A woman healthcare worker died in Gurugram in Haryana on Friday, days after she had received a COVID-19 vaccine. An official, however, said there was nothing yet to suggest any link with the vaccination.

The 55-year-old woman died at her Gurugram home. The cause of the death is not yet known, and her body has been sent for an autopsy

"She had been administered COVID-19 vaccination on January 16. Her family reported her sudden death at her home today, but there is nothing yet to suggest and link with the vaccination," Chief Medical Officer of Gurugram Virender Yadav told PTI.

"However, we have sent her viscera for investigation and details will be known once the report comes," he added.

The worker was brought dead at the Medanta hospital. She did not have any reaction to the vaccine on the day it was administered.

Vaccination against COVID-19 began in Haryana on Saturday with several health workers, the foremost warriors in the battle against the pandemic, getting the shots on the opening day.&nbsp;

The vaccination drive will inoculate 3 crore healthcare and other front-line workers first in the queue, followed by about 27 crore people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk.

A woman healthcare worker died in Gurugram in Haryana on Friday, days after she had received a COVID-19 vaccine. An official, however, said there was nothing yet to suggest any link with the vaccination.

A woman healthcare worker died in Gurugram in Haryana on Friday, days after she had received a COVID-19 vaccine. An official, however, said there was nothing yet to suggest any link with the vaccination. The 55-year-old woman died at her Gurugram home. The cause of the death is not yet known, and her body has been sent for an autopsy "She had been administered COVID-19 vaccination on January 16. Her family reported her sudden death at her home today, but there is nothing yet to suggest and link with the vaccination," Chief Medical Officer of Gurugram Virender Yadav told PTI. "However, we have sent her viscera for investigation and details will be known once the report comes," he added. The worker was brought dead at the Medanta hospital. She did not have any reaction to the vaccine on the day it was administered. Vaccination against COVID-19 began in Haryana on Saturday with several health workers, the foremost warriors in the battle against the pandemic, getting the shots on the opening day. The vaccination drive will inoculate 3 crore healthcare and other front-line workers first in the queue, followed by about 27 crore people older than 50 or deemed at high-risk.

Gurugram health worker dies days after receiving Covid jab, autopsy awaited

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries.

The deal is expected to be announced on Friday, according to the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the agreement. Details on the size of the deal or the price per dose COVAX would pay were not immediately clear, but the sources said the allotment would likely be relatively small. One source said the reason for the limited volume was that the doses were primarily meant for healthcare workers in the countries that COVAX serves.

BioNTech declined to comment while Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX scheme, also declined to comment. Senior WHO adviser Bruce Aylward said on Monday the COVAX scheme was in "very detailed discussions" with Pfizer, which has already committed hundreds of millions of doses this year to several wealthy nations, and expected to be able to include the vaccine in COVAX "very soon".

The COVAX scheme is set to start distributing Covid-19 vaccines to poor and middle income countries in February. Ukraine said earlier on Thursday that its first delievery of Covid-19 vaccine under the COVAX scheme could arrive in the first half on February - with 210,000 doses of either the Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines.

COVAX has said it hopes to deliver more than 2 billion Covid-19 doses across the world this year. In an updated forecast published on Thursday, it said it planned to deliver around 1.8 billion doses in 2021 to 92 poorer countries, covering around 27% of their populations.

The scheme - led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)- was set up last year amid concerns that poorer nations would lose out while rich countries scrambled to procure Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate their populations.

COVAX has so far secured future vaccine suplies from AstraZeneca, working with Oxford University; the Serum Institute of India (SII) as well as with Sanofi and its partner GSK. It also has a memorandum of understanding over deliveries from Johnson &amp; Johnson. The Pfizer deal would be COVAX's second, after the one with AstraZeneca, that covers a product with regulatory approval in some countries.

The additional commitment by Pfizer comes as frustration grows in European countries over the US drugmaker's unexpected cut in supplies. Pfizer said last week it would reduce deliveries until early February to upgrade production capacity for a later output boost. The Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is the only shot so far to have WHO emergency use listing approval.

On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the WHO plans to approve several Covid-19 vaccines from Western and Chinese manufacturers in the coming weeks and months as it aims for rapid rollouts in poorer countries. BioNTech and Pfizer said this month they were aiming to deliver 2 billion vaccine doses this year, up from a previous goal of 1.3 billion.

Their shot is more complicated to transport and store, requiring ultra-cold freezers, which may not be practical for poorer countries with hot climates.

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries.

Pfizer and BioNTech have agreed to supply their Covid-19 vaccine to the World Health Organization co-led COVAX vaccine access scheme, two sources familiar with the deal said, the latest in a series of shots to be included in the project aimed at lower-income countries. The deal is expected to be announced on Friday, according to the sources, who declined to be named due to the confidentiality of the agreement. Details on the size of the deal or the price per dose COVAX would pay were not immediately clear, but the sources said the allotment would likely be relatively small. One source said the reason for the limited volume was that the doses were primarily meant for healthcare workers in the countries that COVAX serves. BioNTech declined to comment while Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX scheme, also declined to comment. Senior WHO adviser Bruce Aylward said on Monday the COVAX scheme was in "very detailed discussions" with Pfizer, which has already committed hundreds of millions of doses this year to several wealthy nations, and expected to be able to include the vaccine in COVAX "very soon". The COVAX scheme is set to start distributing Covid-19 vaccines to poor and middle income countries in February. Ukraine said earlier on Thursday that its first delievery of Covid-19 vaccine under the COVAX scheme could arrive in the first half on February - with 210,000 doses of either the Moderna, Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines. COVAX has said it hopes to deliver more than 2 billion Covid-19 doses across the world this year. In an updated forecast published on Thursday, it said it planned to deliver around 1.8 billion doses in 2021 to 92 poorer countries, covering around 27% of their populations. The scheme - led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)- was set up last year amid concerns that poorer nations would lose out while rich countries scrambled to procure Covid-19 vaccines to inoculate their populations. COVAX has so far secured future vaccine suplies from AstraZeneca, working with Oxford University; the Serum Institute of India (SII) as well as with Sanofi and its partner GSK. It also has a memorandum of understanding over deliveries from Johnson & Johnson. The Pfizer deal would be COVAX's second, after the one with AstraZeneca, that covers a product with regulatory approval in some countries. The additional commitment by Pfizer comes as frustration grows in European countries over the US drugmaker's unexpected cut in supplies. Pfizer said last week it would reduce deliveries until early February to upgrade production capacity for a later output boost. The Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine is the only shot so far to have WHO emergency use listing approval. On Wednesday, Reuters reported that the WHO plans to approve several Covid-19 vaccines from Western and Chinese manufacturers in the coming weeks and months as it aims for rapid rollouts in poorer countries. BioNTech and Pfizer said this month they were aiming to deliver 2 billion vaccine doses this year, up from a previous goal of 1.3 billion. Their shot is more complicated to transport and store, requiring ultra-cold freezers, which may not be practical for poorer countries with hot climates.

Pfizer-BioNTech agree to supply Covid vaccines to COVAX alliance

Pakistan is facing a new dilemma these days -- how to source millions of doses to vaccinate its most vulnerable population.

At a time when countries around the world have launched mass vaccination drives, Islamabad is still discussing how to get a vaccine. And its iron brother China isn't really helping.

It so happened that when the coronavirus breached Cina's borders, Imran Khan reassured Pakistani citizens with this promise -- "aapne ghabraana nahin hai... (you don't have to panic)"

"You shouldn't panic. We are Muslims and it is our faith that life and death is in God's hands," he said.

"We will fully support you, and we will provide you the facilities and the equipment you need. We are preparing for it and will provide you the facilitates very soon."

It's been 10 months. But the Pakistani prime minister is yet to deliver on this promise.

Ten months -- and Pakistan still doesn't have the vaccine.

Because unlike other countries, Pakistan did not place orders well in advance with vaccine makers. And given its troubled equation with India, Islamabad hasn't reached out to New Delhi for help.

This is happening at a time when india is driving the world's largest vaccination programme not just for its own citizens, but also in the neighbourhood.

Shipments carrying Indian vaccines have landed in Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Seychelles.

But Pakistan is reluctant to cooperate with India even for the sake of its citizens' health.

The result is this -- Islamabad will now have to pay as much as 7 dollars a dose, if they opt for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. This is roughly 1,200 pakistani Rs per dose.

And the money is not the only issue here.&nbsp;

Pakistan's vaccine industry is highly under-developed. The country's sole authorised vaccine distributor, DRAP, is unable to give a timeline for deliveries.

And China isn't exactly helping.

In November 2020, thousands of Pakistani citizens flocked to join clinical trials of a Chinese vaccine. They were hopeful China would come to their rescue.

But two months on, the Chinese vaccine is still undergoing clinical trials.

But the question is even if pakistan manages to get a vaccine, what's the surety that Pakistani citizens will be willing to get a shot?

Because some in pakistan are already sowing seeds of doubt.

Some of them think the vaccine contains the DNA of pigs and monkeys.&nbsp;

Some say it contains nano-bots that will enter our bodies and will provide intelligence about everything.

Pakistan is facing a new dilemma these days -- how to source millions of doses to vaccinate its most vulnerable population. At a time when countries around the world have launched mass vaccination drives, Islamabad is still discussing how to get a vaccine.

Pakistan is facing a new dilemma these days -- how to source millions of doses to vaccinate its most vulnerable population. At a time when countries around the world have launched mass vaccination drives, Islamabad is still discussing how to get a vaccine. And its iron brother China isn't really helping. It so happened that when the coronavirus breached Cina's borders, Imran Khan reassured Pakistani citizens with this promise -- "aapne ghabraana nahin hai... (you don't have to panic)" "You shouldn't panic. We are Muslims and it is our faith that life and death is in God's hands," he said. "We will fully support you, and we will provide you the facilities and the equipment you need. We are preparing for it and will provide you the facilitates very soon." It's been 10 months. But the Pakistani prime minister is yet to deliver on this promise. Ten months -- and Pakistan still doesn't have the vaccine. Because unlike other countries, Pakistan did not place orders well in advance with vaccine makers. And given its troubled equation with India, Islamabad hasn't reached out to New Delhi for help. This is happening at a time when india is driving the world's largest vaccination programme not just for its own citizens, but also in the neighbourhood. Shipments carrying Indian vaccines have landed in Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Seychelles. But Pakistan is reluctant to cooperate with India even for the sake of its citizens' health. The result is this -- Islamabad will now have to pay as much as 7 dollars a dose, if they opt for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. This is roughly 1,200 pakistani Rs per dose. And the money is not the only issue here. Pakistan's vaccine industry is highly under-developed. The country's sole authorised vaccine distributor, DRAP, is unable to give a timeline for deliveries. And China isn't exactly helping. In November 2020, thousands of Pakistani citizens flocked to join clinical trials of a Chinese vaccine. They were hopeful China would come to their rescue. But two months on, the Chinese vaccine is still undergoing clinical trials. But the question is even if pakistan manages to get a vaccine, what's the surety that Pakistani citizens will be willing to get a shot? Because some in pakistan are already sowing seeds of doubt. Some of them think the vaccine contains the DNA of pigs and monkeys. Some say it contains nano-bots that will enter our bodies and will provide intelligence about everything.

Pak's new dilemna - how to secure a Covid vaccine

Bosnia plans to order Russian and Chinese-made coronavirus vaccines fearing that deliveries ordered under the COVAX scheme for poor countries and from the European Union will be too little too late, officials said on Thursday.

Inoculations in the Western Balkans have begun in Serbia, which has directly ordered Pfizer/BioNTech, Russian Sputnik V and Chinese Sinopharm vaccines.

But Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo have not received any vaccines as yet. Albania has received some.

Bosnia has ordered 1.2 million vaccines under the COVAX scheme and nearly 900,000 vaccines from the EU for its two autonomous regions, the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the Serb Republic, and expects the first batch to arrive soon, Prime Minister Zoran Tegeltija said. Bosna applied for EU membership in 2016.

The COVAX scheme, led by the World Health Organization and GAVI vaccine alliance, is due to start rolling out vaccines to poor and middle-income countries in February, with 2 of 3 billion doses expected to be delivered this year.

But it has so far struggled to secure enough shots due to a shortage of funds, while wealthy nations have booked large volumes of vaccines for themselves. Europe has also suffered delays in deliveries from Pfizer.

Bosnia`s central government, over which Tegeltija presides, does not have the authority to order vaccines directly from producers. The two regions also can only make orders through authorised agencies.

Under strong public pressure, the two otherwise rival regions and the central government agreed on Thursday to work together to order directly from Pfizer and the Russian and Chinese producers, Tegeltija told a news conference.

"Bearing in mind the delays in deliveries, we have decided to start this very complicated procurement system," he said.

Bosnia, with a population of about 3.5 million, on Thursday recorded a total of 119,206 coronavirus infections, with 18,123 active cases and 4,536 deaths.

Bosnia plans to order Russian and Chinese-made coronavirus vaccines fearing that deliveries ordered under the COVAX scheme for poor countries and from the European Union will be too little too late, officials said on Thursday.

Bosnia plans to order Russian and Chinese-made coronavirus vaccines fearing that deliveries ordered under the COVAX scheme for poor countries and from the European Union will be too little too late, officials said on Thursday. Inoculations in the Western Balkans have begun in Serbia, which has directly ordered Pfizer/BioNTech, Russian Sputnik V and Chinese Sinopharm vaccines. But Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Kosovo have not received any vaccines as yet. Albania has received some. Bosnia has ordered 1.2 million vaccines under the COVAX scheme and nearly 900,000 vaccines from the EU for its two autonomous regions, the Bosniak-Croat Federation and the Serb Republic, and expects the first batch to arrive soon, Prime Minister Zoran Tegeltija said. Bosna applied for EU membership in 2016. The COVAX scheme, led by the World Health Organization and GAVI vaccine alliance, is due to start rolling out vaccines to poor and middle-income countries in February, with 2 of 3 billion doses expected to be delivered this year. But it has so far struggled to secure enough shots due to a shortage of funds, while wealthy nations have booked large volumes of vaccines for themselves. Europe has also suffered delays in deliveries from Pfizer. Bosnia`s central government, over which Tegeltija presides, does not have the authority to order vaccines directly from producers. The two regions also can only make orders through authorised agencies. Under strong public pressure, the two otherwise rival regions and the central government agreed on Thursday to work together to order directly from Pfizer and the Russian and Chinese producers, Tegeltija told a news conference. "Bearing in mind the delays in deliveries, we have decided to start this very complicated procurement system," he said. Bosnia, with a population of about 3.5 million, on Thursday recorded a total of 119,206 coronavirus infections, with 18,123 active cases and 4,536 deaths.

Bosnia to order Russian, Chinese vaccines ahead of COVAX, EU deliveries

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Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India.

Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi.

A plane carrying Serum Institute of India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine -- COVISHIELD reached Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport.

Present on the occasion were Nepal Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi, Minister of State Nabaraj Rawat, Secretary Laxman Aryal and Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

The Indian envoy said, "In exactly a week’s time, we have the actual consignment right here in front us on the land of Nepal."&nbsp;

Nepal is among the six countries that received Indian-manufactured Covid vaccines within five days of India's own domestic roll-out. Other five countries are -- Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Seychelles.&nbsp;

Calling it gifting of vaccine a "special moment", Kwatra said, "It is a moment that is synonymous with the deep and abiding friendship between both countries" and "the people of Nepal, their safety and prosperity has always been at the heart of all our bilateral ventures with Nepal and so is this gift of COVID19 vaccines."&nbsp;

"We stand with Nepal in defeating the virus and we will do whatever it takes in our joint fight to prevail over the pandemic. The vaccines are a gift from the people of India to the people of Nepal," he added.

The vaccine is expected to help Nepal in dealing with its immediate requirement for vaccinating Nepal’s COVID warriors -- the health care and the frontline workers.&nbsp;

India has provided more than 25 tonnes of essential medicines, equipment and medical supplies to Nepal during the pandemic. The Indian support includes Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine, PPEs, diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and Remdesivir injections under grant assistance worth US$ 2 million.

Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India. Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi.

Nepal has received a consignment of 1 million samples of "Made in India" Covid vaccines -- within a week of it requesting India. Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali had spoken to Indian authorities in last Friday's India-Nepal sixth joint commission meeting in Delhi. A plane carrying Serum Institute of India-manufactured Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine -- COVISHIELD reached Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. Present on the occasion were Nepal Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi, Minister of State Nabaraj Rawat, Secretary Laxman Aryal and Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra. The Indian envoy said, "In exactly a week’s time, we have the actual consignment right here in front us on the land of Nepal." Nepal is among the six countries that received Indian-manufactured Covid vaccines within five days of India's own domestic roll-out. Other five countries are -- Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Seychelles. Calling it gifting of vaccine a "special moment", Kwatra said, "It is a moment that is synonymous with the deep and abiding friendship between both countries" and "the people of Nepal, their safety and prosperity has always been at the heart of all our bilateral ventures with Nepal and so is this gift of COVID19 vaccines." "We stand with Nepal in defeating the virus and we will do whatever it takes in our joint fight to prevail over the pandemic. The vaccines are a gift from the people of India to the people of Nepal," he added. The vaccine is expected to help Nepal in dealing with its immediate requirement for vaccinating Nepal’s COVID warriors -- the health care and the frontline workers. India has provided more than 25 tonnes of essential medicines, equipment and medical supplies to Nepal during the pandemic. The Indian support includes Paracetamol, Hydroxychloroquine, PPEs, diagnostic test kits, ventilators, and Remdesivir injections under grant assistance worth US$ 2 million.

'Promise fulfilled', says Indian envoy as vaccine reaches Nepal within a week

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US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has resigned, citing last week’s attack on the Capitol | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-secretary-azar-resigns-cites-capitol-attack-as-the-reason-357041">READ MORE</a>

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Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-works-on-law-limiting-powers-of-facebook-twitter-and-other-social-platforms-357029">READ MORE</a>

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&nbsp;

Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration US President Donald Trump is planning to helicopter out of the White House a last time early on the

Trump to leave Washington on morning of Biden’s inauguration US President Donald Trump is planning to helicopter out of the White House a last time early on the morning of the day his successor, Joe Biden, takes oath as the 46th US president of the country | READ MORE India begins mega-rollout of Covid vaccine India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday | READ MORE WhatsApp delays privacy policy update, Signal faces glitches WhatsApp on Friday said that it was delaying its data-sharing change as the rush to rival messaging apps seriously appeared to dent its near-monopoly in several global markets | READ MORE State capitols across US tighten security to repel possible attacks In the wake of FBI's warning of possible armed protests before Joe Biden's inauguration, the security around state capitols across the US has been tightened | READ MORE US health secretary Azar resigns, cites Capitol attack as the reason US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar has resigned, citing last week’s attack on the Capitol | READ MORE Poland works on law limiting powers of Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms Poland's government said on Friday that it was working on legislation to limit the power of social media platforms to delete content or ban users | READ MORE US imposes sanctions on Cuba citing human rights violations The United States has slapped sanctions on Cuba’s interior ministry and its leaders, accusing them of serious human rights abuses | READ MORE Biden elevates role of science, names geneticist Lander for new Cabinet-level post US President-elect Joe Biden has elevated the post of a geneticist to Cabinet-level status for first time, naming pioneering Eric Lander as the director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy on Friday | READ MORE

Morning news brief: US scrambles for a new president, India for Covid vaccine

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one.

The world's second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July.

On the first day, around 100 people will be voluntarily vaccinated in each of the 3,006 centres in the country, the government said this week, calling it the start of the biggest such campaign in the world.

“This will be the world’s largest vaccination programme covering the entire length and breadth of the country,” Modi’s office said in a statement this week.

Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high-risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials.

Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine.

About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines.

Both vaccines approved so far need to be kept refrigerated at all times, and others being developed will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures too.

To account for this, India has readied tens of thousands of refrigeration tools -- including 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators.

There are also concerns about plans to manage the entire process digitally via India's own app, CoWIN -- of which there are already several fake versions.

More than 150,000 Indians have died from Covid-19 and the economy is one of the worst-hit worldwide, with millions losing their livelihoods.

New infection rates have fallen sharply in recent months but experts are concerned a new wave might hit, fuelled by a string of recent mass religious festivals.

And as in other countries, there is scepticism about the vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of hoaxes and rumours online about the virus.

Modi, 70, has said politicians will not be considered frontline workers.

On Saturday, he is also expected to formally inaugurate the government’s online platform Co-WIN that will provide information on vaccine stocks, storage temperature and keep track of beneficiaries.

The government has already bought 11 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD shot, produced by the Serum Institute of India, and 5.5 million of Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN.

COVISHIELD is 72% effective, according to the Indian drug regulator, while Bharat Biotech says COVAXIN’s last-stage trial results are expected by March.

(with inputs from agencies)

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one.

India begins one of the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programmes on Saturday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme virtually in New Delhi -- with around 300,000 people receiving the first of two doses on day one. The world's second-most populous nation hopes to inoculate around 300 million of its 1.3 billion people by July. On the first day, around 100 people will be voluntarily vaccinated in each of the 3,006 centres in the country, the government said this week, calling it the start of the biggest such campaign in the world. “This will be the world’s largest vaccination programme covering the entire length and breadth of the country,” Modi’s office said in a statement this week. Health workers, people over 50 and those deemed at high-risk are prioritised to receive one of two approved vaccines, although one has yet to complete clinical trials. Authorities say they are drawing on their experience with elections and child immunisation programmes for polio and tuberculosis in rolling out the vaccine. About 150,000 staff in 700 districts have been specially trained, and India has held several national dry runs involving mock transportation of vaccines. Both vaccines approved so far need to be kept refrigerated at all times, and others being developed will need to be stored at ultra-low temperatures too. To account for this, India has readied tens of thousands of refrigeration tools -- including 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators. There are also concerns about plans to manage the entire process digitally via India's own app, CoWIN -- of which there are already several fake versions. More than 150,000 Indians have died from Covid-19 and the economy is one of the worst-hit worldwide, with millions losing their livelihoods. New infection rates have fallen sharply in recent months but experts are concerned a new wave might hit, fuelled by a string of recent mass religious festivals. And as in other countries, there is scepticism about the vaccine, fuelled by a torrent of hoaxes and rumours online about the virus. Modi, 70, has said politicians will not be considered frontline workers. On Saturday, he is also expected to formally inaugurate the government’s online platform Co-WIN that will provide information on vaccine stocks, storage temperature and keep track of beneficiaries. The government has already bought 11 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVISHIELD shot, produced by the Serum Institute of India, and 5.5 million of Bharat Biotech’s COVAXIN. COVISHIELD is 72% effective, according to the Indian drug regulator, while Bharat Biotech says COVAXIN’s last-stage trial results are expected by March. (with inputs from agencies)

India begins mega-rollout of Covid vaccine

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day.

A total of 16,755 vaccinators were also involved in the process across India, it said, adding that no case of post-vaccination hospitalisation was reported.

"Serum Institute of India produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs, while Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3351 sessions held across the country with both the vaccines."

The government also said that COVID-19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far.

"Since it was the first day of vaccination, a few issues came up- delay in uploading beneficiary list at some session sites and healthcare workers vaccinated though not scheduled for today's session," the government clarified in its press briefing. Resolutions provided for both the issues, it added.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day.

Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said that 1,65,714 beneficiaries inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines till 5.30 pm across India on the first day. A total of 16,755 vaccinators were also involved in the process across India, it said, adding that no case of post-vaccination hospitalisation was reported. "Serum Institute of India produced COVISHIELD was supplied to all States/UTs, while Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN was supplied to 12 States. Total 3351 sessions held across the country with both the vaccines." The government also said that COVID-19 vaccination drive was successful on Day 1. No case of post-vaccination hospitalisation reported so far. "Since it was the first day of vaccination, a few issues came up- delay in uploading beneficiary list at some session sites and healthcare workers vaccinated though not scheduled for today's session," the government clarified in its press briefing. Resolutions provided for both the issues, it added. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in India: 165,714 people vaccinated today, says health ministry

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programme on Saturday virtually in New Delhi.

On day one, around 300,000 people will receive the first of two doses of the vaccine.

PM Modi exhorted Indians to keep following the Covid guidelines even though the vaccine roll-out does offer a glimmer of hope.&nbsp;'Dawaai bhi aur kadaai bhi' (vaccine along with the mandatory restrictions and strictness) was the motto of Modi's nationally televised address on Saturday morning.

The prime minister said, "Everyone was waiting for this day with bated breath. Everyone kept asking when the vaccine would come. It’s here and in a short span of time. In some minutes from now, the world’s biggest vaccination drive is to begin. It's a testimony to our scientists' talent and skills."

India, home to 1.3 billion people, has the world's second-largest caseload, and the government has given approvals to two vaccines -- though one is yet to complete clinical trials -- aiming to inoculate around 300 million people by July.

Emphasising the enormity of the vaccination drive, which he launched through a remote control amid chanting of Sanskrit shloka that meant 'let everybody be happy, let everybody be healthy', Modi said never before in history, has this type of a large-scale vaccination campaign been undertaken.

He said, "Such a big vaccination drive hasn’t ever been conducted in history. Look at the figures in the first phase -- 3 crore. We have to take it to 30 crore in the second phase. The United States, China and India are the only three countries in the world with a population of over 30 crore. The vaccination drive in India, by that measure, is so huge."

"India's vaccines enjoy global credibility because of their track record. Scientists and experts are satisfied with the safety of Made in India vaccines. That's why they have approved it. Citizens should hence stay away from propaganda, misinformation and rumours," the prime minister&nbsp;advised his countrymen.

"I want to remind people of the country that two doses of the vaccine are very important. Don't commit the mistake that you take one dose and forget the second one. As experts have been saying, there will be a gap of about one month between the two doses," Modi said.

PM Modi got overwhelmed with emotions as he remembered the ones India lost due to Covid-19, and were not accorded a proper farewell owing to the restrictions on movement.

In a choked voice, the Prime Minister also referred to sacrifices made by healthcare and frontline workers, hundreds of whom lost their lives to the viral infection.

He said, "Covid-19 kept people away from their families. Mothers cried for their children and had to stay away. People could not meet their elderly admitted at hospitals. We could not bid adieu to those with proper rituals who died due to coronavirus."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Narendra Modi gets emotional while talking about the hardships faced by healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic. <a href="https://t.co/B0YQsqtSgW">pic.twitter.com/B0YQsqtSgW</a>
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The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for the massive inoculation drive.

On January 30, the first case of coronavirus was found in India, but even more than two weeks before that India had formed a high level committee, he said.

The country had issued its first advisory on January 17 and India was among first few nations that started screening at airports, Modi said emphasising the speed at which India acted to deal with the pandemic.

Modi also talked about evacuation of Indians stuck abroad, saying that at a time when many countries of the world had left their citizens stranded in China, India evacuated not only Indians but citizens of other countries.

The prime minister congratulated the countrymen for passing the challenge of discipline and patience during the 'Janata Curfew' in March.

He pointed out that the exercise prepared the country psychologically for the lockdown. Morale of the country was kept high with the campaigns like 'taali-thali' and lighting of diyas, the prime minister added.

Delhi's Sulochna Kataria, a&nbsp;healthcare worker for 30 years,&nbsp;would be the first person to get vaccinated in India under the massive programme.

Meanwhile, India's Covid&nbsp;caseload on Saturday climbed to 1,05,42,841 with 15,158 more people testing positive for the disease while recoveries surged to 1,01,79,715. The&nbsp;death toll increased to 1,52,093 with 175 more fatalities.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programme on Saturday virtually in New Delhi. On day one, around 300,000 people will receive the first of two doses of the vaccine.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the world's biggest coronavirus vaccine programme on Saturday virtually in New Delhi. On day one, around 300,000 people will receive the first of two doses of the vaccine. PM Modi exhorted Indians to keep following the Covid guidelines even though the vaccine roll-out does offer a glimmer of hope. 'Dawaai bhi aur kadaai bhi' (vaccine along with the mandatory restrictions and strictness) was the motto of Modi's nationally televised address on Saturday morning. The prime minister said, "Everyone was waiting for this day with bated breath. Everyone kept asking when the vaccine would come. It’s here and in a short span of time. In some minutes from now, the world’s biggest vaccination drive is to begin. It's a testimony to our scientists' talent and skills." India, home to 1.3 billion people, has the world's second-largest caseload, and the government has given approvals to two vaccines -- though one is yet to complete clinical trials -- aiming to inoculate around 300 million people by July. Emphasising the enormity of the vaccination drive, which he launched through a remote control amid chanting of Sanskrit shloka that meant 'let everybody be happy, let everybody be healthy', Modi said never before in history, has this type of a large-scale vaccination campaign been undertaken. He said, "Such a big vaccination drive hasn’t ever been conducted in history. Look at the figures in the first phase -- 3 crore. We have to take it to 30 crore in the second phase. The United States, China and India are the only three countries in the world with a population of over 30 crore. The vaccination drive in India, by that measure, is so huge." "India's vaccines enjoy global credibility because of their track record. Scientists and experts are satisfied with the safety of Made in India vaccines. That's why they have approved it. Citizens should hence stay away from propaganda, misinformation and rumours," the prime minister advised his countrymen. "I want to remind people of the country that two doses of the vaccine are very important. Don't commit the mistake that you take one dose and forget the second one. As experts have been saying, there will be a gap of about one month between the two doses," Modi said. PM Modi got overwhelmed with emotions as he remembered the ones India lost due to Covid-19, and were not accorded a proper farewell owing to the restrictions on movement. In a choked voice, the Prime Minister also referred to sacrifices made by healthcare and frontline workers, hundreds of whom lost their lives to the viral infection. He said, "Covid-19 kept people away from their families. Mothers cried for their children and had to stay away. People could not meet their elderly admitted at hospitals. We could not bid adieu to those with proper rituals who died due to coronavirus." #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi gets emotional while talking about the hardships faced by healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/B0YQsqtSgW — ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2021 × The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier this month approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for the massive inoculation drive. On January 30, the first case of coronavirus was found in India, but even more than two weeks before that India had formed a high level committee, he said. The country had issued its first advisory on January 17 and India was among first few nations that started screening at airports, Modi said emphasising the speed at which India acted to deal with the pandemic. Modi also talked about evacuation of Indians stuck abroad, saying that at a time when many countries of the world had left their citizens stranded in China, India evacuated not only Indians but citizens of other countries. The prime minister congratulated the countrymen for passing the challenge of discipline and patience during the 'Janata Curfew' in March. He pointed out that the exercise prepared the country psychologically for the lockdown. Morale of the country was kept high with the campaigns like 'taali-thali' and lighting of diyas, the prime minister added. Delhi's Sulochna Kataria, a healthcare worker for 30 years, would be the first person to get vaccinated in India under the massive programme. Meanwhile, India's Covid caseload on Saturday climbed to 1,05,42,841 with 15,158 more people testing positive for the disease while recoveries surged to 1,01,79,715. The death toll increased to 1,52,093 with 175 more fatalities.

Indian PM Modi launches world's 'largest coronavirus vaccine drive'

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is inheriting an economic crisis as he assumes the presidency, just as he did when he became vice president a dozen years ago. But this crisis is different and, to the relief of many liberal economists, so is Biden’s response.

The $1.9 trillion economic rescue package that Biden proposed Thursday is significantly larger and more targeted toward the economy’s biggest problems than the stimulus he and President Barack Obama pushed through in 2009. It is not intended to generate enough consumer spending to jolt the nation into a rapid recovery, like a traditional stimulus would in a more normal recession.

It is meant instead to resuscitate economic activity by more aggressively attacking the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines and testing, and to sustain hard-hit people and businesses until that job is done.

There are other updates to match the shifting politics of the last decade. The package is filled with easy-to-explain provisions, like direct payments to individuals and government subsidies for child care, that could prove more immediately popular with voters than the often-hidden tax cuts included in the 2009 stimulus. This irks some economists and budget experts, who complain that the $1,400 checks, in particular, are an inefficient use of government resources.

Those complaints do not bother Biden and his aides. The Great Recession and its plodding recovery, combined with more than a decade of historically low government borrowing costs and diminishing concerns about a ballooning federal budget deficit in Washington, convinced them that it is better to spend too much on recovery than not enough.

“Every aspect of this plan shows that Biden has learned the lesson from 2009,” said Jason Furman, a former top economist for Obama: “Go big, be explicit, expand what people think is possible.”

Biden’s economic team includes several Obama-era veterans who say they have learned from the last 12 years and the economic and health struggles of the pandemic.

“This plan reflects an assessment of the current economic moment, and when you do that, you end up with a plan that is quite different than prior recessions,” said Brian Deese, who is Biden’s choice to lead the National Economic Council and held several policy roles in the Obama White House.

“If we want to get people back to work, we have to get schools open. If we want to have schools open, we need testing,” Deese said in an interview. He added that “if we want to create a bridge to when the economy is recovering, then we need to provide significant quantities of direct relief. Those are different issues than we saw in 2009.”

Those differences can be seen clearly in large parts of Biden’s new proposal that would not be considered stimulative in any traditional sense of the word.

Its centerpiece is more than $400 billion in spending to fortify the nation’s defenses against the coronavirus. That includes accelerating vaccine deployment and ramping up testing and contact tracing for infections, partly through a federal jobs program that would hire 100,000 people in those areas.

Paul Romer, the Nobel Prize-winning economist from New York University who has urged lawmakers to significantly increase their spending on testing, said Biden’s call to put $50 billion toward testing efforts “would make a huge difference” to the economy. Such an investment, he said, “would probably get us to the point where it is actually true that for the next 12 months, anyone who wants to get tested really can get tested.”

The COVID-19 funding also includes more than $100 billion for safety measures in schools, with a goal of reopening most kindergarten-to-eighth-grade schools within 100 days. If that succeeded, it would help potentially millions of parents, largely women, return to full-time work.

The other $1.5 trillion in the package is meant to help individuals, governments and, to a lesser degree, businesses that have taken the brunt of the damage since the pandemic recession began last year. It includes expanded and extended benefits for unemployed workers, aid for renters facing eviction and help for low-income families facing food shortages.

The plan also mandates — and funds — paid leave for most workers and provides new help for people who lack or have lost health insurance. The $1,400 direct checks are meant to help people who lost hours or income amid the crisis, although they will go to a far wider group that includes people who have not suffered financially in the crisis.

Biden has stressed that such aid will support increased consumer spending, but he and his team cast the goal of distributing the money in more human terms: to ensure as many Americans as possible avoid the scarring damage of homelessness, hunger and the virus itself.

The Biden team and its allies are confident that, if they succeed, the economy will be poised for a roaring rebound. Other policymakers and forecasters, including Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, have predicted a swift rebound once the virus is under control.

“The recovery from the Great Recession was delayed by years because we failed to act at the scale of the problem,” said Heidi Shierholz, a former Labor Department chief economist who is now at the liberal Economic Policy Institute. “This is a huge break from past mistakes.”

The Biden plan is not, to be clear, the exact plan that many economists, including liberal ones like Furman, would have chosen. The direct checks, which proved a winning political message in the Georgia runoff elections that gave Democrats control of the Senate, will reach millions of Americans who have not lost income amid the pandemic and are most likely to sock the money away in savings.

And its price tag, along with the inclusion of provisions that conservatives have long fought, like increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, means the package is unlikely to draw much Republican support. Already, lawmakers are warning that it spends too much and is overkill on top of the $900 billion and $2.2 trillion packages passed in December and March.

Some conservative economists say the package spends far more than is necessary to fill what economists call the “output gap,” which is essentially the value of lost performance in the economy because of the recession. They are beginning to warn that pouring too much fuel on the economy risks runaway inflation — the same argument that many made in 2009 and that proved to be wrong.

“A package this size is inadvisable,” said Michael Strain, an economist at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “It would fill the output gap several times over.”

Some on the left say the plan still does not go far enough. Mark Paul, an economist at the New College of Florida, who estimated last month that the economy needed as much as $4 trillion to fully recover, said that Biden risked Congress refusing to pass more aid if it was needed in the fall.

Biden’s aides say they proposed a package intended to meet the needs of this crisis, having learned from the struggles of the early vaccine rollout and the failure of policymakers to fully bridge people and businesses through months of dampened economic activity as the pandemic raged. They were encouraged to spend as much as they proposed, in part, by the low interest rates and historically anemic inflation that have persisted for more than a decade, which have brought about a change in many economists’ thinking about the advisability of big deficits.

The proposal earned praise Friday from a Federal Reserve official who has urged lawmakers to spend more to help the economy escape the crisis. “It is a big package, but I think it’s appropriate,” Eric Rosengren, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, said in an interview on CNBC. “The economy is in a lull right now.”

Many lawmakers have changed their tune on deficits, too. Republicans downplayed deficit concerns while passing President Donald Trump’s signature tax cut package in 2017, and Trump signed trillions of dollars in economic aid packages into law last year, all of which were financed with borrowed money.

In 2009, after a campaign in which Obama had decried rising deficits under President George W. Bush, the Obama team limited its stimulus plans to less than $1 trillion, in part because they feared many Democrats would not go for more. Biden may yet have to scale back his ambitions to unify Democrats in the House and Senate, but even the most conservative members of his party are far more deficit-tolerant today than a decade ago.

“Whatever the combination is of lessons learned, new consensus on fiscal policy or the breadth of the pandemic, there is no question that the need to go big when you can is ingrained in nearly everyone on Team Biden and Democrats broadly right now,” said Gene Sperling, a former National Economic Council director for Obama who advised Biden in the campaign.

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is inheriting an economic crisis as he assumes the presidency, just as he did when he became vice president a dozen years ago. But this crisis is different and, to the relief of many liberal economists, so is Biden’s response.

WASHINGTON — Joe Biden is inheriting an economic crisis as he assumes the presidency, just as he did when he became vice president a dozen years ago. But this crisis is different and, to the relief of many liberal economists, so is Biden’s response. The $1.9 trillion economic rescue package that Biden proposed Thursday is significantly larger and more targeted toward the economy’s biggest problems than the stimulus he and President Barack Obama pushed through in 2009. It is not intended to generate enough consumer spending to jolt the nation into a rapid recovery, like a traditional stimulus would in a more normal recession. It is meant instead to resuscitate economic activity by more aggressively attacking the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccines and testing, and to sustain hard-hit people and businesses until that job is done. There are other updates to match the shifting politics of the last decade. The package is filled with easy-to-explain provisions, like direct payments to individuals and government subsidies for child care, that could prove more immediately popular with voters than the often-hidden tax cuts included in the 2009 stimulus. This irks some economists and budget experts, who complain that the $1,400 checks, in particular, are an inefficient use of government resources. Those complaints do not bother Biden and his aides. The Great Recession and its plodding recovery, combined with more than a decade of historically low government borrowing costs and diminishing concerns about a ballooning federal budget deficit in Washington, convinced them that it is better to spend too much on recovery than not enough. “Every aspect of this plan shows that Biden has learned the lesson from 2009,” said Jason Furman, a former top economist for Obama: “Go big, be explicit, expand what people think is possible.” Biden’s economic team includes several Obama-era veterans who say they have learned from the last 12 years and the economic and health struggles of the pandemic. “This plan reflects an assessment of the current economic moment, and when you do that, you end up with a plan that is quite different than prior recessions,” said Brian Deese, who is Biden’s choice to lead the National Economic Council and held several policy roles in the Obama White House. “If we want to get people back to work, we have to get schools open. If we want to have schools open, we need testing,” Deese said in an interview. He added that “if we want to create a bridge to when the economy is recovering, then we need to provide significant quantities of direct relief. Those are different issues than we saw in 2009.” Those differences can be seen clearly in large parts of Biden’s new proposal that would not be considered stimulative in any traditional sense of the word. Its centerpiece is more than $400 billion in spending to fortify the nation’s defenses against the coronavirus. That includes accelerating vaccine deployment and ramping up testing and contact tracing for infections, partly through a federal jobs program that would hire 100,000 people in those areas. Paul Romer, the Nobel Prize-winning economist from New York University who has urged lawmakers to significantly increase their spending on testing, said Biden’s call to put $50 billion toward testing efforts “would make a huge difference” to the economy. Such an investment, he said, “would probably get us to the point where it is actually true that for the next 12 months, anyone who wants to get tested really can get tested.” The COVID-19 funding also includes more than $100 billion for safety measures in schools, with a goal of reopening most kindergarten-to-eighth-grade schools within 100 days. If that succeeded, it would help potentially millions of parents, largely women, return to full-time work. The other $1.5 trillion in the package is meant to help individuals, governments and, to a lesser degree, businesses that have taken the brunt of the damage since the pandemic recession began last year. It includes expanded and extended benefits for unemployed workers, aid for renters facing eviction and help for low-income families facing food shortages. The plan also mandates — and funds — paid leave for most workers and provides new help for people who lack or have lost health insurance. The $1,400 direct checks are meant to help people who lost hours or income amid the crisis, although they will go to a far wider group that includes people who have not suffered financially in the crisis. Biden has stressed that such aid will support increased consumer spending, but he and his team cast the goal of distributing the money in more human terms: to ensure as many Americans as possible avoid the scarring damage of homelessness, hunger and the virus itself. The Biden team and its allies are confident that, if they succeed, the economy will be poised for a roaring rebound. Other policymakers and forecasters, including Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, have predicted a swift rebound once the virus is under control. “The recovery from the Great Recession was delayed by years because we failed to act at the scale of the problem,” said Heidi Shierholz, a former Labor Department chief economist who is now at the liberal Economic Policy Institute. “This is a huge break from past mistakes.” The Biden plan is not, to be clear, the exact plan that many economists, including liberal ones like Furman, would have chosen. The direct checks, which proved a winning political message in the Georgia runoff elections that gave Democrats control of the Senate, will reach millions of Americans who have not lost income amid the pandemic and are most likely to sock the money away in savings. And its price tag, along with the inclusion of provisions that conservatives have long fought, like increasing the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour, means the package is unlikely to draw much Republican support. Already, lawmakers are warning that it spends too much and is overkill on top of the $900 billion and $2.2 trillion packages passed in December and March. Some conservative economists say the package spends far more than is necessary to fill what economists call the “output gap,” which is essentially the value of lost performance in the economy because of the recession. They are beginning to warn that pouring too much fuel on the economy risks runaway inflation — the same argument that many made in 2009 and that proved to be wrong. “A package this size is inadvisable,” said Michael Strain, an economist at the conservative American Enterprise Institute. “It would fill the output gap several times over.” Some on the left say the plan still does not go far enough. Mark Paul, an economist at the New College of Florida, who estimated last month that the economy needed as much as $4 trillion to fully recover, said that Biden risked Congress refusing to pass more aid if it was needed in the fall. Biden’s aides say they proposed a package intended to meet the needs of this crisis, having learned from the struggles of the early vaccine rollout and the failure of policymakers to fully bridge people and businesses through months of dampened economic activity as the pandemic raged. They were encouraged to spend as much as they proposed, in part, by the low interest rates and historically anemic inflation that have persisted for more than a decade, which have brought about a change in many economists’ thinking about the advisability of big deficits. The proposal earned praise Friday from a Federal Reserve official who has urged lawmakers to spend more to help the economy escape the crisis. “It is a big package, but I think it’s appropriate,” Eric Rosengren, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, said in an interview on CNBC. “The economy is in a lull right now.” Many lawmakers have changed their tune on deficits, too. Republicans downplayed deficit concerns while passing President Donald Trump’s signature tax cut package in 2017, and Trump signed trillions of dollars in economic aid packages into law last year, all of which were financed with borrowed money. In 2009, after a campaign in which Obama had decried rising deficits under President George W. Bush, the Obama team limited its stimulus plans to less than $1 trillion, in part because they feared many Democrats would not go for more. Biden may yet have to scale back his ambitions to unify Democrats in the House and Senate, but even the most conservative members of his party are far more deficit-tolerant today than a decade ago. “Whatever the combination is of lessons learned, new consensus on fiscal policy or the breadth of the pandemic, there is no question that the need to go big when you can is ingrained in nearly everyone on Team Biden and Democrats broadly right now,” said Gene Sperling, a former National Economic Council director for Obama who advised Biden in the campaign.

A second economic crisis for Biden, but a different first response

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity.

The Indian side assured that Nepal's requirement will be a priority consideration. This happened on a day when Nepal approved India's Covishield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India.&nbsp;

Nepal wants 20 per cent or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

A release by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The close cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid-19 pandemic in the region was noted. Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal."

The meet -- which was chaired by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar -- saw a discussion on the border issues as well.&nbsp;

Nepal had notably issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as their territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed this as "unjustified cartographic assertion".

Nepali foreign minister speaking at a public event in Delhi, to this end, had said, "We desire to start the conversation with a view to resolving the question of boundary alignment in the remaining segments."

"Finding an agreeable boundary alignment in these segments may not only take us to the stage of fully settled international boundary but may also help generate positive vibe in public sentiment as well as help instill greater degree of trust and confidence in bilateral relations," he added.

The two sides also discussed a new oil pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line. Both sides welcomed the commencement of construction of third Integrated Check Posts at Nepalgunj.

On the Pancheshwar hydropower project, Nepali FM said, "Our recent conversation on this transformative mega project has been encouraging. Once realised, Pancheshwar will not only be a big project on its own but also set a success story of how we can make arrangements for cost and benefit sharing in harnessing of our vast water resources."

The talks happened in the backdrop of the political crisis in the country with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolving the lower house of the Parliament. The country goes to the election later this year.&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity.

The foreign ministers of India and Nepal sat for the sixth round of a joint commission meeting in Delhi on Friday. The meeting saw a key focus being on Covid vaccine, the border issue, and connectivity. The Indian side assured that Nepal's requirement will be a priority consideration. This happened on a day when Nepal approved India's Covishield vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India. Nepal wants 20 per cent or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. A release by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The close cooperation between the two sides in combating Covid-19 pandemic in the region was noted. Nepal congratulated India on the remarkable success in production of Covishield and Covaxin vaccines in India and requested for early provision of vaccines to Nepal." The meet -- which was chaired by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Gyawali and external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar -- saw a discussion on the border issues as well. Nepal had notably issued a new map of the country that showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as their territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed this as "unjustified cartographic assertion". Nepali foreign minister speaking at a public event in Delhi, to this end, had said, "We desire to start the conversation with a view to resolving the question of boundary alignment in the remaining segments." "Finding an agreeable boundary alignment in these segments may not only take us to the stage of fully settled international boundary but may also help generate positive vibe in public sentiment as well as help instill greater degree of trust and confidence in bilateral relations," he added. The two sides also discussed a new oil pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line. Both sides welcomed the commencement of construction of third Integrated Check Posts at Nepalgunj. On the Pancheshwar hydropower project, Nepali FM said, "Our recent conversation on this transformative mega project has been encouraging. Once realised, Pancheshwar will not only be a big project on its own but also set a success story of how we can make arrangements for cost and benefit sharing in harnessing of our vast water resources." The talks happened in the backdrop of the political crisis in the country with Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolving the lower house of the Parliament. The country goes to the election later this year.

Covid vaccine, border issue discussed during India-Nepal talks in Delhi

US President-elect Joe Biden has announced he would surge federal resources into making "thousands" of vaccine sites.&nbsp;

Biden has said he wants 100 million Americans to receive injections during his first 100 days in office, a drastic increase from the current pace. To this end, he has also deployed mobile clinics and expanded the public health workforce to accelerate the rollout of Covid-19 shots.

"This is going to be one of the most challenging operational efforts ever undertaken by our country. But you have my word: we will manage the hell out of this operation," he said on Friday.

The afternoon address came a day after he unveiled a $1.9 trillion stimulus package for the battered economy that included $20 billion for vaccines and $50 billion for testing.

Reports hence say Biden's plan would drastically increase the role of the federal government in the distribution effort, mobilising the Federal Emergency Management Administration and reimbursing states that deploy their National Guard.

Biden has also asked Congress to fund the expansion of the nation's public health workforce to 100,000 personnel, nearly triple the current number.

The push comes as the incoming leader was seeking to wrest the focus from the impeachment of Donald Trump to the agenda for his first days in office.

More than 388,000 people in the United States have lost their lives to the virus, a figure that is likely to have crossed 400,000 by the time Biden is sworn into office on Wednesday.

The outlook is set to worsen as the B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus establishes itself in the US as the dominant strain in March.

The Trump administration has already moved to release second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that were being held in reserve, and is recommending to states to begin vaccinating everyone over the age of 65.

Biden's plan would continue that policy, while also seeking to improve coordination with states by providing "actionable data on vaccine allocation timelines and delivery."

The Biden team also said they would invoke the Defense Production Act in order to boost supply, pay special attention to ethnic minority communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and embark on an education campaign to build vaccine confidence.

(with inputs)

US President-elect Joe Biden has announced he would surge federal resources into making "thousands" of vaccine sites. Biden has said he wants 100 million Americans to receive injections during his first 100 days in office, a drastic increase from the current pace.

US President-elect Joe Biden has announced he would surge federal resources into making "thousands" of vaccine sites. Biden has said he wants 100 million Americans to receive injections during his first 100 days in office, a drastic increase from the current pace. To this end, he has also deployed mobile clinics and expanded the public health workforce to accelerate the rollout of Covid-19 shots. "This is going to be one of the most challenging operational efforts ever undertaken by our country. But you have my word: we will manage the hell out of this operation," he said on Friday. The afternoon address came a day after he unveiled a $1.9 trillion stimulus package for the battered economy that included $20 billion for vaccines and $50 billion for testing. Reports hence say Biden's plan would drastically increase the role of the federal government in the distribution effort, mobilising the Federal Emergency Management Administration and reimbursing states that deploy their National Guard. Biden has also asked Congress to fund the expansion of the nation's public health workforce to 100,000 personnel, nearly triple the current number. The push comes as the incoming leader was seeking to wrest the focus from the impeachment of Donald Trump to the agenda for his first days in office. More than 388,000 people in the United States have lost their lives to the virus, a figure that is likely to have crossed 400,000 by the time Biden is sworn into office on Wednesday. The outlook is set to worsen as the B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus establishes itself in the US as the dominant strain in March. The Trump administration has already moved to release second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that were being held in reserve, and is recommending to states to begin vaccinating everyone over the age of 65. Biden's plan would continue that policy, while also seeking to improve coordination with states by providing "actionable data on vaccine allocation timelines and delivery." The Biden team also said they would invoke the Defense Production Act in order to boost supply, pay special attention to ethnic minority communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, and embark on an education campaign to build vaccine confidence. (with inputs)

Biden's Covid vaccination plan: 100 million shots in 100 days

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year.

A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others."

The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal.

Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary.

This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year.

While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India.

Nepal foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali will be on a 3-day India visit from tomorrow with a focus on procuring COVID vaccines from India. Nepal wants 20% or around 12 million doses of Covid vaccines from India. He will be meeting India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar as part of the 6th Nepal-India joint commission meet for which the invite was extended last year. A release by Nepal foreign ministry, "The Joint Commission Meeting will discuss the whole gamut of Nepal-India bilateral relations, including trade, transit, energy, boundary, COVID-19 cooperation, infrastructure, connectivity, investment, agriculture, tourism, culture, among others." The joint commission meeting, which alternates between the 2 countries, takes place in New Delhi this year. The Fifth Joint Commission Meeting was held in August 2019 in Kathmandu with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visiting the country. The Nepali delegation will consist of the Nepali envoy to India, Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary, and other senior officials of the Government of Nepal. Last year saw 3 high-level visits from Delhi to Nepal. These include the visit of India's intelligence chief, followed by the Indian army chief, and then by the visit of the foreign secretary. This is the first high-level visit from Kathmandu in over a year and comes in the backdrop of India Nepal row over the new map issued by the Oli government. The new Nepali map showed Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura as Nepali territories drawing the ire of New Delhi which dismissed the "Unjustified Cartographic Assertion'. He will be the first foreign minister to visit Delhi this year. While the map row did impact the political ties, the focus on people to people relations continued. India has been involved in a number of projects in the country and plans to operationalize Jayanagar-Kurtha cross-border rail line. Earlier both countries inaugurated the Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, the first cross country pipeline in south Asia. The pipeline can carry two million metric tonnes of petroleum products into Nepal and so far has led to a saving of over 800 million Nepali rupees.

With procurement of Covid vaccine in focus, Nepal FM to visit Delhi from tomorrow

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant.

The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines.

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&nbsp;

"We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN.

According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy.

However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines.

An 'escape mutant's found in coronavirus has alarmed the scientific community as there are chances that the mutation may decrease the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines. This mutant has been found in South African variant of the coronavirus. 12 countries around the world have reported this variant. The mutation has been named E484K. The mutant has been termed as an 'escape mutant because it may be able to escape antibodies produced against coronavirus vaccines. × "We fear this mutation might have an impact, and what we don't know is the extent of the impact," said Penny Moore, Associate Professor, National Institute for Communicable Diseases in South Africa. She was quoted by CNN. According to experts, the escape mutant may not render vaccines useless but they will reduce their efficacy. However, the recent mutation may mean that battle to defeat coronavirus pandemic is far from over.

'Escape mutant' of coronavirus may decrease efficacy of vaccines: Experts

New infections, hospitalisations and deaths keep soaring in the United States -- so much so that while it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus last year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.2 million cases in 2021.

Experts, to this end, have now suggested that at this rate, January 2021 might just turn out to be the worst in terms of these infections.

More than 27,000 new Covid-19 deaths have been reported in just the first 10 days of 2021, according to data from Johns Hopkins.

According to a report in CNN, at this rate, more people could die from Covid-19 in January than any other month of this pandemic. December had a record high of 77,431 deaths due to Covid-19.

On Saturday, the United States suffered 3,655 new Covid-19 deaths, along with 269,623 new infections. The crisis is now being expected to fare even worse in hard-hit Arizona.

Experts have also expressed concern about "the inevitable arrival of the more highly transmissible" strain of coronavirus that was first detected in the United Kingdom and has spread to at least eight US states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Thursday was the first day the US reported more than 4,000 new Covid-19 deaths in a single day. The toll could get worse as more hospitals fill up.

There were 129,229 Covid-19 patients in US hospitals on Sunday, according to the COVID Tracking Project -- the sixth highest figure recorded. It was the 40th consecutive day that US Covid-19 hospitalizations remained above 100,000.

Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden has said he aims to release nearly all available doses of Covid-19 vaccines in an effort to quickly ramp up the US vaccine rollout.

Time is absolutely of the essence. If there isn't enough vaccine in reserve for people to received second doses, the entire plan would come crashing down.

(with inputs)

New infections, hospitalisations and deaths keep soaring in the United States -- so much so that while it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus last year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.

New infections, hospitalisations and deaths keep soaring in the United States -- so much so that while it took about 90 days for the United States to reach its first 2 million cases of coronavirus last year, it took just 10 days to hit 2.2 million cases in 2021. Experts, to this end, have now suggested that at this rate, January 2021 might just turn out to be the worst in terms of these infections. More than 27,000 new Covid-19 deaths have been reported in just the first 10 days of 2021, according to data from Johns Hopkins. According to a report in CNN, at this rate, more people could die from Covid-19 in January than any other month of this pandemic. December had a record high of 77,431 deaths due to Covid-19. On Saturday, the United States suffered 3,655 new Covid-19 deaths, along with 269,623 new infections. The crisis is now being expected to fare even worse in hard-hit Arizona. Experts have also expressed concern about "the inevitable arrival of the more highly transmissible" strain of coronavirus that was first detected in the United Kingdom and has spread to at least eight US states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. Thursday was the first day the US reported more than 4,000 new Covid-19 deaths in a single day. The toll could get worse as more hospitals fill up. There were 129,229 Covid-19 patients in US hospitals on Sunday, according to the COVID Tracking Project -- the sixth highest figure recorded. It was the 40th consecutive day that US Covid-19 hospitalizations remained above 100,000. Meanwhile, President-elect Joe Biden has said he aims to release nearly all available doses of Covid-19 vaccines in an effort to quickly ramp up the US vaccine rollout. Time is absolutely of the essence. If there isn't enough vaccine in reserve for people to received second doses, the entire plan would come crashing down. (with inputs)

January can turn out to be the deadliest month of Covid-19 in US, experts say

US President-elect Joe Biden will receive his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday -- three weeks after his first injection was broadcast live on TV to boost public confidence in the jab.

Biden told Americans "there's nothing to worry about" when he got his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware on December 21.

His team had said that his second jab would also be done in front of the media.

The United States has so far registered more than 374,000 deaths from Covid-19, and to this end, Biden on Friday slammed President Donald Trump administration's troubled distribution of vaccines as a "travesty."

About 6.7 million Americans have so far received their first shot -- far short of the target of 20 million by the end of 2020. But 22.1 million doses have been distributed nationwide, underlining the logistical challenge of getting the injections administered to the elderly and health workers who are the priority.

Both vaccines currently authorised in the US, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, require recipients to receive booster shots after three and four weeks, respectively.

Biden, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has said he plans to release every available dose of vaccine, rather than holding back half to make sure people receive their booster shots on time as is the current protocol.

US President-elect Joe Biden will receive his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday -- three weeks after his first injection was broadcast live on TV to boost public confidence in the jab.

US President-elect Joe Biden will receive his second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Monday -- three weeks after his first injection was broadcast live on TV to boost public confidence in the jab. Biden told Americans "there's nothing to worry about" when he got his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware on December 21. His team had said that his second jab would also be done in front of the media. The United States has so far registered more than 374,000 deaths from Covid-19, and to this end, Biden on Friday slammed President Donald Trump administration's troubled distribution of vaccines as a "travesty." About 6.7 million Americans have so far received their first shot -- far short of the target of 20 million by the end of 2020. But 22.1 million doses have been distributed nationwide, underlining the logistical challenge of getting the injections administered to the elderly and health workers who are the priority. Both vaccines currently authorised in the US, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, require recipients to receive booster shots after three and four weeks, respectively. Biden, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has said he plans to release every available dose of vaccine, rather than holding back half to make sure people receive their booster shots on time as is the current protocol.

Biden to receive second Covid vaccine dose on Monday

Spain will send special convoys carrying the COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday to areas cut off by Storm Filomena

Spain battles snow to distribute COVID vaccine

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has financed the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, confirmed the figure to AFP without offering a breakdown of where the jab was distributed.

"We cannot say how many of them are in Russia and in the rest of the world," RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin said, adding that individual nations could release data separately.

Russia became the first country last August to register a vaccine, months ahead of Western competitors, and Moscow has boasted of more than one billion orders for the jab abroad.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said this month that more than 800,000 Russians had received Sputnik and that 1.5 million doses had been distributed throughout the country of around 147 million.

But there is scepticism surrounding Moscow's virus statistics and health officials in December conceded that the death toll from the pandemic was nearly four times higher than previously reported.

An adviser to Russia's health minister said over the weekend that consultations with the World Health Organisation for the use of Sputnik in emergency situations would begin January 20.

The designation would allow Sputnik V to be distributed as part of the WHO's emergency rollout to countries struggling to source vaccines independently.

Russia has over recent months been battered by a second wave of the coronavirus but the Kremlin has held back on introducing sweeping restrictive measures like in the beginning of the pandemic.

Russian officials say however that new daily cases have been decreasing in recent days, dropping closer to 20,000.

On Monday, authorities reported a total of 3,425,269 infections and more than 62,000 deaths.

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push.

Russia announced Monday that 1.5 million people around the world had received its Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine as part of an initiative Kremlin critics have described as a geopolitical push. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has financed the development of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, confirmed the figure to AFP without offering a breakdown of where the jab was distributed. "We cannot say how many of them are in Russia and in the rest of the world," RDIF spokesman Arseny Palagin said, adding that individual nations could release data separately. Russia became the first country last August to register a vaccine, months ahead of Western competitors, and Moscow has boasted of more than one billion orders for the jab abroad. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said this month that more than 800,000 Russians had received Sputnik and that 1.5 million doses had been distributed throughout the country of around 147 million. But there is scepticism surrounding Moscow's virus statistics and health officials in December conceded that the death toll from the pandemic was nearly four times higher than previously reported. An adviser to Russia's health minister said over the weekend that consultations with the World Health Organisation for the use of Sputnik in emergency situations would begin January 20. The designation would allow Sputnik V to be distributed as part of the WHO's emergency rollout to countries struggling to source vaccines independently. Russia has over recent months been battered by a second wave of the coronavirus but the Kremlin has held back on introducing sweeping restrictive measures like in the beginning of the pandemic. Russian officials say however that new daily cases have been decreasing in recent days, dropping closer to 20,000. On Monday, authorities reported a total of 3,425,269 infections and more than 62,000 deaths.

Russia says 1.5 million vaccinated globally with Sputnik V

Cuba will test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate&nbsp;in Iran.

State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran, to "move forward faster in immunisation against Covid-19 in both countries," the IFV announced on Twitter.

It has been difficult to do Phase 3 clinical testing in Cuba because its outbreak has not been as serious as those in many larger countries.

The news came on the heels of Iran's supreme leader on Friday banning the import of American and British-produced vaccines against Covid-19, saying they were "completely untrustworthy."

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a tweet, accompanied by the hashtag #CoronaVaccine: "It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations."

The Islamic republic has reported more than 1.2 million cases of the novel coronavirus, which have caused over 56,000 deaths.

It has accused the United States of hampering its access to vaccines through a tough sanctions regime.

The Sovereign 02 is the country's most advanced coronavirus vaccine candidate, showing "an early immune response (at 14 days)," IFV Director Vicente Verez said in December.

Although cases in Cuba are increasing due to the opening of its borders, the country of 11.2 million has seen about 14,000 cases and 148 deaths, lower figures than its neighbors in the region.

The Americas' only Communist-ruled state wants to have its entire population immunised with its own vaccines by the first half of 2021.

The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is working on two other vaccine candidates, called Mambisa and Abdala.

(with inputs)

Cuba will test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate in Iran. State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran, to "move forward faster in immunisation against Covid-19 in both countries," the IFV announced on Twitter.

Cuba will test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate in Iran. State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran, to "move forward faster in immunisation against Covid-19 in both countries," the IFV announced on Twitter. It has been difficult to do Phase 3 clinical testing in Cuba because its outbreak has not been as serious as those in many larger countries. The news came on the heels of Iran's supreme leader on Friday banning the import of American and British-produced vaccines against Covid-19, saying they were "completely untrustworthy." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a tweet, accompanied by the hashtag #CoronaVaccine: "It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations." The Islamic republic has reported more than 1.2 million cases of the novel coronavirus, which have caused over 56,000 deaths. It has accused the United States of hampering its access to vaccines through a tough sanctions regime. The Sovereign 02 is the country's most advanced coronavirus vaccine candidate, showing "an early immune response (at 14 days)," IFV Director Vicente Verez said in December. Although cases in Cuba are increasing due to the opening of its borders, the country of 11.2 million has seen about 14,000 cases and 148 deaths, lower figures than its neighbors in the region. The Americas' only Communist-ruled state wants to have its entire population immunised with its own vaccines by the first half of 2021. The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is working on two other vaccine candidates, called Mambisa and Abdala. (with inputs)

Cuba to test Covid vaccine candidate in Iran

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