19th Aug 2021 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=456 lockdown_exit

Israel reportedly set to offer COVID boosters to all starting next month

The Times of Israel Israel will reportedly expand its COVID vaccine booster program to all Israelis 12 years and older starting next month significantly expanding a program that has already seen over 1 million people over the age of 50 or immunocompromised receive a third dose of the shot. Early data from the booster shot campaign has reportedly shown promising results with some health officials predicting that reupping the vaccine across the population will tamp down on a major surge in infections wracking the country. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-reportedly-set-to-offer-covid-boosters-to-all-starting-next-month/ 18th Aug 2021

New Zealanders begin life in lockdown as Delta COVID-19 cases edge up

Reuters Delta variant finally enters New Zealand. Cases rise to seven all linked. Nation in 3day lockdown Auckland shut for 7 days. PM Ardern blamed for vaccine delays https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-reports-4-more-covid-19-cases-delta-variant-spreads-2021-08-17/ 18th Aug 2021

Booster shots alone won’t protect immunocompromised people from Covid-19

STAT News In March 2020 I fought the virus and won. Barely. But my gratitude for the chance to live to continue to be a husband and father and to work in the hospital again doesnt translate into an optimistic perspective on the latest deadly phase of the pandemic. Collectively we may be running out of second chances. Some herald a booster shot intended to protect patients with weakened andor suppressed immune systems as a second chance with the Biden administration likely to expand that in midSeptember to all Americans who received an mRNA vaccine Moderna or PfizerBioNTech. https://www.statnews.com/2021/08/18/booster-shots-alone-wont-protect-immunocompromised-people-from-covid-19/ 18th Aug 2021

Studies: COVID vaccine protection waning against infection but not hospitalization

CIDRAP A trio of new realworld US studies examine the ongoing effectiveness of two doses of the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines against COVID19 one finding significantly ebbing efficacy against infection in nursing home residents and two showing sustained protection against coronavirusrelated hospitalizations but declining coverage against new adult cases. The studies were cited today as White House officials announced plans to offer booster doses of the vaccines beginning next month see related CIDRAP News story. They were published today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report the journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/08/studies-covid-vaccine-protection-waning-against-infection-not 18th Aug 2021

Child Covid-19 cases are steadily increasing. But with schools opening, expert warns this is just the beginning

CNN A vast majority of US residents live in an area with high Covid19 transmission but hospitalization and death rates are significantly higher in states with the lowest vaccination rates. In the 10 states with the lowest vaccination rates fewer than 41 of their residents have been fully vaccinated. In the 10 states with the highest vaccination rates more than 58 of their residents have been inoculated against coronavirus. Hospitalization rates in those bottom 10 states are nearly four times higher and death rates are more than 5.5 times higher than in the top 10 states according to a CNN analysis of federal data. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/18/health/us-coronavirus-wednesday/index.html 18th Aug 2021

U.S. decision on Covid-19 booster shots baffles — and upsets — some scientists

STAT News Many flatout challenged the need for booster doses at this time. Others questioned the morality of the decision. https://www.statnews.com/2021/08/18/u-s-decision-on-covid-19-booster-shots-baffles-and-upsets-some-scientists/ 18th Aug 2021

WHO: Warns against boosters before 1st vaccines

The Associated Press Disney World is tweaking its face mask policy. Starting Thursday the theme park resort in Florida will allow visitors to chose whether or not to wear face coverings in outdoor lines outdoor theaters and outdoor attractions. Masks had been required previously. Face coverings will remain optional in outdoor common areas. They will still be required for visitors age 2 and up at all indoor locations such as restaurants theaters and transportation with the exception of ferry boats. Disney World closed for two months last year at the start of the COVID19 pandemic and reopened more than a year ago with strict safety guidelines that involved masking social distancing and crowd limits. https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-health-religion-coronavirus-pandemic-0801c217c6d2bbfa36f4e253f86ec42b 18th Aug 2021

Biden to require vaccines for nursing home staff

The Associated Press The Biden administration will require that nursing home staff be vaccinated against COVID19 as a condition for those facilities to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding. Biden will announce the move Wednesday afternoon in a White House address as the administration continues to look for ways to use mandates to encourage vaccine holdouts to get shots. A senior administration official confirmed the announcement on condition of anonymity to preview the news before Bidens remarks. The new mandate in the form of a forthcoming regulation to be issued by the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services could take effect as soon as next month. https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-nursing-homes-2e6189cd41068b1e0f643ee7e4bfbb92 18th Aug 2021

U.S. will extend COVID-19 transport mask mandate through Jan. 18

Reuters President Joe Bidens administration confirmed late on Tuesday it plans to extend requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes trains and buses and at airports and train stations through Jan. 18 to address ongoing COVID19 risks. A Transportation Security Administration TSA spokesperson confirmed the extension first reported by Reuters. The purpose of TSAs mask directive is to minimize the spread of COVID19 on public transportation the spokesperson said https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/exclusive-us-expected-extend-transportation-mask-mandate-through-jan-18-sources-2021-08-17/ 17th Aug 2021

Botswana's COVID-19 budget balloons as it battles for vaccines

Reuters Botswana needs to budget an extra 1.13 billion pula 100 million to help secure COVID19 vaccines and equipment as the southern African country battles a third wave of infections Finance Minister Peggy Serame told parliament on Tuesday. The extra money is almost triple the sum originally allocated in February to fight the coronavirus but 70 of this money had already been depleted by July Serame told lawmakers. https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/botswanas-covid-19-budget-balloons-it-battles-vaccines-2021-08-17/ 18th Aug 2021

Belgium to give booster coronavirus vaccines for immunocompromised

POLITICO Europe Belgium will give third shots to people with a reduced immunity against the coronavirus the government announced. The decision will allow between 300000 and 400000 people to get a third shot of an mRNA vaccine either BioNTechPfizer or Moderna this fall. Belgium is the latest country to move forward with third shots. Israel first began giving boosters this summer while Hungary gave third shots to anyone who wants one in August. The U.S. is expected to soon follow suit. https://www.politico.eu/article/belgium-to-give-booster-coronavirus-vaccines-for-immunocompromised/ 18th Aug 2021

Over 4.8bn coronavirus vaccine shots administered worldwide

The Nation More than 4.8 billion doses of COVID19 vaccines have been administered worldwide according to Our World in Data a tracking website affiliated with Oxford University. Data shows that China where the virus first emerged in late 2019 leads the global count with over 1.89 billion shots as of Wednesday. India comes second with more than 556.52 million jabs followed by the US with 357.89 million according to the latest figures. Brazil has administered over 168.16 million shots Japan 113.35 million Germany 98.27 million and the UK 88.21 million. https://nation.com.pk/18-Aug-2021/over-4-8bn-coronavirus-vaccine-shots-administered-worldwide 18th Aug 2021

Thailand seeks 12 mln Sinovac shots for mix-and-match vax strategy

Reuters Thailand will purchase an additional 12 million doses of Sinovacs coronavirus vaccine to try to expedite its rollout a senior official said on Tuesday despite concerns over its efficacy against the Delta variant of COVID19. Thailands strategy had planned to use mainly locally produced AstraZeneca AZN.L vaccines but with supply short of the governments target Sinovac shots are being used in a mixandmatch approach to inoculate the population faster. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-reports-daily-record-239-new-coronavirus-deaths-2021-08-17/ 18th Aug 2021

Pope Francis says getting coronavirus vaccine is ‘act of love’

Belfast Telegraph Pope Francis is adding his voice to a campaign to overcome vaccine scepticism issuing a public service announcement insisting that vaccines are safe effective and an act of love. The video message released on Wednesday is aimed at a global audience but directed particularly at the Americas. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/pope-francis-says-getting-coronavirus-vaccine-is-act-of-love-40763638.html 18th Aug 2021

Norway to offer 16- and 17-year-olds COVID-19 vaccine, government says

Reuters Norway will offer all 16 and 17yearolds their first COVID19 vaccine dose after those over 18 are fully vaccinated the government said on Wednesday. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/norway-offer-16-17-year-olds-covid-19-vaccine-government-says-2021-08-18/ 18th Aug 2021

Australia’s Qantas tells employees: no jabs, no jobs

AlJazeera Qantas Airways Ltd says it will require all its employees to be vaccinated against COVID19 as part of its broader commitment to safety in line with other airlines globally. Pilots cabin crew and airport workers will need to be fully vaccinated by November 15 while other staff will have until March 31 2022 the airline said on Wednesday. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/8/18/australias-qantas-tells-employees-no-jabs-no-jobs 18th Aug 2021

Austria sets a vaccine 'expiry date' for travellers

The Independent Austria has become the second country to set an expiry date for Covid19 vaccine passports causing further confusion for travellers. On Tuesday the country announced that it is stamping a maximum validity period of 270 days around nine months on proof of vaccination which is currently needed to visit the country. This means that UK travellers who received their second vaccine injection in January only have until October 2021 to visit the country before their vaccine passport is deemed invalid. For single shot vaccines you must show that you received the vaccine more than 21 but no more than 270 days before arrival say the Foreign Offices new guidelines for entering Austria. https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/austria-travel-covid-vaccine-expiry-b1904529.html?utm_content=Echobox&amputm_medium=Social&amputm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1629286222 18th Aug 2021

US COVID-19 vaccine booster program to begin Sep 20

CIDRAP White House officials released details of their plan to deliver booster COVID19 shots for all fully vaccinated US adults who completed their twodose mRNA vaccination regimen at least 8 months prior. The booster program will begin the week of Sep 20. It is now our clinical judgment that the time to put out a plan for boosters is now said Vivek Murthy MD the US Surgeon General. We have data that protection against moderate disease decreases over time. Murthy said the boosters will be contingent on the Food and Drug Administration authorizing the third dose. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/08/us-covid-19-vaccine-booster-program-begin-sep-20 18th Aug 2021

In Florida, Some Vaccine Skeptics Are Changing Their Minds

NPR In a rural stretch of northeastern Florida where barely half the people have gotten a coronavirus shot Roger West had no problem telling others he was adamantly antivaccination. The coowner of the Westside Journal weekly newspaper used his voice as a columnist to widely share his doubts about the vaccine and his mistrust of the health experts in the U.S. who have been urging everyone to get it. I do not trust the Federal Government West wrote recently. I do not trust Dr. Fauci I do not trust the medical profession nor the pharmaceutical giants. https://www.npr.org/2021/08/17/1028538495/florida-covid-vaccinations-skeptics-shots-changing-minds 18th Aug 2021

The lesson Greg Abbott should learn from having Covid-19 -- but won't

CNN Texas Gov. Greg Abbott despite being fully vaccinated announced on Tuesday that he has Covid19. Even as that news was rippling through the state the legal fight between Abbott and local officials over the states ban on mask mandates raged on. Yes you read that right. Even as Abbott was testing positive for Covid19 his administration continued to work to keep local jurisdictions from requiring people to wear masks. https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/18/politics/greg-abbott-covid-19-texas/index.html 18th Aug 2021

DeSantis top donor invests in COVID drug governor promotes

The Associated Press Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has been criticized for opposing mask mandates and vaccine passports is now touting a COVID19 antibody treatment in which a top donors company has invested millions of dollars. DeSantis has been flying around the state promoting a monoclonal antibody treatment sold by Regeneron which was used on thenPresident Donald Trump after he tested positive for COVID19. The governor first began talking about it as a treatment last year. Citadel a Chicagobased hedge fund has 15.9 million in shares of Regeneron Pharmaceutical Inc. according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Citadel CEO Ken Griffin has donated 10.75 million to a political committee that supports DeSantis 5.75 million in 2018 and 5 million last April. https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-4d0d18b24e0dd41de2424e19b3ed994f 18th Aug 2021

On the hunt for a ‘universal’ COVID-19 vaccine as Delta variant surges

Fortune The prospect of a nextgeneration COVID19 vaccine that could offer protection against future virus variants took a step closer to reality this week. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations CEPI has agreed to provide 20.6 million in funding to a sixyearold biotechnology company called Gritstone based in Emeryville Calif. to help it test a universal COVID19 vaccine. CEPI is a global partnership of governments and nongovernmental organizations dedicated to creating mechanisms for quickly combating pandemics. COVID19 has been the first real test for the organization which was established in 2016 https://fortune.com/2021/08/18/universal-covid-vaccine-delta-variant-gritstone-cepi/ 18th Aug 2021

CSL's Seqirus delivers record number of flu vaccines despite pandemic, and now it's eyeing next-gen mRNA shots

Fierce Pharma Despite a global pandemic and social distancing measures threatening to hamper influenza vaccinations last season CSLs Seqirus managed to deliver a record number of flu shotsand its preparing to match that this season. For its U.S. market the CDC switched its guidance and now advises that COVID19 vaccines can be administered alongside flu vaccines which could benefit flu vaccinations this fall since people can come in for both jabs at the same time. Seqirus also has its eyes on another vaccine platform selfamplifying mRNA. In light of the highly effective mRNA shots against COVID19 from Pfizer and Moderna CSL is working on pushing out its own program it hopes will address some of the challenges experienced with current generation mRNA vaccines CEO Paul Perreault said https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/despite-covid-19-lockdowns-csl-s-seqirus-reports-record-flu-shot-deliveries-plans-to-match 18th Aug 2021

Galderma tackles 'maskne,' one of many skin concerns exploding during pandemic

Fierce Pharma It was the beauty trend of 2020 that no one wantedmaskne. The slang portmanteau referring to acne caused by mask wearing zoomed to the top of Google search trends not long after mandates rolled out. For dermatology brand Galderma it was a chance to put its digitalfirst marketing strategy to work. The brand picked up on the trend through social listening and reached out to both healthcare professionals and consumers looking for solutions with messages about its retinoid gel brand Differin adapalene. https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/galderma-tackles-maskne-one-many-skin-health-concerns-exploding-during-pandemic 18th Aug 2021

Pfizer COVID vaccine 86% effective after third shot - Maccabi

The Jerusalem Post The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be 86 effective in preventing infection among those ages 60 and older after a third dose according to initial results published Wednesday by Maccabi Health Services. The vaccine has again proved its effectiveness said Dr. Anat Ekka Zohar who led the study. It has also demonstrated protection against the Delta variant. The triple dose is the solution to curbing the current outbreak. https://www.jpost.com/health-science/pfizer-covid-vaccine-86-percent-effective-after-third-shot-maccabi-677053 18th Aug 2021

How worried should we be about COVID-19 breakthrough infections?

AlJazeera As the pandemic rages on new buzzwords and phrases find their way into our daily vernacular and one that is currently doing the rounds is breakthrough infection. This term refers to COVID19 infections that occur more than 14 days after someone has been fully vaccinated it does not refer to the severity of illness suffered from the disease but implies that a person has tested positive for the virus. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/8/18/how-worried-should-we-be-about-covid-19-breakthrough-infections 18th Aug 2021

WHO warns of increasing disease including Covid in Afghanistan

The Independent The World Health Organisation has warned of an immediate need to ensure health services across Afghanistan are maintained as it warned of increasing cases of Covid19 symptoms and other health problems across the country. In the chaos of the fall of Kabul on Sunday the WHO said many Afghans had fled to the city in the days running up to the Talibans takeover with health officials now reporting an increase in disease and a risk of outbreaks that could affect vulnerable people. https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/south-asia/afghanistan-covid-health-disease-who-b1904587.html 18th Aug 2021

Japanese regions see record COVID-19 infections as Delta variant spreads -media

Reuters Record COVID19 cases sprang up across Japan on Wednesday media said a day after the government expanded emergency measures to fight a wave fuelled by the infectious Delta variant that has put the medical system under threat. The western prefecture of Osaka reported a record 2296 cases. Neighbouring Hyogo the central prefecture of Aichi and Fukuoka prefecture in the south all set records of more than 1000 new infections media said. Tokyos 5386 daily cases were just off last Fridays alltime high. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japanese-regions-see-record-covid-19-infections-delta-variant-spreads-media-2021-08-18/ 18th Aug 2021

‘It’s soul-draining’: Health workers deployed to Covid hot zones are overwhelmed by deaths among the unvaccinated

STAT News As part of an emergency response team maintained by the federal government the 59yearold nurse has deployed more than a dozen times during the Covid19 pandemic to hospitals clinics and even cruise ships. It seemed impossible that the death rituals that have defined her nightmarish 18month world tour could become more grim. But the current wave and the utter needlessness of the patient suffering Ingle bears witness to each day are more devastating than ever https://www.statnews.com/2021/08/18/health-workers-overwhelmed-covid-deaths-among-unvaccinated/ 18th Aug 2021

Delta surging in areas of low COVID-19 vaccine coverage - WHO

Reuters Circulation of the Delta variant in areas of low vaccination is driving transmission of COVID19 around the world World Health Organization officials said on Wednesday. Many of the places around the world where Delta is surging even in countries that at a national level have high levels of vaccination coverage the virus the Delta variant itself is really circulating in areas of low level of vaccine coverage and in the context of very limited and inconsistent use of public health and social measures WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told an online news briefing. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/delta-surging-areas-low-covid-19-vaccine-coverage-who-2021-08-18/ 18th Aug 2021

Covid hospital patient numbers hit five-month high in England

The Independent More coronavirus patients are currently in hospital in England than at any other time in the last five months NHS data shows. On Wednesday more than 5500 people with Covid19 were in hospital a jump of 9 per cent from last week according to PA news agency and the highest level since midMarch. But although hospitalisations have begun to climb in recent days numbers remain low compared to the peaks of the UKs first and second waves when fewer people were fully vaccinated. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/covid-hospital-patient-numbers-england-b1904881.html 18th Aug 2021

French patients in ICUs for COVID-19 above 2000 for first time since June 14

Reuters French health authorities reported on Wednesday that the number of patients being treated in intensive care units ICUs for COVID19 has risen above 2000 for the first time since June 14. That figure has more than doubled in less than a month as the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is putting a renewed strain on the French hospital system https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/french-patients-icus-covid-19-above-2000-first-time-since-june-14-2021-08-18/ 18th Aug 2021

Sydney warned worse to come as Delta cases surge

Reuters Sydney reports record 633 new daily cases. More vaccines for worstaffected suburbs. Defence to help ramp up vaccination in remote towns https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-victoria-reports-24-local-covid-19-cases-2021-08-17/ 18th Aug 2021

Covid-19 news: New Zealand begins nationwide lockdown

New Scientist New Zealand has begun a nationwide lockdown in a bid to contain the delta variant of the coronavirus. So far 10 cases have been confirmed in the outbreak but modelling suggests the numbers could rise to between 50 and 100. From the experience of what weve seen overseas we are absolutely anticipating more cases prime minister Jacinda Ardern said. The level 4 alert the highest level means people other than essential workers can only leave home for groceries healthcare covid19 tests and exercise. The lockdown will cover the entire country for at least three days and remain in place in Auckland for a week. New Zealand had been free of local covid19 infections since February and only 21 per cent of the total population has been fully vaccinated. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2237475-covid-19-news-new-zealand-begins-nationwide-lockdown/ 18th Aug 2021

U.S. reports more than 1,000 COVID deaths in single day

Reuters The United States reported more than 1000 COVID19 deaths on Tuesday equating to around 42 fatalities an hour according to a Reuters tally as the Delta variant continues to ravage parts of the country with low vaccination rates. Coronavirusrelated deaths have spiked in the United States over the past month and are averaging 769 per day the highest since midApril according to the Reuters tally. President Joe Bidens administration confirmed on Tuesday evening it planned to extend requirements for travelers to wear masks on airplanes trains and buses and at airports and train stations until midJanuary https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-reports-more-than-1000-covid-deaths-single-day-2021-08-18/ 18th Aug 2021

Now, an Indian covid-19 vaccine made from plants?

Mint Scientists in India plan to shortly begin clinical trials of a plantbased vaccine against covid19 which could become one of the worlds first such vaccines against the deadly disease. A senior official at Indias plant genome research body said scientists are studying the plant Nicotiana benthamiana a relative of tobacco to develop a platform to make covidrelated antigens to trigger immune response against the SARSCoV2 virus that causes covid19. Three research groups at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research NIPGR New Delhi under the department of biotechnology ministry of science and technology in association with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ICGEB in New Delhi are working on the project. https://www.livemint.com/science/health/indian-scientists-to-start-clinical-trials-of-plant-based-covid-shots-11629313754199.html 18th Aug 2021