A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine?page=1">coronavirus vaccine</a>, as per official figures.

NHS data shows that till July 25 more than 223,755 children under the age of 18 have received the first dose of coronavirus vaccine. In total, 79,616 children have had both doses of the vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwigubKuqpfyAhUQzjgGHd1KCx4QFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3BRw2pt4_bvB6RzdFhGch6" target="_blank">Universal&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery</a>

This news has come as the local media reported that the government might soon open vaccination for 16 and 17-year-old children in the country. Till now, children under 18 who have special medical conditions, living with people who have vulnerable immunity and have their 18th birthday approaching soon were eligible for the Covid vaccine.

However, a local media agency, PA, has reported that some 16 and 17-year-olds are also being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on the basis of walk-in appointments. The condition in these cases is that the child should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infection-impacts-intelligence-levels-in-recovered-patients-study-402793" hreflang="en">Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study</a>

This figure has been revealed at a time when the country is observing a surge in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> Delta variant cases of coronavirus</a> — a variant of concern that can also target young people and children in the future.

While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in children between the ages&nbsp;of 17 and 12, a debate has been going on in different parts of the world where people are divided on the subject of whether children should be vaccinated right now or not. Some people feel it is morally incorrect to vaccinate children, who are at low risk of getting infected when millions of vulnerable middle-aged people are at risk in third-world countries. However, some other people also feel that it is important to safeguard and protect children before some new variant targets the future generation of this Earth.

A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, as per official figures.

A little after the UK government opened vaccination for young people, more than 220,000 children in the country have had the first dose of coronavirus vaccine, as per official figures. NHS data shows that till July 25 more than 223,755 children under the age of 18 have received the first dose of coronavirus vaccine. In total, 79,616 children have had both doses of the vaccine. Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery This news has come as the local media reported that the government might soon open vaccination for 16 and 17-year-old children in the country. Till now, children under 18 who have special medical conditions, living with people who have vulnerable immunity and have their 18th birthday approaching soon were eligible for the Covid vaccine. However, a local media agency, PA, has reported that some 16 and 17-year-olds are also being vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on the basis of walk-in appointments. The condition in these cases is that the child should be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Also read | Coronavirus infection impacts intelligence levels in recovered patients: Study This figure has been revealed at a time when the country is observing a surge in Delta variant cases of coronavirus — a variant of concern that can also target young people and children in the future. While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved for use in children between the ages of 17 and 12, a debate has been going on in different parts of the world where people are divided on the subject of whether children should be vaccinated right now or not. Some people feel it is morally incorrect to vaccinate children, who are at low risk of getting infected when millions of vulnerable middle-aged people are at risk in third-world countries. However, some other people also feel that it is important to safeguard and protect children before some new variant targets the future generation of this Earth.

UK: More than 220,000 children inoculated with first dose of Covid vaccine

US infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned the US for "some pain and suffering in the future" on Sunday but has ruled out any further <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> lockdowns.

Talking at a local media channel’s programme, Fauci said America should prepare itself for a painful few next days as the Delta variant has led to a surge in coronavirus cases in the country.

However, he has also assured that enough people are now vaccinated to avoid a repeat of last winter’s catastrophe-like situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irresponsible-white-house-official-calls-out-western-media-for-missing-facts-402233" hreflang="en">'Irresponsible': White House official calls out western media for missing facts</a>

While US President Joe Biden said the country might see some new restrictions due to the widespread of the Delta variant, Fauci ruled out the possibility of any new lockdown in the country.

"I don't think we're going to see lockdowns," he said on ABC’s show This Week.

His statement has come after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the mask mandate and asked people in high-risk areas to start wearing masks even indoors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-covid-19-variant-can-be-passed-on-even-by-those-vaccinated-us-top-health-body-402016" hreflang="en">Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body</a>

Fauci has also urged people to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible as he believes "we are seeing an outbreak of the unvaccinated".

The US government is constantly sending out the message to the masses that getting vaccinated is the best and most effective way to beat the coronavirus pandemic.

"If you're vaccinated right now, your likelihood of getting severely sick is 25-fold reduced," Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health told local media.

He also believes that people are getting the message of getting vaccinated as the vaccination rates have increased in the past few weeks.

US infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned the US for "some pain and suffering in the future" on Sunday but has ruled out any further Covid lockdowns.

US infectious disease expert, Anthony Fauci, has warned the US for "some pain and suffering in the future" on Sunday but has ruled out any further Covid lockdowns. Talking at a local media channel’s programme, Fauci said America should prepare itself for a painful few next days as the Delta variant has led to a surge in coronavirus cases in the country. However, he has also assured that enough people are now vaccinated to avoid a repeat of last winter’s catastrophe-like situation. Also read | 'Irresponsible': White House official calls out western media for missing facts While US President Joe Biden said the country might see some new restrictions due to the widespread of the Delta variant, Fauci ruled out the possibility of any new lockdown in the country. "I don't think we're going to see lockdowns," he said on ABC’s show This Week. His statement has come after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the mask mandate and asked people in high-risk areas to start wearing masks even indoors. Also read | Delta COVID-19 variant can be passed on even by those vaccinated: US top health body Fauci has also urged people to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible as he believes "we are seeing an outbreak of the unvaccinated". The US government is constantly sending out the message to the masses that getting vaccinated is the best and most effective way to beat the coronavirus pandemic. "If you're vaccinated right now, your likelihood of getting severely sick is 25-fold reduced," Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health told local media. He also believes that people are getting the message of getting vaccinated as the vaccination rates have increased in the past few weeks.

'Pain and suffering in future': Fauci warns US against Covid surge

Germany plans to start offering COVID-19 booster shots to the elderly and at-risk from September 1, according to a draft document seen by AFP on Sunday, as concerns grow about the spread of the Delta variant.

The plan also recommends promoting vaccination for those aged 12-17, which would go further than earlier guidance issued by the country's vaccine regulator.

Health Minister Jens Spahn and Germany's 16 regional health ministers are expected to finalise the plans, drawn up by ministry officials, in a meeting Monday.&nbsp;

Mobile vaccination teams will be sent into care and nursing homes to offer Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna booster shots to residents, regardless of which vaccine they had originally, says the document.

Doctors will also be able to administer the booster jab to those who qualify, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The text justifies the initiative by citing recent studies showing that protection from infection declines with time, putting vulnerable people at risk again.

Although Germany is currently enjoying relatively low infection rates compared with neighbouring countries, case numbers have been creeping up in recent weeks mainly because of the more contagious Delta variant.

There are also concerns about a slowdown in the country's vaccination rate, with just over 52 per cent of the population fully jabbed.

'Safe return' to school

In an effort to get more younger people vaccinated, health ministers want to widen access by opening all the country's vaccination centres to 12- to 17-year olds.

Schools and universities should also offer the jabs, the draft resolution says.

Germany's STIKO vaccine commission disappointed many in June when it officially recommended the vaccine only for 12-17 year olds if they had pre-existing conditions, or lived with people at high risk from Covid.

Although adolescents who don't fall into those categories are still allowed to get vaccinated, in consultation with their parents and doctors, the cautious STIKO guidance has slowed take-up.

Within the European Union, the European Medicines Agency has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shots for all over-12s.

Health Minister Spahn tweeted on Saturday that so far one in five of Germany's 12-17 year olds had received their first coronavirus shot.

"There's enough vaccine for all age groups: anyone who wants to, can get vaccinated," he wrote.

If Spahn and his regional peers sign off on the draft text, their decision to encourage all adolescents to roll up their sleeves would essentially see them bypass STIKO, which has said it needs more data before issuing a more general recommendation.

According to the draft, getting children and teenagers vaccinated could "contribute significantly to a safe return to classrooms after the summer holidays".

Germany's Robert Koch health institute reported 2,097 new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday and one death.

Since the pandemic started, Germany has recorded more than 3.7 million cases and 91,659 deaths.

Germany plans to start offering COVID-19 booster shots to the elderly and at-risk from September 1, according to a draft document seen by AFP on Sunday, as concerns grow about the spread of the Delta variant.

Germany plans to start offering COVID-19 booster shots to the elderly and at-risk from September 1, according to a draft document seen by AFP on Sunday, as concerns grow about the spread of the Delta variant. The plan also recommends promoting vaccination for those aged 12-17, which would go further than earlier guidance issued by the country's vaccine regulator. Health Minister Jens Spahn and Germany's 16 regional health ministers are expected to finalise the plans, drawn up by ministry officials, in a meeting Monday. Mobile vaccination teams will be sent into care and nursing homes to offer Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna booster shots to residents, regardless of which vaccine they had originally, says the document. Doctors will also be able to administer the booster jab to those who qualify, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. The text justifies the initiative by citing recent studies showing that protection from infection declines with time, putting vulnerable people at risk again. Although Germany is currently enjoying relatively low infection rates compared with neighbouring countries, case numbers have been creeping up in recent weeks mainly because of the more contagious Delta variant. There are also concerns about a slowdown in the country's vaccination rate, with just over 52 per cent of the population fully jabbed. 'Safe return' to school In an effort to get more younger people vaccinated, health ministers want to widen access by opening all the country's vaccination centres to 12- to 17-year olds. Schools and universities should also offer the jabs, the draft resolution says. Germany's STIKO vaccine commission disappointed many in June when it officially recommended the vaccine only for 12-17 year olds if they had pre-existing conditions, or lived with people at high risk from Covid. Although adolescents who don't fall into those categories are still allowed to get vaccinated, in consultation with their parents and doctors, the cautious STIKO guidance has slowed take-up. Within the European Union, the European Medicines Agency has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna shots for all over-12s. Health Minister Spahn tweeted on Saturday that so far one in five of Germany's 12-17 year olds had received their first coronavirus shot. "There's enough vaccine for all age groups: anyone who wants to, can get vaccinated," he wrote. If Spahn and his regional peers sign off on the draft text, their decision to encourage all adolescents to roll up their sleeves would essentially see them bypass STIKO, which has said it needs more data before issuing a more general recommendation. According to the draft, getting children and teenagers vaccinated could "contribute significantly to a safe return to classrooms after the summer holidays". Germany's Robert Koch health institute reported 2,097 new daily coronavirus cases on Sunday and one death. Since the pandemic started, Germany has recorded more than 3.7 million cases and 91,659 deaths.

Germany plans Covid booster shots from September: Draft text

Zimbabwe on Wednesday approved the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">US-made Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine</a> for emergency use, the first Western-manufactured jab to be administered in the country amid a spiralling third wave of infections.

The only vaccines so far approved in the southern African country — which has frosty relationship with some western nations, including the US — are made in China, Russia and India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-deaths-surge-by-21-cases-can-exceed-200-million-in-two-weeks-who-401228" hreflang="en">Coronavirus deaths surge by 21% , cases can exceed 200 million in two weeks: WHO</a>

But the government came under fire for turning down an African Union (AU) donation of three million J&amp;J doses in June — citing storage issues and possible side-effects — despite surging cases and vaccine shortages.

And now, "based on the review of the submitted quality, safety and efficacy data... emergency use authorisation has been granted for (the vaccine) manufactured by Johnson and Johnson," the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe said in a letter to government seen by journalists on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-and-pfizer-mixed-shots-boost-antibody-levels-study-400778" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study</a>

Critics had accused the government of refusing the AU donation for political reasons, noting that J&amp;J doses required the same storage temperature as China's Sinopharm and Sinovac shots. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Both the US and the European Union have, over the past decade, imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwean entities and various top officials for alleged rights abuses.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year unsuccessfully asked the United Nations for support in fighting the sanctions, claiming they hurt the country's economic development.

Just over 694,600 people in Zimbabwe have been fully vaccinated, while 1.5 million have received a first shot out of a population of 14.8 million.

A warning this month that people would soon face restrictions if they are not fully immunised sparked a rush to vaccination sites.

To date, Zimbabwe has recorded more than 70,400 cases of Covid-19, of which at least 3,280 have been fatal.

Zimbabwe on Wednesday approved the US-made Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the first Western-manufactured jab to be administered in the country amid a spiralling third wave of infections.

Zimbabwe on Wednesday approved the US-made Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the first Western-manufactured jab to be administered in the country amid a spiralling third wave of infections. The only vaccines so far approved in the southern African country — which has frosty relationship with some western nations, including the US — are made in China, Russia and India. Also read | Coronavirus deaths surge by 21% , cases can exceed 200 million in two weeks: WHO But the government came under fire for turning down an African Union (AU) donation of three million J&J doses in June — citing storage issues and possible side-effects — despite surging cases and vaccine shortages. And now, "based on the review of the submitted quality, safety and efficacy data... emergency use authorisation has been granted for (the vaccine) manufactured by Johnson and Johnson," the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe said in a letter to government seen by journalists on Wednesday. Also read | AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study Critics had accused the government of refusing the AU donation for political reasons, noting that J&J doses required the same storage temperature as China's Sinopharm and Sinovac shots. Both the US and the European Union have, over the past decade, imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwean entities and various top officials for alleged rights abuses. President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year unsuccessfully asked the United Nations for support in fighting the sanctions, claiming they hurt the country's economic development. Just over 694,600 people in Zimbabwe have been fully vaccinated, while 1.5 million have received a first shot out of a population of 14.8 million. A warning this month that people would soon face restrictions if they are not fully immunised sparked a rush to vaccination sites. To date, Zimbabwe has recorded more than 70,400 cases of Covid-19, of which at least 3,280 have been fatal.

Zimbabwe approves J&J vaccine as third virus wave rages

Last year, a California restaurant became (in)famous for adopting an anti-mask policy where the eating joint asked its customers to pay extra if they want to wear masks indoors.

Now, the same restaurant has adopted an anti-vaccine policy and has decided to serve only the unvaccinated people.

Saying it is not going to promote American stupidity, Basilico's Paste e Vino, a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach, said, "We have zero tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity."

"HEY CITY OF PASADENA, TAKE THAT!," the Instagram post read. "More American counties, cities, and businesses doubling down on anti-American lockdown mandates? Well 'Basilico's Pasta e Vino' just tripled down: From day one, never complied, banned masks, and now ... requiring proof of being Un-vaccinated!"

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As per the guidelines of the restaurant, the customers will be served only after they can show proof that they have not been vaccinated. However, it is still not clear that how will the restaurant check whether the customers are vaccinated or not. An employee also told Los Angeles Times, on condition of anonymity, that the servers are not really checking the vaccination statuses of customers.

Not just an anti-vaccine stand, the restaurant has also launched a movement "The Basilico's Declaration and Pledge of Defiance" in which it also encouraged other restaurants to join the movement. The restaurant is asking other eateries to remain 100 per cent open even if the government orders another lockdown. It also motivated other restaurants to “attack” the lockdowns and ban masks from their eating joints too.

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"We understand that masks are the greatest weapons of the lockdowns," owner Tony Roman says in&nbsp;a video shared on Instagram. "They are used to divide Americans, just like the vaccination, and they represent fear, control, and surrender."

Last year, a California restaurant became (in)famous for adopting an anti-mask policy where the eating joint asked its customers to pay extra if they want to wear masks indoors.

Last year, a California restaurant became (in)famous for adopting an anti-mask policy where the eating joint asked its customers to pay extra if they want to wear masks indoors. Now, the same restaurant has adopted an anti-vaccine policy and has decided to serve only the unvaccinated people. Saying it is not going to promote American stupidity, Basilico's Paste e Vino, a neighborhood Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach, said, "We have zero tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity." "HEY CITY OF PASADENA, TAKE THAT!," the Instagram post read. "More American counties, cities, and businesses doubling down on anti-American lockdown mandates? Well 'Basilico's Pasta e Vino' just tripled down: From day one, never complied, banned masks, and now ... requiring proof of being Un-vaccinated!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Basilico's Pasta e Vino (@basilicoshb) × As per the guidelines of the restaurant, the customers will be served only after they can show proof that they have not been vaccinated. However, it is still not clear that how will the restaurant check whether the customers are vaccinated or not. An employee also told Los Angeles Times, on condition of anonymity, that the servers are not really checking the vaccination statuses of customers. Not just an anti-vaccine stand, the restaurant has also launched a movement "The Basilico's Declaration and Pledge of Defiance" in which it also encouraged other restaurants to join the movement. The restaurant is asking other eateries to remain 100 per cent open even if the government orders another lockdown. It also motivated other restaurants to “attack” the lockdowns and ban masks from their eating joints too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Basilico's Pasta e Vino (@basilicoshb) × "We understand that masks are the greatest weapons of the lockdowns," owner Tony Roman says in a video shared on Instagram. "They are used to divide Americans, just like the vaccination, and they represent fear, control, and surrender."

After anti-mask policy, California restaurant decides to serve only unvaccinated people

US President Joe Biden is planning to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all American federal workers, as per local reports.

The news broke out in the country after a small question-answer round Biden entertained after his speech to members of the intelligence community at the Office of the Director of National intelligence.

When asked if the Biden administration is planning to make coronavirus vaccines compulsory for all federal employees, the President said the plan is under consideration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-cdc-advises-fully-vaccinated-individuals-to-wear-masks-again-401145">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-states-cdc-advises-fully-vaccinated-individuals-to-wear-masks-again-401145/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"That's under consideration right now, but if you're not vaccinated, you’re not really as smart as I thought you were,"&nbsp;he said.

His statement comes after some areas such as California and New York announced regulations for government employees, including compulsory vaccination and regular Covid tests.

This has also come as the second big announcement of the day. A few hours earlier, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask mandate. As per the new mandate, residents of a few selected, high-transmission areas will have to compulsorily wear masks indoors too now.

Talking about this mandate, Biden said "I hope all Americans who live in the areas covered by the CDC guidance will follow it. I certainly will when I travel to these areas."

Biden has also assured that he will soon be laying out the "next steps in our effort to get more Americans vaccinated". In addition, he has urged people to trust and follow science and get vaccinated to help America beat Covid.

US President Joe Biden is planning to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all American federal workers, as per local reports. The news broke out in the country after a small question-answer round Biden entertained after his speech to members of the intelligence community at the Office of the Director of National intelligence.

US President Joe Biden is planning to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all American federal workers, as per local reports. The news broke out in the country after a small question-answer round Biden entertained after his speech to members of the intelligence community at the Office of the Director of National intelligence. When asked if the Biden administration is planning to make coronavirus vaccines compulsory for all federal employees, the President said the plan is under consideration. WATCH | "That's under consideration right now, but if you're not vaccinated, you’re not really as smart as I thought you were," he said. His statement comes after some areas such as California and New York announced regulations for government employees, including compulsory vaccination and regular Covid tests. This has also come as the second big announcement of the day. A few hours earlier, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask mandate. As per the new mandate, residents of a few selected, high-transmission areas will have to compulsorily wear masks indoors too now. Talking about this mandate, Biden said "I hope all Americans who live in the areas covered by the CDC guidance will follow it. I certainly will when I travel to these areas." Biden has also assured that he will soon be laying out the "next steps in our effort to get more Americans vaccinated". In addition, he has urged people to trust and follow science and get vaccinated to help America beat Covid.

Biden to make coronavirus vaccine compulsory for federal workers: Reports

A few days after urging all locals to get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> as soon as possible, Germany has managed to fully vaccinate more than half of the population.

Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, took to the social media platform Twitter to announce the numbers. "41.8 million Germans now have full protection, while 61.1 percent have received at least one shot. The more people who get vaccinated, the safer we will be in autumn and winter,"&nbsp;he tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-to-introduce-curbs-for-unvaccinated-people-merkels-aide-400538">Germany to introduce curbs for unvaccinated people: Merkel's aide</a>

Unlike other European countries such as Greece and France, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has assured locals that the country will not be making Covid vaccines compulsory.

"We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination."

However, her statement was followed by an announcement that the government is planning to bring out some restrictions for the unvaccinated people of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-down-this-road-merkel-says-vaccines-not-compulsory-in-germany-397894">'Not going down this road': Merkel says vaccines not compulsory in Germany</a>

Currently, unvaccinated Germans are allowed to use all public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, and sporting venues if they can provide a negative Covid test result. However, if the coronavirus infections keep increasing due to the Delta variant, the government will be introducing curbs for unvaccinated people.

"That could mean that visiting places like restaurants, cinemas and stadiums would no longer be possible even for tested unvaccinated people because the risk is too high," Helge Braun told a local newspaper.

Meanwhile, Merkel has been urging locals to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible to stop the spread of the Delta variant. &nbsp;"The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated."

A few days after urging all locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible, Germany has managed to fully vaccinate more than half of the population.

A few days after urging all locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible, Germany has managed to fully vaccinate more than half of the population. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, took to the social media platform Twitter to announce the numbers. "41.8 million Germans now have full protection, while 61.1 percent have received at least one shot. The more people who get vaccinated, the safer we will be in autumn and winter," he tweeted. Also read | Germany to introduce curbs for unvaccinated people: Merkel's aide Unlike other European countries such as Greece and France, Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel has assured locals that the country will not be making Covid vaccines compulsory. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination." However, her statement was followed by an announcement that the government is planning to bring out some restrictions for the unvaccinated people of the country. Also read | 'Not going down this road': Merkel says vaccines not compulsory in Germany Currently, unvaccinated Germans are allowed to use all public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, and sporting venues if they can provide a negative Covid test result. However, if the coronavirus infections keep increasing due to the Delta variant, the government will be introducing curbs for unvaccinated people. "That could mean that visiting places like restaurants, cinemas and stadiums would no longer be possible even for tested unvaccinated people because the risk is too high," Helge Braun told a local newspaper. Meanwhile, Merkel has been urging locals to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible to stop the spread of the Delta variant. "The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated."

Germany fully vaccinates more than half of population

Ireland will start offering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout.

In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the government said it "accepted advice" from Dublin's jabs taskforce that "recommends the extension of the vaccination programme to children aged 12-15".

"This will be reviewed from a planning, operational and clinical perspective in the coming days," the statement said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-and-pfizer-mixed-shots-boost-antibody-levels-study-400778" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study</a>

Health minister Stephen Donnelly said children would be offered mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna which have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

"We are continuing to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 among our young people," he said in a statement.

"Vaccination, along with continued adherence to the public health advice, remains the best protection we can offer."

Separately on Tuesday, Irish teenagers aged 16 and 17 were permitted to register to secure appointments for mRNA Covid vaccinations.

Those aged 18 plus have been eligible for vaccination since early July.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-delta-variant-is-the-symptom-of-a-bigger-threat-vaccine-refusal-400609" hreflang="en">The delta variant is the symptom of a bigger threat: Vaccine refusal</a>

Ireland's vaccine rollout was initially sluggish and tethered to an EU programme that was hobbled by procurement issues.

But it has dramatically picked up pace in recent months.

Dublin said to date over 5.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the Republic, which is home to five million people.

Some 69% of Ireland's population are now fully vaccinated while 83% &nbsp;have been partially inoculated, according to the government.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 5,026 COVID-19 deaths in Ireland.

Although the death toll has remained low, case figures have risen in recent weeks as Ireland dropped pandemic curbs.

The daily infection toll now regularly surpasses 1,000 and the Health Services Executive (HSE) has also warned that hospital admissions are on the rise.

The government warned "the incidence of the Delta variant in Ireland poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully vaccinated".

Ireland will start offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout.

Ireland will start offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout. In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the government said it "accepted advice" from Dublin's jabs taskforce that "recommends the extension of the vaccination programme to children aged 12-15". "This will be reviewed from a planning, operational and clinical perspective in the coming days," the statement said. Also read | AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study Health minister Stephen Donnelly said children would be offered mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna which have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). "We are continuing to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 among our young people," he said in a statement. "Vaccination, along with continued adherence to the public health advice, remains the best protection we can offer." Separately on Tuesday, Irish teenagers aged 16 and 17 were permitted to register to secure appointments for mRNA Covid vaccinations. Those aged 18 plus have been eligible for vaccination since early July. Also read | The delta variant is the symptom of a bigger threat: Vaccine refusal Ireland's vaccine rollout was initially sluggish and tethered to an EU programme that was hobbled by procurement issues. But it has dramatically picked up pace in recent months. Dublin said to date over 5.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the Republic, which is home to five million people. Some 69% of Ireland's population are now fully vaccinated while 83% have been partially inoculated, according to the government. Since the pandemic began, there have been 5,026 COVID-19 deaths in Ireland. Although the death toll has remained low, case figures have risen in recent weeks as Ireland dropped pandemic curbs. The daily infection toll now regularly surpasses 1,000 and the Health Services Executive (HSE) has also warned that hospital admissions are on the rise. The government warned "the incidence of the Delta variant in Ireland poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully vaccinated".

Ireland to vaccinate teens as Delta concerns linger

After reopening the economy completely and abandoning all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>-related rules, it has come as a surprise that the UK government might be planning to make <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> compulsory for university students.

Recent media reports stated the Boris Johnson-led government might be planning to make both doses of coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all students if they want to attend lectures in-person and stay in resident halls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/cower-uk-health-secretarys-remarks-on-covid-cause-trouble-400544" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/cower-uk-health-secretarys-remarks-on-covid-cause-trouble-400544&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS7di804DyAhVTxzgGHQ6jAgoQFjADegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33VLaeIsMp907QJYFP4ZNk" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cower-uk-health-secretarys-remarks-on-covid-cause-trouble-400544" target="_blank">Cower? UK health secretary's remarks on Covid cause trouble</a>

A few weeks ago, the UK education minister Vicky Ford has said a plain and direct "no" when she was asked if complete vaccination will be made compulsory for university students who wish to attend in-person lectures.

However, her tone and words were a little different now. "Obviously, I can’t comment on things that haven’t been announced, but one does need to look at every practicality to make sure that we can get students back safely, and make sure we can continue to prioritise education," she said in a local radio programme. "We've always considered everything that we can do to make sure that all people are safe in education. And the key thing, as we know, to keep transmission down, is to make sure that people get their vaccination."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/use-your-common-sense-alabama-governor-says-time-to-blame-unvaccinated-people-400415" hreflang="en">Use your common sense: Alabama governor says time to blame unvaccinated people</a>

This announcement has come a few days after the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that domestic vaccine passports — proof that both doses of vaccines have been administered — will be made compulsory for entry in bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

After reopening the economy completely and abandoning all Covid-related rules, it has come as a surprise that the UK government might be planning to make vaccines compulsory for university students.

After reopening the economy completely and abandoning all Covid-related rules, it has come as a surprise that the UK government might be planning to make vaccines compulsory for university students. Recent media reports stated the Boris Johnson-led government might be planning to make both doses of coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all students if they want to attend lectures in-person and stay in resident halls. Also read | Cower? UK health secretary's remarks on Covid cause trouble A few weeks ago, the UK education minister Vicky Ford has said a plain and direct "no" when she was asked if complete vaccination will be made compulsory for university students who wish to attend in-person lectures. However, her tone and words were a little different now. "Obviously, I can’t comment on things that haven’t been announced, but one does need to look at every practicality to make sure that we can get students back safely, and make sure we can continue to prioritise education," she said in a local radio programme. "We've always considered everything that we can do to make sure that all people are safe in education. And the key thing, as we know, to keep transmission down, is to make sure that people get their vaccination." Also read | Use your common sense: Alabama governor says time to blame unvaccinated people This announcement has come a few days after the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that domestic vaccine passports — proof that both doses of vaccines have been administered — will be made compulsory for entry in bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

UK government plans to make vaccines compulsory for university students: Report

After an all-too-brief respite, the United States is again at a crossroads in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a>. The number of infections has ticked up — slowly at first, then swiftly — to 51,000 cases per day, on average, more than four times the rate a month ago. The country may again see overflowing hospitals, exhausted health care workers and thousands of needless deaths.

The more contagious delta variant may be getting the blame, but fueling its rise is an older, more familiar foe: vaccine hesitancy and refusal, long pervasive in the United States. Were a wider swath of the population vaccinated, there would be no resurgence — of the delta variant, alpha variant or any other version of the coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7k8fn6P7xAhWZyzgGHblAAAcQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2u4Be0cBJTjAa0GR6qZ2Bd" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" target="_blank">COVID-19: All you need to know about&nbsp;Delta Plus&nbsp;variant</a>

While mild breakthrough infections may be more common than once thought, the vaccines effectively prevent severe illness and death. Yet nearly half the population remains unvaccinated and unprotected. About 30 per cent of adults have not received even a single dose, and the percentage is much higher in some parts of the country.

America is one of the few countries with enough vaccines at its disposal to protect every resident — and yet it has the highest rates of vaccine hesitance or refusal of any nation except Russia.

Public health experts have fruitlessly warned for months that the virus — any version of it — would resurge if the country did not vaccinate enough of the population quickly enough. Bill Hanage, a public health researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, predicted in January that Florida might have a rough summer. Now 1 in 5 new infections nationwide is in Florida.

True, the speed and ferocity with which the delta variant is tearing through Asia, Europe, Africa and now North America has taken many experts by surprise. It now accounts for about 83 per cent&nbsp;of the infections in the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-lawmakers-seek-deal-on-vaccine-passports-after-protests-400590" hreflang="en">French lawmakers seek deal on vaccine passports after protests</a>

But delta is by no means the wickedest variant out there. Gamma and lambda are waiting in the wings, and who knows what frightful versions are already flourishing undetected in the far corners of the world, perhaps even here in America.

Every infected person, anywhere in the world, offers the coronavirus another opportunity to morph into a new variant. The more infections there are globally, the more likely new variants will arise.

The United States will be vulnerable to every one of them until it can immunize millions of people who now refuse to get the vaccine, are still persuadable but hesitant or have not yet gained access. The unvaccinated will set the country on fire over and over again.

And they will not be the only ones who are singed. Vaccinated people will be protected from severe illness and death, but there may be other consequences. Already in some communities, they are being asked to wear masks indoors. If the numbers continue to soar, the restrictions that divided the country before may return. Workplaces may need to close again, and schools, too.

And some number of vaccinated people will become infected. Breakthrough infections were expected to be vanishingly rare with the original virus, but recent data suggest they may be less so with the delta variant. It is roughly twice as contagious as the original coronavirus, and some early evidence hints that people infected with the variant carry the virus in much higher amounts.

“The larger the force of infection that comes from the pandemic in unvaccinated populations, the more breakthrough infections there will be,” Hanage said.

Most breakthrough infections produce few to no symptoms, but some may prompt illness in vaccinated people serious enough to lay them up in bed, miss work — and put their children or older relatives at risk. Some cases may lead to long COVID, scientists now fear — a poorly defined syndrome in which symptoms seem to persist for months.

This grim redux has a glaringly obvious solution: shots in arms. But short of a federal mandate — or a patchwork of mandates by municipalities, hospitals, colleges and businesses — it is hard to see how enough Americans will be immunized to form a buttress against the virus.

After a brisk vaccination campaign in the spring, the pace has slowed to about 537,000 doses per day, according to data gathered by The New York Times. Some responsibility for the lag lies with the frank refusal of conservative leaders — often Republicans — to champion the vaccines.

But misinformation, an epidemic all its own on social media, emanates from all parts of the cultural spectrum, and there is no single reason why so many Americans remain unvaccinated. It is a Hydra-headed problem.

Of the 39% of adults who are unvaccinated, about half say they are completely unwilling. But even within that group, some say they would comply if required to do so.

Some are hesitant and may come around with the right persuasion from people they trust, while still others plan to be inoculated but say they have just not had the chance.

Politics is a driver for only some of these people, noted Dr. Richard Besser, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In New Jersey, where he lives, the rates vary drastically because of socioeconomic factors. In mostly white Princeton, 75% of adults are immunized, versus 45% in Trenton, just 14 miles away, which is heavily Black and Latino.

“Both are strong Democratic areas, so it’s really important to break things down and to address the issues that are impeding vaccination progress in each segment of the unvaccinated population,” Besser said.

Still, there is no doubt that the political divide is playing a role in rising infection rates. From the start, vaccinations in counties that voted for Donald Trump lagged behind those in counties that voted for Joe Biden, and the gap has only widened — from 2 percentage points in April to nearly 12 points now, according to one recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

After an all-too-brief respite, the United States is again at a crossroads in the pandemic. The number of infections has ticked up — slowly at first, then swiftly — to 51,000 cases per day, on average, more than four times the rate a month ago.

After an all-too-brief respite, the United States is again at a crossroads in the pandemic. The number of infections has ticked up — slowly at first, then swiftly — to 51,000 cases per day, on average, more than four times the rate a month ago. The country may again see overflowing hospitals, exhausted health care workers and thousands of needless deaths. The more contagious delta variant may be getting the blame, but fueling its rise is an older, more familiar foe: vaccine hesitancy and refusal, long pervasive in the United States. Were a wider swath of the population vaccinated, there would be no resurgence — of the delta variant, alpha variant or any other version of the coronavirus. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant While mild breakthrough infections may be more common than once thought, the vaccines effectively prevent severe illness and death. Yet nearly half the population remains unvaccinated and unprotected. About 30 per cent of adults have not received even a single dose, and the percentage is much higher in some parts of the country. America is one of the few countries with enough vaccines at its disposal to protect every resident — and yet it has the highest rates of vaccine hesitance or refusal of any nation except Russia. Public health experts have fruitlessly warned for months that the virus — any version of it — would resurge if the country did not vaccinate enough of the population quickly enough. Bill Hanage, a public health researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, predicted in January that Florida might have a rough summer. Now 1 in 5 new infections nationwide is in Florida. True, the speed and ferocity with which the delta variant is tearing through Asia, Europe, Africa and now North America has taken many experts by surprise. It now accounts for about 83 per cent of the infections in the United States. Also read | French lawmakers seek deal on vaccine passports after protests But delta is by no means the wickedest variant out there. Gamma and lambda are waiting in the wings, and who knows what frightful versions are already flourishing undetected in the far corners of the world, perhaps even here in America. Every infected person, anywhere in the world, offers the coronavirus another opportunity to morph into a new variant. The more infections there are globally, the more likely new variants will arise. The United States will be vulnerable to every one of them until it can immunize millions of people who now refuse to get the vaccine, are still persuadable but hesitant or have not yet gained access. The unvaccinated will set the country on fire over and over again. And they will not be the only ones who are singed. Vaccinated people will be protected from severe illness and death, but there may be other consequences. Already in some communities, they are being asked to wear masks indoors. If the numbers continue to soar, the restrictions that divided the country before may return. Workplaces may need to close again, and schools, too. And some number of vaccinated people will become infected. Breakthrough infections were expected to be vanishingly rare with the original virus, but recent data suggest they may be less so with the delta variant. It is roughly twice as contagious as the original coronavirus, and some early evidence hints that people infected with the variant carry the virus in much higher amounts. “The larger the force of infection that comes from the pandemic in unvaccinated populations, the more breakthrough infections there will be,” Hanage said. Most breakthrough infections produce few to no symptoms, but some may prompt illness in vaccinated people serious enough to lay them up in bed, miss work — and put their children or older relatives at risk. Some cases may lead to long COVID, scientists now fear — a poorly defined syndrome in which symptoms seem to persist for months. This grim redux has a glaringly obvious solution: shots in arms. But short of a federal mandate — or a patchwork of mandates by municipalities, hospitals, colleges and businesses — it is hard to see how enough Americans will be immunized to form a buttress against the virus. After a brisk vaccination campaign in the spring, the pace has slowed to about 537,000 doses per day, according to data gathered by The New York Times. Some responsibility for the lag lies with the frank refusal of conservative leaders — often Republicans — to champion the vaccines. But misinformation, an epidemic all its own on social media, emanates from all parts of the cultural spectrum, and there is no single reason why so many Americans remain unvaccinated. It is a Hydra-headed problem. Of the 39% of adults who are unvaccinated, about half say they are completely unwilling. But even within that group, some say they would comply if required to do so. Some are hesitant and may come around with the right persuasion from people they trust, while still others plan to be inoculated but say they have just not had the chance. Politics is a driver for only some of these people, noted Dr. Richard Besser, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In New Jersey, where he lives, the rates vary drastically because of socioeconomic factors. In mostly white Princeton, 75% of adults are immunized, versus 45% in Trenton, just 14 miles away, which is heavily Black and Latino. “Both are strong Democratic areas, so it’s really important to break things down and to address the issues that are impeding vaccination progress in each segment of the unvaccinated population,” Besser said. Still, there is no doubt that the political divide is playing a role in rising infection rates. From the start, vaccinations in counties that voted for Donald Trump lagged behind those in counties that voted for Joe Biden, and the gap has only widened — from 2 percentage points in April to nearly 12 points now, according to one recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The delta variant is the symptom of a bigger threat: Vaccine refusal

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested.

President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants.

The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines.

But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament.

While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right.

The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules.

The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday.

In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law.

'Irresponsibility and egoism'

Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on".

Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said.

On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests.

"Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist".

He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital.

"I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said.

By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday.

Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches.

As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant.

After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people.

The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules.

France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge.

But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19. The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested. President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants. The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines. But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament. While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right. The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules. The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday. In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law. 'Irresponsibility and egoism' Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on". Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said. On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests. "Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist". He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital. "I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said. By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday. Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches. As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant. After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people. The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules. France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge. But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

French lawmakers seek deal on vaccine passports after protests

Taking a U-turn from the earlier assurance of "not going down that road", Germany’s government may introduce curbs for people who have not yet been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

An aide of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has revealed that the government is planning to bring out some restrictions for unvaccinated people of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-down-this-road-merkel-says-vaccines-not-compulsory-in-germany-397894">'Not going down this road': Merkel says vaccines not compulsory in Germany</a>

"Vaccinated people will definitely have more freedom than unvaccinated people," Helge Braun told a local newspaper.

As of now, unvaccinated Germans are allowed to use all public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, and sporting venues if they can provide a negative Covid test result.

However, if the coronavirus infections keep on increasing, it could lead to the government limiting access to these public spaces for unvaccinated people. "That could mean that visiting places like restaurants, cinemas and stadiums would no longer be possible even for tested unvaccinated people because the risk is too high," Braun said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-study-suggests-dogs-can-be-used-to-detect-covid-19-400356" hreflang="en">New study suggests dogs can be used to detect COVID-19</a>

This statement has come a few days after Merkel had assured people that Germany will not be making vaccines compulsory for now. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination."

She had, however, assured people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. "The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated."

Taking a U-turn from the earlier assurance of "not going down that road", Germany’s government may introduce curbs for people who have not yet been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

Taking a U-turn from the earlier assurance of "not going down that road", Germany’s government may introduce curbs for people who have not yet been vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. An aide of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has revealed that the government is planning to bring out some restrictions for unvaccinated people of the country. Also read | 'Not going down this road': Merkel says vaccines not compulsory in Germany "Vaccinated people will definitely have more freedom than unvaccinated people," Helge Braun told a local newspaper. As of now, unvaccinated Germans are allowed to use all public spaces such as restaurants, cinemas, and sporting venues if they can provide a negative Covid test result. However, if the coronavirus infections keep on increasing, it could lead to the government limiting access to these public spaces for unvaccinated people. "That could mean that visiting places like restaurants, cinemas and stadiums would no longer be possible even for tested unvaccinated people because the risk is too high," Braun said. Also read | New study suggests dogs can be used to detect COVID-19 This statement has come a few days after Merkel had assured people that Germany will not be making vaccines compulsory for now. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination." She had, however, assured people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. "The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated."

Germany to introduce curbs for unvaccinated people: Merkel's aide

Starting from August 2, all public health workers will have to compulsorily get vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> or take a weekly Covid test, Mayor announced on Wednesday.

The decision has been taken after authorities observed an alarming increase in new coronavirus infections in the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/life-expectancy-in-us-fell-drastically-due-to-coronavirus-study-399552" hreflang="en">Life expectancy in US fell drastically due to coronavirus: Study</a>

"This is the first step — everyone should do this now to save lives,"&nbsp;Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "If we don't see vaccination numbers go up fast enough, if we don't see progress against the variant, we are going to consider a range of options."

The order will apply to nearly 30,000 employees of the city’s 11 public hospitals and will be brought into place from August 2.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-chief-dr-tedros-backs-tokyo-games-amid-pandemic-399405">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-chief-dr-tedros-backs-tokyo-games-amid-pandemic-399405/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As of now, 58 per cent of the population of New York City has been vaccinated with the first dose against coronavirus. The Mayor believes he is confident that the majority of the public health workers will choose to get vaccinated instead of opting for weekly Covid tests.

"I don't have a doubt in my mind this is going to move people towards vaccination,"&nbsp;Bill de Blasio said.

Starting from August 2, all public health workers will have to compulsorily get vaccinated against coronavirus or take a weekly Covid test, Mayor announced on Wednesday.

Starting from August 2, all public health workers will have to compulsorily get vaccinated against coronavirus or take a weekly Covid test, Mayor announced on Wednesday. The decision has been taken after authorities observed an alarming increase in new coronavirus infections in the city. Also read | Life expectancy in US fell drastically due to coronavirus: Study "This is the first step — everyone should do this now to save lives," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "If we don't see vaccination numbers go up fast enough, if we don't see progress against the variant, we are going to consider a range of options." The order will apply to nearly 30,000 employees of the city’s 11 public hospitals and will be brought into place from August 2. WATCH | As of now, 58 per cent of the population of New York City has been vaccinated with the first dose against coronavirus. The Mayor believes he is confident that the majority of the public health workers will choose to get vaccinated instead of opting for weekly Covid tests. "I don't have a doubt in my mind this is going to move people towards vaccination," Bill de Blasio said.

Either get vaccinated or take weekly Covid tests, orders New York Mayor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccine</a> makers BioNTech and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a>&nbsp;said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed.&nbsp;

The move comes amid growing criticism of vaccine inequality that has seen poor countries fall behind richer ones in the race to protect people from the coronavirus.

Under the agreement, Cape Town-based Biovac will complete the last step in the manufacturing process of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, known as "fill and finish", the companies said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-of-covid-19-is-yet-to-come-for-africa-who-396816">Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO</a>

The project will take time to get off the ground, however, with the first African-finished Pfizer vaccines not expected before next year.

Once up and running, Biovac is set to churn out more than 100 million doses annually that will be distributed to the 55 countries in the African Union.

"This is a critical step forward in strengthening sustainable access to a vaccine in the fight against this tragic, worldwide pandemic," said Biovac chief executive officer Morena Makhoana.

"Technical transfer, on-site development and equipment installation activities will begin immediately," the statement added.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the partnership "a breakthrough" for African nations.

The reaction from the World Health Organization was more muted.

"We welcome all initiatives to increase COVID-19 vaccine production in the future but immediate action is needed now," a spokesman said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349">US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus</a>

In low-income countries, "only one percent of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries," he added.

The coronavirus vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech and its US partner Pfizer, based on experimental mRNA technology, was the first to be approved in the West late last year.&nbsp;

Studies have shown it is highly effective against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, including against newer variants.

Another plant in South Africa is already handling the fill and finish process for the COVID-19 shot developed by pharmaceutical firm Johnson &amp; Johnson, which uses a traditional viral vector-based method.

Debate over patents&nbsp;

Calls have grown for pharma companies to waive patents on their life-saving jabs to speed up the pace of inoculations globally.

Washington and Paris have backed the suggestion, but the vaccine companies themselves are fiercely opposed.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also said that suspending intellectual property rights could stifle innovation and would not resolve the lack of manufacturing capacity in the short term.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angela-merkel-rejects-vaccine-patent-waivers-383570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She has instead argued for licensing agreements and partnerships between vaccine makers and local firms, the approach taken by BioNTech and Pfizer.

"We aim to enable people on all continents to manufacture and distribute our vaccine while ensuring the quality of the manufacturing process and the doses," said Ugur Sahin, BioNTech's co-founder and CEO.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said weakening intellectual property "will only discourage the type of unprecedented innovation which brought vaccines forward in record time and make it harder for companies to collaborate going forward".

Vaccine hub&nbsp;

Pfizer/BioNTech said they have so far shipped more than one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 100 countries or territories, including through the Covax vaccine-sharing programme.

The Covax scheme, backed by the WHO and heavily relied on by African countries, has so far delivered far fewer doses than expected, however.

South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Africa, recording more than 2.3 million infections and over 67,000 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-driving-covid-surge-in-south-africa-394228">Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa</a>

The country is currently battling a third wave of the pandemic, fuelled by a lack of vaccines, public fatigue with Covid restrictions and the highly contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a>.

South African President Ramaphosa last month announced a plan to turn his country into an mRNA vaccine hub, saying Africans "cannot continue to rely on vaccines that are made outside of Africa because they never come".

Covid vaccine makers BioNTech and Pfizer said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed.

Covid vaccine makers BioNTech and Pfizer said Wednesday they will produce their jab in South Africa from 2022, a first for the continent that could see much-needed immunisation drives pick up speed. The move comes amid growing criticism of vaccine inequality that has seen poor countries fall behind richer ones in the race to protect people from the coronavirus. Under the agreement, Cape Town-based Biovac will complete the last step in the manufacturing process of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, known as "fill and finish", the companies said in a statement. Also read | Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO The project will take time to get off the ground, however, with the first African-finished Pfizer vaccines not expected before next year. Once up and running, Biovac is set to churn out more than 100 million doses annually that will be distributed to the 55 countries in the African Union. "This is a critical step forward in strengthening sustainable access to a vaccine in the fight against this tragic, worldwide pandemic," said Biovac chief executive officer Morena Makhoana. "Technical transfer, on-site development and equipment installation activities will begin immediately," the statement added. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the partnership "a breakthrough" for African nations. The reaction from the World Health Organization was more muted. "We welcome all initiatives to increase COVID-19 vaccine production in the future but immediate action is needed now," a spokesman said. Also read | US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus In low-income countries, "only one percent of people have received at least one dose, compared with more than half of people in high-income countries," he added. The coronavirus vaccine developed by Germany's BioNTech and its US partner Pfizer, based on experimental mRNA technology, was the first to be approved in the West late last year. Studies have shown it is highly effective against COVID-19, including against newer variants. Another plant in South Africa is already handling the fill and finish process for the COVID-19 shot developed by pharmaceutical firm Johnson & Johnson, which uses a traditional viral vector-based method. Debate over patents Calls have grown for pharma companies to waive patents on their life-saving jabs to speed up the pace of inoculations globally. Washington and Paris have backed the suggestion, but the vaccine companies themselves are fiercely opposed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has also said that suspending intellectual property rights could stifle innovation and would not resolve the lack of manufacturing capacity in the short term. She has instead argued for licensing agreements and partnerships between vaccine makers and local firms, the approach taken by BioNTech and Pfizer. "We aim to enable people on all continents to manufacture and distribute our vaccine while ensuring the quality of the manufacturing process and the doses," said Ugur Sahin, BioNTech's co-founder and CEO. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said weakening intellectual property "will only discourage the type of unprecedented innovation which brought vaccines forward in record time and make it harder for companies to collaborate going forward". Vaccine hub Pfizer/BioNTech said they have so far shipped more than one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to over 100 countries or territories, including through the Covax vaccine-sharing programme. The Covax scheme, backed by the WHO and heavily relied on by African countries, has so far delivered far fewer doses than expected, however. South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in Africa, recording more than 2.3 million infections and over 67,000 deaths. Also read | Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa The country is currently battling a third wave of the pandemic, fuelled by a lack of vaccines, public fatigue with Covid restrictions and the highly contagious Delta variant. South African President Ramaphosa last month announced a plan to turn his country into an mRNA vaccine hub, saying Africans "cannot continue to rely on vaccines that are made outside of Africa because they never come".

Pfizer/BioNTech to produce Covid vaccine in S.Africa

An Airbnb host has been suspended for rejecting the booking of a probable customer because they revealed they have had the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Steve Carey discovered an Airbnb he liked and decided to talk to the owner, also known as ‘superhost’. However, the host&nbsp;asked Carey if he had been vaccinated and Carey admitted "we've both had our first [shot]".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQg96W-fPxAhVnzjgGHbCjAT8QFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0E7BASpREEETWjfv7kgRmz" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-rape-victim-paid-7-million-as-settlement-by-airbnb-392213" target="_blank">New York: Rape victim paid $7 million as 'settlement' by&nbsp;Airbnb</a>

Upon hearing this, the host refused to accept the booking as she believes the people who have the first dose can infect other people with the coronavirus, as she believes vaccinated people can be a carrier of the disease to unvaccinated people.

"I'm not accepting any vaccinated people due to reports of adverse reactions,"&nbsp;the host said. "It's also transmitting to unvaccinated people and causing them to become unwell. I’m afraid it’s way too experimental at this stage and I need to protect my other guests. I’m so sorry for any inconvenience."

Furious, Carey decided to contact Airbnb but the support person claimed there was nothing mentioned in company policies or terms and conditions that prevented hosts from refusing vaccinated people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbnb-to-lay-off-25-of-its-employees-296912" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbnb-to-lay-off-25-of-its-employees-296912&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQg96W-fPxAhVnzjgGHbCjAT8QFjABegQICBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0UUSBYRX34oGUz7Qh_5y6I" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbnb-to-lay-off-25-of-its-employees-296912" target="_blank">Airbnb&nbsp;to lay off 25% of its employees</a>

"Having completed our investigation of this matter, we have suspended the listing in question,"&nbsp;Airbnb’s head of public policy for Australia, Derek Nolan, told the Guardian Australia. "It's important that everyone closely follows official health guidance from local authorities as we all continue to do our part to combat COVID-19."

The customer, meanwhile, said he hopes Airbnb provides better information to guests as well as hosts from next time.

"My complaint was never with the Airbnb host, who correctly believed that she was acting within the guidelines, or lack of them, provided by Airbnb," he said. "Now that Airbnb has clarified things, she can decide for herself whether she wants to adhere to them."

An Airbnb host has been suspended for rejecting the booking of a probable customer because they revealed they have had the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

An Airbnb host has been suspended for rejecting the booking of a probable customer because they revealed they have had the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Steve Carey discovered an Airbnb he liked and decided to talk to the owner, also known as ‘superhost’. However, the host asked Carey if he had been vaccinated and Carey admitted "we've both had our first [shot]". Also read | New York: Rape victim paid $7 million as 'settlement' by Airbnb Upon hearing this, the host refused to accept the booking as she believes the people who have the first dose can infect other people with the coronavirus, as she believes vaccinated people can be a carrier of the disease to unvaccinated people. "I'm not accepting any vaccinated people due to reports of adverse reactions," the host said. "It's also transmitting to unvaccinated people and causing them to become unwell. I’m afraid it’s way too experimental at this stage and I need to protect my other guests. I’m so sorry for any inconvenience." Furious, Carey decided to contact Airbnb but the support person claimed there was nothing mentioned in company policies or terms and conditions that prevented hosts from refusing vaccinated people. Also read | Airbnb to lay off 25% of its employees "Having completed our investigation of this matter, we have suspended the listing in question," Airbnb’s head of public policy for Australia, Derek Nolan, told the Guardian Australia. "It's important that everyone closely follows official health guidance from local authorities as we all continue to do our part to combat COVID-19." The customer, meanwhile, said he hopes Airbnb provides better information to guests as well as hosts from next time. "My complaint was never with the Airbnb host, who correctly believed that she was acting within the guidelines, or lack of them, provided by Airbnb," he said. "Now that Airbnb has clarified things, she can decide for herself whether she wants to adhere to them."

Effect of fake news: Airbnb host rejects booking of couple for being vaccinated

All citizens of Saudi Arabia will have to compulsorily complete two doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccines</a> if they wish to travel abroad, from next month.

Starting from August 09, any Saudi citizen planning to travel abroad will have to be fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "The second dose of the vaccine against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> will be&nbsp;a condition of all overseas travel for all citizens from August 9, 2021," the ministry wrote in a statement published by the official SPA news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-people-in-us-breeding-ground-for-new-covid-variants-experts-398900" hreflang="en">Unvaccinated people in US breeding ground for new Covid variants: Experts</a>

As of now, single dose of any approved vaccine was enough. However, to control the spread of the virus, the government has decided to tighten travel restrictions in the country.

In addition to this, vaccines will also be mandatory for citizens if they wish to gain access to public spaces, public transport, and even private spaces.

Taking the restrictions a step further, it has also been decided that only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to return to their workspaces, be it in private or public spaces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beta-variant-can-evade-covid-vaccines-uk-scientist-claims-398709" hreflang="en">Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims</a>

The announcement came as Saudi Arabia reported 1,055 new Covid cases and 12 fatalities on Sunday, taking the toll to 509,576 and the total death toll to 8,075.

As per official data, more than 22 million doses have been administered in a country of 34 million. Out of these, 17.4 million citizens have received one dose and only 2.2 million have been administered the second dose.

Saudi Arabia is also, currently, hosting its second Covid-restricted annual Hajj pilgrimage, in which only 60,000 locals have been allowed to participate.

All citizens of Saudi Arabia will have to compulsorily complete two doses of Covid vaccines if they wish to travel abroad, from next month. Starting from August 09, any Saudi citizen planning to travel abroad will have to be fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

All citizens of Saudi Arabia will have to compulsorily complete two doses of Covid vaccines if they wish to travel abroad, from next month. Starting from August 09, any Saudi citizen planning to travel abroad will have to be fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. "The second dose of the vaccine against Covid will be a condition of all overseas travel for all citizens from August 9, 2021," the ministry wrote in a statement published by the official SPA news agency. Also read | Unvaccinated people in US breeding ground for new Covid variants: Experts As of now, single dose of any approved vaccine was enough. However, to control the spread of the virus, the government has decided to tighten travel restrictions in the country. In addition to this, vaccines will also be mandatory for citizens if they wish to gain access to public spaces, public transport, and even private spaces. Taking the restrictions a step further, it has also been decided that only fully vaccinated people will be allowed to return to their workspaces, be it in private or public spaces. Also read | Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims The announcement came as Saudi Arabia reported 1,055 new Covid cases and 12 fatalities on Sunday, taking the toll to 509,576 and the total death toll to 8,075. As per official data, more than 22 million doses have been administered in a country of 34 million. Out of these, 17.4 million citizens have received one dose and only 2.2 million have been administered the second dose. Saudi Arabia is also, currently, hosting its second Covid-restricted annual Hajj pilgrimage, in which only 60,000 locals have been allowed to participate.

Saudi: Two doses of vaccine compulsory for international travel, and much more

As several states in the US return to ‘normal times from before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">Covid</a>’, experts are warning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">unvaccinated</a> people against their choice to not get inoculated.

Health officials have voiced concerns that the huge number of unvaccinated people in the country could lead to a wider spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beta-variant-can-evade-covid-vaccines-uk-scientist-claims-398709" hreflang="en">Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims</a>

Experts also worry that the transmission which will take place now will be more transmissible and deadlier. They have also warned that the population of unvaccinated people could lead to the spread of new and deadlier variants of COVID-19.

"Unvaccinated people are basically the cannon fodder of the virus. The virus needs people to infect in order to replicate and the more people it has that are vulnerable or susceptible to infection, the more likely it will mutate," said Michael Saag, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Health experts also fear that the unvaccinated population could not only be at risk of getting infected by coronavirus but may also diminish the success of US’ vaccine rollout, in case any new variant is discovered that is resistant to the existing vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-unlocking-plan-is-threat-to-world-1200-scientists-warn-398688" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn</a>

The warning has come as at least 46 US states observed an increase of at least 10 per cent in Covid infections. Now, US President Joe Biden is encouraging locals, especially young people, to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible.

"The challenge that we’re facing in the public health response … is that we’ve gotten the 'easy' people in terms of vaccination. The ones that were eager for it, that couldn’t wait to get it," Susan Hassig, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine was quoted by the Guardian.

Experts have recommended getting everyone vaccinated as that doubles the chances of protecting people from getting infected, which will then stop any possibility of replication and birth of new variants.

As several states in the US return to ‘normal times from before Covid’, experts are warning unvaccinated people against their choice to not get inoculated. Health officials have voiced concerns that the huge number of unvaccinated people in the country could lead to a wider spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country.

As several states in the US return to ‘normal times from before Covid’, experts are warning unvaccinated people against their choice to not get inoculated. Health officials have voiced concerns that the huge number of unvaccinated people in the country could lead to a wider spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country. Also read | Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims Experts also worry that the transmission which will take place now will be more transmissible and deadlier. They have also warned that the population of unvaccinated people could lead to the spread of new and deadlier variants of COVID-19. "Unvaccinated people are basically the cannon fodder of the virus. The virus needs people to infect in order to replicate and the more people it has that are vulnerable or susceptible to infection, the more likely it will mutate," said Michael Saag, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Health experts also fear that the unvaccinated population could not only be at risk of getting infected by coronavirus but may also diminish the success of US’ vaccine rollout, in case any new variant is discovered that is resistant to the existing vaccines. Also read | Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn The warning has come as at least 46 US states observed an increase of at least 10 per cent in Covid infections. Now, US President Joe Biden is encouraging locals, especially young people, to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible. "The challenge that we’re facing in the public health response … is that we’ve gotten the 'easy' people in terms of vaccination. The ones that were eager for it, that couldn’t wait to get it," Susan Hassig, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine was quoted by the Guardian. Experts have recommended getting everyone vaccinated as that doubles the chances of protecting people from getting infected, which will then stop any possibility of replication and birth of new variants.

Unvaccinated people in US breeding ground for new Covid variants: Experts

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> with the India-made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus vaccine</a>, Covishield.

While the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet recognised AstraZeneca’s Covishield for the 'Green Pass'. However, several European countries have now allowed travellers who have been vaccinated with Covishield to enter the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beta-variant-can-evade-covid-vaccines-uk-scientist-claims-398709">Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims</a>

France has accepted the vaccine "because the vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta, the constraints weighing on travellers benefiting from a complete vaccination schedule with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen) will be raised from this Saturday, July 17, regardless of the country of origin," French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement.

Other countries that have accepted Serum Institute India’s Covishield vaccine are Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-unlocking-plan-is-threat-to-world-1200-scientists-warn-398688">Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn</a>

As of now, the EMA has approves Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines for 'Green Pass'.

This has come at a time when travellers from France have been asked to self-isolate while entering the UK even if they have been fully vaccinated. It has been announced as scientific experts are raising alarms against the emergence of the Beta variant, which is widely spreading in France.

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been vaccinated with the India-made coronavirus vaccine, Covishield.

Along with some more European countries, France has also decided to allow travellers who have been vaccinated with the India-made coronavirus vaccine, Covishield. While the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has not yet recognised AstraZeneca’s Covishield for the 'Green Pass'. However, several European countries have now allowed travellers who have been vaccinated with Covishield to enter the country. Also read | Beta variant can evade Covid vaccines, UK scientist claims France has accepted the vaccine "because the vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta, the constraints weighing on travellers benefiting from a complete vaccination schedule with a vaccine recognised by the European Medicines Agency (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Janssen) will be raised from this Saturday, July 17, regardless of the country of origin," French Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement. Other countries that have accepted Serum Institute India’s Covishield vaccine are Belgium, Austria, Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland. Also read | Boris Johnson's unlocking plan is threat to world, 1,200 scientists warn As of now, the EMA has approves Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for 'Green Pass'. This has come at a time when travellers from France have been asked to self-isolate while entering the UK even if they have been fully vaccinated. It has been announced as scientific experts are raising alarms against the emergence of the Beta variant, which is widely spreading in France.

France allows travellers vaccinated with Covishield to enter country

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

According to the Miami Herald, some denounced President Miguel Diaz-Canel, chanting "down with the dictatorship."

Diaz-Canel blamed the unrest on the United States in a speech to the country.&nbsp;

People screamed, "We are not frightened!" as they marched through the streets on Sunday, according to videos posted on social media. “Freedom! Freedom!” shouts the crowd.

Analysts believe the protests are uncommon in a country where dissidents are closely monitored by the police.&nbsp;

The island is facing one of its greatest socioeconomic crises since the Soviet Union collapsed as well as a rise of deadly coronavirus outbreaks.&nbsp;

Worsening conditions, such as the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a frightening scarcity of food, medication, and other necessities, are among the causes for the protests, which are among the greatest since the dictatorship began in the 1950s.&nbsp;

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From Cuba: Protestors in front of Communist Party Headquarters chanting "Cuba isn't yours!"<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cuba</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Gevvd0Sxb">pic.twitter.com/5Gevvd0Sxb</a>
— RiptideDash (@RiptideDash) <a href="https://twitter.com/RiptideDash/status/1414410403707297799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Many protesters attempted to broadcast the protest live on their phones, but Cuban officials cut down internet service for the whole day.

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As a Cuban-American I’m inspired to see the courage shown by so many today in Cuba. Demonstrations of this magnitude are UNHEARD of in Cuba. The people of Cuba are tired of 60+ years of oppression, lies and hunger! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOSCuba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOSCuba</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PatriaYVida?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PatriaYVida</a> <a href="https://t.co/sGIDDjeUwr">pic.twitter.com/sGIDDjeUwr</a>
— Kevin Marino Cabrera (@_KevinMarino) <a href="https://twitter.com/_KevinMarino/status/1414401360934539268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to the American daily newspaper Miami Herald, videos live-streamed on Facebook showed thousands of people walking and riding bikes and motorcycles along streets while chanting “Freedom!” “Down with Communism!” and “Patria y Vida” -- Homeland and Life -- which has become a battle cry among activists after a viral music video turned the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death” on its head.

US warns Cuba against targeting protesters

On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a warning to Cuba about any targeting of those participating in the unprecedented protests against the Communist government.&nbsp;

"The US supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights," he said on Twitter.

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The U.S. supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights. <a href="https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE">https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE</a>
— Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) <a href="https://twitter.com/JakeSullivan46/status/1414406415955996672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of Cubans have marched to the streets in Havana and other towns, demanding vaccines and food as the country struggles to recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Miami Herald, some denounced President Miguel Diaz-Canel, chanting "down with the dictatorship." Diaz-Canel blamed the unrest on the United States in a speech to the country. People screamed, "We are not frightened!" as they marched through the streets on Sunday, according to videos posted on social media. “Freedom! Freedom!” shouts the crowd. Analysts believe the protests are uncommon in a country where dissidents are closely monitored by the police. The island is facing one of its greatest socioeconomic crises since the Soviet Union collapsed as well as a rise of deadly coronavirus outbreaks. Worsening conditions, such as the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a frightening scarcity of food, medication, and other necessities, are among the causes for the protests, which are among the greatest since the dictatorship began in the 1950s. From Cuba: Protestors in front of Communist Party Headquarters chanting "Cuba isn't yours!"#Cuba pic.twitter.com/5Gevvd0Sxb — RiptideDash (@RiptideDash) July 12, 2021 × Many protesters attempted to broadcast the protest live on their phones, but Cuban officials cut down internet service for the whole day. As a Cuban-American I’m inspired to see the courage shown by so many today in Cuba. Demonstrations of this magnitude are UNHEARD of in Cuba. The people of Cuba are tired of 60+ years of oppression, lies and hunger! #SOSCuba #PatriaYVida pic.twitter.com/sGIDDjeUwr — Kevin Marino Cabrera (@_KevinMarino) July 12, 2021 × According to the American daily newspaper Miami Herald, videos live-streamed on Facebook showed thousands of people walking and riding bikes and motorcycles along streets while chanting “Freedom!” “Down with Communism!” and “Patria y Vida” -- Homeland and Life -- which has become a battle cry among activists after a viral music video turned the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death” on its head. US warns Cuba against targeting protesters On Sunday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan issued a warning to Cuba about any targeting of those participating in the unprecedented protests against the Communist government. "The US supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights," he said on Twitter. The U.S. supports freedom of expression and assembly across Cuba, and would strongly condemn any violence or targeting of peaceful protesters who are exercising their universal rights. https://t.co/FjI8bUHoQE — Jake Sullivan (@JakeSullivan46) July 12, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. 
 
Thousands of Cubans joined demonstrations throughout the Communist-run country on Sunday to protest&nbsp;a deep economic crisis that has seen shortages of basic goods and power outages. They were also protesting the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties. 
 
Cuba`s government has said the demonstrations were orchestrated by counter-revolutionaries financed by old Cold War foe the United States, manipulating frustration with an economic crisis largely caused by the decades-old U.S. trade embargo. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/down-with-communism-cuban-protesters-demand-freedom-food-and-covid-19-vaccines-397504">Also read | 'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines</a> 
 
The protests, rare in a country where public dissent is tightly restricted, had largely ended by Sunday evening, as security forces were deployed to the streets and President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on government supporters to go out and fight to defend their revolution. 
 
But another protest flared late Monday in the southern Havana suburb of La Guinera, where one man died and several others, including members of the security forces, were hospitalized with injuries, according to state-run media on Tuesday. 
 
It did not say what caused the death. No other deaths and injuries have been officially confirmed so far. 
 
Hundreds had taken to streets in La Guinera, shouting slogans like `down with communism,` and `freedom for the people of Cuba,` according to two residents and video footage seen by Reuters. Some started throwing rocks at security forces who eventually responded with gunfire, said resident Waldo Herrera, 49. 
 
"I think the Communists have lost control, they won`t have a solution to this situation," he said. "The people are tired of so much humiliation, so much repression." 
 
A Reuters witness saw dozens of people carrying sticks departing La Guinera late on Monday. 
 
Activists say the government is using so-called rapid-reaction brigades - government-organized bands of civilian recruits - to counter protesters. 
 
They also accuse the government of trying to disrupt communications. Introduced just over two years ago, mobile internet has been a key factor behind the protests, giving Cubans more of a platform to express their frustrations and enabling the word to get out quickly when people are on the street. 
 
In the capital, there have been regular and atypical mobile internet outages since Sunday, according to Reuters witnesses. 
 
NetBlocks, based in London, said on its website that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram in Cuba were partially disrupted on Monday and Tuesday. 
 
"The pattern of restrictions observed in Cuba indicate an ongoing crackdown on messaging platforms used to organize and share news of protests in real-time," said NetBlocks director Alp Toker. "At the same time, some connectivity is preserved to maintain a semblance of normality." 
 
Asked whether the government was intentionally restricting internet connections, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told a news briefing the situation was "complicated." He said power outages could impact telecommunications services and "Cuba would never renounce the right to defend itself." 
 
Neither Telegram nor Facebook Inc, which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, immediately responded to a request for comment. Twitter Inc said it found no blocking of its service. 
 
"Our weapon is the internet. If they take away the internet we are unarmed," said Havana resident Gino Ocumares, as he tried but failed to connect to the web at a government Wi-Fi hotspot. "The government does not want people to see the truth." 
 
'PROVOCATIONS' 
 
The protest in La Guinera was spearheaded by "antisocial and criminal elements" that had tried to reach the police station with the aim of attacking its officials and damaging infrastructure, said The Cuban News Agency. 
 
When security forces stopped them, they vandalized homes, set containers on fire, and damaged the suburb`s electricity wiring, attacking officials with stones and other objects, the agency said. 
 
State-run media also reported on Tuesday that Raul Castro, who stepped down as head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party in April, attended a meeting on Sunday of the political bureau to address the "provocations." 
 
Diaz-Canel said in April he would continue to consult Castro on matters of utmost importance. 
 
Counter-rallies of government supporters have been taking place. Around 100 supporters carrying the Cuba flag gathered in the Vedado business district of Havana on Tuesday. 
 
The Cuban Bishops Conference said in a statement it was worried that the response to protests over legitimate concerns would be "immobilism" rather than an attempt to resolve them, and even a counterproductive hardening of positions. 
 
During or following the biggest wave of protests on Sunday, nearly 200 people were arrested, according to exiled rights group Cubalex, adding that only 19 had been confirmed released so far. 
 
"In the multiple interrogations, we made it clear that no one was directing us from abroad to take to the streets, that no one paid us a cent to do what we did," theater director Yunior Garcia, who was arrested at a protest in Havana on Sunday, wrote on his Facebook page. 
 
He said he was released on Monday but police officials told him he remained under investigation. 
 
Reaction to the protest in Latin America split along ideological lines, with Mexico`s president blaming the U.S. embargo for fomenting the unrest, while Chile and Peru urged the government to allow pro-democracy protests. 
 
U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that the United States "stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights." 
 
State Department spokesman Ned Price called on the Havana government to open all means of communication, both online and offline. 
 
"Shutting down technology, shutting down information pathways - that does nothing to address the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Cuban people," Price told a news briefing on Tuesday.

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades.

Cuba has restricted access to social media and messaging platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp, global internet monitoring firm NetBlocks said on Tuesday, in the wake of the biggest anti-government protests in decades. Thousands of Cubans joined demonstrations throughout the Communist-run country on Sunday to protest a deep economic crisis that has seen shortages of basic goods and power outages. They were also protesting the government`s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties. Cuba`s government has said the demonstrations were orchestrated by counter-revolutionaries financed by old Cold War foe the United States, manipulating frustration with an economic crisis largely caused by the decades-old U.S. trade embargo. Also read | 'Down with Communism': Cuban protesters demand freedom, food and COVID-19 vaccines The protests, rare in a country where public dissent is tightly restricted, had largely ended by Sunday evening, as security forces were deployed to the streets and President Miguel Diaz-Canel called on government supporters to go out and fight to defend their revolution. But another protest flared late Monday in the southern Havana suburb of La Guinera, where one man died and several others, including members of the security forces, were hospitalized with injuries, according to state-run media on Tuesday. It did not say what caused the death. No other deaths and injuries have been officially confirmed so far. Hundreds had taken to streets in La Guinera, shouting slogans like `down with communism,` and `freedom for the people of Cuba,` according to two residents and video footage seen by Reuters. Some started throwing rocks at security forces who eventually responded with gunfire, said resident Waldo Herrera, 49. "I think the Communists have lost control, they won`t have a solution to this situation," he said. "The people are tired of so much humiliation, so much repression." A Reuters witness saw dozens of people carrying sticks departing La Guinera late on Monday. Activists say the government is using so-called rapid-reaction brigades - government-organized bands of civilian recruits - to counter protesters. They also accuse the government of trying to disrupt communications. Introduced just over two years ago, mobile internet has been a key factor behind the protests, giving Cubans more of a platform to express their frustrations and enabling the word to get out quickly when people are on the street. In the capital, there have been regular and atypical mobile internet outages since Sunday, according to Reuters witnesses. NetBlocks, based in London, said on its website that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram in Cuba were partially disrupted on Monday and Tuesday. "The pattern of restrictions observed in Cuba indicate an ongoing crackdown on messaging platforms used to organize and share news of protests in real-time," said NetBlocks director Alp Toker. "At the same time, some connectivity is preserved to maintain a semblance of normality." Asked whether the government was intentionally restricting internet connections, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez told a news briefing the situation was "complicated." He said power outages could impact telecommunications services and "Cuba would never renounce the right to defend itself." Neither Telegram nor Facebook Inc, which owns Instagram and WhatsApp, immediately responded to a request for comment. Twitter Inc said it found no blocking of its service. "Our weapon is the internet. If they take away the internet we are unarmed," said Havana resident Gino Ocumares, as he tried but failed to connect to the web at a government Wi-Fi hotspot. "The government does not want people to see the truth." 'PROVOCATIONS' The protest in La Guinera was spearheaded by "antisocial and criminal elements" that had tried to reach the police station with the aim of attacking its officials and damaging infrastructure, said The Cuban News Agency. When security forces stopped them, they vandalized homes, set containers on fire, and damaged the suburb`s electricity wiring, attacking officials with stones and other objects, the agency said. State-run media also reported on Tuesday that Raul Castro, who stepped down as head of the ruling Cuban Communist Party in April, attended a meeting on Sunday of the political bureau to address the "provocations." Diaz-Canel said in April he would continue to consult Castro on matters of utmost importance. Counter-rallies of government supporters have been taking place. Around 100 supporters carrying the Cuba flag gathered in the Vedado business district of Havana on Tuesday. The Cuban Bishops Conference said in a statement it was worried that the response to protests over legitimate concerns would be "immobilism" rather than an attempt to resolve them, and even a counterproductive hardening of positions. During or following the biggest wave of protests on Sunday, nearly 200 people were arrested, according to exiled rights group Cubalex, adding that only 19 had been confirmed released so far. "In the multiple interrogations, we made it clear that no one was directing us from abroad to take to the streets, that no one paid us a cent to do what we did," theater director Yunior Garcia, who was arrested at a protest in Havana on Sunday, wrote on his Facebook page. He said he was released on Monday but police officials told him he remained under investigation. Reaction to the protest in Latin America split along ideological lines, with Mexico`s president blaming the U.S. embargo for fomenting the unrest, while Chile and Peru urged the government to allow pro-democracy protests. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday that the United States "stands firmly with the people of Cuba as they assert their universal rights." State Department spokesman Ned Price called on the Havana government to open all means of communication, both online and offline. "Shutting down technology, shutting down information pathways - that does nothing to address the legitimate needs and aspirations of the Cuban people," Price told a news briefing on Tuesday.

Faced with rare protests, Cuba curbs social media access, watchdog says

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this.

Several British holidaymakers are telling people that they cannot board a flight if they have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This decision has been taken as the vaccine has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and therefore is not accepted by the EU vaccine passport scheme.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-officials-press-pfizer-for-more-evidence-of-need-for-booster-shot-397936" hreflang="en">US officials press Pfizer for more evidence of need for booster shot</a>

When several Britishers took the vaccine shot, there were not aware that AstraZeneca candidates will not be allowed to travel overseas. Some locals have had to return back from the airport due to this inconvenience.

The shocking news has come a few days after a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said, "All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria. The European Medicines Agency has authorised this vaccine and we’re confident travel will not be affected."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-johnson-johnson-vaccine-can-cause-rare-neurological-complication-warns-us-fda-397718" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA</a>

This has also raised fears about the usage of the Covid passport for domestic travel and entries into entertainment venues such as clubs and pubs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has assured locals that there was "no reason at all" why the vaccines approved in the UK would not be approved in Europe.

"I'm very confident that that will not prove to be a problem," he had said.

Locals are now worried and experts believe this could further lead to vaccine hesitancy in people.

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this.

Nearly five million Britishers received a shot of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. However, nobody told them that they would end up facing travel restrictions due to this. Several British holidaymakers are telling people that they cannot board a flight if they have been inoculated with the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This decision has been taken as the vaccine has not yet been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and therefore is not accepted by the EU vaccine passport scheme. Also read | US officials press Pfizer for more evidence of need for booster shot When several Britishers took the vaccine shot, there were not aware that AstraZeneca candidates will not be allowed to travel overseas. Some locals have had to return back from the airport due to this inconvenience. The shocking news has come a few days after a spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said, "All AstraZeneca vaccines given in the UK are the same product and appear on the NHS Covid Pass as Vaxzevria. The European Medicines Agency has authorised this vaccine and we’re confident travel will not be affected." Also read | COVID-19: Johnson & Johnson vaccine can cause rare neurological complication, warns US FDA This has also raised fears about the usage of the Covid passport for domestic travel and entries into entertainment venues such as clubs and pubs. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has assured locals that there was "no reason at all" why the vaccines approved in the UK would not be approved in Europe. "I'm very confident that that will not prove to be a problem," he had said. Locals are now worried and experts believe this could further lead to vaccine hesitancy in people.

UK travellers who took AstraZeneca Covid vaccine barred from travelling: Reports

While local authorities are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has assured that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccinations</a> will not be made compulsory in the country.

"We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-embarking-on-dangerous-and-unethical-experiment-says-lancet-on-july-19-reopening-plans-397870">UK embarking on unethical experiment, says Lancet on reopening plans</a>

The German leader’s announcement came a day after France’s leader, Emmanuel Macron, announced that people who do not get vaccinated will face some restrictions in key areas. Talking about the same, Merkel has assured that Germany will not be following France and other countries.

However, she also urged locals to get vaccinated on their own as soon as possible. "The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-scientist-warns-against-mixing-and-matching-different-covid-vaccines-397774" hreflang="en">WHO chief scientist warns against 'mixing and matching' different Covid vaccines</a>

Her statement has come a few months after the country started the vaccination programme earlier this year. The campaign saw a slow start but authorities managed to fully vaccinate 42.6 per cent of adults and 58.5 per cent of locals have been vaccinated at least with one dose.

While local authorities are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has assured that coronavirus vaccinations will not be made compulsory in the country.

While local authorities are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has assured that coronavirus vaccinations will not be made compulsory in the country. "We have no intention of going down this road," Merkel said in a press conference. "There will be no compulsory vaccination." Also read | UK embarking on unethical experiment, says Lancet on reopening plans The German leader’s announcement came a day after France’s leader, Emmanuel Macron, announced that people who do not get vaccinated will face some restrictions in key areas. Talking about the same, Merkel has assured that Germany will not be following France and other countries. However, she also urged locals to get vaccinated on their own as soon as possible. "The more are vaccinated, the more free we can be again," she told locals. "We are at the beginning of the phase in which we are still promoting (vaccination), where we have more vaccines than we have people who want to be vaccinated." Also read | WHO chief scientist warns against 'mixing and matching' different Covid vaccines Her statement has come a few months after the country started the vaccination programme earlier this year. The campaign saw a slow start but authorities managed to fully vaccinate 42.6 per cent of adults and 58.5 per cent of locals have been vaccinated at least with one dose.

'Not going down this road': Merkel says vaccines not compulsory in Germany

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. 
 
Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. 
 
Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. 
 
BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. 
 
Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. 
 
"But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. 
 
"However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic."

TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. 
 
Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. 
 
Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million.

Taiwan's Foxconn and TSMC said on Monday, they had reached deals to buy 10 million doses of Germany's BioNTech SE's COVID-19 vaccine, putting the total cost of the highly politicised deal at around $350 million. Taiwan's government has tried for months to buy the vaccine directly from BioNTech and has blamed China, which claims the self-ruled island as its own territory, for nixing an agreement the two sides were due to sign earlier this year. China denies the accusations. Last month, facing public pressure about the slow pace of Taiwan's inoculation programme, the government agreed to allow Foxconn's founder Terry Gou, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), to negotiate on its behalf for the vaccines. BioNTech's Chinese sales agent Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Group Co Ltd said on Sunday that an agreement had been signed, though no details of a delivery timeframe have been revealed yet. Gou wrote on his Facebook page that he was 'gratified' the deal had been completed, which will see Foxconn and TSMC each buy five million doses, to be donated to the government for distribution. "But we can't relax, because we will continue to work hard to push for the delivery time and quantity," he said, adding the vaccines will come directly from Germany. "However, this batch of vaccines delivered directly from the German factory I believe will help Taiwanese society to increase confidence and offer respite in the face of the epidemic." TSMC and Foxconn are major Apple Inc suppliers. Taiwan's government said it would comment later on Monday. Gou said Beijing did not interfere in the talks.

Taiwan's Foxconn, TSMC reach deal to buy BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1"> COVID-19 vaccines</a> in preventing death.

This study is significant because of its potential to further dispel the myths over vaccines. The result also comes at a time when information regarding the real-world effectiveness of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> for severe disease is unavailable in India currently.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" hreflang="en">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

Data utilised for this study was for the period between February 1&nbsp;and May 14, 2021. This was also the time period when India was reeling under the second wave of the pandemic.

As per the study, of 117,524 police personnel in Tamil Nadu,&nbsp;32,792 received one dose, 67,673 received two doses while the remaining 17,059 were unvaccinated.&nbsp;

Among over 117,000 police personnel, 31 deaths were reported between April 13 and May 14, 2021. The median age of the deceased was 52, their age ranged between 34-58 and it comprised 29 men and two women. Of the 31 who succumbed, four had taken two doses of the vaccine, seven had taken one dose and the remaining 20 were unvaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-that-pets-are-at-risk-of-covid-infection-from-their-owners-not-the-other-way-around-397250" hreflang="en">Study finds that pets are at risk of covid infection from their owners, not the other way around</a>

"The incidence of COVID-19 deaths among those who received zero, one and two doses were 1.17, 0.21 and 0.06 per 1000 police personnel respectively," the study says.

It adds that, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the relative risk of COVID-19 death among those who received one and two doses were 0.18 and 0.05 respectively.&nbsp;

It also goes on to state that, "vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 deaths with one and two doses was 82 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. The report mentions that the results of this study (TN Police and ICMR NIE) are consistent with the published studies showing the effectiveness of vaccines against severe disease."

This study does have its limitations such as&nbsp;not having specific figures for each vaccine (Covaxin and Covishield), no individual data for co-morbidities, age, and previous exposure to COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Study conducted by vaccine makers are done under very controlled conditions and in an ideal scenario, but this one is a real-world trial on frontline workers," Dr. Manoj V Murhekar, Director NIE told WION. He also added that a more detailed study was being conducted across 10 hospitals in India, by taking into consideration the patient details, age, co-morbidities, etc. The results of this study are expected to be available by the end of this month.&nbsp;

According to Mr. Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, there was huge vaccine hesitancy among the police personnel, ministerial staff and family members, owing to panic and a lack of clarity in the initial stages. However, the situation gradually improved, thanks to awareness campaigns, circulars, systematic approach and efforts of the department.&nbsp;

"About two months ago, 71 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose, whereas 10 per cent had taken their second shot. With personnel and family members understanding the importance of vaccines and the protection, many came voluntarily, enthusiastically along with their family members to take their jabs. As on&nbsp;July 8 (Thursday), 95 per cent&nbsp;of the personnel had taken their first dose and 53 per cent had received both shots," Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai told WION.

A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing death.

A real-world study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), based on vaccination and hospitalisation data from Tamil Nadu Police (frontline workers) has reaffirmed the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing death. This study is significant because of its potential to further dispel the myths over vaccines. The result also comes at a time when information regarding the real-world effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for severe disease is unavailable in India currently. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study Data utilised for this study was for the period between February 1 and May 14, 2021. This was also the time period when India was reeling under the second wave of the pandemic. As per the study, of 117,524 police personnel in Tamil Nadu, 32,792 received one dose, 67,673 received two doses while the remaining 17,059 were unvaccinated. Among over 117,000 police personnel, 31 deaths were reported between April 13 and May 14, 2021. The median age of the deceased was 52, their age ranged between 34-58 and it comprised 29 men and two women. Of the 31 who succumbed, four had taken two doses of the vaccine, seven had taken one dose and the remaining 20 were unvaccinated. Also read | Study finds that pets are at risk of covid infection from their owners, not the other way around "The incidence of COVID-19 deaths among those who received zero, one and two doses were 1.17, 0.21 and 0.06 per 1000 police personnel respectively," the study says. It adds that, compared to unvaccinated individuals, the relative risk of COVID-19 death among those who received one and two doses were 0.18 and 0.05 respectively. It also goes on to state that, "vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 deaths with one and two doses was 82 per cent and 95 per cent respectively. The report mentions that the results of this study (TN Police and ICMR NIE) are consistent with the published studies showing the effectiveness of vaccines against severe disease." This study does have its limitations such as not having specific figures for each vaccine (Covaxin and Covishield), no individual data for co-morbidities, age, and previous exposure to COVID-19. "Study conducted by vaccine makers are done under very controlled conditions and in an ideal scenario, but this one is a real-world trial on frontline workers," Dr. Manoj V Murhekar, Director NIE told WION. He also added that a more detailed study was being conducted across 10 hospitals in India, by taking into consideration the patient details, age, co-morbidities, etc. The results of this study are expected to be available by the end of this month. According to Mr. Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai, there was huge vaccine hesitancy among the police personnel, ministerial staff and family members, owing to panic and a lack of clarity in the initial stages. However, the situation gradually improved, thanks to awareness campaigns, circulars, systematic approach and efforts of the department. "About two months ago, 71 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose, whereas 10 per cent had taken their second shot. With personnel and family members understanding the importance of vaccines and the protection, many came voluntarily, enthusiastically along with their family members to take their jabs. As on July 8 (Thursday), 95 per cent of the personnel had taken their first dose and 53 per cent had received both shots," Shankar Jiwal, Commissioner of Police, Chennai told WION.

Vaccines are best defence against preventing COVID-19 death: ICMR-TN police study

People who have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against influenza may be partly protected against some severe effects of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, a new study has revealed.

After analysing 75,000 Covid patients, researchers observed reductions in stroke, deep vain thrombosis (DVT), and sepsis. In addition to this, people who have been vaccinated against influenza had rare chances of being rushed to the emergency and Intensive Care Units (ICU).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasal-covid-19-vaccine-protects-animals-from-the-deadly-infection-397522" hreflang="en">Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection</a>

When a person is vaccinated against the flu, the jab provides them some protection against COVID-19 as it helps boost the innate immune system.

Another possible reason behind this may be that the patients who have had flu jab may be in better health than those who were unvaccinated.

"We detected an association that appears to show flu vaccination offers some protection against severe COVID-19 disease," said Devinder Singh, a senior author on the study and professor of clinical surgery at the University of Miami.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490" hreflang="en">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

This study has come as a piece of good news for the third-world countries that are struggling to procure and inoculate Covid vaccinations. These countries are also prone to an incoming flu season.

However, scientists have also stressed that their findings in no way suggest flu vaccines as a substitute to Covid jabs. "It’s very important to emphasise that we absolutely recommend the Covid-19 vaccine, and in no way suggest the flu vaccine is a substitute to the proper Covid-19 vaccine," Singh said.

As per the study, the flu vaccine is able to reduce the risk of only a few problems caused by the coronavirus. Covid patients who were not vaccinated against the flu have 45 to 58 per cent more chances of having a stroke, 40 per cent chances of developing DVT, and are 36 to 45 per cent more likely to have sepsis. Unvaccinated people are also more at risk of getting admitted to an ICU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-covid-test-as-easy-as-breathing-397487" hreflang="en">A Covid test as easy as breathing</a>

"It could be that the flu vaccine stimulates the immune system non-specifically and has that benefit, but you always wonder whether these associations are causal, or whether there’s a common factor, like social deprivation which might explain why they go hand in hand," said Prof Peter Openshaw, a member of the government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag). "People who manage to get a flu vaccine may have better health in other ways."

"The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to get a Covid vaccine," he added.

People who have been vaccinated against influenza may be partly protected against some severe effects of coronavirus, a new study has revealed. After analysing 75,000 Covid patients, researchers observed reductions in stroke, deep vain thrombosis (DVT), and sepsis.

People who have been vaccinated against influenza may be partly protected against some severe effects of coronavirus, a new study has revealed. After analysing 75,000 Covid patients, researchers observed reductions in stroke, deep vain thrombosis (DVT), and sepsis. In addition to this, people who have been vaccinated against influenza had rare chances of being rushed to the emergency and Intensive Care Units (ICU). Also read | Nasal COVID-19 vaccine protects animals from the deadly infection When a person is vaccinated against the flu, the jab provides them some protection against COVID-19 as it helps boost the innate immune system. Another possible reason behind this may be that the patients who have had flu jab may be in better health than those who were unvaccinated. "We detected an association that appears to show flu vaccination offers some protection against severe COVID-19 disease," said Devinder Singh, a senior author on the study and professor of clinical surgery at the University of Miami. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study This study has come as a piece of good news for the third-world countries that are struggling to procure and inoculate Covid vaccinations. These countries are also prone to an incoming flu season. However, scientists have also stressed that their findings in no way suggest flu vaccines as a substitute to Covid jabs. "It’s very important to emphasise that we absolutely recommend the Covid-19 vaccine, and in no way suggest the flu vaccine is a substitute to the proper Covid-19 vaccine," Singh said. As per the study, the flu vaccine is able to reduce the risk of only a few problems caused by the coronavirus. Covid patients who were not vaccinated against the flu have 45 to 58 per cent more chances of having a stroke, 40 per cent chances of developing DVT, and are 36 to 45 per cent more likely to have sepsis. Unvaccinated people are also more at risk of getting admitted to an ICU. Also read | A Covid test as easy as breathing "It could be that the flu vaccine stimulates the immune system non-specifically and has that benefit, but you always wonder whether these associations are causal, or whether there’s a common factor, like social deprivation which might explain why they go hand in hand," said Prof Peter Openshaw, a member of the government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag). "People who manage to get a flu vaccine may have better health in other ways." "The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to get a Covid vaccine," he added.

Influenza vaccines can protect you against some severe problems caused by Covid: Study

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus-related</a> death in Sydney.

This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The woman was in her 90s and took his last breath a few hours after she tested positive for coronavirus. She became the first victim to die from a locally acquired infection in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-90-year-old-belgian-woman-died-with-double-variant-infection-397418">WATCH |</a>

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Local authorities have warned people to stay indoors, practice social distancing and wear face mask at all times when stepping outdoors.

"Tomorrow and the&nbsp;few days afterwards will be worse,&nbsp;much worse than we've seen today," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-israel-set-to-offer-booster-shot-of-pfizer-vaccine-against-delta-variant-397393" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Israel set to offer booster shot of Pfizer vaccine against Delta variant</a>

The death has come as Sydney enters its third week of lockdown, even though cases have been alarming increasing.

"Given where we're at and&nbsp;given the lockdown was supposed to&nbsp;be lifted on Friday, everybody can&nbsp;tell it's highly unlikely at this&nbsp;stage, given where the numbers are," Berejiklian said.

To warn citizens against a possible deadly outbreak, the government of Australia has launched a new advertising campaign that urges people to stay vigilant and arm themselves against coronavirus by getting vaccinated and staying at home.

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first coronavirus-related death in Sydney. This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Adding to the fear of another possible outbreak, Australia announced its first coronavirus-related death in Sydney. This death has come as Sydney is battling to control the widespread of the Delta variant which has also been labelled as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO). The woman was in her 90s and took his last breath a few hours after she tested positive for coronavirus. She became the first victim to die from a locally acquired infection in the country. WATCH | × Local authorities have warned people to stay indoors, practice social distancing and wear face mask at all times when stepping outdoors. "Tomorrow and the few days afterwards will be worse, much worse than we've seen today," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Also read | COVID-19: Israel set to offer booster shot of Pfizer vaccine against Delta variant The death has come as Sydney enters its third week of lockdown, even though cases have been alarming increasing. "Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage, given where the numbers are," Berejiklian said. To warn citizens against a possible deadly outbreak, the government of Australia has launched a new advertising campaign that urges people to stay vigilant and arm themselves against coronavirus by getting vaccinated and staying at home.

Sydney records first Covid-related death as Delta variant surges through Australia

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> to all adults.

Israel has taken this decision after the new infections of coronavirus increased from single-digit to nearly 450 cases per day. The country has also moved to fast-track its next shipment of Pfizer’s vaccine doses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-chief-scientist-lists-four-reasons-for-pandemic-not-slowing-down-397170" hreflang="en">COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down</a>

All adults with ‘impaired immune systems’ who had already received the first two shots of the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible for a third shot of the vaccine, declared Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz.

Pfizer-BioNTech, the suppliers, has assured that the authorities are in contact with the US and European regulators to authorise the third shot, acting as a booster shot against the new 'variant of concern'.

The third shot has faced criticism from some scientists. "We are examining this issue and we still do not have a final answer," Horowitz said. "In any case, we are administering as of now a third shot to people suffering from immunodeficiency … These are for instance people who have undergone organ transplants or suffer from a medical condition which causes a drop in immunity."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151" hreflang="en">COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a>

This decision has also been taken keeping in mind that nearly half of the 46 patients currently admitted in Israel’s hospitals due to coronavirus are vaccinated, as per data provided to the public by the health ministry. Out of these half, majority are patients from the vulnerable groups who had prior health issues or are aged 60 and above.

Meanwhile, the health minister has also assured that the officials are working on filling in the supply gap between the first two shots of the ongoing inoculation programmes for the general adult population by using Moderna vaccine doses,&nbsp;available in stock.

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults.

Keeping in mind the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus, Israel’s government has decided to offer a third shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to all adults. Israel has taken this decision after the new infections of coronavirus increased from single-digit to nearly 450 cases per day. The country has also moved to fast-track its next shipment of Pfizer’s vaccine doses. Also read | COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down All adults with ‘impaired immune systems’ who had already received the first two shots of the Pfizer vaccine are now eligible for a third shot of the vaccine, declared Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz. Pfizer-BioNTech, the suppliers, has assured that the authorities are in contact with the US and European regulators to authorise the third shot, acting as a booster shot against the new 'variant of concern'. The third shot has faced criticism from some scientists. "We are examining this issue and we still do not have a final answer," Horowitz said. "In any case, we are administering as of now a third shot to people suffering from immunodeficiency … These are for instance people who have undergone organ transplants or suffer from a medical condition which causes a drop in immunity." Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists This decision has also been taken keeping in mind that nearly half of the 46 patients currently admitted in Israel’s hospitals due to coronavirus are vaccinated, as per data provided to the public by the health ministry. Out of these half, majority are patients from the vulnerable groups who had prior health issues or are aged 60 and above. Meanwhile, the health minister has also assured that the officials are working on filling in the supply gap between the first two shots of the ongoing inoculation programmes for the general adult population by using Moderna vaccine doses, available in stock.

COVID-19: Israel set to offer booster shot of Pfizer vaccine against Delta variant

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

"Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-third-wave-hits-africa-as-vaccination-slows-393940">'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows</a>

Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away."

Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent&nbsp;increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak.

Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them.

South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-south-africa-enters-strict-lockdown-to-battle-delta-variant-394526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Vaccination</a> rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent&nbsp;of the African population, fully vaccinated.

But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June.

In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. &nbsp;

A US shipment of 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

"Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said.

Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them.

Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come.

According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered &nbsp;5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday. "Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa. Also read | 'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away." Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak. Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them. South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent of the African population, fully vaccinated. But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June. In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. A US shipment of 20 million Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow. Also read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC "Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said. Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them. Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come. According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered 5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO

Adding to US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-on-run-but-delta-variant-is-of-concern-joe-biden-urges-people-to-get-vaccinated-395658">Joe Biden’s request to the nation</a>, America’s top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has claimed that 99.2 per cent of recent Covid deaths have been of unvaccinated people.

Fauci revealed the data at NBC’s "Meet the Press" programme where he talked about how these deaths could have been avoided if people had gotten vaccinated on time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-get-me-wrong-covid-19-has-not-been-vanquished-us-president-joe-biden-395818" hreflang="en">Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden</a>

"It's really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable," he said.

Talking about coronavirus as a 'formidable enemy', Fauci said the country does have a "countermeasure that's highly, highly effective. And that's the reason why it's all the more sad and all the more tragic why it isn't being completely implemented in this country."

Fauci urged people to put aside all differences, be it ideological or fundamental beliefs, and come together in fighting the common enemy of humankind.

Talking about how some countries are struggling to vaccinate locals, he reminded people that the US is fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to inoculate the majority of the population.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-white-house-physician-urges-cognitive-test-for-biden-395925">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-white-house-physician-urges-cognitive-test-for-biden-395925/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His request has come a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;expressed concern about the Delta variant of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;in the country and said that the reason behind a 10 per cent increase in cases is the latest Delta variant which is highly contagious, especially in the areas where vaccination rates are low.

"I am concerned that people who have not gotten vaccinated have the capacity to catch the variant and spread the variant to other people who haven’t been vaccinated," Biden said. "I'm not concerned there’s going to be a major outbreak … another epidemic nationwide. But I am concerned lives will be lost."

Adding to US President Joe Biden’s request to the nation, America’s top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has claimed that 99.2 per cent of recent Covid deaths have been of unvaccinated people.

Adding to US President Joe Biden’s request to the nation, America’s top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has claimed that 99.2 per cent of recent Covid deaths have been of unvaccinated people. Fauci revealed the data at NBC’s "Meet the Press" programme where he talked about how these deaths could have been avoided if people had gotten vaccinated on time. Also read | Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden "It's really sad and tragic that most all of these are avoidable and preventable," he said. Talking about coronavirus as a 'formidable enemy', Fauci said the country does have a "countermeasure that's highly, highly effective. And that's the reason why it's all the more sad and all the more tragic why it isn't being completely implemented in this country." Fauci urged people to put aside all differences, be it ideological or fundamental beliefs, and come together in fighting the common enemy of humankind. Talking about how some countries are struggling to vaccinate locals, he reminded people that the US is fortunate to have enough vaccine doses to inoculate the majority of the population. WATCH | His request has come a day after Joe Biden expressed concern about the Delta variant of coronavirus in the country and said that the reason behind a 10 per cent increase in cases is the latest Delta variant which is highly contagious, especially in the areas where vaccination rates are low. "I am concerned that people who have not gotten vaccinated have the capacity to catch the variant and spread the variant to other people who haven’t been vaccinated," Biden said. "I'm not concerned there’s going to be a major outbreak … another epidemic nationwide. But I am concerned lives will be lost."

Nearly 99.2% of coronavirus deaths in US were unvaccinated, claims Anthony Fauci

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/almost-endangered-antelope-species-saiga-makes-a-comeback-395717">Almost endangered antelope species, Saiga, makes a comeback</a></o:p>

Tigers Ginger and Molly were the first two animals to be vaccinated against this deadly virus. The step was taken to make sure that no animal is infected by the virus in the zoo, which has been the case till now. As of now, the zoo had been using barriers for social distancing and the staff members were made to wear protective gears at all times to protect everyone from getting infected.<o:p></o:p>

"We're happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine," Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at the zoo said.<o:p></o:p>

The veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses to nearly 70 zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organisations of nearly 27 states.<o:p></o:p>

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus. The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey.

In a bid to protect the animal species, San Diego Bay Area Zoo is vaccinating its population of big cats, bears and ferrets against the deadly coronavirus. The animals will be inoculated using an experimental vaccine that has been donated and developed by veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis in New Jersey. Also read | Almost endangered antelope species, Saiga, makes a comeback Tigers Ginger and Molly were the first two animals to be vaccinated against this deadly virus. The step was taken to make sure that no animal is infected by the virus in the zoo, which has been the case till now. As of now, the zoo had been using barriers for social distancing and the staff members were made to wear protective gears at all times to protect everyone from getting infected. "We're happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine," Alex Herman, vice president of veterinary services at the zoo said. The veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses to nearly 70 zoos, conservatories, sanctuaries, academic institutions and government organisations of nearly 27 states.

Oakland zoo begins vaccinating animals against Covid using experimental vaccine

While speaking at a party meeting, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured that the government will be able to secure enough doses to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinate</a> everyone against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> before November's mid-term election.

As of now, only 3 per cent of the population has received their second dose.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister has announced that all Nepalese will be vaccinated before the election. The PM, who announced the election, is well aware of what happens when he goes to the polls without fulfilling his promise," said Bishnu Rijal, Central Committee Member and Deputy Chief of Department of Foreign Affairs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-gives-partys-rival-faction-two-days-to-withdraw-support-to-opposition-395391" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli gives party’s rival faction two days to withdraw support to opposition</a>

As Oli assures vaccines for all citizens, Rijal said one million doses of vaccine will be imported from China on a weekly basis starting this week.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister has announced at the party meeting today that there will be no shortage of vaccines in the country. One million doses of vaccine are being imported from China on a weekly basis from this week. Arrangements are being made to bring vaccines from COVAX facility as well," he added.

Meanwhile, Nepal is expecting a shipment of Vero Cell vaccines from Sinopharm, the Ministry of Health and Population said the process of procurement will start from June 8.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-olis-effort-to-unite-party-fails-rival-faction-to-miss-central-committee-meeting-395389" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli’s effort to unite party fails, rival faction to miss central committee meeting</a>

"So far 9 per cent of the population has received their first doses of the vaccine while 3 per cent has received their second dose. The second dose of Vero Cell will be administered from June 6," the Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Appealing to the international community for vaccines, WHO Representative to Nepal, Dr Rajesh Pandav had earlier this month said, "The need of the hour is to immediately provide second doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to the remaining 1.4 million people who are mostly over the age of 65 and high-risk group."

Earlier, Oil had accused opposition parties of blocking the vaccine supply saying, "they would want to import vaccines once they would form the government so that they can get the credit."

According to Reuters' COVID-19 tracker, the average number of new infections reported each day in Nepal falls by more than 1,900 over the last 3 weeks, 22 per cent of its previous peak.&nbsp;

COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Nepal, with 1,604 new infections reported on average each day, i.e&nbsp;18 per cent of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12.

While speaking at a party meeting, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured that the government will be able to secure enough doses to vaccinate everyone against coronavirus before November's mid-term election.

While speaking at a party meeting, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has assured that the government will be able to secure enough doses to vaccinate everyone against coronavirus before November's mid-term election. As of now, only 3 per cent of the population has received their second dose. "The Prime Minister has announced that all Nepalese will be vaccinated before the election. The PM, who announced the election, is well aware of what happens when he goes to the polls without fulfilling his promise," said Bishnu Rijal, Central Committee Member and Deputy Chief of Department of Foreign Affairs. Also read | Nepal PM Oli gives party’s rival faction two days to withdraw support to opposition As Oli assures vaccines for all citizens, Rijal said one million doses of vaccine will be imported from China on a weekly basis starting this week. "The Prime Minister has announced at the party meeting today that there will be no shortage of vaccines in the country. One million doses of vaccine are being imported from China on a weekly basis from this week. Arrangements are being made to bring vaccines from COVAX facility as well," he added. Meanwhile, Nepal is expecting a shipment of Vero Cell vaccines from Sinopharm, the Ministry of Health and Population said the process of procurement will start from June 8. Also read | Nepal PM Oli’s effort to unite party fails, rival faction to miss central committee meeting "So far 9 per cent of the population has received their first doses of the vaccine while 3 per cent has received their second dose. The second dose of Vero Cell will be administered from June 6," the Ministry said in a statement. Appealing to the international community for vaccines, WHO Representative to Nepal, Dr Rajesh Pandav had earlier this month said, "The need of the hour is to immediately provide second doses of AstraZeneca vaccine to the remaining 1.4 million people who are mostly over the age of 65 and high-risk group." Earlier, Oil had accused opposition parties of blocking the vaccine supply saying, "they would want to import vaccines once they would form the government so that they can get the credit." According to Reuters' COVID-19 tracker, the average number of new infections reported each day in Nepal falls by more than 1,900 over the last 3 weeks, 22 per cent of its previous peak. COVID-19 infections are decreasing in Nepal, with 1,604 new infections reported on average each day, i.e 18 per cent of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12.

Nepal PM promises vaccines for all before November election