countrys recent brush with Covid was. A Sydney tourist infected with the Delta variant of Covid19 had visited more than a dozen busy Wellington cafes museums and eateries over the course of a weekend. As contact tracers went to work Wiless own phone pinged she was a potential contact having stayed like the tourist at the Rydges Hotel. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/03/last-one-standing-delta-variant-poses-threat-to-new-zealands-covid-free-bubble 2nd Jul 2021

Tokyo 2020 organisers warn of no-fan Olympics as COVID cases rise

Al Jazeera English Tokyo Olympics organisers have warned that they are prepared to hold the Games behind closed doors as virus cases rise leaving ticketholders in limbo just three weeks before the opening ceremony. Seiko Hashimoto president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee said on Friday that banning all fans from the Olympics is still an option with the Games opening during a pandemic. https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2021/7/2/japan-still-undecidedon-having-spectators-in-tokyo-olympics 2nd Jul 2021

Thailand reports record Covid-19 cases as concerns mount about vaccine shortages

The Guardian Health authorities in Thailand reported more than 6200 new Covid19 cases on Saturday setting a record for a third straight day as concerns mounted over shortages of treatment facilities and vaccine supplies. Officials also reported 41 deaths bringing the total to 2181. About 90 of Thailands more than 271000 reported coronavirus cases and 95 of the deaths have been recorded during a surge that began in early April. There were 992 deaths in June more than 15 times Thailands total for all of 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/03/thailand-reports-record-covid-19-cases-as-concerns-mount-about-vaccine-shortages 3rd Jul 2021

Despite ally donations, few Venezuelans get COVID-19 vaccine

The Independent Some Venezuelans have gotten a shot in the arm thanks to a gift of Cubandeveloped COVID19 vaccines bringing relief to some residents while simultaneously deepening the mystery around the countrys donationdependent vaccination campaign https://www.independent.co.uk/news/despite-ally-donations-few-venezuelans-get-covid19-vaccine-nicolas-maduro-covid-caracas-cuban-havana-b1877443.html 3rd Jul 2021

Vaccine passport allows for reopening of Europe's internal borders as Delta variant sneaks in

MercoPress The European Union has started using unanimously the socalled vaccine passport as a travel document that allows holders to cross through borders within the bloc. The EUs health pass applied to those who have been applied the PfizerBioNTech Moderna Johnson Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines produced in European territory. The digital certificate aims at reviving travel and tourism in the Summer season despite threats posed by the new Delta variant of the coronavirus. The document may be displayed in its digital format from cell phones through a QR code or printed. https://en.mercopress.com/2021/07/02/vaccine-passport-allows-for-reopening-of-europe-s-internal-borders-as-delta-variant-sneaks-in 2nd Jul 2021

Argentina Weighs Rule Change to Pave Way for mRNA Vaccine Entry

Bloomberg Argentina changed its local vaccine regulations to speed access to a wider range of vaccines including those made by PfizerBioNTech Moderna Inc. and Johnson Johnson as the Biden administration steps up donations. President Alberto Fernandez signed a presidential decree late Friday aimed at smoothing over certain legal and technical terminology to find a middle ground between labs needs and government interests according to official agency Telam. The decree published on Saturday will allow the purchase of pediatric vaccines and pave the way for the country to receive donations authorities said in a previous announcement https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-02/argentina-weighs-rule-change-to-pave-way-for-mrna-vaccine-entry?utm_source=google&amputm_medium=bd&ampcmpId=google 3rd Jul 2021

Delta variant sweeps Asia, prompting curbs as vaccination remains tepid

Reuters India The highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is surging through Asia this week with record numbers of infections in Australia and South Korea prompting some countries to tighten curbs and others to hasten vaccination. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/delta-variant-sweeps-asia-prompting-curbs-vaccination-remains-tepid-2021-07-02/ 2nd Jul 2021

Africa’s COVID threat hits ‘new level’ as Delta variant spreads

AlJazeera Driving past warehouses and overgrown walls an ambulance pulls up at a side entrance of a former medical centre at a disused United Nations military base in Liberias capital Monrovia. The site has been rehabilitated and spruced up to serve as the principal COVID19 treatment unit in the country which has seen infections surge by more than 300 percent in the past two weeks. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/1/africa-covid-threat-hits-new-level-delta-variant-spreads 2nd Jul 2021

Tokyo's new COVID-19 infections hit highest in 5 weeks

Reuters Tokyo reported 716 new COVID19 infections on Saturday its highest in more than five weeks as the nation considers extending pandemic restrictions in the capital just weeks before it is to host the Olympics. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/tokyos-new-covid-19-infections-hit-highest-5-weeks-2021-07-03/ 3rd Jul 2021

Malaysia to ease coronavirus lockdowns in five states next week

Reuters Malaysia will relax coronavirus lockdowns next week in five states that have met the governments indicators for lifting curbs the security minister said on Saturday. The Southeast Asian country has been under a nationwide lockdown since June 1 to rein in a surge of COVID19 infections. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-ease-coronavirus-lockdowns-five-states-next-week-2021-07-03/ 3rd Jul 2021

Slovakia sells most Sputnik V vaccine doses back to Russia

Reuters Slovakia has sold most Russian Sputnik V coronavirus vaccines back to the country of origin the Slovak Health Ministry said on Friday as public interest is low after months of government hesitation over using the product that lacks European regulatory approval. Slovakia shipped back 160000 out of 200000 doses imported in March at 9.95 per dose the same price as the original purchase a ministry spokeswoman said. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovakia-sells-most-sputnik-v-vaccine-doses-back-russia-2021-07-02/ 3rd Jul 2021

Argentina opens door to U.S. vaccine donations with legal tweak

Reuters Argentina will tweak legislation to help the country receive U.S. donations of COVID19 vaccinations senior officials said on Friday a move that could also help unlock deals that have proved tricky with drugmakers like Pfizer Inc. A government decree will soften legal clauses around negligence remove a reference to fraudulent maneuvers and create a fund to compensate people harmed by a vaccine. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/argentina-opens-door-us-vaccine-donations-with-legal-tweak-2021-07-02/ 3rd Jul 2021

To jab or not to jab: should we be vaccinating our children against coronavirus?

The Times Measles diphtheria polio whooping cough mumps flu meningitis the list of illnesses against which children are vaccinated goes on and on. By the time they start school aged four a British child has been injected nasalsprayed or orally inoculated 16 times. But when it comes to immunising children against Covid we are surprisingly circumspect. Asked by the Office for National Statistics whether they would want their children vaccinated against Covid nearly half of parents said they were unsure. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/to-jab-or-not-to-jab-should-we-be-vaccinating-our-children-against-coronavirus-jnr7ghxwg 3rd Jul 2021

Face masks to become a personal choice in England, minister says

Reuters The wearing of face coverings in England will become a personal choice and the data that will determine if lockdown restrictions can be lifted this month was looking very positive Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Sunday https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-covid-19-data-looks-very-positive-lifting-lockdown-minister-says-2021-07-04/?taid=60e19a94fdc7d30001f562fc&amputm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&amputm_medium=trueAnthem&amputm_source=twitter 4th Jul 2021

15 million people in the U.S. have missed their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine, CDC says

The Washington Post Nearly 15 million people or more than one in 10 of those eligible in the United States have missed their second dose of the coronavirus vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC data shows that as of June 16 nearly 11 percent of people who had sufficient time to get the second dose missed their ideal window. The number has increased from 8 percent earlier in the year but CDC spokesperson Kate Fowlie said the rise was not unexpected. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/07/02/missed-second-dose-covid19-vaccine/ 2nd Jul 2021

‘The World Is Watching’: Britain Gambles on Reopening Despite the Delta Variant

New York Times Prime Minister Boris Johnson seems convinced vaccines have broken the link between cases and hospitalizations. In a few weeks well know whether hes right. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/02/world/europe/coronavirus-britain-reopening-variant.html 3rd Jul 2021

In Argentina, COVID jabs propel search for ‘stolen grandchildren’

Al Jazeera English As a child growing up in the city of La Plata in the 1980s Leonardo Fossati would look in the mirror and think that reality was on the other side. It was a game the little boy played. He felt like he was living in a movie and that there was something about his own life he could not see. Years later he would come to understand the game as much more a manifestation among others that there was more to his story. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/4/argentina-covid-jabs-propel-search-for-stolen-grandchildren 4th Jul 2021

Why Covid-19 outbreaks in countries using Chinese vaccines don't necessarily mean the shots have failed

CNN In Mongolia hospitals are overwhelmed. In the tiny archipelago of Seychelles more than 100 new Covid19 cases are being reported each day. And in Chile a nationwide lockdown was lifted this week but the country is still reporting thousands of daily cases. What links these countries is that they have each fully inoculated more than 50 of their populations largely with Chinesemade coronavirus vaccines. And thats raised questions over the vaccines efficacy. If the Chinese vaccines arent working thats a huge problem and not just from a health perspective. Beijing has staked its reputation on providing other countries with vaccines. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/china/vaccines-sinovac-sinopharm-intl-hnk-dst/index.html 2nd Jul 2021

Covid: Keep some restrictions after 19 July, BMA doctors say

BBC News Some Covid measures should be kept in place in England beyond 19 July when all legal restrictions are due to be lifted a doctors union says. The British Medical Association is calling for the continued use of face masks and new ventilation standards. It says it is crucial to protect the NHS health and education amid what it says is an alarming rise in cases. It comes as ministers consider allowing fully jabbed people to avoid isolation and testing if exposed to Covid. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57703959 3rd Jul 2021

South Africa Approves Sinovac's Covid-19 Vaccine

Bloomberg South African regulators have approved Sinovac Biotech Ltd.s coronavirus vaccine the first shot developed for the disease by a Chinese company to be sanctioned locally. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority backed the doubledose CoronaVac candidate made by Sinovacs Life Sciences unit with conditions according to a statement on Saturday. Those include satisfactory results of ongoing studies and periodic safety updates SAHPRA said. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-03/south-africa-approves-sinovac-s-covid-19-vaccine 3rd Jul 2021

Covid: Call to let Novavax volunteers have second vaccine

BBC News Calls have been made for in limbo Novavax trial volunteers to be allowed an approved vaccine. Patricia and Brian Antlett from Wrexham are desperate to visit family in Spain while Mr Antlett needs to go to Italy for work as an engineer. However they took part in trials of the unapproved Novavax which foreign countries do not accept for travel. The Welsh government urged trial volunteers to talk to their doctor or trial team about any issues. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-57650316 3rd Jul 2021

It’s Time for the F.D.A. to Fully Approve the mRNA Vaccines

New York Times The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safeand effective. Full approval from the F.D.A. will help stop the spread of Covid19. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/01/opinion/fda-vaccines-full-approval.html 2nd Jul 2021

WHO warns new COVID wave inevitable in Europe as cases rise

Al Jazeera English A third wave of infections is now inevitable unless citizens and legislators are disciplined the World Health Organization WHO warns saying a 10week decline in new coronavirus infections across Europe has come to an end. The number of new cases across Europe rose by 10 percent last week the UN health agencys regional director for Europe Hans Kluge told a news briefing on Thursday in Copenhagen Denmark. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/1/who-warns-of-third-covid-wave-in-europe-as-cases-rise 1st Jul 2021

COVID-19: UK will work to ensure travel to Europe after fears three batches of vaccine won't be accepted by EU

Sky News Downing Street says it will work to ensure safe and open travel following concerns that millions of people could miss out on trips to Europe this summer because their COVID jabs arent recognised. It has been reported that up to five million Britons will not qualify for the EUs vaccine passport scheme because the AstraZeneca shots they received were manufactured in India. These doses are not recognised by the EUs drug regulator the European Medicines Agency EMA and so effectively bars those who have received Indiamade vaccines from using their vaccinated status to travel to the bloc. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-britons-reassured-over-fears-those-who-received-india-made-covishield-jabs-cant-travel-to-eu-12347013 2nd Jul 2021

Moscow Tightens the Clamp on Russia’s Millions of Covid-19 Vaccine Holdouts

The Wall Street Journal Russia is adopting increasingly coercive measures to convince Russians to be vaccinated as authorities try to reboot a flailing vaccination campaign and race to beat back a surge in Covid19 cases caused by the more infectious Delta variant. Local authorities in some areas of Russia have made vaccination compulsory for servicesector employees meaning that millions of workers ranging from hairdressers to bank tellers face the threat of unpaid leave if they dont get inoculated. Restaurants and shops could be closed for months if they dont have 60 vaccinated staff by midJuly. And as of late June only the inoculated those who have recovered in the past six months or who have a negative test can enter Moscow restaurants and coffee shops. https://www.wsj.com/articles/moscow-tightens-the-clamp-on-russias-millions-of-covid-19-vaccine-holdouts-11625310000 3rd Jul 2021

Coronavirus: Delta variant cases in UK rise four-fold in less than a month

The Independent Cases of the more transmissible Delta Covid variant have risen nearly fourfold in just under a month official figures show. According to Public Health England data released on Friday confirmed cases of the strain first detected in India stood at 161981 as of 30 June up by 50824 on the previous week. Of the 161981 cases 148538 have been in England 10185 in Scotland 1749 in Wales and 1509 in Northern Ireland. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-cases-delta-variant-uk-b1877003.html 2nd Jul 2021

Analysis: Indonesia looked to India on lockdown, but didn't adopt its policy

Reuters The scenes in Indonesias hospitals in the past week have been eerily similar to those in India two months ago hospital corridors jammed with COVID19 patients and frantic families trying to find oxygen to treat sick lovedones. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-looked-india-lockdown-didnt-adopt-its-policy-2021-07-02/ 2nd Jul 2021

English COVID-19 prevalence rises to 1 in 260, ONS says

Reuters UK The prevalence of COVID19 infections in England is estimated to have risen to 1 in 260 people in the week to June 26 Britains Office for National Statistics ONS said on Friday as a new wave of cases of the Delta variant gathers pace. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/english-covid-19-prevalence-rises-1-260-ons-says-2021-07-02/ 2nd Jul 2021

Officials across the US warn of COVID-19 outbreaks as states report up to 200% increases in cases

Daily Mail Local officials in several states such as Arkansas Louisiana Missouri Mississippi and Nevada are reporting an increase in cases of COVID19 ahead of July 4 weekend. Arkansas has seen a 202 rise in infections from an average of 234 cases per day to 707 per day over the last two weeks with just 34.5 of the total population vaccinated. Missouri reported a 53 spike in coronavirus cases 648 per day to 996 over 14 days with some cities reporting a jump in hospitalizations by as much as 225. In the West Nevada has a slightly higher vaccination rate even though cases have risen by 167 from 247 per day to 660 per day. Health experts blame the Indian Delta variant spreading in areas with low vaccination coverage as reports show it makes up as much as 77 of cases in some states https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9749771/Officials-warn-COVID-19-outbreaks-states-report-200-increases-cases.html 2nd Jul 2021

Portugal Announces Curfews as Delta Variant Spreads

New York Times The highly contagious Delta variant is surging in countries around the world from Indonesia to parts of Europe leading governments to reimpose restrictions just weeks after they had taken steps to return to ordinary life. The latest example is Portugal which on Friday will impose a curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Lisbon Porto and other popular tourism spots reversing course after it had reopened its economy to prepare for summer travelers. Scientists believe that the Delta variant may be twice as transmissible as the original strain of the coronavirus. But in countries where high percentages of the population have been vaccinated the outlook is encouraging with death tolls and hospitalization numbers remaining low. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/07/01/world/covid-19-vaccine-coronavirus-updates 2nd Jul 2021

UK's daily Covid cases spike 70% in a week to 27,125 as deaths and hospital admissions tick upwards

Daily Mail Department of Health bosses posted 27125 infections spotted today up on 15810 last Friday. Another 27 deaths were recorded up 50 per cent from the same time last week when there were 18 registered. And hospitalisations rose by 35 per cent after 304 were recorded on June 28 the latest available. Office for National Statistics swabbing study estimated there were 211100 Covid cases in England last week. This is the highest number since late February near the end of the second wave when there were 248100. There were an average 12000 patients in hospitals in England with the disease then compared to 1300 now https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9749395/Covid-infections-soared-two-thirds-England-week-211-100-new-cases.html 2nd Jul 2021

COVID-19: Delta variant and vaccine hesitancy mean Russia's third wave is in full swing

Sky News Russias third COVID wave is in full swing. On Saturday Russias coronavirus operative response headquarters reported 24439 new cases of the virus the highest number since 16 January. It also hit a record high of 697 related daily deaths in the last 24 hours. It is driven by the Delta variant and is surging through a largely unvaccinated population. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-delta-variant-and-vaccine-hesitancy-mean-russias-third-wave-is-in-full-swing-12347265 3rd Jul 2021

Indonesia triples oxygen supplies as Covid-19 outbreak worsens

The Guardian Indonesia is tripling its oxygen supplies to hospitals as data suggests the Delta variant of coronavirus is now driving the countrys worsening outbreak accounting for more than 60 of recent cases. Indonesias health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin told the Guardian that threequarters of the national oxygen production used for industry would be redeployed to hospitals for the next two weeks. We learned from India to make sure the supply is there he said. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/02/indonesia-triple-oxygen-supplies-covid-19-outbreak-worsen-delta-variant 3rd Jul 2021

Iran at risk of fifth COVID-19 wave as Delta variant spreads - Rouhani

Reuters Iran may face a fifth wave of COVID19 infections as the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus spreads through the Middle Easts worsthit country President Hassan Rouhani warned on Saturday. There are concerns that the whole country may enter a fifth wave if enough care is not taken in following health protocols. Today reports are that just 69 of the people are observing the precautions Rouhani said in remarks broadcast on state TV. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-risk-fifth-covid-19-wave-delta-variant-spreads-rouhani-2021-07-03/ 3rd Jul 2021

Covid-19: Ireland to buy one million vaccine doses

BBC News The Irish government has announced it is to purchase one million Covid19 vaccine doses from Romania. The agreement in principle to purchase the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines followed talks between Taoiseach Irish PM Michel Martin and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis. Mr Martin said the development was very good news for Ireland. People aged 18 to 34 can register to get a specific Covid19 vaccine in the Republic of Ireland from next week. Earlier Irish Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said this group can optin for Janssen or AstraZeneca for earlier vaccination. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57693563 3rd Jul 2021

India's Bharat Biotech says vaccine 93.4% effective against severe COVID-19

Reuters India PhaseIII trials of a vaccine made by Indias Bharat Biotech showed it was 93.4 effective against severe symptomatic COVID19 the firm said on Saturday a finding that could boost peoples acceptance of Covaxin. The data demonstrated 65.2 protection against the Delta variant first identified in India that led to a surge in infections in April and May and the worlds highest daily death tolls. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-bharat-biotech-says-vaccine-934-effective-against-severe-covid-19-2021-07-03/ 3rd Jul 2021