5th Aug 2021 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=435 lockdown_exit

WHO calls for halting COVID-19 vaccine boosters in favor of unvaccinated

Reuters The World Health Organization is calling for a halt on COVID19 vaccine boosters until at least the end of September its head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday as the gap between vaccinations in wealthy and poor countries widens. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/who-calls-moratorium-covid-19-vaccine-booster-doses-until-september-end-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

No Covid vaccine, no restaurant, New Yorkers told

Evening Standard New Yorkers will need to provide proof they have had at least one dose of the Covid19 vaccine if they are to eat out at restaurants go to a theatre or work out at the gym Mayor Bill de Blasio has insisted. De Blasio said he was confident the move the first of its kind in a big city in the US would turn the tide against the virus as the Delta variant sweeps across the country. If you want to participate in our society fully youve got to get vaccinated New Yorks mayor told a news conference https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/vaccine-passport-new-york-mayor-restaurant-gym-b949063.html?utm_medium=Social&amputm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1628096140 30th Nov -0001

Global COVID-19 cases surpass 200 mln as Delta variant spreads

Reuters Coronavirus cases worldwide surpassed 200 million on Wednesday according to a Reuters tally as the moreinfectious Delta variant threatens areas with low vaccination rates and strains healthcare systems. The global surge in cases is highlighting the widening gap in inoculation rates between wealthy and poor nations. Cases are rising in about onethird of the worlds countries many of which have not even given half their population a first dose. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/global-covid-19-cases-surpass-200-mln-delta-variant-spreads-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

South Korea COVID cases spike amid Delta Plus variant

Al Jazeera English South Korea has posted a sharp increase in its coronavirus cases as it struggled to tame its fourth wave of infections amid the spread of new coronavirus variants strains. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency KDCA reported 1725 cases for Tuesday up by more than 500 from the day before as more tests were conducted after the weekend. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/4/s-korea-covid-cases-spike-amid-detection-of-new-variant 4th Aug 2021

Japan's COVID-19 cases rise 87% during first week of Olympics

UPI.com Halfway through the Summer Olympics in Japan coronavirus cases are surging in the nation during a state of emergency though the outbreak is nowhere near as severe as other places as the world deal with a more contagious Delta variant. Tokyo 2020 boss Toshiro Muto said at a news conference Sunday that the COVID19 surge is not linked to the Games which included 11000 athletes representing 206 countries. The positivity rate is only 0.02 72 out of around 350000 tests through Friday which includes participants and other stakeholders. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/08/01/world-cornavirus-japan-cases-rise-87-week/4821627823687/ 4th Aug 2021

Is the Delta Variant Making Younger Adults ‘Sicker, Quicker’?

The New York Times Many doctors on the front lines say unvaccinated patients in their 20s and 30s are becoming more severely ill and more quickly. But comprehensive data is lacking. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/03/health/covid-young-adults-sicker.html 3rd Aug 2021

Barbie launches doll of scientist Sarah Gilbert who created coronavirus vaccine

The Independent Barbie producer Mattel has created a doll in the likeness of the scientist who designed the Oxford coronavirus vaccine Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert. Professor Gilbert started working on creating a jab in early 2020 when Covid19 was first reported to be spreading in China. The vaccine she designed the OxfordAstraZeneca jab has now been used in more than 170 countries making it the most widely used in the world. The doll depicts Professor Gilbert wearing a black trouser suit with a white shirt and glasses. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/barbie-sarah-gilbert-covid-vaccine-oxford-b1896485.html 4th Aug 2021

COVID-19: Race is on to vaccinate up to 1.4 million 16 and 17-year-olds before schools reopen

Sky News The decision to vaccinate teenagers has been slow in the UK. Countries such as the US Canada and France are already routinely vaccinating children as young as 12. But the governments experts are now confident theres the evidence to press ahead and the race is on to get up to 1.4 million 16 and 17yearolds vaccinated before schools return. Thats less than two weeks in Scotland and just four weeks away in England and Wales. An added challenge is the resistance among some young people and parents. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-race-is-on-to-vaccinate-up-to-14-million-16-and-17-year-olds-before-schools-reopen-12372799?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter 4th Aug 2021

More US employers mandate COVID-19 vaccines

CIDRAP The list of major American companies who will soon begin mandating COVID19 vaccines continues to grow as both Tyson Foods and Microsoft announced that all employees will need to show proof of vaccination in the coming months. Tyson Foods is the first major food industry employer to require vaccinations. All frontline workers will be required to be vaccinated by Nov 1. According to the Associated Press the Springfield Arkansas company will offer a 200 bonus for all frontline workers who receive a vaccine. So far only half of Tyson employees are vaccinated against COVID19. Throughout the past 18 months Tyson meat processing plants were the site of major outbreaks but the company now reports low numbers after investing 700 million in workplace safety. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/08/more-us-employers-mandate-covid-19-vaccines 4th Aug 2021

If more Americans don't get vaccinated, there is 'ample chance' for a more dangerous variant to emerge, Fauci says

CNN If more Americans dont get vaccinated there is ample chance of another coronavirus variant emerging one that could be more aggressive and more pervasive than the Delta variant Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Wednesday. If another one comes along that has an equally high capability of transmitting but also is much more severe then we really could be in trouble Fauci the nations leading infectious disease expert said. People who are not getting vaccinated mistakenly think its only about them. But it isnt. its about everybody else also said Fauci. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/04/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html 4th Aug 2021

Ukraine receives 500000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from Denmark

Reuters Ukraine has received 500000 doses of COVID19 vaccines from Denmark Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday. Were grateful to our Denmark friends for their support in overcoming this global challenge Zelenskiy wrote on Twitter. Ukraine has lagged behind other European countries in vaccinating its population of 41 million people. So far 2.1 million Ukrainian citizens have received two jabs as of July 4 https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-receives-500000-doses-covid-19-vaccines-denmark-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

‘Jabs for kebabs’ — The art of coronavirus vaccine persuasion

POLITICO Europe After the early rush among older citizens for a coronavirus vaccine many countries are now resorting to bribery to convince people to get themselves jabbed. The persistent minority of vaccine skeptics especially across Europe are probably immune from the incentives on offer. But governments are hoping that a small nudge may be whats needed with people for whom the prospect of longCOVID or even death was not by itself enough to make them find a window in their schedule for a vaccine appointment. Some countries notably France are adopting more of a stick approach by mandating that certain key workers receive the jab or restricting access to leisure activities for unvaccinated people. Pakistan is even taking the unconventional approach of cutting off the cellphone signal to those who refuse to get the jab. https://www.politico.eu/article/coronavirus-vaccine-reward-europe-skepticism/ 4th Aug 2021

Commission approves Novavax coronavirus vaccine deal — finally

POLITICO Europe The EU has approved a deal with Novavax to secure up to 200 million doses of the companys proteinbased coronavirus vaccine after more than half a year of talks the Commission announced. EU countries will secure 100 million doses and have the option to purchase another 100 million doses through 2023. The EU announced it had completed exploratory talks with the company back in December 2020 but the deal was held up over issues securing a delivery schedule and establishing the U.S. companys European supply chain. https://www.politico.eu/article/commission-approves-novavax-coronavirus-vaccine-deal-finally/ 4th Aug 2021

Covid vaccine passport 'blackmail' angers Northern Ireland hospitality group

Belfast Telegraph The Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster has said introducing a vaccine passport for pubs and restaurants here would amount to blackmail. Speaking on BBC Good Morning Ulster Colin Neill said it was not an appropriate way to encourage more young people to get vaccinated. He was responding to reports that a Stormont taskforce is exploring the option. A scheme has already been planned for England and was credited for encouraging young people in the Irish Republic over the weekend as 30000 people were vaccinated at walkin centres. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-passport-blackmail-angers-ni-hospitality-group-40717760.html 4th Aug 2021

Every Australian who wants a COVID-19 vaccine will have one by Christmas, head of taskforce says

9News.com.au Every Australian adult who wants a coronavirus vaccine will have one by Christmas the head of the national COVID19 vaccine taskforce has declared. Lieutenant General John Frewen said today the nation is entering the next phase of the rollout and 213000 doses were administered yesterday another record. He was asked about the timeline of the rollout when younger people will be able to access more vaccines and when the 80 per cent target will be reached. Lieutenant General Frewen also said 10 million doses of Moderna will be available later this year which he hopes will accelerate the rollout. https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-vaccine-update-anyone-who-wants-jab-can-get-before-christmas/c2f498de-248a-4842-a6a0-77677618aaf7 4th Aug 2021

The UK's 'lost' blueprint for fighting a coronavirus outbreak

The Independent After Sars swept across the globe the UK drew up a plan for fighting an airborne virus arriving in Britain from China. The 2005 document was filed away in Whitehall and apparently never used. Now uncovered its recommendations from limiting travel to stopping superspreader events are strikingly similar to the measures belatedly brought in to fight Covid19. Former government advisers tell Samuel Lovett that this guide to fighting an epidemic could have saved tens of thousands of lives https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-plan-uk-government-sars-coronavirus-b1893726.html 4th Aug 2021

Coronavirus vaccine coverage worse in vulnerable areas in Sydney and Melbourne

ABC.Net.au Parts of Australian cities most vulnerable to serious Delta outbreaks have vaccine coverage well below the national average including southwest Sydney and parts of Melbourne that suffered greatly through that citys second wave last year. Public health experts are also worried that the overlap between undervaccinated populations and those vulnerable to future outbreaks will continue to be a problem like it is now in the US. The success of the NSW Governments vaccine blitz in virusaffected parts of Sydney will depend partly on its ability to convince younger people to come forward to overcome the patchy vaccination coverage now that theyre eligible for AstraZeneca. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-04/coronavirus-vaccine-rate-young-people/100349594 4th Aug 2021

Australia's Brisbane warned of prolonged COVID-19 lockdown as cases rise

Reuters on MSN.com Australias Queensland state reported 16 locally acquired COVID19 cases on Wednesday as authorities warned a lockdown in state capital Brisbane might be extended beyond Sunday if people flout the tough restrictions. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/australias-brisbane-warned-of-prolonged-covid-19-lockdown-as-cases-rise/ar-AAMUkW4 4th Aug 2021

Long COVID-19 rare in children, study says

CIDRAP Less than 1 in 20 children with COVID19 have symptoms lasting longer than 4 weeks and by 8 weeks almost all have recovered according to a study yesterday in The Lancet Child Adolescent Health. We know from other studies that many children who catch coronavirus dont show any symptoms at all and it will be reassuring for families to know that those children who do fall ill with COVID19 are unlikely to suffer prolonged effects said senior author Emma Duncan PhD in a Kings College London https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/08/long-covid-19-rare-children-study-says 4th Aug 2021

With supply problems solved, Novavax inks deal to supply Europe with up to 200M COVID-19 vaccines

FiercePharma Ironing out production problems has allowed Novavax to finalize a handshake deal with Europe that it made in December to supply its COVID19 vaccine. On Wednesday the European Commission said it approved a deal to purchase 200 million doses of the Marylandbased biotechs proteinbased vaccine which has yet to gain approval in the U.S. or Europe. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/supply-problems-solved-novavax-completes-deal-europe-to-supply-200m-covid-19-vaccine-doses 4th Aug 2021

With Delta variant surging, FDA hustles to grant Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine a full approval: reports

FiercePharma The FDA has stepped up its efforts to grant full approval for Pfizer and BioNTechs COVID19 vaccine setting an unofficial deadline of Labor Day The New York Times reports. With the Delta variant of the coronavirus surging across the United States theres more urgency to combat it with a full vaccine approval. Quoting a senior official at the agency STAT reported that the FDA is in sprint mode to sanction the shot. What would a full endorsement from the FDA do to combat the disease A June poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 3 in 10 unvaccinated adults say they would be more likely to get vaccinated if one of the shots currently authorized for emergency use were to receive full approval. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/delta-variant-surging-fda-a-sprint-to-grant-full-approval-to-pfizer-biontech-vaccine 4th Aug 2021

COVID-19 vaccines appear to protect patients' lungs; depression on rise among youth

Reuters The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to find treatments and vaccines for COVID19. COVID19 vaccines may protect patients lungs. In vaccinated patients with breakthrough COVID19 infections the disease may not affect the lungs as much as in unvaccinated patients new data from India suggest. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/covid-19-vaccines-appear-protect-patients-lungs-depression-rise-among-youth-2021-08-04/ 5th Aug 2021

COVID in Louisiana shows consequences of Delta variant, low vaccination rate

Reuters Low vaccination rates and the more infectious Delta variant are converging to create a new COVID19 crisis for Louisiana as the United States and the world face the latest stage of the pandemic. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/covid-louisiana-shows-consequences-delta-variant-low-vaccination-rate-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

San Francisco says Johnson & Johnson recipients can get extra dose of Covid vaccines

Daily Mail Recipients of the Johnson Johnson vaccine in San Francisco will be allowed to request a supplemental dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. San Francisco officials say decision was made after many residents were requesting to receive additional shots to boost immunity. Currently the CDC does not recommend a person to mix and match vaccine types or receive additional doses. Johnson Johnson vaccine is believed to be effective against all strains of COVID19 including the Indian Delta variant. CDC has said it is tracking instances of people receiving unauthorized COVID19 vaccine boosters https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-9861253/San-Francisco-says-Johnson-Johnson-recipients-extra-dose-Covid-vaccines.html 4th Aug 2021

All over-12s could soon be offered Covid vaccines with further rollout 'likely'

The Mirror All over12s could soon be offered a Covid vaccine the UKs Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan VanTam has suggested. The remarks come as it emerged coronavirus jabs will be offered to 16 and 17yearolds as ministers seek to halt the spread of the virus and prevent schools chaos. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation JCVI said older teenagers should get inoculated in a move that will see an extra 1.4 million young people eligible for the jab. Health Secretary Sajid Javid accepted the JCVI recommendation and has asked the NHS to prepare to start giving first doses to youngsters as soon as possible. https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/over-12s-could-soon-offered-24691564 4th Aug 2021

Fully Vaccinated Half As Likely To Catch Covid-19 And Less Likely To Infect Others, Study Finds

Forbes People who have received both doses of a Covid19 vaccine are half as likely to be infected with the coronavirus than those who have not been vaccinated according to a new study led by researchers at Imperial College London though the scientists warned a new vaccine targeting the infectious delta variant may be needed to combat concerns over vaccine efficacy. https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2021/08/04/fully-vaccinated-half-as-likely-to-catch-covid-19-and-less-likely-to-infect-others-study-finds/ 4th Aug 2021

Fauci: US could see 200K daily COVID-19 cases in the fall

The Hill Chief White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci on Wednesday said the U.S. could see up to 200000 daily COVID19 cases in the fall. Remember just a couple of months ago we were having about 10000 cases a day Fauci told McClatchy in an interview. I think youre likely going to wind up somewhere between 100000 and 200000 cases. Faucis prediction comes as the U.S. is experiencing a surge in cases while health officials are struggling to convince individuals to get vaccinated https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/566355-fauci-us-could-see-200k-daily-covid-19-cases-in-the-fall 5th Aug 2021

Japan proposes expanding COVID-19 emergency curbs as cases surge, says minister

Reuters Japan proposed on Thursday expanding emergency restrictions to eight more prefectures to fight a surge in COVID19 cases a cabinet minister said as worries grow about strains on the nations medical system in Olympics host Tokyo and elsewhere. Officials have warned that coronavirus infections were surging at an unprecedented pace as new cases hit record highs in Tokyo overshadowing the Olympics and adding to doubts over the governments handling of the pandemic. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-proposes-expanding-covid-19-emergency-curbs-cases-surge-says-minister-2021-08-05/ 4th Aug 2021

Covid-19: One more Covid-linked death and 1,040 new cases

BBC News One more coronavirusrelated death has been recorded in Northern Ireland within the latest 24hour reporting period. Deaths are measured by recording those who died within 28 days of receiving a positive result in a test for coronavirus. The total number of deaths linked to Covid19 in Northern Ireland since the start of the pandemic is 2206. Another 1040 cases of coronavirus have been reported on Wednesday down from 1082 on Tuesday. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-58087647 4th Aug 2021

China reports most new COVID-19 cases since January amid Delta surge

Reuters China reports 71 new local cases for Aug 3 most since Jan 30. Number of local cases up for five consecutive days since July 30. So far 17 provinces regions and municipalities have reported local infections in outbreak https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-96-new-coronavirus-cases-aug-3-vs-90-day-ago-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

Thailand reports daily record of over 20000 COVID-19 infections

Reuters Thailand on Wednesday reported 20200 new coronavirus cases and 188 additional deaths both the highest daily increases so far during the pandemic. The new cases and fatalities brought total infections to 672385 and deaths to 5503 data from the health ministrys website showed. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-reports-daily-record-over-20000-covid-19-infections-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

Indonesia passes grim milestone of over 100000 COVID-19 deaths

Reuters Indonesia recorded a grim milestone of more than 100000 deaths from COVID19 on Wednesday data from the countrys health ministry showed with the Southeast Asian nation recently accounting for one in five fatalities globally. Indonesia has been battling a tide of coronavirus infections and deaths driven by the highly contagious Delta variant for the past month as the country has quickly become Asias coronavirus epicentre. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-passes-grim-milestone-over-100000-covid-19-deaths-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

Japan warns of unprecedented COVID spread as cases hit record in Olympic host city

Reuters Japans pandemic entering new phase health minister. Tokyo COVID cases at record. Ruling party calls for rollback of new hospital policy. Controversy is another setback to PM Suga ahead of elections. Top medical adviser warns of broadening COVID clusters https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-covid-19-infections-have-entered-new-phase-says-health-minister-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

Macau begins COVID-19 tests and shuts some entertainment venues, casino stocks fall

Reuters The gambling hub of Macau will begin testing its 600000 people and close some entertainment spots after the Chineseruled city confirmed four new coronavirus cases its government said on Wednesday pushing casino stocks lower. The resurgence in cases in a city that has seen very few infections over the past year and a half has raised concerns that casinos Macaus main economic engine and source of revenues may have to close in the nearterm if the spread is not contained https://www.reuters.com/world/china/macau-test-population-after-four-new-covid-19-cases-2021-08-04/ 4th Aug 2021

Delta variant has spiked Covid-19 deaths in Africa by 80% in one month, WHO says

CNN Coronavirus deaths in Africa rose rapidly over the past month as fatalities surged by 80 percent within the last four weeks the World Health Organization has said. WHOs Vaccine Introduction Officer for the African Region Phionah Atuhebwe told CNN on Monday that the continent was witnessing an unprecedented rise in coronavirus fatalities. COVID19 death rates have increased across Africa with the highest weekly rate 6343 to date reported during the week starting 19 July 2021 said Atuhebwe. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/03/africa/delta-variant-covid-africa-intl/index.html 3rd Aug 2021

Utah will give KN95 masks to children as the Delta variant fuels Covid-19 hospitalizations nationwide

CNN The surge of Covid19 fueled by the Delta variant and low vaccination rates is sending the country backward in the pandemic with hospitalizations reaching wintertime levels. For the first time since February 27 more than 50000 Covid19 patients were hospitalized Monday according to data from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The 50625 hospitalizations were more than triple the number from one month ago when about 16000 patients were hospitalized. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/03/health/us-coronavirus-tuesday/index.html 4th Aug 2021