Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Ramesh Pathirana, who is also the Minister of Plantations, said Sri Lanka is likely to go only with the AstraZeneca vaccines for the second phase of vaccination as the Chinese and Russian vaccines are not ready yet.

"The Chinese vaccine has not submitted the papers relating to phase three trials,” said Mr Pathirana.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/probe-into-sri-lanka-attacks-finds-ex-president-should-face-charges-365721" hreflang="en">Probe into Sri Lanka attacks finds ex-president should face charges</a>

For the first round of vaccinations, the government has placed an order for 10 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India at a cost of USD 52.5 million and a further 3.5 million doses directly from AstraZeneca Institute of UK under the COVAX programme, the spokesman said.

India gifted 500,000 doses of the same vaccine which kicked off Sri Lanka’s vaccine rollout in late January.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India last month for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine donated by the country under the ''Neighbourhood First'' policy.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-to-use-indian-air-space-for-travel-to-sri-lanka-365551" hreflang="en">Pak PM Imran Khan to use Indian air space for travel to Sri Lanka</a>

The government will be directed by the best medical advice on when the second dose should be given, Mr Pathirana said, adding that although initially it was believed that the booster jab should be given after four weeks.

In recent weeks, health experts have said that delaying the second dose by three months could increase the efficacy of the vaccine.

Last month, India announced it will send COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Sri Lanka and seven other countries - Bhutan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, Afghanistan and Mauritius.

India is one of the world's biggest drug-makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines.

Sri Lanka has recorded more than 80,500 coronavirus cases so far with 450 deaths.

Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka has ordered 13.5 million Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines in addition to the 500,000 doses gifted by India, and the country may not use Chinese vaccines in the second phase of immunisation, a government spokesman said on Tuesday. Ramesh Pathirana, who is also the Minister of Plantations, said Sri Lanka is likely to go only with the AstraZeneca vaccines for the second phase of vaccination as the Chinese and Russian vaccines are not ready yet. "The Chinese vaccine has not submitted the papers relating to phase three trials,” said Mr Pathirana. Also read| Probe into Sri Lanka attacks finds ex-president should face charges For the first round of vaccinations, the government has placed an order for 10 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India at a cost of USD 52.5 million and a further 3.5 million doses directly from AstraZeneca Institute of UK under the COVAX programme, the spokesman said. India gifted 500,000 doses of the same vaccine which kicked off Sri Lanka’s vaccine rollout in late January. Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanked India last month for its generosity after he received 500,000 doses of Covishield vaccine donated by the country under the ''Neighbourhood First'' policy. Also read| Pak PM Imran Khan to use Indian air space for travel to Sri Lanka The government will be directed by the best medical advice on when the second dose should be given, Mr Pathirana said, adding that although initially it was believed that the booster jab should be given after four weeks. In recent weeks, health experts have said that delaying the second dose by three months could increase the efficacy of the vaccine. Last month, India announced it will send COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance to Sri Lanka and seven other countries - Bhutan, the Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, Afghanistan and Mauritius. India is one of the world's biggest drug-makers and an increasing number of countries have already approached it for procuring coronavirus vaccines. Sri Lanka has recorded more than 80,500 coronavirus cases so far with 450 deaths.

Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. 
 
Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-has-ample-medical-supply-for-second-covid-19-wave-says-state-fda-365859" hreflang="en">Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA</a> 
 
India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. 
 
"Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. 
 
India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. 
 
The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770">WATCH|</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. 
 
In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. 
 
The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms. Also read| Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. "Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling. WATCH| × The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warns states of worsening COVID-19 situation if rules ignored

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

According to the health ministry, the country registered 13,742 new daily cases in the last 24 hours and 14,037 recoveries which led to a net decline of 399 cases in the total active caseload.

The ministry said that in the last one week, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have reported more than 100 average daily new cases, whereas Kerala and Maharashtra both report more than 4,000 average daily new cases in past one week.

"As on February 24, 2021, the vaccination coverage was 1,21,65,598 through 2,54,356 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 64,98,300 HCWs (first dose), 13,98,400 HCWs (second dose) and 42,68,898 FLWs (first dose)," it said.

Also watch|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770" hreflang="en">Is India going slow with Wuhan vaccine shots?</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On day-39 of the vaccination drive, 4,20,046 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 2,79,823 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 9,479 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 1,40,223 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.

Out of total 1,21,65,598 vaccine doses, 1,07,67,198 (HCWs and FLWs) have received 1st dose of vaccine and total 13,98,400 HCWs have received the 2nd dose of vaccine.

Meanwhile, 12 states and UTs have administered more than 75 per cent of the registered HCWs. These are Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan.

"10 States/UTs have vaccinated more than 60 per cent of registered FLWs. These are Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh," it said.

India`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,07,26,702 today. The recovery rate is 97.25 per cent. The gap between total recovered cases and the active cases are constantly rising and stands at 10,579,795 today.86.26 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,869 newly recovered cases.4,823 people recovered in Kerala in the past 24 hours followed by 453 in Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,218. It is followed by Kerala with4,034 while Tamil Nadu reported 442 new cases.

Five states account for 81.73 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (51). Kerala reported 14 deaths and Punjab reported 10 deaths."19 states and UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Assam, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli," it added.

Thirteen states have reported 1 to 5 deaths; 2 states have reported 6 to 10 deaths; one state has reported 10 to 20 deaths and one state has reported more than 20 deaths.

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). According to the health ministry, the country registered 13,742 new daily cases in the last 24 hours and 14,037 recoveries which led to a net decline of 399 cases in the total active caseload. The ministry said that in the last one week, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have reported more than 100 average daily new cases, whereas Kerala and Maharashtra both report more than 4,000 average daily new cases in past one week. "As on February 24, 2021, the vaccination coverage was 1,21,65,598 through 2,54,356 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 64,98,300 HCWs (first dose), 13,98,400 HCWs (second dose) and 42,68,898 FLWs (first dose)," it said. Also watch| Is India going slow with Wuhan vaccine shots? On day-39 of the vaccination drive, 4,20,046 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 2,79,823 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 9,479 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 1,40,223 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine. Out of total 1,21,65,598 vaccine doses, 1,07,67,198 (HCWs and FLWs) have received 1st dose of vaccine and total 13,98,400 HCWs have received the 2nd dose of vaccine. Meanwhile, 12 states and UTs have administered more than 75 per cent of the registered HCWs. These are Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan. "10 States/UTs have vaccinated more than 60 per cent of registered FLWs. These are Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh," it said. India`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,07,26,702 today. The recovery rate is 97.25 per cent. The gap between total recovered cases and the active cases are constantly rising and stands at 10,579,795 today.86.26 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,869 newly recovered cases.4,823 people recovered in Kerala in the past 24 hours followed by 453 in Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,218. It is followed by Kerala with4,034 while Tamil Nadu reported 442 new cases. Five states account for 81.73 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (51). Kerala reported 14 deaths and Punjab reported 10 deaths."19 states and UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Assam, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli," it added. Thirteen states have reported 1 to 5 deaths; 2 states have reported 6 to 10 deaths; one state has reported 10 to 20 deaths and one state has reported more than 20 deaths.

India's COVID-19 active caseload stands at 1.46 lakh

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said.

"We are pleased that Ghana has become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from the Covax facility," UNICEF, which organised the shipment from Mumbai, said in a joint statement with the WHO.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-orders-135-million-astrazeneca-doses-likely-to-drop-chinese-covid-19-vaccines-365799" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines</a>

It said the 600,000 doses are part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, "which represent part of the first wave of Covid vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries."

The West African nation has recorded 80,759 Covid-19 cases and 582 deaths since the start of the pandemic. These figures are believed to fall short of the real toll as the number of tests is low.

Frontline workers in Ghana are meant to be the first to receive the vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_6dj3kYLvAhU38HMBHY8FCyoQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14AEBn746UmFNlIqAquze6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp" target="_blank">What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?</a>

"In the days ahead, frontline workers will begin to receive vaccines," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.&nbsp;

"The next phase in the fight against this disease can begin – the ramping up of the largest immunization campaign in history."

Covax, led by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said it would deliver two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its members by the end of the year, including 2,412,000 doses to Ghana.

Schools in the country reopened in January after a 10-month closure, but large social gatherings are banned and land and sea borders have remained closed since March 2020.

Ghana's economic growth is expected to plummet this year to its lowest in three decades, to 0.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund, from 6.5 percent in 2019.

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said.

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said. "We are pleased that Ghana has become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from the Covax facility," UNICEF, which organised the shipment from Mumbai, said in a joint statement with the WHO. Also read| Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines It said the 600,000 doses are part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, "which represent part of the first wave of Covid vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries." The West African nation has recorded 80,759 Covid-19 cases and 582 deaths since the start of the pandemic. These figures are believed to fall short of the real toll as the number of tests is low. Frontline workers in Ghana are meant to be the first to receive the vaccine. Also read| What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation? "In the days ahead, frontline workers will begin to receive vaccines," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. "The next phase in the fight against this disease can begin – the ramping up of the largest immunization campaign in history." Covax, led by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said it would deliver two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its members by the end of the year, including 2,412,000 doses to Ghana. Schools in the country reopened in January after a 10-month closure, but large social gatherings are banned and land and sea borders have remained closed since March 2020. Ghana's economic growth is expected to plummet this year to its lowest in three decades, to 0.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund, from 6.5 percent in 2019.

Ghana to receive world's first doses of free Covax vaccines

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 inoculation programme</a>, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year. 
 
Malaysia has set an ambitious target of vaccinating at least 80% of its 32 million people by February next year. 
 
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to be given the vaccine, developed by US&nbsp;drugmaker Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, as part of government efforts to reassure people of the vaccine`s safety. 
 
After Muhyiddin was given his shot, officials clapped in the health department office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, before a group of health workers were also vaccinated.

Also watch:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-weary-malaysians-get-appetite-for-drive-in-dining-364886" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-weary-malaysians-get-appetite-for-drive-in-dining-364886&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPjdTrioLvAhUg_XMBHVRxDKU4ChAWMAF6BAgJEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nkRxalbW48Lr7b3QsQ3mf" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-weary-malaysians-get-appetite-for-drive-in-dining-364886" target="_blank">Lockdown-weary Malaysians get appetite for drive-in dining</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-weary-malaysians-get-appetite-for-drive-in-dining-364886/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

 
"I am confident this vaccine is safe and effective," Muhyiddin said, adding that the public should have faith in his government`s efforts to break the chain of COVID-19 infections. 
 
The Southeast Asian nation had largely contained the virus for most of last year, but a spike in infections that started in September has placed Malaysia third in the region in total cases, behind Indonesia and the Philippines. 
 
Malaysia has reported nearly 290,000 coronavirus cases and 1,076 deaths as of Tuesday, though new daily infections have started trending downwards in the past week. 
 
The vaccination process will be implemented in three phases, with the first expected to run from February to April involving 300,000 medical and 200,000 non-medical frontline workers - including politicians, security personnel and welfare officers. 
 
Around 9.4 million high-risk individuals will be vaccinated in the next phase between April and August, followed by more than 16 million adults aged 18 and older in phase three that will run from May to February next year. 
 
Last week, the government said it has secured 66.7 million vaccine doses, enough to more than cover its population. 
 
Pfizer and BioNTech will supply half of the total doses, with the remainder sourced from Britain`s AstraZeneca, Russia`s Gamaleya Research Institute, and China`s Sinovac Biotech and CanSino Biologics.

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its COVID-19 inoculation programme, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year.

Malaysia on Wednesday launched its COVID-19 inoculation programme, which authorities hope will rein in a spike in infections and help revive an economy that recorded its worst slump in over two decades last year. Malaysia has set an ambitious target of vaccinating at least 80% of its 32 million people by February next year. Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was the first to be given the vaccine, developed by US drugmaker Pfizer and German partner BioNTech, as part of government efforts to reassure people of the vaccine`s safety. After Muhyiddin was given his shot, officials clapped in the health department office in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, before a group of health workers were also vaccinated. Also watch: Lockdown-weary Malaysians get appetite for drive-in dining × "I am confident this vaccine is safe and effective," Muhyiddin said, adding that the public should have faith in his government`s efforts to break the chain of COVID-19 infections. The Southeast Asian nation had largely contained the virus for most of last year, but a spike in infections that started in September has placed Malaysia third in the region in total cases, behind Indonesia and the Philippines. Malaysia has reported nearly 290,000 coronavirus cases and 1,076 deaths as of Tuesday, though new daily infections have started trending downwards in the past week. The vaccination process will be implemented in three phases, with the first expected to run from February to April involving 300,000 medical and 200,000 non-medical frontline workers - including politicians, security personnel and welfare officers. Around 9.4 million high-risk individuals will be vaccinated in the next phase between April and August, followed by more than 16 million adults aged 18 and older in phase three that will run from May to February next year. Last week, the government said it has secured 66.7 million vaccine doses, enough to more than cover its population. Pfizer and BioNTech will supply half of the total doses, with the remainder sourced from Britain`s AstraZeneca, Russia`s Gamaleya Research Institute, and China`s Sinovac Biotech and CanSino Biologics.

Malaysia launches COVID-19 vaccination drive as PM gets first shot

The anxiety one experiences while waiting for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> test results is unbearable, and to curb that a group of French researchers have developed a COVID-19 test that can give results three times faster.

This newly-created electrochemical test, according to initial trial data, can deliver coronavirus test results three times faster than rapid lateral flow antigen tests with the same accuracy, but slower PCR tests.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-105-year-old-beat-covid-she-credits-gin-soaked-raisins-365741" hreflang="en">This 105-year-old beat COVID. She credits gin-soaked raisins.</a>

Known as CorDial-1, the test has been approved for use even though the initial trials on 300 samples showed a 90 per cent accuracy rate.

Other than the speed of the test, another major advantage of this new test is that it does not require a lab atmosphere to study the results. While the PCR test typically takes hours and needs a laboratory setting to read the result, this can simply be used on a smartphone.

The testing apparatus resembles a large USB stick that can be plugged into a smartphone leading to a signal to show up on the screen in form of a graph.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-patients-may-not-get-back-sense-of-taste-and-smell-for-months-study-365590" hreflang="en">COVID-19 patients may not get back sense of taste and smell for months: Study</a>

"Depending on the height of the signal, you can say if you are COVID positive or negative," said Sabine Szunerits, of the University of Lille, who is working on the project with scientists at the University of Marseille and the French National Centre for Scientific Research.

The next step for this project is to run a three-month trial on more than 1,000 people.&nbsp;

However, scientists from around the world have praised the efforts and have shown confidence in the portability feature of the device.

The anxiety one experiences while waiting for coronavirus test results is unbearable, and to curb that a group of French researchers have developed a COVID-19 test that can give results three times faster.

The anxiety one experiences while waiting for coronavirus test results is unbearable, and to curb that a group of French researchers have developed a COVID-19 test that can give results three times faster. This newly-created electrochemical test, according to initial trial data, can deliver coronavirus test results three times faster than rapid lateral flow antigen tests with the same accuracy, but slower PCR tests. Also read| This 105-year-old beat COVID. She credits gin-soaked raisins. Known as CorDial-1, the test has been approved for use even though the initial trials on 300 samples showed a 90 per cent accuracy rate. Other than the speed of the test, another major advantage of this new test is that it does not require a lab atmosphere to study the results. While the PCR test typically takes hours and needs a laboratory setting to read the result, this can simply be used on a smartphone. The testing apparatus resembles a large USB stick that can be plugged into a smartphone leading to a signal to show up on the screen in form of a graph. Also read| COVID-19 patients may not get back sense of taste and smell for months: Study "Depending on the height of the signal, you can say if you are COVID positive or negative," said Sabine Szunerits, of the University of Lille, who is working on the project with scientists at the University of Marseille and the French National Centre for Scientific Research. The next step for this project is to run a three-month trial on more than 1,000 people. However, scientists from around the world have praised the efforts and have shown confidence in the portability feature of the device.

French researchers develop COVID test that gives results like USB device

A day after New Zealand, Australia has started its mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>programme on Sunday with Prime Minister Scott Morrison getting a jab.

Jane Malysiak, a World War II survivor, was the first one to get the jab in a medical centre in Sydney's northwest.

"She's taking part in what is a very historic day for our country," Morrison appreciated her efforts and courage.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-says-facebook-has-tentatively-friended-us-again-365023" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-says-facebook-has-tentatively-friended-us-again-365023&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjZ6Y7LrfruAhVj63MBHUu2BXkQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw03BSBRMfMgjLJl8_KImmUV" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-says-facebook-has-tentatively-friended-us-again-365023" target="_blank">Australia says Facebook has 'tentatively friended' us again</a>

Sunday's programme kickstarted with a small group of aged individuals along with a few selected top government officials getting the first jabs of the vaccine.

"Tomorrow our vaccination programme starts, so as a curtain-raiser today we're here making some very important points -- that it's safe, that it's important, and we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the front line," said Morrison, who was one of the first few to receive the jab.

Australia has authorised the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine against coronavirus. However, the approval has met with some criticism from a handful of locals.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwixmr3jrfruAhWO7XMBHaqCAWc4HhAWMAV6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rQD6TR16UvV-Q00dzGBIM" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999" target="_blank">After snap lockdown,&nbsp;New Zealand&nbsp;begins vaccine programme</a>

The 'curtain-raiser' of the vaccination programme comes a day after thousands of anti-vaccination demonstrators marched on the streets of a few of the major cities of Australia urging the government to cancel the approval of the Pfizer vaccine.

Saturday's demonstrations against the Pfizer vaccine had also led to several protestors in Melbourne being arrested by the local police department, local media channels reported.

Several surveys have also revealed that nearly 22 per cent of Australians have refused to get a jab of the coronavirus vaccine.&nbsp;

While the country has been relatively successful in handling the deadly pandemic, locals have been subjected to repetitive snap lockdowns in various cities as small clusters come and go in localities.

The Australia government has also approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine against coronavirus but has not yet started administering it in the medial centres.

A day after New Zealand, Australia has started its mass vaccination programme on Sunday with Prime Minister Scott Morrison getting a jab. Jane Malysiak, a World War II survivor, was the first one to get the jab in a medical centre in Sydney's northwest.

A day after New Zealand, Australia has started its mass vaccination programme on Sunday with Prime Minister Scott Morrison getting a jab. Jane Malysiak, a World War II survivor, was the first one to get the jab in a medical centre in Sydney's northwest. "She's taking part in what is a very historic day for our country," Morrison appreciated her efforts and courage. Also read| Australia says Facebook has 'tentatively friended' us again Sunday's programme kickstarted with a small group of aged individuals along with a few selected top government officials getting the first jabs of the vaccine. "Tomorrow our vaccination programme starts, so as a curtain-raiser today we're here making some very important points -- that it's safe, that it's important, and we need to start with those who are most vulnerable and are on the front line," said Morrison, who was one of the first few to receive the jab. Australia has authorised the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine against coronavirus. However, the approval has met with some criticism from a handful of locals. Also read| After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme The 'curtain-raiser' of the vaccination programme comes a day after thousands of anti-vaccination demonstrators marched on the streets of a few of the major cities of Australia urging the government to cancel the approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Saturday's demonstrations against the Pfizer vaccine had also led to several protestors in Melbourne being arrested by the local police department, local media channels reported. Several surveys have also revealed that nearly 22 per cent of Australians have refused to get a jab of the coronavirus vaccine. While the country has been relatively successful in handling the deadly pandemic, locals have been subjected to repetitive snap lockdowns in various cities as small clusters come and go in localities. The Australia government has also approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine against coronavirus but has not yet started administering it in the medial centres.

Australia begins coronavirus vaccine programme; Scott Morrison gets jab

It is in human nature to appreciate incentives, especially when they are tasty. To attract locals to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> programme, an Israel bar has offered a barter system — a drink for a jab.

A bar in Israel doubled up as a vaccination centre in Tel Aviv and came up with an offer that nobody could refuse.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-first-dose-85-effective-after-2-4-weeks-study-says-364816" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-first-dose-85-effective-after-2-4-weeks-study-says-364816&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi2if-J2PruAhU47XMBHR2cB2EQFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33kQfH3Bkh7znLkp1CZmBh" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-first-dose-85-effective-after-2-4-weeks-study-says-364816" target="_blank">Pfizer first dose 85% effective after 2-4 weeks, study says</a>

Tel Aviv's Jenia gastropub, in coordination with the municipality, offered a free drink in exchange for a jab of the coronavirus vaccine.

These drinks being offered were non-alcoholic, though, as a medical precaution.

This idea came up as the Health Ministry was worried that people's motivation to get a jab of the vaccine, or even the second dose, may start declining with time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jab-but-no-tab-israeli-bar-offers-free-drinks-with-vaccines-364877">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jab-but-no-tab-israeli-bar-offers-free-drinks-with-vaccines-364877/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While more than 43 per cent of Israel's population has already received at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the turnout is decreasing a tad.

"I thought it is a really good opportunity to come and get the vaccine because I didn't have either the time or the ability to go to other places," said May Perez, who was one of the first to enjoy the 'shot for shot' scheme.

It is in human nature to appreciate incentives, especially when they are tasty. To attract locals to the vaccination programme, an Israel bar has offered a barter system — a drink for a jab.

It is in human nature to appreciate incentives, especially when they are tasty. To attract locals to the vaccination programme, an Israel bar has offered a barter system — a drink for a jab. A bar in Israel doubled up as a vaccination centre in Tel Aviv and came up with an offer that nobody could refuse. Also read| Pfizer first dose 85% effective after 2-4 weeks, study says Tel Aviv's Jenia gastropub, in coordination with the municipality, offered a free drink in exchange for a jab of the coronavirus vaccine. These drinks being offered were non-alcoholic, though, as a medical precaution. This idea came up as the Health Ministry was worried that people's motivation to get a jab of the vaccine, or even the second dose, may start declining with time. WATCH| While more than 43 per cent of Israel's population has already received at least one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the turnout is decreasing a tad. "I thought it is a really good opportunity to come and get the vaccine because I didn't have either the time or the ability to go to other places," said May Perez, who was one of the first to enjoy the 'shot for shot' scheme.

On the house: Israel bar offers free drinks with COVID-19 vaccine jabs

Moscow announced Saturday it had registered its third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> and promised to introduce the jab to the Russian population by March.

Russia was the first country to register a vaccine against COVID-19 in August ahead of clinical trials, and the Sputnik V jab has been authorised in more than two dozen countries around the world.

"Today we note that a third vaccine, CoviVac, has been registered," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-snap-lockdown-new-zealand-begins-vaccine-programme-364999" hreflang="en">After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme</a>

"And already in mid-March, the first 120,000 doses will be distributed within the civilian circulation," he told the cabinet.

First greeted with scepticism, the effectiveness of Sputnik V was confirmed by the Lancet medical journal earlier this month.

Moscow relied on the nationwide rollout of the vaccine to stave off the impact of the second wave of infections that battered the country late last year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentinas-health-minister-resigns-over-vip-treatment-to-get-covid-19-vaccines-364995" hreflang="en">Argentina's health minister resigns over VIP treatment to get Covid-19 vaccines</a>

But mortality data released recently revealed that Russia's death rate was still one of the highest in the world.

President Vladimir Putin announced in October that the country had registered its second vaccine, EpiVacCorona, which health officials had said would enter mass production this month.

Mishustin said Saturday that Russia had produced 10 million doses of Sputnik and 80,000 batches of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the Siberian Vektor laboratory.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-working-with-facebook-and-twitter-to-tackle-anti-vaxxers-364902" hreflang="en">White House working with Facebook and Twitter to tackle anti-vaxxers</a>

With the introduction of the third jab Saturday, the prime minister said that: "Today Russia is the only country in which there are already three vaccines for the prevention of Covid infection."

CoviVac was produced by the state-run Chumakov Centre based in Moscow, which employed a different method of development from Sputnik and EpiVacCorona, using an inactive virus.

The vaccine is due to complete final stage clinical trial with 3,000 participants in March and has so far been recommended for people below the age of 60.

Moscow announced Saturday it had registered its third vaccine against the coronavirus and promised to introduce the jab to the Russian population by March. Russia was the first country to register a vaccine against COVID-19 in August ahead of clinical trials, and the Sputnik V jab has been authorised in more than two dozen countries around the world.

Moscow announced Saturday it had registered its third vaccine against the coronavirus and promised to introduce the jab to the Russian population by March. Russia was the first country to register a vaccine against COVID-19 in August ahead of clinical trials, and the Sputnik V jab has been authorised in more than two dozen countries around the world. "Today we note that a third vaccine, CoviVac, has been registered," Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at a government meeting broadcast on state television. Also read| After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme "And already in mid-March, the first 120,000 doses will be distributed within the civilian circulation," he told the cabinet. First greeted with scepticism, the effectiveness of Sputnik V was confirmed by the Lancet medical journal earlier this month. Moscow relied on the nationwide rollout of the vaccine to stave off the impact of the second wave of infections that battered the country late last year. Also read| Argentina's health minister resigns over VIP treatment to get Covid-19 vaccines But mortality data released recently revealed that Russia's death rate was still one of the highest in the world. President Vladimir Putin announced in October that the country had registered its second vaccine, EpiVacCorona, which health officials had said would enter mass production this month. Mishustin said Saturday that Russia had produced 10 million doses of Sputnik and 80,000 batches of the EpiVacCorona vaccine developed by the Siberian Vektor laboratory. Also read| White House working with Facebook and Twitter to tackle anti-vaxxers With the introduction of the third jab Saturday, the prime minister said that: "Today Russia is the only country in which there are already three vaccines for the prevention of Covid infection." CoviVac was produced by the state-run Chumakov Centre based in Moscow, which employed a different method of development from Sputnik and EpiVacCorona, using an inactive virus. The vaccine is due to complete final stage clinical trial with 3,000 participants in March and has so far been recommended for people below the age of 60.

Russia says registers third coronavirus vaccine

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccination</a> programme.

The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

On Saturday, a small group of medical professionals were injected with the approved vaccine in Auckland.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-jacinda-ardern-ends-snap-lockdown-in-auckland-364194">New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern ends snap lockdown in Auckland</a>

Following this, border staff and so-called Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) workers will initiate a bigger and wider rollout of the vaccine.

"Today, we kick off the largest immunisation programme in our history, by vaccinating the first of our border workforce, a critical step in protecting everyone in Aotearoa," said New Zealand health minister Ashley Bloomfield.&nbsp;

"We will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-confirms-first-case-of-uk-variant-amid-auckland-lockdown-363640" hreflang="en">New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown</a>

While the cases and deaths due to coronavirus have been less in New Zealand, as compared to the rest of the world, the authorities are still urging people to exercise caution and make sure they self-isolate themselves in cases of possible infection.

"It's the start of what we might call a new chapter but we still have a long way to go," Bloomfield said.

The vaccination programme will first concentrate on medical professionals, aged and vulnerable individuals.

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first COVID-19 vaccination programme. The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus.

A few days after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ended the snap lockdown in Auckland, New Zealand has launched its first COVID-19 vaccination programme. The country is using Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine against the deadly coronavirus. On Saturday, a small group of medical professionals were injected with the approved vaccine in Auckland. Also read| New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern ends snap lockdown in Auckland Following this, border staff and so-called Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) workers will initiate a bigger and wider rollout of the vaccine. "Today, we kick off the largest immunisation programme in our history, by vaccinating the first of our border workforce, a critical step in protecting everyone in Aotearoa," said New Zealand health minister Ashley Bloomfield. "We will be moving through these first few days and weeks in a measured way to make sure our systems and processes are solid." Also read| New Zealand confirms first case of UK variant amid Auckland lockdown While the cases and deaths due to coronavirus have been less in New Zealand, as compared to the rest of the world, the authorities are still urging people to exercise caution and make sure they self-isolate themselves in cases of possible infection. "It's the start of what we might call a new chapter but we still have a long way to go," Bloomfield said. The vaccination programme will first concentrate on medical professionals, aged and vulnerable individuals.

After snap lockdown, New Zealand begins vaccine programme

Japan launched its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccination </a>programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world.

The same day, Australia and New Zealand ended snap lockdowns after they successfully brought small outbreaks under control in just days -- suggesting that despite their unpopularity, movement restrictions remain vital tools against the pandemic.&nbsp;

Japan kicked off its inoculation drive at a Tokyo hospital, with a plan to initially give Pfizer-BioNTech shots to 40,000 healthcare workers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-changes-syringe-emoji-in-support-of-coronavirus-vaccine-drive-364184" hreflang="en">Apple changes 'syringe' emoji in support of coronavirus vaccine drive</a>

"Hopefully vaccinations... can change the situation here," nurse Rino Yoshida told national broadcaster NHK after she got one of the first shots.

Japan is battling a much more limited outbreak compared with hard-hit countries such as the United States and Britain, but its response is being closely watched around the world as doubts swirl over the postponed Tokyo Olympics, due to start July 23.

Organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival.

But there are fears among the Japanese public and experts that the precautions may not be enough for a global event, even as the WHO on Tuesday reported a slowing of the pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tried-to-hack-pfizer-to-obtain-vaccine-technology-report-364009" hreflang="en">North Korea tried to hack Pfizer to obtain vaccine technology: Report</a>

New infections worldwide fell by 16 per cent last week, while the number of new deaths also dropped 10 per cent week-on-week, based on figures up to Sunday.

"The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday.

Lockdowns end in Australia, New Zealand

With infections topping 109 million and more than 2.4 million deaths, the pandemic has devastated the global economy, and populations are growing increasingly frustrated with financially painful restrictions that authorities and experts say are necessary to fight the virus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-formally-approves-its-first-covid-vaccine-363566" hreflang="en">Japan formally approves its first Covid vaccine</a>

Among the countries that have successfully deployed such measures is Australia, where stay-at-home measures for six million people in Victoria state were to be lifted late Wednesday after a snap five-day lockdown brought an outbreak under control.

"If we had been open throughout this outbreak... total case numbers would be much, much higher and it is a certainty that I would not be reporting zero cases today," said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews.

Neighbouring New Zealand, widely praised for its Covid-19 strategy, also ended a snap lockdown it had imposed from Monday in its largest city Auckland after three community cases emerged.&nbsp;

These measures sharply contrast with Europe, where restrictions have been less rigorous through the pandemic, and tightening them has often been politically difficult.

The Dutch government's nationwide curfew survived a bitter legal challenge on Tuesday, from an anti-restrictions group that promotes baseless conspiracy theories about the pandemic.

'Not safe until everyone is safe'

Frustration and rancour have not been limited to restrictions though, with poorer nations and the WHO warning against wealthy countries dominating vaccine supplies.

President Joe Biden told a CNN town hall Tuesday that the United States -- the worst-hit nation in the world -- would have "600 million doses, enough to vaccinate every American".

Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard had earlier said his government would complain to the United Nations about hoarding and inequality in the global inoculation drive.

And Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new head of the World Trade Organization, said the body can help ensure universal access to the jabs.

"It's really in the self-interest of every country to see everyone vaccinated because you're not safe until everyone is safe," she told AFP in an interview.

Mass inoculation projects have been made more complicated with the emergence of new coronavirus variants, raising concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against them.

India confirmed Tuesday it had detected four cases of the more contagious variant first detected in South Africa, which has spread to many countries.

The European Union will launch a programme to produce vaccines against future strains, the bloc's leader Ursula von der Leyen told French daily Les Echos on Tuesday.

"The virus has evolved and will continue to evolve," she said.

"It is important we prepare for mutations."

Japan launched its coronavirus vaccination programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world.

Japan launched its coronavirus vaccination programme on Wednesday, five months ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, as the World Health Organization reported a fall in new cases around the world. The same day, Australia and New Zealand ended snap lockdowns after they successfully brought small outbreaks under control in just days -- suggesting that despite their unpopularity, movement restrictions remain vital tools against the pandemic. Japan kicked off its inoculation drive at a Tokyo hospital, with a plan to initially give Pfizer-BioNTech shots to 40,000 healthcare workers. Also read| Apple changes 'syringe' emoji in support of coronavirus vaccine drive "Hopefully vaccinations... can change the situation here," nurse Rino Yoshida told national broadcaster NHK after she got one of the first shots. Japan is battling a much more limited outbreak compared with hard-hit countries such as the United States and Britain, but its response is being closely watched around the world as doubts swirl over the postponed Tokyo Olympics, due to start July 23. Organisers have outlined measures they say will keep the Games safe even without requiring participants to be vaccinated or quarantined on arrival. But there are fears among the Japanese public and experts that the precautions may not be enough for a global event, even as the WHO on Tuesday reported a slowing of the pandemic. Also read| North Korea tried to hack Pfizer to obtain vaccine technology: Report New infections worldwide fell by 16 per cent last week, while the number of new deaths also dropped 10 per cent week-on-week, based on figures up to Sunday. "The fire is not out, but we have reduced its size," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Monday. Lockdowns end in Australia, New Zealand With infections topping 109 million and more than 2.4 million deaths, the pandemic has devastated the global economy, and populations are growing increasingly frustrated with financially painful restrictions that authorities and experts say are necessary to fight the virus. Also read| Japan formally approves its first Covid vaccine Among the countries that have successfully deployed such measures is Australia, where stay-at-home measures for six million people in Victoria state were to be lifted late Wednesday after a snap five-day lockdown brought an outbreak under control. "If we had been open throughout this outbreak... total case numbers would be much, much higher and it is a certainty that I would not be reporting zero cases today," said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews. Neighbouring New Zealand, widely praised for its Covid-19 strategy, also ended a snap lockdown it had imposed from Monday in its largest city Auckland after three community cases emerged. These measures sharply contrast with Europe, where restrictions have been less rigorous through the pandemic, and tightening them has often been politically difficult. The Dutch government's nationwide curfew survived a bitter legal challenge on Tuesday, from an anti-restrictions group that promotes baseless conspiracy theories about the pandemic. 'Not safe until everyone is safe' Frustration and rancour have not been limited to restrictions though, with poorer nations and the WHO warning against wealthy countries dominating vaccine supplies. President Joe Biden told a CNN town hall Tuesday that the United States -- the worst-hit nation in the world -- would have "600 million doses, enough to vaccinate every American". Mexico's Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard had earlier said his government would complain to the United Nations about hoarding and inequality in the global inoculation drive. And Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new head of the World Trade Organization, said the body can help ensure universal access to the jabs. "It's really in the self-interest of every country to see everyone vaccinated because you're not safe until everyone is safe," she told AFP in an interview. Mass inoculation projects have been made more complicated with the emergence of new coronavirus variants, raising concerns about the efficacy of vaccines against them. India confirmed Tuesday it had detected four cases of the more contagious variant first detected in South Africa, which has spread to many countries. The European Union will launch a programme to produce vaccines against future strains, the bloc's leader Ursula von der Leyen told French daily Les Echos on Tuesday. "The virus has evolved and will continue to evolve," she said. "It is important we prepare for mutations."

Ahead of Tokyo Olympics, Japan starts vaccinations as new coronavirus cases, deaths drop

US&nbsp;President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> on Thursday said the coronavirus vaccination program he inherited from Donald Trump was in “much worse shape” than he had expected, while urging patience and also announcing the government has bought 200 million more doses.

“We’re not going to have everything fixed for a while, but we’re going to fix it,” Biden said in remarks at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

With demand for the vaccine far outstripping supply, Americans are struggling to get appointments for their inoculations, leaving Biden with an acute problem less than a month after taking over from Trump.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-aims-to-close-down-guantanamo-prison-white-house-spokeswoman-363280">Joe Biden aims to close down Guantanamo prison: White House spokeswoman</a>

Biden said Trump, who spent his last two months in office in a futile effort to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election that he lost, did not order enough vaccine and did not do enough to get people lined up to get vaccinated.

He said the vaccine program he inherited was in “much worse shape” than he had anticipated and that his transition team had been misled about the vaccine supply.

“While scientists did their job in discovering vaccines in record time, my predecessor - I’ll be very blunt about it - did not do his job in getting ready for the massive challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions,” Biden said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-begins-dismantling-trumps-remain-in-mexico-asylum-policy-363197" hreflang="en">Biden begins dismantling Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy</a>

Brian Morgenstern, a former White House official involved with the coronavirus effort, said the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed program had prepared plans well in advance, aided by many career officials still serving in government.

“That is why the new Administration’s goals were being surpassed before they even came into office. Enough with the lies, excuses &amp; political pot shots. Time to lead,” he said.

Trump had expressed pride in the speed of the vaccine development on his watch.

Biden said the U.S. coronavirus death toll is likely to reach 500,000 next month. He urged Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread.

“We’ve now purchased enough vaccine to vaccinate all Americans,” Biden said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-football-was-at-danger-during-capitol-riots-footage-reveals-363277" hreflang="en">US 'football' was at danger during Capitol riots, footage reveals</a>

He said the U.S. government has signed contracts for 100 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and 100 million more from Pfizer to help reach the target.

“We appreciate the confidence that the U.S. government has demonstrated in our COVID-19 Vaccine,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a press release.

Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo confirmed that it and BioNTech had reached a deal with the U.S. government.

“We will deliver 100 million doses by the end of March, a total of 200 million doses by the end of May, and the full 300 million doses by the end of July,” she said.

The new vaccine orders, in addition to 400 million doses previously contracted, would allow the United States to vaccinate a total of 300 million people by July 31 using doses from the two vaccines authorized.

That would be enough to vaccinate most people in the 330 million population who want it, given that the two vaccines are not authorized for children and that many people have said they don’t want shots.

In addition, Johnson &amp; Johnson’s vaccine candidate is likely to be authorized later this month, and the company expects to supply 100 million doses of its single-shot vaccine to the United States by the middle of the year.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the coronavirus vaccination program he inherited from Donald Trump was in “much worse shape” than he had expected, while urging patience and also announcing the government has bought 200 million more doses.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday said the coronavirus vaccination program he inherited from Donald Trump was in “much worse shape” than he had expected, while urging patience and also announcing the government has bought 200 million more doses. “We’re not going to have everything fixed for a while, but we’re going to fix it,” Biden said in remarks at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. With demand for the vaccine far outstripping supply, Americans are struggling to get appointments for their inoculations, leaving Biden with an acute problem less than a month after taking over from Trump. Also read| Joe Biden aims to close down Guantanamo prison: White House spokeswoman Biden said Trump, who spent his last two months in office in a futile effort to overturn the results of the Nov. 3 presidential election that he lost, did not order enough vaccine and did not do enough to get people lined up to get vaccinated. He said the vaccine program he inherited was in “much worse shape” than he had anticipated and that his transition team had been misled about the vaccine supply. “While scientists did their job in discovering vaccines in record time, my predecessor - I’ll be very blunt about it - did not do his job in getting ready for the massive challenge of vaccinating hundreds of millions,” Biden said. Also read| Biden begins dismantling Trump's 'Remain in Mexico' asylum policy Brian Morgenstern, a former White House official involved with the coronavirus effort, said the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed program had prepared plans well in advance, aided by many career officials still serving in government. “That is why the new Administration’s goals were being surpassed before they even came into office. Enough with the lies, excuses & political pot shots. Time to lead,” he said. Trump had expressed pride in the speed of the vaccine development on his watch. Biden said the U.S. coronavirus death toll is likely to reach 500,000 next month. He urged Americans to wear masks to prevent the spread. “We’ve now purchased enough vaccine to vaccinate all Americans,” Biden said. Also read| US 'football' was at danger during Capitol riots, footage reveals He said the U.S. government has signed contracts for 100 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and 100 million more from Pfizer to help reach the target. “We appreciate the confidence that the U.S. government has demonstrated in our COVID-19 Vaccine,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a press release. Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo confirmed that it and BioNTech had reached a deal with the U.S. government. “We will deliver 100 million doses by the end of March, a total of 200 million doses by the end of May, and the full 300 million doses by the end of July,” she said. The new vaccine orders, in addition to 400 million doses previously contracted, would allow the United States to vaccinate a total of 300 million people by July 31 using doses from the two vaccines authorized. That would be enough to vaccinate most people in the 330 million population who want it, given that the two vaccines are not authorized for children and that many people have said they don’t want shots. In addition, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate is likely to be authorized later this month, and the company expects to supply 100 million doses of its single-shot vaccine to the United States by the middle of the year.

Biden says Trump 'did not do his job' on coronavirus vaccination program, urges patience

In another effort to curb misinformation about vaccines, the social media platform <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/facebook">Facebook</a> has decided to ban all kinds of misinformation about every vaccine.

The decision has been taken after several sorts of misinformation has been posted and shared on Facebook for many years.

"We will begin enforcing this policy immediately, with a particular focus on Pages, groups and accounts that violate these rules," said Guy Rose, who is responsible for content decisions. "We'll continue to expand our enforcement over the coming weeks."

This new set of community guidelines will be applied to all user-generated posts and paid advertisements — which were already banned from posting any misinformation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/social-media-giant-facebook-to-remove-covid-19-vaccine-misinformation-content-362392">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/social-media-giant-facebook-to-remove-covid-19-vaccine-misinformation-content-362392/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The same set of community guidelines have been brought in place for the popular media-sharing app Instagram, which is also owned by Facebook.

Mark Zuckerberg-owned platform has been updating its policies related to coronavirus content throughout the time phase of the pandemic.&nbsp;

In April 2020, a few months after the pandemic started, Facebook started posting facts and figures derived from the CDC, which focused on combating misinformation about the pandemic.&nbsp;

While the social media platform was actively limiting the content that was believed to be spreading misinformation, it was not removing any such content.&nbsp;

With these new community guidelines, Facebook will be banning and removing any content promoting misinformation about vaccines, especially the coronavirus vaccines. 
&nbsp;

In another effort to curb misinformation about vaccines, the social media platform Facebook has decided to ban all kinds of misinformation about every vaccine. The decision has been taken after several sorts of misinformation has been posted and shared on Facebook for many years.

In another effort to curb misinformation about vaccines, the social media platform Facebook has decided to ban all kinds of misinformation about every vaccine. The decision has been taken after several sorts of misinformation has been posted and shared on Facebook for many years. "We will begin enforcing this policy immediately, with a particular focus on Pages, groups and accounts that violate these rules," said Guy Rose, who is responsible for content decisions. "We'll continue to expand our enforcement over the coming weeks." This new set of community guidelines will be applied to all user-generated posts and paid advertisements — which were already banned from posting any misinformation. WATCH| The same set of community guidelines have been brought in place for the popular media-sharing app Instagram, which is also owned by Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg-owned platform has been updating its policies related to coronavirus content throughout the time phase of the pandemic. In April 2020, a few months after the pandemic started, Facebook started posting facts and figures derived from the CDC, which focused on combating misinformation about the pandemic. While the social media platform was actively limiting the content that was believed to be spreading misinformation, it was not removing any such content. With these new community guidelines, Facebook will be banning and removing any content promoting misinformation about vaccines, especially the coronavirus vaccines.

Facebook to remove content promoting misinformation about vaccines

Among governments and those in the travel industry, a new term has entered the vocabulary: vaccine passport.

One of President Joe Biden’s executive orders aimed at curbing the pandemic asks government agencies to “assess the feasibility” of linking coronavirus vaccine certificates with other vaccination documents, and producing digital versions of them.

Denmark’s government said Wednesday that in the next three to four months, it will roll out a digital passport that will allow citizens to show they have been vaccinated.

It isn’t just governments that are suggesting vaccine passports. In a few weeks, Etihad Airways and Emirates will start using a digital travel pass, developed by the International Air Transport Association, to help passengers manage their travel plans and provide airlines and governments documentation that they have been vaccinated or tested for COVID-19.

The challenge right now is creating a document or app that is accepted around the world, that protects privacy and is accessible to people regardless of their wealth or access to smartphones.

Here’s what we know about the current status of digital vaccine passports.

What is a vaccine pass or passport?

A vaccination pass or passport is documentation proving that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Some versions will also allow people to show that they have tested negative for the virus, and therefore can more easily travel. The versions being worked on now by airlines, industry groups, nonprofits and technology companies will be something you can pull up on your mobile phone as an app or part of your digital wallet.

“It’s about trying to digitize a process that happens now and make it into something that allows for more harmony and ease, making it easier for people to travel between countries without having to pull out different papers for different countries and different documents at different checkpoints,” said Nick Careen, senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security at IATA. Careen has been leading IATA’s travel pass initiative.

IATA is one of several organizations that have been working on digital solutions to streamline the travel credentialing process for years; during the pandemic, these groups have focused on including vaccination status. The idea is that if you have all the pertinent information on your phone, a significant amount of time will be saved.

In addition to IATA, IBM has been developing its own Digital Health Pass that would enable individuals to present proof of vaccination or a negative test to gain access to a public location, such as a sports stadium, airplane, university or workplace. The pass, built on IBM’s blockchain technology, can utilize multiple data types, including temperature checks, virus exposure notifications, test results and vaccine status. The World Economic Forum and the Commons Project Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit group, have been testing a digital health passport called CommonPass, which would allow travelers to access testing or vaccination information. The pass would generate a QR code that could be shown to authorities.

Why would I need a vaccine pass or passport?

As more people are inoculated, there will likely be aspects of public life in which only people who have been vaccinated are allowed to participate. Take the upcoming Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida, where a significant portion of attendees will be vaccinated health care workers. (Careen of IATA said that sporting organizations, concert venues and tourism agencies have all reached out for identification tech support.)

In order to travel internationally, government and health authorities will need to know if you have been vaccinated or have tested negative for the virus. Many countries are already requiring proof of a negative test for entry. Such passes could be essential to restarting the tourism industry, said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

“One key element vital for the restart of tourism is consistency and harmonization of rules and protocols regarding international travel,” he said in an email. “Evidence of vaccination, for example, through the coordinated introduction of what may be called ‘health passports’ can offer this. They can also eliminate the need for quarantine on arrival, a policy which is also standing in the way of the return of international tourism.”

Dakota Gruener, executive director of ID2020, a global public-private partnership, said that there are three scenarios regarding digital credentialing for the coronavirus response. The first, which is largely off the table, is the creation of immunity certificates. These are documents that would show that people have developed some kind of immunity to the virus. The second scenario is being able to prove you’ve tested negative for the virus; the third is being able to show that you have been vaccinated. The last two scenarios, experts agree, are the most important for getting the travel industry going again.

“We’re seeing a lot of interest from airlines, airline industry groups, customs and border control agencies and travelers, all saying, ‘How do I safely get on a plane or as a condition of entry into a country, get on a train, whatever the case may be, and prove that I have been tested or vaccinated?’” Gruener said.

Gruener is one expert in a World Health Organization-sponsored group tasked with establishing global standards for digital vaccination certificates.

Has this been done before?

Having to prove you’ve been vaccinated in order to participate in activities or enter certain countries is not a new concept. For decades, people traveling to some countries have had to prove that they have been vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, rubella and cholera. Often, after being vaccinated, travelers received a signed and stamped “yellow card,” known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still urge people to take on relevant trips.

“Everybody who has traveled internationally to countries that require vaccination against malaria, diphtheria and other things has had yellow cards,” said Brian Behlendorf, executive director of Linux Foundation Public Health, a technology-focused organization helping public health authorities combat COVID-19 around the world. Its focus is helping projects, communities and companies build open-source technology. “Parents with kids in public school have had to prove their kids have been vaccinated. This is not something new.”

But a major difference between the yellow card of years past and what is being worked on now is the digital component, which comes with new concerns around privacy and accessibility. The Linux Foundation is working in partnership with the COVID-19 Credentials Initiative, a collective of more than 300 people from five continents to help develop universal standards for vaccine credential apps that make them accessible and equitable. The foundation is also working with IBM and CommonPass.

“As these things get rolled out, it’s important for citizens to ask governments and airlines: How do we make this easy so I have one vaccination record to book a flight, hotel and so I can use that to do some other things,” Behlendorf said. “It should work like email. If it doesn’t, agitate for it.”

Do vaccine passports have to be digital?

Vaccine passports don’t have to be digital, but they would make the travel process smoother.

“Imagine a future where a plane lands in an airport and a hundred people have a travel pass, 100 have another health wallet, 50 have bits of paper and another 25 have some kind of government document,” said Jamie Smith, senior director of business development at Evernym, a developer that has been working with IATA and others on developing a vaccine pass. “What does the airport do? How do they process all those people in a standard, simple way?”

The European Union’s law enforcement agency said this week that sales of fake negative test results are becoming more widespread, another reason the industry is trying to develop digital passes that are secure.

What are the objections to vaccine passports?

In a world where more than 1 billion people aren’t able to prove their identity because they lack passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses or national identification cards, digital documents that show vaccine status may heighten inequality and risk, leaving many people behind. That concern has been at the heart of Gruener’s work.

“Long predating COVID, we were working on the intersection of digital credentials and immunization,” she said. “It’ll be years before vaccines are universally available on a global level, and thus widespread testing is going to continue and must continue alongside vaccination to enable a safe and equitable return to travel and other public activities.”

For those without smartphones, the industry says it will accept paper proof, but even that needs to be standardized.

In addition, there are concerns about privacy and data sharing.

“There are ways this could be done right or done terribly wrong and the wrong ways could lead us to a techno dystopia,” said Jenny Wanger, director of programs at the Linux Foundation, adding that it’s important that the tech-building aspect of these apps be done in the open and doesn’t end up in the control of any one government or company. The technology should be open source and accessible to technologists, no matter who they are or where they are, she and others said.

What are the challenges to creating these digital passes?

Technologists and travel industry experts said that although it is possible to rush tech solutions that allow people to have one-use apps, creating long-lasting ethical technology or systems that will not store people’s data, or make it possible to track where they are, takes time.

“The global passport system took 50 years to develop,” said Drummond Reed, chief trust officer for Evernym. “Even when they wanted to add biometrics to that to make it stronger, that took over a decade to agree on just how you’re going to add a fingerprint or a facial biometric to be verified on a passport. Now, in a very short period of time, we need to produce a digital credential that can be as universally recognized as a passport and it needs an even greater level of privacy because it’s going to be digital.”

Among governments and those in the travel industry, a new term has entered the vocabulary: vaccine passport. One of President Joe Biden’s executive orders aimed at curbing the pandemic asks government agencies to “assess the feasibility” of linking coronavirus vaccine certificates with other vaccination documents, and producing digital versions of them.

Among governments and those in the travel industry, a new term has entered the vocabulary: vaccine passport. One of President Joe Biden’s executive orders aimed at curbing the pandemic asks government agencies to “assess the feasibility” of linking coronavirus vaccine certificates with other vaccination documents, and producing digital versions of them. Denmark’s government said Wednesday that in the next three to four months, it will roll out a digital passport that will allow citizens to show they have been vaccinated. It isn’t just governments that are suggesting vaccine passports. In a few weeks, Etihad Airways and Emirates will start using a digital travel pass, developed by the International Air Transport Association, to help passengers manage their travel plans and provide airlines and governments documentation that they have been vaccinated or tested for COVID-19. The challenge right now is creating a document or app that is accepted around the world, that protects privacy and is accessible to people regardless of their wealth or access to smartphones. Here’s what we know about the current status of digital vaccine passports. What is a vaccine pass or passport? A vaccination pass or passport is documentation proving that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Some versions will also allow people to show that they have tested negative for the virus, and therefore can more easily travel. The versions being worked on now by airlines, industry groups, nonprofits and technology companies will be something you can pull up on your mobile phone as an app or part of your digital wallet. “It’s about trying to digitize a process that happens now and make it into something that allows for more harmony and ease, making it easier for people to travel between countries without having to pull out different papers for different countries and different documents at different checkpoints,” said Nick Careen, senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security at IATA. Careen has been leading IATA’s travel pass initiative. IATA is one of several organizations that have been working on digital solutions to streamline the travel credentialing process for years; during the pandemic, these groups have focused on including vaccination status. The idea is that if you have all the pertinent information on your phone, a significant amount of time will be saved. In addition to IATA, IBM has been developing its own Digital Health Pass that would enable individuals to present proof of vaccination or a negative test to gain access to a public location, such as a sports stadium, airplane, university or workplace. The pass, built on IBM’s blockchain technology, can utilize multiple data types, including temperature checks, virus exposure notifications, test results and vaccine status. The World Economic Forum and the Commons Project Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit group, have been testing a digital health passport called CommonPass, which would allow travelers to access testing or vaccination information. The pass would generate a QR code that could be shown to authorities. Why would I need a vaccine pass or passport? As more people are inoculated, there will likely be aspects of public life in which only people who have been vaccinated are allowed to participate. Take the upcoming Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida, where a significant portion of attendees will be vaccinated health care workers. (Careen of IATA said that sporting organizations, concert venues and tourism agencies have all reached out for identification tech support.) In order to travel internationally, government and health authorities will need to know if you have been vaccinated or have tested negative for the virus. Many countries are already requiring proof of a negative test for entry. Such passes could be essential to restarting the tourism industry, said Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. “One key element vital for the restart of tourism is consistency and harmonization of rules and protocols regarding international travel,” he said in an email. “Evidence of vaccination, for example, through the coordinated introduction of what may be called ‘health passports’ can offer this. They can also eliminate the need for quarantine on arrival, a policy which is also standing in the way of the return of international tourism.” Dakota Gruener, executive director of ID2020, a global public-private partnership, said that there are three scenarios regarding digital credentialing for the coronavirus response. The first, which is largely off the table, is the creation of immunity certificates. These are documents that would show that people have developed some kind of immunity to the virus. The second scenario is being able to prove you’ve tested negative for the virus; the third is being able to show that you have been vaccinated. The last two scenarios, experts agree, are the most important for getting the travel industry going again. “We’re seeing a lot of interest from airlines, airline industry groups, customs and border control agencies and travelers, all saying, ‘How do I safely get on a plane or as a condition of entry into a country, get on a train, whatever the case may be, and prove that I have been tested or vaccinated?’” Gruener said. Gruener is one expert in a World Health Organization-sponsored group tasked with establishing global standards for digital vaccination certificates. Has this been done before? Having to prove you’ve been vaccinated in order to participate in activities or enter certain countries is not a new concept. For decades, people traveling to some countries have had to prove that they have been vaccinated against diseases such as yellow fever, rubella and cholera. Often, after being vaccinated, travelers received a signed and stamped “yellow card,” known as an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still urge people to take on relevant trips. “Everybody who has traveled internationally to countries that require vaccination against malaria, diphtheria and other things has had yellow cards,” said Brian Behlendorf, executive director of Linux Foundation Public Health, a technology-focused organization helping public health authorities combat COVID-19 around the world. Its focus is helping projects, communities and companies build open-source technology. “Parents with kids in public school have had to prove their kids have been vaccinated. This is not something new.” But a major difference between the yellow card of years past and what is being worked on now is the digital component, which comes with new concerns around privacy and accessibility. The Linux Foundation is working in partnership with the COVID-19 Credentials Initiative, a collective of more than 300 people from five continents to help develop universal standards for vaccine credential apps that make them accessible and equitable. The foundation is also working with IBM and CommonPass. “As these things get rolled out, it’s important for citizens to ask governments and airlines: How do we make this easy so I have one vaccination record to book a flight, hotel and so I can use that to do some other things,” Behlendorf said. “It should work like email. If it doesn’t, agitate for it.” Do vaccine passports have to be digital? Vaccine passports don’t have to be digital, but they would make the travel process smoother. “Imagine a future where a plane lands in an airport and a hundred people have a travel pass, 100 have another health wallet, 50 have bits of paper and another 25 have some kind of government document,” said Jamie Smith, senior director of business development at Evernym, a developer that has been working with IATA and others on developing a vaccine pass. “What does the airport do? How do they process all those people in a standard, simple way?” The European Union’s law enforcement agency said this week that sales of fake negative test results are becoming more widespread, another reason the industry is trying to develop digital passes that are secure. What are the objections to vaccine passports? In a world where more than 1 billion people aren’t able to prove their identity because they lack passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses or national identification cards, digital documents that show vaccine status may heighten inequality and risk, leaving many people behind. That concern has been at the heart of Gruener’s work. “Long predating COVID, we were working on the intersection of digital credentials and immunization,” she said. “It’ll be years before vaccines are universally available on a global level, and thus widespread testing is going to continue and must continue alongside vaccination to enable a safe and equitable return to travel and other public activities.” For those without smartphones, the industry says it will accept paper proof, but even that needs to be standardized. In addition, there are concerns about privacy and data sharing. “There are ways this could be done right or done terribly wrong and the wrong ways could lead us to a techno dystopia,” said Jenny Wanger, director of programs at the Linux Foundation, adding that it’s important that the tech-building aspect of these apps be done in the open and doesn’t end up in the control of any one government or company. The technology should be open source and accessible to technologists, no matter who they are or where they are, she and others said. What are the challenges to creating these digital passes? Technologists and travel industry experts said that although it is possible to rush tech solutions that allow people to have one-use apps, creating long-lasting ethical technology or systems that will not store people’s data, or make it possible to track where they are, takes time. “The global passport system took 50 years to develop,” said Drummond Reed, chief trust officer for Evernym. “Even when they wanted to add biometrics to that to make it stronger, that took over a decade to agree on just how you’re going to add a fingerprint or a facial biometric to be verified on a passport. Now, in a very short period of time, we need to produce a digital credential that can be as universally recognized as a passport and it needs an even greater level of privacy because it’s going to be digital.”

Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks.

Anyone in the UK can register with local doctors and get access to free frontline medical care, without having to worry about their immigration status in the country.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poorer-regions-of-uk-struggling-to-control-coronavirus-cases-study-361975">&nbsp;Poorer regions of UK struggling to control coronavirus cases: Study</a>

"Coronavirus vaccines will be offered to everyone living in the UK free of charge, regardless of immigration status," a spokeswoman for the government announced.

While the interior ministry receives regular data about the individuals who need to be deported due to their immigration status, this time the health ministry has directed the National Health Service (NHS) and the interior ministry that the people turning up for testing and/or treatment, including vaccination, should not be subjected to any immigration checks.

"Those registered with a GP (general practitioner) are being contacted at the earliest opportunity and we are working closely with partners and external organisations to contact those who are not registered with a GP to ensure they are also offered the vaccine," the government said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eeek-new-mutations-in-uk-worry-experts-as-virus-surge-continues-360992" hreflang="en">'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues</a>

This declaration has come at a time when the country is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus, especially after the identification of the new strain.

Britain was one fo the first countries to start the mass vaccination programme for its locals and has since vaccinated more than 11 million people. However, the country fears it will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating at least 15 million people by the end of this week.

For now, the Boris Johnson-led country is using the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines.

The government is urging undocumented immigrants to get registered with the local doctors and get checked, treated and vaccinated against the deadly virus. While it is not yet completely clear as to how many undocumented people are residing in the country, the figure is being assumed to be as high as 1.3 million.

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks.

In a piece of hopeful news, the government of the UK has assured that all undocumented migrants will be able to get vaccines against coronavirus without being subjected to status checks. Anyone in the UK can register with local doctors and get access to free frontline medical care, without having to worry about their immigration status in the country. Also read| Poorer regions of UK struggling to control coronavirus cases: Study "Coronavirus vaccines will be offered to everyone living in the UK free of charge, regardless of immigration status," a spokeswoman for the government announced. While the interior ministry receives regular data about the individuals who need to be deported due to their immigration status, this time the health ministry has directed the National Health Service (NHS) and the interior ministry that the people turning up for testing and/or treatment, including vaccination, should not be subjected to any immigration checks. "Those registered with a GP (general practitioner) are being contacted at the earliest opportunity and we are working closely with partners and external organisations to contact those who are not registered with a GP to ensure they are also offered the vaccine," the government said. Also read| 'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues This declaration has come at a time when the country is struggling to contain the widespread of the deadly coronavirus, especially after the identification of the new strain. Britain was one fo the first countries to start the mass vaccination programme for its locals and has since vaccinated more than 11 million people. However, the country fears it will not be able to meet its target of vaccinating at least 15 million people by the end of this week. For now, the Boris Johnson-led country is using the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines. The government is urging undocumented immigrants to get registered with the local doctors and get checked, treated and vaccinated against the deadly virus. While it is not yet completely clear as to how many undocumented people are residing in the country, the figure is being assumed to be as high as 1.3 million.

Undocumented immigrants to get free access to COVID vaccines too: UK govt

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.&nbsp;

The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-12000-covid-19-cases-reported-in-one-day-78-new-fatalities-361928" hreflang="en">Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities</a>

The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic.

With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/25-countries-in-queue-for-made-in-india-covid-19-vaccine-jaishankar-361772" hreflang="en">25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar</a>

So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses.

In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers.

India on Sunday gifted Afghanistan 500,000 doses of made-in-India coronavirus vaccines. The vaccines will be used to vaccinate Afghan Security forces and health workers. The vaccine contingent reached on an Air India plane at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International airport and was handed over by India's Cd'A Raghuram S to the country's acting minister of Public Health Waheed Majroh. India is the first country to send COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. Also read| Over 12,000 COVID-19 cases reported in one day, 78 new fatalities The Indian mission in a statement said, "India is the first responder to deliver covid vaccines to Afghanistan". Last year during the pandemic, India gifted 20 MT of COVID-19 vaccines to Afghanistan. It also sent 75,000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food amid the pandemic. With the notable exception of Pakistan, due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbours have been gifted COVID-19 vaccines by New Delhi. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan began their vaccination programme using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine. Also read| 25 countries in queue for 'Made in India' COVID-19 vaccine: Jaishankar So far, India has supplied vaccines to 17 countries, both as gifts and commercially. These are Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Brazil, Morocco, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Kuwait, and South Africa. With Afghanistan being the 18th country to get India's vaccine. Supplies gifted amount to 56 lakh doses and commercial supplies amount to over 100 lakh doses. In the coming weeks, Indian vaccines are scheduled to reach CARICOM countries (the Caribbean), Pacific Island States, Nicaragua, Mongolia, etc. 60 per cent of global vaccines are produced by India, and apart from COVID-19 vaccines, India is the largest supplier of DPT, BCG and measles vaccines. The world health organization sources 70 per cent of its vaccine needs from India.

Afghan security forces, health workers to be vaccinated using India-made COVID vaccines

South Africa welcomed its first batch of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Vice President David Mabuza, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, Jaideep Sarkar received the first consignment of one million jabs of the vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471" hreflang="en">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

The arrival of the first consignment marks the start of the vaccine rollout which President Ramaphosa describes as the largest and most complex logistical vaccine undertaking in South Africa’s history.&nbsp;

The scale of delivery is unprecedented in terms of the number of people who have to be reached within a short space of time, Ramaphosa said.

The first phase of this rollout programme will prioritise around 1.2 million frontline health workers.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-schools-to-stay-closed-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-358541" hreflang="en">South Africa: Schools to stay closed amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

This batch of vaccine will go through technical processes, including quality assurance and stock reconciliation. It will take over 10 to 14 days before distributing to provinces, Zweli Mkhize, Minister, Department of Health previously said.

President Ramaphosa is set to address the nation tonight on developments in relation to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

As on Sunday, the country registered 1.45 million cases and 44,164 deaths.&nbsp;

South Africa welcomed its first batch of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Vice President David Mabuza, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, Jaideep Sarkar received the first consignment of one million jabs of the vaccine.

South Africa welcomed its first batch of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) on Monday. President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy Vice President David Mabuza, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, Indian High Commissioner to South Africa, Jaideep Sarkar received the first consignment of one million jabs of the vaccine. Also read| SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines The arrival of the first consignment marks the start of the vaccine rollout which President Ramaphosa describes as the largest and most complex logistical vaccine undertaking in South Africa’s history. The scale of delivery is unprecedented in terms of the number of people who have to be reached within a short space of time, Ramaphosa said. The first phase of this rollout programme will prioritise around 1.2 million frontline health workers. Also read| South Africa: Schools to stay closed amid surge in coronavirus cases This batch of vaccine will go through technical processes, including quality assurance and stock reconciliation. It will take over 10 to 14 days before distributing to provinces, Zweli Mkhize, Minister, Department of Health previously said. President Ramaphosa is set to address the nation tonight on developments in relation to the country’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. As on Sunday, the country registered 1.45 million cases and 44,164 deaths.

South Africa welcomes its first batch of coronavirus vaccine from India

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely.

The program, believed to be the first of its kind among the Group of 7 industrialized nations, has already attracted the attention of the Biden administration.

The 12 companies, including Canada’s biggest airline and grocery chain, have worked together for four months, creating a 400-page operating manual on how to run rapid antigen tests in various work settings. They began piloting the tests in their workplaces this month and expect to expand the program to 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses.

They also plan to share their test results with government health authorities, greatly raising test counts in the country and providing an informal study of the virus’s spread among asymptomatic people.

“It’s like wartime — people get together to do something that’s in the interest of everybody,” said Marc Mageau, senior vice president of refining and logistics with Suncor Energy, the country’s largest oil producer, which introduced the testing to its employees this month.

The program faces some inherent challenges — after an outbreak last year at the White House, antigen tests became known for generating both false negatives and a false sense of security. They are also in short supply in Canada, with some experts arguing they should be reserved for schools and nursing homes rather than nonessential businesses.

While vaccines are considered the world’s best weapon for defeating the pandemic, most experts believe it will take months, if not a full year, for Canada to reach vaccination levels that allow workplaces to safely return to their pre-COVID operations.

Canada is in the grip of a second pandemic wave that has driven infections to record levels and deaths to about 19,800. In response, many parts of the country are in lockdown, with restaurants, theaters and nonessential retail shops closed.

The Canadian economy has contracted about 5% during the pandemic. Some industries, like real estate and manufacturing, have done well, but employment has plummeted at others, like entertainment and hospitality, which depend on public crowds.

“Think about downtown Toronto: No one is there anymore. Entertainment — it’s all stopped,” said Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management at the University of Toronto who acted as an adviser on the project and is the author of “The Pandemic Information Gap: The Brutal Economics of COVID-19.”

“The time has come to work out how to actually reopen the sectors that have been closed,” he said.

The companies in the consortium were brought together in the spring by Ajay Agrawal, founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, which helps science and technology startups. They were inspired by the most Canadian of muses: author Margaret Atwood.

“How soon can we have a cheap, buy-it-at-the-drugstore, self-administered test?” Atwood asked last May during a virtual meeting of business leaders and others tasked with brainstorming ideas for economic recovery during the pandemic.

The problem, the group posited, was the “information gap” — since there was no way to tell who might be an asymptomatic carrier, everyone was treated as a potential threat.

Atwood envisioned something like a home pregnancy test.

“That would be a game changer,” she said.

Realizing that the government was overwhelmed by the health crisis, the group decided to take on the task itself, forming a consortium led by Creative Destruction Lab.

The group focused on antigen tests because of their speed, price and utility: They can produce results in minutes, don’t require a laboratory and, in Canada, can cost between $5 and about $20.

But they are less accurate, and produce more false negatives, than the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests, which can cost 20 times as much. The three antigen tests approved for use in Canada flag between 84% and 96.7% of the people infected with the virus.

In Britain, antigen tests used in a mass testing campaign identified just two-fifths of the coronavirus cases detected by PCR tests.

For that reason, many experts in Canada and elsewhere initially argued it was wiser to expand PCR testing. But, as the pandemic stretched on and the country failed to reach its testing targets, that thinking has changed, said Dr. Irfan Dhalla, co-chair of the Canadian advisory panel on testing and screening for COVID-19, which recommended the country increase the use of rapid tests.

“A rapid antigen test is clearly better than no test at all, as long as it is not used as a free pass,” Dhalla said. “Whether it’s a workplace or a school, you still have to wear a mask and you still have to physically distance as much as you can.”

Consortium members hope in the long run that the testing program will help reduce infection rates enough to permit a return to crowded restaurants and boardroom meetings. But in the meantime, they plan on using the tests as an added layer of protection — on top of wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and pre-screening employees so those with symptoms stay home.

The companies in the consortium are also testing their employees twice a week, increasing the chances of picking up positive cases.

“Everyone is looking for a silver bullet. We’ve realized it doesn’t exist. This isn’t it either,” conceded Laura Rosella, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University o

In September, more than 100 employees from the consortium began working together, at their companies’ expense, to draft a plan. Two retired generals volunteered to help manage logistics.

In November, the group registered as a nonprofit organization called CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, with each company contributing $230,000 for operational costs.

Working in teams, the employees researched some 50 different antigen tests emerging around the world, analyzed what was needed for a screening program — from staffing to the number of gowns — and estimated the overall cost.

The resulting 400-page operating manual includes everything from an example of an employee invitation to join the program and a standard consent form, to the detailed shopping list of materials required to run a program.

One hurdle has been acquiring tests. They have had to get them from the government because they are not widely available in Canada yet, and there is a great demand from schools and nursing homes.

“Let’s get tests there first,” Dhalla said, referring to schools, nursing homes and essential workplaces. “As we gain experience, then we can talk about getting people back to work, where working from home is an option.”

In January, five of the companies began to pilot the program in settings as different as pharmacies and radio stations. So far, some 400 employees have volunteered, and almost 1,900 tests have been conducted. Only three have come back positive, according to Sonia Sennik, executive director of the Creative Destruction Lab and the enthusiastic quarterback of the project.

“They didn’t go into the workplace and potentially spread something,” Sennik said. “We broke the chain of transmission three times.”

The companies have found the program reduces employee anxiety not only about coming to work, but also about returning home each day, she said.

“I feel relief,” said Mohamed Gaballa, an Air Canada employee who completed the test during a break at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Within 15 minutes, this popped up on email: “Your screening result is negative. You may carry on with your day.”

“This has been a missing piece in Canada for far too long,” said Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents 110,000 small and medium-sized businesses.

Small businesses face many more hurdles to implement a program like this, even given the leg up from a 400-page manual, he said. There is the cost of the tests, but more important, of the staff to administer them.

Kelly imagined the program wouldn’t work at restaurants and busy stores — places where unscreened customers far outnumber screened employees, unless the plan was to test them too. But, in kitchens, small warehouses, small manufacturing shops and offices, “this testing could be quite helpful,” he said.

“Under normal circumstances, the idea of small companies doing employee-based testing for anything would be a fantasy,” said Kelly, who sits on the federal government’s industry advisory group on COVID-19 testing. “But in this case, given the degree of desperation to get or stay open among small-business owners, there is a potential appetite for it.”

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely.

As frustration mounts in Canada at the leaden weight of lockdowns and the glacial pace of vaccinations, a consortium of some of the country’s largest companies has launched a rapid testing program with the aim of protecting their 350,000 employees and publishing a playbook for businesses across Canada on how to reopen safely. The program, believed to be the first of its kind among the Group of 7 industrialized nations, has already attracted the attention of the Biden administration. The 12 companies, including Canada’s biggest airline and grocery chain, have worked together for four months, creating a 400-page operating manual on how to run rapid antigen tests in various work settings. They began piloting the tests in their workplaces this month and expect to expand the program to 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses. They also plan to share their test results with government health authorities, greatly raising test counts in the country and providing an informal study of the virus’s spread among asymptomatic people. “It’s like wartime — people get together to do something that’s in the interest of everybody,” said Marc Mageau, senior vice president of refining and logistics with Suncor Energy, the country’s largest oil producer, which introduced the testing to its employees this month. The program faces some inherent challenges — after an outbreak last year at the White House, antigen tests became known for generating both false negatives and a false sense of security. They are also in short supply in Canada, with some experts arguing they should be reserved for schools and nursing homes rather than nonessential businesses. While vaccines are considered the world’s best weapon for defeating the pandemic, most experts believe it will take months, if not a full year, for Canada to reach vaccination levels that allow workplaces to safely return to their pre-COVID operations. Canada is in the grip of a second pandemic wave that has driven infections to record levels and deaths to about 19,800. In response, many parts of the country are in lockdown, with restaurants, theaters and nonessential retail shops closed. The Canadian economy has contracted about 5% during the pandemic. Some industries, like real estate and manufacturing, have done well, but employment has plummeted at others, like entertainment and hospitality, which depend on public crowds. “Think about downtown Toronto: No one is there anymore. Entertainment — it’s all stopped,” said Joshua Gans, a professor of strategic management at the University of Toronto who acted as an adviser on the project and is the author of “The Pandemic Information Gap: The Brutal Economics of COVID-19.” “The time has come to work out how to actually reopen the sectors that have been closed,” he said. The companies in the consortium were brought together in the spring by Ajay Agrawal, founder of the University of Toronto’s Creative Destruction Lab, which helps science and technology startups. They were inspired by the most Canadian of muses: author Margaret Atwood. “How soon can we have a cheap, buy-it-at-the-drugstore, self-administered test?” Atwood asked last May during a virtual meeting of business leaders and others tasked with brainstorming ideas for economic recovery during the pandemic. The problem, the group posited, was the “information gap” — since there was no way to tell who might be an asymptomatic carrier, everyone was treated as a potential threat. Atwood envisioned something like a home pregnancy test. “That would be a game changer,” she said. Realizing that the government was overwhelmed by the health crisis, the group decided to take on the task itself, forming a consortium led by Creative Destruction Lab. The group focused on antigen tests because of their speed, price and utility: They can produce results in minutes, don’t require a laboratory and, in Canada, can cost between $5 and about $20. But they are less accurate, and produce more false negatives, than the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, tests, which can cost 20 times as much. The three antigen tests approved for use in Canada flag between 84% and 96.7% of the people infected with the virus. In Britain, antigen tests used in a mass testing campaign identified just two-fifths of the coronavirus cases detected by PCR tests. For that reason, many experts in Canada and elsewhere initially argued it was wiser to expand PCR testing. But, as the pandemic stretched on and the country failed to reach its testing targets, that thinking has changed, said Dr. Irfan Dhalla, co-chair of the Canadian advisory panel on testing and screening for COVID-19, which recommended the country increase the use of rapid tests. “A rapid antigen test is clearly better than no test at all, as long as it is not used as a free pass,” Dhalla said. “Whether it’s a workplace or a school, you still have to wear a mask and you still have to physically distance as much as you can.” Consortium members hope in the long run that the testing program will help reduce infection rates enough to permit a return to crowded restaurants and boardroom meetings. But in the meantime, they plan on using the tests as an added layer of protection — on top of wearing masks, engaging in social distancing and pre-screening employees so those with symptoms stay home. The companies in the consortium are also testing their employees twice a week, increasing the chances of picking up positive cases. “Everyone is looking for a silver bullet. We’ve realized it doesn’t exist. This isn’t it either,” conceded Laura Rosella, an associate professor of epidemiology at the University o In September, more than 100 employees from the consortium began working together, at their companies’ expense, to draft a plan. Two retired generals volunteered to help manage logistics. In November, the group registered as a nonprofit organization called CDL Rapid Screening Consortium, with each company contributing $230,000 for operational costs. Working in teams, the employees researched some 50 different antigen tests emerging around the world, analyzed what was needed for a screening program — from staffing to the number of gowns — and estimated the overall cost. The resulting 400-page operating manual includes everything from an example of an employee invitation to join the program and a standard consent form, to the detailed shopping list of materials required to run a program. One hurdle has been acquiring tests. They have had to get them from the government because they are not widely available in Canada yet, and there is a great demand from schools and nursing homes. “Let’s get tests there first,” Dhalla said, referring to schools, nursing homes and essential workplaces. “As we gain experience, then we can talk about getting people back to work, where working from home is an option.” In January, five of the companies began to pilot the program in settings as different as pharmacies and radio stations. So far, some 400 employees have volunteered, and almost 1,900 tests have been conducted. Only three have come back positive, according to Sonia Sennik, executive director of the Creative Destruction Lab and the enthusiastic quarterback of the project. “They didn’t go into the workplace and potentially spread something,” Sennik said. “We broke the chain of transmission three times.” The companies have found the program reduces employee anxiety not only about coming to work, but also about returning home each day, she said. “I feel relief,” said Mohamed Gaballa, an Air Canada employee who completed the test during a break at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Within 15 minutes, this popped up on email: “Your screening result is negative. You may carry on with your day.” “This has been a missing piece in Canada for far too long,” said Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, which represents 110,000 small and medium-sized businesses. Small businesses face many more hurdles to implement a program like this, even given the leg up from a 400-page manual, he said. There is the cost of the tests, but more important, of the staff to administer them. Kelly imagined the program wouldn’t work at restaurants and busy stores — places where unscreened customers far outnumber screened employees, unless the plan was to test them too. But, in kitchens, small warehouses, small manufacturing shops and offices, “this testing could be quite helpful,” he said. “Under normal circumstances, the idea of small companies doing employee-based testing for anything would be a fantasy,” said Kelly, who sits on the federal government’s industry advisory group on COVID-19 testing. “But in this case, given the degree of desperation to get or stay open among small-business owners, there is a potential appetite for it.”

‘Like wartime’: Canadian companies unite to start mass virus testing

Israel started one of the biggest and most widespread coronavirus vaccines drives nearly a month ago. The vaccine drive may have led to a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases now, studies suggest.

As per the statistics, one in three Israelies has received at least the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine, in a population of nearly nine million people. This has been one of the biggest inoculation drives yet.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-send-5000-vaccine-doses-to-palestinians-health-ministry-360445" hreflang="en">Israel to send 5,000 vaccine doses to Palestinians: Health ministry</a>

After being administered with the vaccine, only 317 people out of 715,425 (0.04 per cent) have been infected by the deadly coronavirus within a week. Of the vaccinated people, nearly 16 (0.002 per cent) had to be hospitalised. These figures have been provided by Israel's health ministry.

Another smaller-level (and independent) study has revealed that only 31 people out of 163,000 have been infected by the deadly virus after being vaccinated. This, when compared to 6,500 infections in the unvaccinated people, comes as a relief.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-in-war-with-very-low-intelligence-says-israel-minister-on-coronavirus-vaccination-359920">We are in war with very low intelligence, says Israel minister on coronavirus vaccination</a>

This data has been released almost a month after the Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has been promised continuous and faster deliveries of coronavirus vaccines by pharmaceutical companies in exchange for 'statistical data' which will help the companies understand how can their product put a stop to this deadly pandemic.

Israel has managed to administer both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine in the main vulnerable population, which includes people in their 70s and 60s.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-mass-vaccination-drive-helping-in-decreasing-coronavirus-cases-study-360465" hreflang="en">Israel's mass vaccination drive helping in decreasing coronavirus cases: Study</a>

As of now, the Netanyahu-run country is administering the vaccine to nearly 200,000 people on a daily basis. The government had also recently announced that it will now be administering the vaccine to all citizens over the age of 35.

The government has also suggested administering a job of the vaccine to secondary school students — aged between 16 and 18 — with the aim of keeping them safe when they appear for examinations.&nbsp;

Israel started one of the biggest and most widespread coronavirus vaccines drives nearly a month ago. The vaccine drive may have led to a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases now, studies suggest.

Israel started one of the biggest and most widespread coronavirus vaccines drives nearly a month ago. The vaccine drive may have led to a decrease in the number of coronavirus cases now, studies suggest. As per the statistics, one in three Israelies has received at least the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine, in a population of nearly nine million people. This has been one of the biggest inoculation drives yet. Also read| Israel to send 5,000 vaccine doses to Palestinians: Health ministry After being administered with the vaccine, only 317 people out of 715,425 (0.04 per cent) have been infected by the deadly coronavirus within a week. Of the vaccinated people, nearly 16 (0.002 per cent) had to be hospitalised. These figures have been provided by Israel's health ministry. Another smaller-level (and independent) study has revealed that only 31 people out of 163,000 have been infected by the deadly virus after being vaccinated. This, when compared to 6,500 infections in the unvaccinated people, comes as a relief. Also read| We are in war with very low intelligence, says Israel minister on coronavirus vaccination This data has been released almost a month after the Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has been promised continuous and faster deliveries of coronavirus vaccines by pharmaceutical companies in exchange for 'statistical data' which will help the companies understand how can their product put a stop to this deadly pandemic. Israel has managed to administer both doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine in the main vulnerable population, which includes people in their 70s and 60s. Also read| Israel's mass vaccination drive helping in decreasing coronavirus cases: Study As of now, the Netanyahu-run country is administering the vaccine to nearly 200,000 people on a daily basis. The government had also recently announced that it will now be administering the vaccine to all citizens over the age of 35. The government has also suggested administering a job of the vaccine to secondary school students — aged between 16 and 18 — with the aim of keeping them safe when they appear for examinations.

Israel's mass vaccination drive helping in decreasing coronavirus cases: Study

After several international governments and organisations urged the Israel government to make sure the Palestinians are vaccinated, Israel's defence ministry has announced that it will be sending thousands of doses to the Palestinian authority.

Nearly 5,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines will be sent to the Palestinian Authority to make sure medical personnel can be inoculated.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-by-israel-army-in-attempted-knife-attack-in-west-bank-360403">Palestinian killed by Israel army in attempted knife attack in West Bank</a>

"I confirm we are going to send 5,000 vaccines to medical teams in the Palestinian Authority," said a spokesperson for Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, has not publically sought help from the Israel government for the COVID-19 vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-in-war-with-very-low-intelligence-says-israel-minister-on-coronavirus-vaccination-359920">We are in war with very low intelligence, says Israel minister on coronavirus vaccination</a>

However, the Palestine Liberation Organization has alleged Israel for the shortage of vaccines and has urged international organisations to "hold Israel to account" and has also requested the international community to ensure all Palestinians living under Israeli occupation get properly vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has announced plans to procure vaccines from four providers, including Russia's Sputnik V.

The United Nations and Jordan's King Abdullah II also urged the Netanyahu-led government to provide vaccination to the 2.8 million Palestinians in the West Bank and two million in Gaza.

After several international governments and organisations urged the Israel government to make sure the Palestinians are vaccinated, Israel's defence ministry has announced that it will be sending thousands of doses to the Palestinian authority.

After several international governments and organisations urged the Israel government to make sure the Palestinians are vaccinated, Israel's defence ministry has announced that it will be sending thousands of doses to the Palestinian authority. Nearly 5,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines will be sent to the Palestinian Authority to make sure medical personnel can be inoculated. Also read| Palestinian killed by Israel army in attempted knife attack in West Bank "I confirm we are going to send 5,000 vaccines to medical teams in the Palestinian Authority," said a spokesperson for Defence Minister Benny Gantz. The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, has not publically sought help from the Israel government for the COVID-19 vaccines. Also read| We are in war with very low intelligence, says Israel minister on coronavirus vaccination However, the Palestine Liberation Organization has alleged Israel for the shortage of vaccines and has urged international organisations to "hold Israel to account" and has also requested the international community to ensure all Palestinians living under Israeli occupation get properly vaccinated. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority has announced plans to procure vaccines from four providers, including Russia's Sputnik V. The United Nations and Jordan's King Abdullah II also urged the Netanyahu-led government to provide vaccination to the 2.8 million Palestinians in the West Bank and two million in Gaza.

Israel to send 5,000 vaccine doses to Palestinians: Health ministry

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN. Once approved by the local regulator, India is expected to donate some doses and open the doors for exports in commercial terms, as are being done currently by Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers.

India's envoy to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran in a tweet said, "A moment of pride for Indian R&amp;D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in the Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A moment of pride for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Indian</a> R&amp;D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Philippines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Philippines</a>, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible! <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ICMRDELHI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICMRDELHI</a> <a href="https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN">https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN</a>
— Shambhu Kumaran (@shambhukumaran) <a href="https://twitter.com/shambhukumaran/status/1352223698938302464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The local drug regulatory authorities are looking for more clinical data from phase three trials and efficacy data. Phase III human clinical trials of COVAXIN began mid-November. The development is seen as a major step when it comes to India's vaccine exports and a boost to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliance).&nbsp;

The EUA was applied as a part of "pro-active" action and an immediate approval will be issued as soon as the data comes. A delay in such action also means an impact on commercial deals in a very competitive coronavirus vaccine market. Interestingly, the Philippines already had a deal with Novavax for coronavirus vaccines for the supply of 30 million doses commercially.&nbsp;

While India has so far exported India-made vaccines, the new frontier is seen when the export of India-developed vaccines becomes the norm. Meanwhile, Philippines foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr has lauded India's vaccine diplomacy and, in a tweet, said, "we're looking to India to teach us. We're certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’re looking to India to teach us. We’re certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done. <a href="https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk">https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk</a>
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) <a href="https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1355168310304804867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

New Delhi has gifted India-Made COVISHIELD vaccine of Oxford-AstraZeneca, made by Serum Institute of India, to 10 countries — Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Oman. &nbsp;

On Friday, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, speaking to WION, said Bharat Biotech has offered its vaccines to the country. Bangladesh is keen on the co-production of vaccines with India. Brazilian companies have also signed an agreement for the supply of COVAXIN&nbsp;from India. Supplies to the private market would be based upon receipt of market authorisation from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority.

India produces 60 per cent&nbsp;of global vaccines and amid the pandemic reaffirmed the position as the "Pharmacy of the world" by supplying HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries.&nbsp;

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN.

As part of the globalisation of India-developed COVID-19 vaccine, India's Bharat Biotech has applied for "Emergency Use Authorization" (EUA) in the Philippines. EUA was filed earlier this month in the country and is the first international regulatory filing for Bharat biotech's COVAXIN. Once approved by the local regulator, India is expected to donate some doses and open the doors for exports in commercial terms, as are being done currently by Western and Chinese vaccine manufacturers. India's envoy to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran in a tweet said, "A moment of pride for Indian R&D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in the Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible!" A moment of pride for #Indian R&D! The first international regulatory filing for COVAXIN. Delighted it is in #Philippines, a vital Indo-Pacific partner. Process ahead will be challenging but today we celebrate those who made this key milestone possible! @BharatBiotech @ICMRDELHI https://t.co/CNuclsSMJN — Shambhu Kumaran (@shambhukumaran) January 21, 2021 × The local drug regulatory authorities are looking for more clinical data from phase three trials and efficacy data. Phase III human clinical trials of COVAXIN began mid-November. The development is seen as a major step when it comes to India's vaccine exports and a boost to "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliance). The EUA was applied as a part of "pro-active" action and an immediate approval will be issued as soon as the data comes. A delay in such action also means an impact on commercial deals in a very competitive coronavirus vaccine market. Interestingly, the Philippines already had a deal with Novavax for coronavirus vaccines for the supply of 30 million doses commercially. While India has so far exported India-made vaccines, the new frontier is seen when the export of India-developed vaccines becomes the norm. Meanwhile, Philippines foreign secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr has lauded India's vaccine diplomacy and, in a tweet, said, "we're looking to India to teach us. We're certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done" We’re looking to India to teach us. We’re certainly not looking to the West. But we need to look elsewhere to teach us how to get it done. https://t.co/yXLT3kOruk — Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 29, 2021 × New Delhi has gifted India-Made COVISHIELD vaccine of Oxford-AstraZeneca, made by Serum Institute of India, to 10 countries — Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bahrain and Oman. On Friday, Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, speaking to WION, said Bharat Biotech has offered its vaccines to the country. Bangladesh is keen on the co-production of vaccines with India. Brazilian companies have also signed an agreement for the supply of COVAXIN from India. Supplies to the private market would be based upon receipt of market authorisation from ANVISA, the Brazilian regulatory authority. India produces 60 per cent of global vaccines and amid the pandemic reaffirmed the position as the "Pharmacy of the world" by supplying HCQ and Paracetamol to 150 countries.

With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines

When the pizza-sized boxes of the Pfizer vaccine arrived midday Thursday, an hour behind schedule, it set off a race against the clock at Bloomsbury Surgery, a medical clinic in London’s Camden district that has been transformed during the pandemic into a humming vaccination center.

Because the vaccine could only be refrigerated for three days once it reached the clinic, health care workers knew they had to inject 400 doses a day by Saturday to use up the supply. There was already a line of people waiting for “jabs,” so doctors swiftly diluted the vaccine, put the vials on trays and handed them out to a team of assistants.

This is the front line in what has become the most ambitious peacetime mass mobilization in modern British history. Britain has set up dozens of vaccination centers in sports stadiums, churches, mosques, even an open-air museum in the Midlands, familiar to television views as the set for the popular crime series “Peaky Blinders.”

With nearly 8 million people, or 11.7% of the population, having already gotten their first shot, Britain’s pace of vaccination is the fastest of any large nation in the world. Only Israel and the United Arab Emirates are moving faster.

The rapid rollout is a rare success for a country whose response to the coronavirus has otherwise been bungled — plagued by delays, reversals and mixed messages. All of which have contributed to a death toll that recently surged past 100,000 and cemented Britain’s status as the worst-hit country in Europe.

Success has brought its own headaches: Doctors now worry about running short of supplies, after a vaccine war erupted between Britain and the European Union. The EU imposed export restrictions on vaccines made in the bloc on Friday after accusing a British-based vaccine maker, AstraZeneca, of favoring its home market.

And Britain’s aggressive approach is not without risks: To reach more people quickly, it opted to delay giving them second doses for up to 12 weeks after the first, rather than the three or four weeks tested in clinical trials.

At the Bloomsbury clinic, however, there was a distinctly British atmosphere of getting on with it. The mostly elderly patients waited patiently in line, rolled up their sleeves for their jabs, and then retired to an outdoor gazebo for 15 minutes to be monitored for potential reactions.

“So many of my friends have had it,” Emerenciana Mora, 72, a retired switchboard operator, said of the vaccine as she watched a physician assistant, Nasra Yusuf, prepare the needle. “Even the queen has had it.”

The divergence between Britain and its European neighbors has prompted some to claim an early windfall from Brexit. Britain’s divorce from the European Union helped give it the political leeway to authorize multiple vaccines before the bloc and to swiftly lock up its own production of the vaccine from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford.

France, by contrast, has vaccinated only 1.8% of its population and Germany 2.6%, according to numbers collected by Our World in Data. That reflects supply shortages that have rippled across the continent, as well as the slow pace of European Union regulators in approving vaccines.

But Britain’s success is also a result of back-to-basics decisions by the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Rather than contracting out the campaign to private companies or building it from scratch, as it did with its costly, ineffective contact tracing operation, the government has put vaccination in the hands of the National Health Service, which despite financial strains is still widely revered by the British public.

Beyond state hospitals, physicians are at the forefront of the program. Not only does that put trusted local doctors, who are experienced with seasonal flu inoculations, in charge, but it has also allowed these doctors to precisely target the people in the government’s highest priority groups.

That is a stark contrast to the more fragmented approach in the United States. While Americans have had to scramble for appointments on finicky online portals and overwhelmed telephone hotlines, British hospitals and physicians have directed the scheduling themselves, allowing them to begin with their oldest and most vulnerable patients.

And while U.S. states use complicated rules to dictate who is eligible for vaccines — which has contributed to slowing the rollout in some places — Britain has a clear system of prioritizing those who, because of their age, are most at risk of dying from the virus, along with the nursing home aides and health care workers who treat them.

“We work through those priority groups with absolutely no deviation,” said Dr. Daniel Beck, a general practitioner and the head of a federation of doctors, who was busy preparing vials at the clinic. “It benefits everyone, regardless of whether they are someone who left home without an education or if they’re a lord.”

Among the 6,000 people vaccinated at the Bloomsbury clinic since mid-December was Joan Collins, 87, the British actress famous for her role in “Dynasty.” But Beck said his major priority was trying to reduce vaccine hesitancy among racial and ethnic minorities, who polls have shown are more mistrustful than white people of health authorities’ backing of the vaccine.

Abdul Mathlib, 85, a retired catering worker who had just received his shot, said he worried about the vaccine causing side effects, even years later. But Mathlib said it was a risk worth taking, adding, “You have to take it, right?”

While some observers point to Britain’s higher tolerance for risk than the European Union, they credit more of the vaccination success to the country’s strong scientific base, as well as to “good old-fashioned preparation,” said David Goodhart, a writer whose last book, “The Road to Somewhere” explored Brexit-era Britain.

It was not, in any event, typical of Britain’s broader response.

Few foreign leaders have struggled with the pandemic like Johnson. He abandoned large-scale contact tracing and resisted imposing a lockdown, then ended up in an intensive care unit himself after contracting the virus.

But during those chaotic early days, his ministers moved to invest in vaccines and secured early contracts with manufacturers. They also recruited Kate Bingham, a British venture capitalist, to lead a government vaccine task force.

In March, the government provided initial funding — 2.6 million pounds, or $3.5 million — to the Oxford research team. By May, when the vaccine was still in clinical trials, Britain reached a deal with AstraZeneca to buy tens of millions of doses, three months before the European Union negotiated its purchases.

With worries about vaccine protectionism already flaring, British officials were determined to make any homegrown vaccine quickly and easily accessible to Britons. They spoke to the Oxford team as it negotiated with Merck and other drug companies in search of a partner to mass-produce and distribute the vaccine.

Oxford eventually struck a deal with AstraZeneca, which is headquartered in Cambridge.

“They made it pretty clear to me and others that they wanted to know about the deal, and they were anxious about vaccine nationalism,” John Bell, an Oxford professor and member of the government’s vaccine task force, said last year, referring to British health officials.

Two plants in England are now manufacturing the vaccine, and a firm in Wales is preparing it for distribution. The British government has said the bulk of its shipments of AstraZeneca vaccines come from that supply chain.

AstraZeneca has said that its early agreement with Britain helped it iron out the inevitable manufacturing hiccups before it began distributing the vaccine. Production problems in a Belgian plant led the company to announce it would cut its deliveries to Europe by 60%, which triggered the cross-channel dispute.

“With the U.K., we have had an extra three months to fix all the glitches we experienced,” Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, told an Italian newspaper, la Repubblica, this week.

On Friday, EU drug regulators authorized the AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults, sticking to the precedent set last month by Britain’s regulator.

Britain, meanwhile, may soon get yet another vaccine.

Novavax, a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland , reported Friday that its vaccine had been shown to be 89.3% effective in a large-scale trial in Britain. The government has secured 60 million doses, which will be made at a plant in northeast England. If British regulators approve it, the vaccine will be delivered in the second half of 2021.

All told, the British government has spent at least 11.7 billion pounds, or $16 billion, in developing, making, buying, and administering vaccines.

“Vaccination is the one thing we’ve gotten right,” said Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London.

That does not mean the rollout has been without tensions. With hospitals overrun and a more contagious variant ripping through the country, Britain has bet on giving more people the partial protection of a single dose, rather than quickly giving fewer people the complete protection of two doses.

Doctors whose booster shots have been delayed have been angered by the approach, accusing the government of making them the subjects of a risky new experiment that they worry will render vaccines less effective. Immunologists have raised concerns that a country full of people with only partial immunity could breed vaccine-resistant mutations, while Pfizer said the strategy is not supported by the data gathered in clinical trials.

But the idea of prioritizing first shots has gained some traction as countries struggling with the surging virus and shortfalls in vaccine supply look for ways to get partial protection into their population.

For the harried doctors at Bloomsbury clinic, the biggest challenge is simply getting a steady supply of doses.

“Our biggest issue is that we don’t know, week to week, what deliveries we’re getting,” said Dr. Ammara Hughes, the clinical director, as she anxiously scanned her iPhone for news of the next delivery. “The logistics are difficult.”

When the pizza-sized boxes of the Pfizer vaccine arrived midday Thursday, an hour behind schedule, it set off a race against the clock at Bloomsbury Surgery, a medical clinic in London’s Camden district that has been transformed during the pandemic into a humming vaccination center.

When the pizza-sized boxes of the Pfizer vaccine arrived midday Thursday, an hour behind schedule, it set off a race against the clock at Bloomsbury Surgery, a medical clinic in London’s Camden district that has been transformed during the pandemic into a humming vaccination center. Because the vaccine could only be refrigerated for three days once it reached the clinic, health care workers knew they had to inject 400 doses a day by Saturday to use up the supply. There was already a line of people waiting for “jabs,” so doctors swiftly diluted the vaccine, put the vials on trays and handed them out to a team of assistants. This is the front line in what has become the most ambitious peacetime mass mobilization in modern British history. Britain has set up dozens of vaccination centers in sports stadiums, churches, mosques, even an open-air museum in the Midlands, familiar to television views as the set for the popular crime series “Peaky Blinders.” With nearly 8 million people, or 11.7% of the population, having already gotten their first shot, Britain’s pace of vaccination is the fastest of any large nation in the world. Only Israel and the United Arab Emirates are moving faster. The rapid rollout is a rare success for a country whose response to the coronavirus has otherwise been bungled — plagued by delays, reversals and mixed messages. All of which have contributed to a death toll that recently surged past 100,000 and cemented Britain’s status as the worst-hit country in Europe. Success has brought its own headaches: Doctors now worry about running short of supplies, after a vaccine war erupted between Britain and the European Union. The EU imposed export restrictions on vaccines made in the bloc on Friday after accusing a British-based vaccine maker, AstraZeneca, of favoring its home market. And Britain’s aggressive approach is not without risks: To reach more people quickly, it opted to delay giving them second doses for up to 12 weeks after the first, rather than the three or four weeks tested in clinical trials. At the Bloomsbury clinic, however, there was a distinctly British atmosphere of getting on with it. The mostly elderly patients waited patiently in line, rolled up their sleeves for their jabs, and then retired to an outdoor gazebo for 15 minutes to be monitored for potential reactions. “So many of my friends have had it,” Emerenciana Mora, 72, a retired switchboard operator, said of the vaccine as she watched a physician assistant, Nasra Yusuf, prepare the needle. “Even the queen has had it.” The divergence between Britain and its European neighbors has prompted some to claim an early windfall from Brexit. Britain’s divorce from the European Union helped give it the political leeway to authorize multiple vaccines before the bloc and to swiftly lock up its own production of the vaccine from AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford. France, by contrast, has vaccinated only 1.8% of its population and Germany 2.6%, according to numbers collected by Our World in Data. That reflects supply shortages that have rippled across the continent, as well as the slow pace of European Union regulators in approving vaccines. But Britain’s success is also a result of back-to-basics decisions by the government of Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Rather than contracting out the campaign to private companies or building it from scratch, as it did with its costly, ineffective contact tracing operation, the government has put vaccination in the hands of the National Health Service, which despite financial strains is still widely revered by the British public. Beyond state hospitals, physicians are at the forefront of the program. Not only does that put trusted local doctors, who are experienced with seasonal flu inoculations, in charge, but it has also allowed these doctors to precisely target the people in the government’s highest priority groups. That is a stark contrast to the more fragmented approach in the United States. While Americans have had to scramble for appointments on finicky online portals and overwhelmed telephone hotlines, British hospitals and physicians have directed the scheduling themselves, allowing them to begin with their oldest and most vulnerable patients. And while U.S. states use complicated rules to dictate who is eligible for vaccines — which has contributed to slowing the rollout in some places — Britain has a clear system of prioritizing those who, because of their age, are most at risk of dying from the virus, along with the nursing home aides and health care workers who treat them. “We work through those priority groups with absolutely no deviation,” said Dr. Daniel Beck, a general practitioner and the head of a federation of doctors, who was busy preparing vials at the clinic. “It benefits everyone, regardless of whether they are someone who left home without an education or if they’re a lord.” Among the 6,000 people vaccinated at the Bloomsbury clinic since mid-December was Joan Collins, 87, the British actress famous for her role in “Dynasty.” But Beck said his major priority was trying to reduce vaccine hesitancy among racial and ethnic minorities, who polls have shown are more mistrustful than white people of health authorities’ backing of the vaccine. Abdul Mathlib, 85, a retired catering worker who had just received his shot, said he worried about the vaccine causing side effects, even years later. But Mathlib said it was a risk worth taking, adding, “You have to take it, right?” While some observers point to Britain’s higher tolerance for risk than the European Union, they credit more of the vaccination success to the country’s strong scientific base, as well as to “good old-fashioned preparation,” said David Goodhart, a writer whose last book, “The Road to Somewhere” explored Brexit-era Britain. It was not, in any event, typical of Britain’s broader response. Few foreign leaders have struggled with the pandemic like Johnson. He abandoned large-scale contact tracing and resisted imposing a lockdown, then ended up in an intensive care unit himself after contracting the virus. But during those chaotic early days, his ministers moved to invest in vaccines and secured early contracts with manufacturers. They also recruited Kate Bingham, a British venture capitalist, to lead a government vaccine task force. In March, the government provided initial funding — 2.6 million pounds, or $3.5 million — to the Oxford research team. By May, when the vaccine was still in clinical trials, Britain reached a deal with AstraZeneca to buy tens of millions of doses, three months before the European Union negotiated its purchases. With worries about vaccine protectionism already flaring, British officials were determined to make any homegrown vaccine quickly and easily accessible to Britons. They spoke to the Oxford team as it negotiated with Merck and other drug companies in search of a partner to mass-produce and distribute the vaccine. Oxford eventually struck a deal with AstraZeneca, which is headquartered in Cambridge. “They made it pretty clear to me and others that they wanted to know about the deal, and they were anxious about vaccine nationalism,” John Bell, an Oxford professor and member of the government’s vaccine task force, said last year, referring to British health officials. Two plants in England are now manufacturing the vaccine, and a firm in Wales is preparing it for distribution. The British government has said the bulk of its shipments of AstraZeneca vaccines come from that supply chain. AstraZeneca has said that its early agreement with Britain helped it iron out the inevitable manufacturing hiccups before it began distributing the vaccine. Production problems in a Belgian plant led the company to announce it would cut its deliveries to Europe by 60%, which triggered the cross-channel dispute. “With the U.K., we have had an extra three months to fix all the glitches we experienced,” Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, told an Italian newspaper, la Repubblica, this week. On Friday, EU drug regulators authorized the AstraZeneca vaccine for all adults, sticking to the precedent set last month by Britain’s regulator. Britain, meanwhile, may soon get yet another vaccine. Novavax, a biotechnology company based in Gaithersburg, Maryland , reported Friday that its vaccine had been shown to be 89.3% effective in a large-scale trial in Britain. The government has secured 60 million doses, which will be made at a plant in northeast England. If British regulators approve it, the vaccine will be delivered in the second half of 2021. All told, the British government has spent at least 11.7 billion pounds, or $16 billion, in developing, making, buying, and administering vaccines. “Vaccination is the one thing we’ve gotten right,” said Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London. That does not mean the rollout has been without tensions. With hospitals overrun and a more contagious variant ripping through the country, Britain has bet on giving more people the partial protection of a single dose, rather than quickly giving fewer people the complete protection of two doses. Doctors whose booster shots have been delayed have been angered by the approach, accusing the government of making them the subjects of a risky new experiment that they worry will render vaccines less effective. Immunologists have raised concerns that a country full of people with only partial immunity could breed vaccine-resistant mutations, while Pfizer said the strategy is not supported by the data gathered in clinical trials. But the idea of prioritizing first shots has gained some traction as countries struggling with the surging virus and shortfalls in vaccine supply look for ways to get partial protection into their population. For the harried doctors at Bloomsbury clinic, the biggest challenge is simply getting a steady supply of doses. “Our biggest issue is that we don’t know, week to week, what deliveries we’re getting,” said Dr. Ammara Hughes, the clinical director, as she anxiously scanned her iPhone for news of the next delivery. “The logistics are difficult.”

Vaccine rollout gives UK a rare win in battling pandemic

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>production plant in North Wales.

The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday. The plant is being used to put the AstraZeneca vaccine into vials.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-approves-astrazeneca-vaccine-360279" hreflang="en">Vietnam approves AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

After the suspicious package was reported, the plant was partially evacuated and the work the temporarily stopped. Several hours of work disruption was reported as the authorities had to wait for assessment from the bomb disposal units.

North Wales Police department reported that a team from the Royal Logistics Corp had "attended and examined the package to make sure it was safe to handle".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mexico-to-import-astrazeneca-vaccine-from-india-president-says-360196" hreflang="en">Mexico to import AstraZeneca vaccine from India, president says</a>

The content of the package will be taken away for further detailed analysis, although it has been concluded through initial investigation that the item was not a viable device.

It has been reported by the local media that a 53-year-old man from Kent has been charged for sending this package to the facility.

Anthony Collins has now appeared at Medway Magistrate Court where he was charged for placing the package in a way that made everyone believe it was going to explode. He has been remanded in custody now.&nbsp;

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a coronavirus vaccine production plant in North Wales. The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday.

A man has been charged for allegedly sending a suspicious package to a coronavirus vaccine production plant in North Wales. The suspicious package had arrived at a production facility in Wrexham on Wednesday. The plant is being used to put the AstraZeneca vaccine into vials. Also read| Vietnam approves AstraZeneca vaccine After the suspicious package was reported, the plant was partially evacuated and the work the temporarily stopped. Several hours of work disruption was reported as the authorities had to wait for assessment from the bomb disposal units. North Wales Police department reported that a team from the Royal Logistics Corp had "attended and examined the package to make sure it was safe to handle". Also read| Mexico to import AstraZeneca vaccine from India, president says The content of the package will be taken away for further detailed analysis, although it has been concluded through initial investigation that the item was not a viable device. It has been reported by the local media that a 53-year-old man from Kent has been charged for sending this package to the facility. Anthony Collins has now appeared at Medway Magistrate Court where he was charged for placing the package in a way that made everyone believe it was going to explode. He has been remanded in custody now.

Man charged for sending suspicious package to AstraZeneca plant

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> after six weeks.

Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab. However, some countries, such as France, are considering increasing the gap between the two doses as they face an irregular and limited supply of vaccine doses.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-urges-fair-distribution-of-coronavirus-vaccine-359494" hreflang="en">German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine</a>

While France's health advisory body suggested doubling the gap between the two doses from three weeks to six weeks.

The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-companies-must-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-germany-agrees-359459" hreflang="en">EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees</a>

"The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement.

However, the WHO has suggested against it and has urged countries to respect the tested intervals between the two doses, i.e. 21 days for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days for Moderna.

Meanwhile, the UN health agency is hoping to approve the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible. "We're working with Moderna to go as quickly as possible," WHO's vaccines chief Kate O'Brien told the online briefing.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-singapore-minister-359440" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister</a>

As of now, it has only approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, although experts believe the two vaccines are very similar except for the storage requirements — Pfizer-BioNTech jab is stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) and Moderna doses can be stored at -20 C.&nbsp;

The advisory body has also urged countries to keep the healthcare workers and vulnerable people in priority for vaccination and has insisted that international travellers should not be kept in the priority list for the vaccine, at least for the time being.

"In the current period of very limited vaccine supply, preferential vaccination of international travellers would counter the principle of equity," SAGE said. "Because of this, and the lack of evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of transmission, SAGE currently does not recommend Covid-19 vaccination of travellers."

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine after six weeks. Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab.

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine after six weeks. Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab. However, some countries, such as France, are considering increasing the gap between the two doses as they face an irregular and limited supply of vaccine doses. Also read| German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine While France's health advisory body suggested doubling the gap between the two doses from three weeks to six weeks. The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned. Also read| EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees "The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement. However, the WHO has suggested against it and has urged countries to respect the tested intervals between the two doses, i.e. 21 days for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days for Moderna. Meanwhile, the UN health agency is hoping to approve the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible. "We're working with Moderna to go as quickly as possible," WHO's vaccines chief Kate O'Brien told the online briefing. Also read| Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister As of now, it has only approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, although experts believe the two vaccines are very similar except for the storage requirements — Pfizer-BioNTech jab is stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) and Moderna doses can be stored at -20 C. The advisory body has also urged countries to keep the healthcare workers and vulnerable people in priority for vaccination and has insisted that international travellers should not be kept in the priority list for the vaccine, at least for the time being. "In the current period of very limited vaccine supply, preferential vaccination of international travellers would counter the principle of equity," SAGE said. "Because of this, and the lack of evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of transmission, SAGE currently does not recommend Covid-19 vaccination of travellers."

Moderna vaccine's second dose should be administered within 6 weeks: WHO

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude.

"Money is one thing, but the other thing in a time of scarcity is the availability of the vaccine. Here it's about a fair distribution, and not about a question of money," she told local media.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-companies-must-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-germany-agrees-359459" hreflang="en">EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees</a>

Talking about this attitude, she warned that if the trend continues, the history will have wounds of this unfair distribution for years to come.

"Let's not kid ourselves, the question of who gets which vaccine in the world will of course leave new wounds and new memories because those who get such emergency help will remember that," Merkel said.

Several leaders, especially of the third world countries, have spoken out about the unfair distribution of the coronavirus vaccines and have called out the rich countries for practising the 'me first' attitude.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-singapore-minister-359440" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister</a>

While the first-world countries are now having to double-think their decision of ordering more vaccines as the pressure of ordering in consideration of poor countries has been rising in recent weeks, many leaders are also calling out pharmaceutical companies for approaching only the rich countries to earn bigger profit margins.

Speaking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum today, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also called out the rich countries for hoarding vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sa-president-calls-out-rich-countries-for-hoarding-vaccines-359471">SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines</a>

"Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded," he said.

"We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs," Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

"There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines," he added.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for "fair" distribution of coronavirus vaccines across the world, rather than the adoption of 'me first' attitude. "Money is one thing, but the other thing in a time of scarcity is the availability of the vaccine. Here it's about a fair distribution, and not about a question of money," she told local media. Also read| EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees Talking about this attitude, she warned that if the trend continues, the history will have wounds of this unfair distribution for years to come. "Let's not kid ourselves, the question of who gets which vaccine in the world will of course leave new wounds and new memories because those who get such emergency help will remember that," Merkel said. Several leaders, especially of the third world countries, have spoken out about the unfair distribution of the coronavirus vaccines and have called out the rich countries for practising the 'me first' attitude. Also read| Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister While the first-world countries are now having to double-think their decision of ordering more vaccines as the pressure of ordering in consideration of poor countries has been rising in recent weeks, many leaders are also calling out pharmaceutical companies for approaching only the rich countries to earn bigger profit margins. Speaking at the online-only version of the World Economic Forum today, the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also called out the rich countries for hoarding vaccines. Also read| SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines "Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded," he said. "We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs," Ramaphosa said. "There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines," he added.

German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa called on rich countries for hoarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">COVID-19 vaccine</a> doses, to the exclusion of other countries.

“Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) was speaking at the World Economic Forum digital Davos summit on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-companies-must-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-germany-agrees-359459" hreflang="en">EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees</a>

“We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs,” the President said.&nbsp;

“There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines”, he added.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa also stressed that the world must act together in combating coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-schools-to-stay-closed-amid-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-358541" hreflang="en">South Africa: Schools to stay closed amid surge in coronavirus cases</a>

“We want vaccines as quickly as other countries that have already started. We are all not safe if some countries are vaccinating their people and other countries are not,” he explained.&nbsp;

So far the COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquistion Task Team (for African Union) has secured 260 million doses and a further 700 million are expected from Covax, Ramaphosa said.&nbsp;

South Africa is set to receive one million doses from the Serum Institute of India by the end of the month and another 500,000 for early next month. The country is targeting vaccinating 40 million South Africans by the end of the year.&nbsp;

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa called on rich countries for hoarding COVID-19 vaccine doses, to the exclusion of other countries. “Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded,” Ramaphosa said.

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa called on rich countries for hoarding COVID-19 vaccine doses, to the exclusion of other countries. “Rich countries in the world are holding on to these vaccines and we are saying release the excess vaccines that you’ve ordered and hoarded,” Ramaphosa said. Ramaphosa, who is also the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) was speaking at the World Economic Forum digital Davos summit on Tuesday. Also read| EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees “We are concerned about vaccine nationalism. The rich countries of the world went out and acquired large doses of vaccines from developers and manufacturers of these vaccines. Some countries have even gone beyond and acquired up to four times what their population needs,” the President said. “There is just no need for a country which perhaps has about 40 million people goes and acquires 120 million doses of vaccines or even 160 million, and yet the world needs access to these vaccines”, he added. Ramaphosa also stressed that the world must act together in combating coronavirus. Also read| South Africa: Schools to stay closed amid surge in coronavirus cases “We want vaccines as quickly as other countries that have already started. We are all not safe if some countries are vaccinating their people and other countries are not,” he explained. So far the COVID-19 African Vaccine Acquistion Task Team (for African Union) has secured 260 million doses and a further 700 million are expected from Covax, Ramaphosa said. South Africa is set to receive one million doses from the Serum Institute of India by the end of the month and another 500,000 for early next month. The country is targeting vaccinating 40 million South Africans by the end of the year.

SA President calls out rich countries for hoarding vaccines

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States.

The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colour-coded-google-to-redesign-search-for-better-user-experience-359236">&nbsp;Google to redesign 'search' for better user experience</a>

"To help with vaccination efforts, starting in the United States, we'll make select Google facilities — such as buildings, parking lots and open spaces — available as needed," Pichai said.

"These sites will be open to anyone eligible for the vaccine based on state and local guidelines," he added.

His team will be working along with public health authorities and provider One Medical to pan out the plan of converting the facilities into vaccination centres.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/google-threatens-to-halt-search-feature-in-australia-over-new-media-payment-law-pm-reacts-358422" hreflang="en">Google threatens to halt 'search' feature in Australia over new media payment law; PM reacts</a>

As of now, the areas which will have these vaccination sites will be in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in the northwest state of Washington and New York City, with plans to expand.

"Searches for 'vaccines near me" have increased 5x since the beginning of the year and we want to make sure we''re providing timely and locally relevant answers," said Pichai.

Google will also use $100 million funding for advertising grants for the US Centres for Disease Foundation, WHO and various nonprofits and health agencies. The company also plans to use funds to provide assistance to underserved centres and facilities that are helpng people during these tough times.

Google has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States. The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it.

Google has offered its facilities as coronavirus vaccination sites to help in the mass inoculation drive taking place in the United States. The tech giant's chief executive Sundar Pichai announced on Monday that the company will be converting its facilities as a part of the $150 million initiative being run to educate people about the effects of the vaccine, and rid away the rumours around it. Also read| Google to redesign 'search' for better user experience "To help with vaccination efforts, starting in the United States, we'll make select Google facilities — such as buildings, parking lots and open spaces — available as needed," Pichai said. "These sites will be open to anyone eligible for the vaccine based on state and local guidelines," he added. His team will be working along with public health authorities and provider One Medical to pan out the plan of converting the facilities into vaccination centres. Also read| Google threatens to halt 'search' feature in Australia over new media payment law; PM reacts As of now, the areas which will have these vaccination sites will be in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in the northwest state of Washington and New York City, with plans to expand. "Searches for 'vaccines near me" have increased 5x since the beginning of the year and we want to make sure we''re providing timely and locally relevant answers," said Pichai. Google will also use $100 million funding for advertising grants for the US Centres for Disease Foundation, WHO and various nonprofits and health agencies. The company also plans to use funds to provide assistance to underserved centres and facilities that are helpng people during these tough times.

Google to turn company spaces into vaccination centres: Sundar Pichai

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccine</a>, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses.

AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot, speaking at a virtual event for the Davos World Economic Forum, also attacked a lack of global preparation for the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-people-may-also-spread-covid-19-englands-deputy-chief-medical-officer-359100" hreflang="en">Vaccinated people may also spread COVID-19: England's deputy chief medical officer</a>

The arrival of ground-breaking Covid-19 vaccines could have been grounds for celebrating, "but it unfortunately wasn't because there was a little bit of 'me first' behaviour", Soriot said.

"Globally, it is fair to say we could and should have been better prepared for this pandemic," he added.

Soriot noted however that "things are changing and international collaboration is emerging" over the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of more than two million people.

"There are many good examples of tremendous public-private collaboration actually in many countries," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extra-dose-of-vaccine-can-be-squeezed-out-from-pfizers-vial-reports-358784" hreflang="en">Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports</a>

Going forward, "the first thing to do is to invest in prevention and early detection and early treatment", Soriot added.

He noted that among the world's most industrialised countries, only three per cent of health expenditure is spent on prevention.

"Twenty percent of this 3.0 percent... is spent on immunisation and early detections of disease.

"So, essentially, we kind of tend to wait for people to become sick to try to address that, as opposed to early detecting (of) disease and preventing it."

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a Covid vaccine, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses.

The boss of British drugs giant AstraZeneca, which with Oxford University has produced a Covid vaccine, denounced Monday a "me first" approach by some countries to obtaining doses. AstraZeneca chief executive Pascal Soriot, speaking at a virtual event for the Davos World Economic Forum, also attacked a lack of global preparation for the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Vaccinated people may also spread COVID-19: England's deputy chief medical officer The arrival of ground-breaking Covid-19 vaccines could have been grounds for celebrating, "but it unfortunately wasn't because there was a little bit of 'me first' behaviour", Soriot said. "Globally, it is fair to say we could and should have been better prepared for this pandemic," he added. Soriot noted however that "things are changing and international collaboration is emerging" over the coronavirus that has claimed the lives of more than two million people. "There are many good examples of tremendous public-private collaboration actually in many countries," he said. Also read| Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports Going forward, "the first thing to do is to invest in prevention and early detection and early treatment", Soriot added. He noted that among the world's most industrialised countries, only three per cent of health expenditure is spent on prevention. "Twenty percent of this 3.0 percent... is spent on immunisation and early detections of disease. "So, essentially, we kind of tend to wait for people to become sick to try to address that, as opposed to early detecting (of) disease and preventing it."

AstraZeneca denounces 'me first' approach to Covid jabs

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.Pfizer said last week that it was temporarily slowing supplies to Europe to make manufacturing changes that would boost output. &nbsp;On Friday, AstraZeneca also said that initial deliveries to the region will fall short because of a production glitch

"We plan to make the pharmaceutical companies respect the contracts they have signed ... by using the legal means at our disposal," Michel said on Europe 1 radio.

There are increasing voices of displeasure over declared delay in vaccine supply. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that delay in EU was serious breach of contract. The pm said that the delay was "unacceptable"

"This is unacceptable," Conte said in a Facebook post. "Our vaccination plan ... has been drawn up on the basis of contractual pledges freely undertaken by pharmaceutical companies with the European Commission."

vaccinations in Italy have slowed to 20,000-25,000 a day from peaks of more than 90,000 around two weeks ago, said the head of Italy's higher health council, Franco Locatelli.

Rome has threatened to sue Pfizer.

Conte said expected delays in the vaccine by AstraZeneca were even more worrying, adding Italy would receive 3.4 million doses instead of 8 million in the first quarter if the 60% reduction were confirmed.

He added the heads of AstraZeneca Italy had confirmed the reduction in production capacity at a meeting on Saturday with Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza and COVID-19 Special Commissioner Domenico Arcuri.

"Such delays in deliveries represent serious contractual violations, which cause enormous damage to Italy and other countries," Conte said.

"We'll use all available legal tools as we're already doing with Pfizer-BioNTech," he added.

(With Reuters inputs)

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.

European Council President Chrles Michel said on Sunday that the European Union will 'make' comapanies respect the contracts for coronavirus vaccine supply. His comments have come amid statements from vaccine providers that suggest that there will be a delays in supply of the vaccines.Pfizer said last week that it was temporarily slowing supplies to Europe to make manufacturing changes that would boost output. On Friday, AstraZeneca also said that initial deliveries to the region will fall short because of a production glitch "We plan to make the pharmaceutical companies respect the contracts they have signed ... by using the legal means at our disposal," Michel said on Europe 1 radio. There are increasing voices of displeasure over declared delay in vaccine supply. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said that delay in EU was serious breach of contract. The pm said that the delay was "unacceptable" "This is unacceptable," Conte said in a Facebook post. "Our vaccination plan ... has been drawn up on the basis of contractual pledges freely undertaken by pharmaceutical companies with the European Commission." vaccinations in Italy have slowed to 20,000-25,000 a day from peaks of more than 90,000 around two weeks ago, said the head of Italy's higher health council, Franco Locatelli. Rome has threatened to sue Pfizer. Conte said expected delays in the vaccine by AstraZeneca were even more worrying, adding Italy would receive 3.4 million doses instead of 8 million in the first quarter if the 60% reduction were confirmed. He added the heads of AstraZeneca Italy had confirmed the reduction in production capacity at a meeting on Saturday with Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza and COVID-19 Special Commissioner Domenico Arcuri. "Such delays in deliveries represent serious contractual violations, which cause enormous damage to Italy and other countries," Conte said. "We'll use all available legal tools as we're already doing with Pfizer-BioNTech," he added. (With Reuters inputs)

EU: Will 'make' companies respect COVID vaccine supply contracts

When the former US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus.

While the world made fun of his claims, some thought it might be possible. Now, Germany has become the first European Union country to order the same drugs.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-melania-trump-refuses-to-pose-with-donald-trump-after-he-leaves-white-house-twitter-laughs-358514">Watch: Melania Trump refuses to pose with Donald Trump after he leaves White House; Twitter laughs</a>

"The government has bought 200,000 doses for 400 million euros ($486 million)," German health minister Jens Spahn told a local newspaper.

As of now, it is not known who is the manufacturer of these drugs, but it has been confirmed by the German health ministry that these drugs are the same ones which were given to Trump during his ill period in October.

Spahn has claimed these drugs can help avoid any serious progression of the virus in highly-vulnerable or high-risk patients.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-end-of-trump-can-be-the-beginning-of-america-358889" hreflang="en">The end of Trump can be the beginning of America</a>

"They work like a passive vaccination. Administering these antibodies in the early stages can help high-risk patients avoid a more serious progression," he said.

Trump was given the experimental-antibody treatment which was then developed by a US firm Regeneron, known as REGN-COV2. He had chosen to take this treatment even before it had been approved by the regulators.

However, Trump was massively pleased with the medicine and had claimed it to be a magic cure against coronavirus which had done "a fantastic job".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-impeachment-trial-put-off-until-early-february-358797" hreflang="en">Trump impeachment trial put off until early February</a>

This treatment is considered to be a cocktail of two antibodies which are prepared in laboratories and contain infection-fighting proteins that were developed to bind to the part of the new coronavirus that it uses to invade human cells.

The antibodies attach themselves to different parts of the virus's spike protein, distorting its structure -- similar in a way to knocking a key out of shape so it no longer fits its lock.

Order of these antibodies by Germany has come after the country has already started a mass vaccination drive for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca.&nbsp;

However, after Pfizer-BioNTech declared a possible delay in delivery of vials of vaccine, several European governments have been looking at other alternates of the vaccine for the meantime.

When the former US President Donald Trump got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus.

When the former US President Donald Trump got infected by the deadly coronavirus, he claimed to have tried experimental antibodies, which reportedly worked as a magical cure against the virus. While the world made fun of his claims, some thought it might be possible. Now, Germany has become the first European Union country to order the same drugs. Also read| Watch: Melania Trump refuses to pose with Donald Trump after he leaves White House; Twitter laughs "The government has bought 200,000 doses for 400 million euros ($486 million)," German health minister Jens Spahn told a local newspaper. As of now, it is not known who is the manufacturer of these drugs, but it has been confirmed by the German health ministry that these drugs are the same ones which were given to Trump during his ill period in October. Spahn has claimed these drugs can help avoid any serious progression of the virus in highly-vulnerable or high-risk patients. Also read| The end of Trump can be the beginning of America "They work like a passive vaccination. Administering these antibodies in the early stages can help high-risk patients avoid a more serious progression," he said. Trump was given the experimental-antibody treatment which was then developed by a US firm Regeneron, known as REGN-COV2. He had chosen to take this treatment even before it had been approved by the regulators. However, Trump was massively pleased with the medicine and had claimed it to be a magic cure against coronavirus which had done "a fantastic job". Also read| Trump impeachment trial put off until early February This treatment is considered to be a cocktail of two antibodies which are prepared in laboratories and contain infection-fighting proteins that were developed to bind to the part of the new coronavirus that it uses to invade human cells. The antibodies attach themselves to different parts of the virus's spike protein, distorting its structure -- similar in a way to knocking a key out of shape so it no longer fits its lock. Order of these antibodies by Germany has come after the country has already started a mass vaccination drive for the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. However, after Pfizer-BioNTech declared a possible delay in delivery of vials of vaccine, several European governments have been looking at other alternates of the vaccine for the meantime.

Germany orders coronavirus drugs that cured Donald Trump

In order to be able to vaccinate more people, France's top health advisory body has recommended doubling the time gap between the first and second dose.

As of now, a gap of three weeks is being scheduled between the first and second dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>. However, the health body has recommended doubling this gap to six weeks.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doctors-in-britain-want-review-of-pfizer-shots-timetable-358814" hreflang="en">Doctors in Britain want review of Pfizer shots' timetable</a>

The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned.

"The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/extra-dose-of-vaccine-can-be-squeezed-out-from-pfizers-vial-reports-358784" hreflang="en">Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports</a>

It also believes that since there is no pre-decided time gap between the doses by all countries, delaying the second dose will not pose any threat for locals as the first dose will already provide protection against the deadly coronavirus from the 12th or 14th day after people are administered the first dose.

However, the advisory body also added that while they are recommending a delay between the two doses, it is important that people remember getting the second dose as it is essential for protection against the deadly virus.

This has come after the UK recommended a gap of 12 weeks between the two doses, which was refuted by a group of British doctors who believe the gap should not exceed six weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-pfizer-astrazeneca-cuts-down-the-supply-to-eu-by-60-358828">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-pfizer-astrazeneca-cuts-down-the-supply-to-eu-by-60-358828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) had recommended a gap of 21 to 28 days between the two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer-BioNTech has warned that it has no evidence suggesting their vaccine will continue to be protective against the virus if the second dose is administered after 21 days.

The HAS is an independent advisory body whose recommendations can inspire government policy but don't automatically translate into action.

In order to be able to vaccinate more people, France's top health advisory body has recommended doubling the time gap between the first and second dose. As of now, a gap of three weeks is being scheduled between the first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

In order to be able to vaccinate more people, France's top health advisory body has recommended doubling the time gap between the first and second dose. As of now, a gap of three weeks is being scheduled between the first and second dose of the coronavirus vaccine. However, the health body has recommended doubling this gap to six weeks. Also read| Doctors in Britain want review of Pfizer shots' timetable The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned. "The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement. Also read| Extra dose of vaccine can be squeezed out from Pfizer's vial: Reports It also believes that since there is no pre-decided time gap between the doses by all countries, delaying the second dose will not pose any threat for locals as the first dose will already provide protection against the deadly coronavirus from the 12th or 14th day after people are administered the first dose. However, the advisory body also added that while they are recommending a delay between the two doses, it is important that people remember getting the second dose as it is essential for protection against the deadly virus. This has come after the UK recommended a gap of 12 weeks between the two doses, which was refuted by a group of British doctors who believe the gap should not exceed six weeks. WATCH| Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) had recommended a gap of 21 to 28 days between the two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer-BioNTech has warned that it has no evidence suggesting their vaccine will continue to be protective against the virus if the second dose is administered after 21 days. The HAS is an independent advisory body whose recommendations can inspire government policy but don't automatically translate into action.

France health body recommends delaying second dose of coronavirus vaccine