China is witnessing a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. According to reports, at least 155 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours.

China records highest daily spike of COVID-19 infections in 21 months amid Omicron scare

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Covid-19 vaccine for children and booster doses, which PM Modi termed as precaution doses, for frontline workers and senior citizens, amid the Omicron scare. Children between the age group of 15 to 18 years will be getting the Covid vaccine from January 3, 2022. Senior citizens with comorbidities will receive booster doses from January 10, 2022, he announced.

Indian Prime Minister Modi announces Covid-19 vaccine for children, booster doses

Ecuador has become the first country to make COVID vaccine obligatory for children. This comes as a highly contagious Omicron wave is spreading in the country.

Ecuador becomes first country to make COVID vaccine obligatory

COVID vaccine obligatory for children in Ecuador as cases spike

<p>In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.</p>

<p>Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Accomplishing more new feats!<br />
<br />
Congratulations India 🇮🇳<br />
<br />
Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine</a> <a href="https://t.co/cts7lR8SzA">pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA</a></p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1473880563215790080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“Aided by public participation &amp; dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted.</p>

<p>In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today.</p>

<p>The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926.</p>

<p>Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-causes-40-45-less-hospitalisation-than-delta-variant-reveal-uk-studies-439162">Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies</a></p>

<p>“Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said.</p>

<p>India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020</p>

<p>The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-alert-uk-records-over-100000-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-439145">Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said.</p>

<p>Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15).</p>

<p>The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday.

In a major milestone for India, around 60% of the country’s eligible population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, India’s health minister informed on Thursday. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in his tweet thanked the health workers for helping the country achieve a significant target. Accomplishing more new feats! Congratulations India 🇮🇳 Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now 💉#SabkoVaccineMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/cts7lR8SzA — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2021 × “Aided by public participation & dedicated efforts of our health workers, over 60% of the eligible population fully vaccinated now,” he tweeted. In the past 24 hours, the country has administered 70,17,671 (7 million) vaccine doses, taking the country's COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 139.70 crore, according to data by the ministry of health said today. The government said that the recovery of 6,960 patients in the past 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally of recovered patients (since the beginning of the pandemic) to 3,42,08,926. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Also read | Omicron causes 40-45% less hospitalisation than Delta variant, reveal UK studies “Sustained and collaborative efforts by the Centre and the states/UTs continue the trend of less than 15,000 daily new cases that are being reported for the last 56 days now. A total of 7,495 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours,” the ministry said. India’s active caseload stands at 78,291 currently. Active cases constitute 0.23 per cent of the country's total positive cases, which is the lowest since March 2020 The historic feat comes at a time when Omicron strain is gradually making inroads into the Indian subcontinent. Also read | Omicron alert: UK records over 100,000 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours India recorded 236 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 16 states and union territories out of which 104 people have recovered or migrated, the health ministry data said. Maharashtra has recorded the maximum 65 cases of the Omicron variant followed by Delhi at 64, Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (21) and Kerala (15). The ministry data updated at 8 am also showed that India recorded 7,495 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,65,976. (With inputs from agencies)

60% of eligible population in India fully vaccinated against Covid

China has now imposed a partial lockdown in its northern city of Xi'an, ordering all 13 million residents to stay at home. According to reports, city officials have ordered all residents to remain at home unless they have a pressing reason to go out.

China imposes partial lockdown of up to 13 million people in Xi'an amid rising COVID-19 cases

In the latest study, researchers found out that antibodies developed by COVID-19 vaccines reduce more than 50 percent after six months of the second jab. The study further says that the number of antibodies developed in response to the vaccine will be determined by a person’s age or sex.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Antibodies reduce 57% after 6 months of second jab, says study

<p>The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O. approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration, <a href="https://twitter.com/Novavax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Novavax</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GaviSeth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GaviSeth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gavi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/gatesfoundation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gatesfoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4">https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4</a></p>
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1471846236181262340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>“This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration,” he tweeted.</p>

<p>Covavax—a two-dose vaccine— will also likely be used for children aged above 3 years and it would be launched in mid-2022, Poonawalla had said earlier.</p>

<p>Covovax was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, a risk management plan, programmatic suitability, and manufacturing site inspections carried out by the Drugs Controller General of India.</p>

<p>The Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing (TAG-EUL) determined that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs any risks, and that the vaccine can be used globally, the global health body said.</p>

<p>The agency said that Novovax’s own vaccine is currently under assessment by the European Medicines Agency, and it will complete its own assessment of this vaccine once the EMA has issued its recommendation.</p>

<p>Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine had shown 90 per cent efficacy at preventing Covid illness, according to results from a Phase 3 clinical trial.</p>

<p>In addition to being highly effective in preventing Covid illness of any severity, the vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate and severe disease that required hospitalisation, revealed the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday gave emergency approval to Covovax, Serum Institute of India’s version of Novavax Inc`s COVID-19 vaccine. CEO of the Pune-based world's largest manufacturer Adar Poonawalla hailed the WHO for giving approval for emergency use. This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O. approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration, @Novavax @WHO @GaviSeth @Gavi @gatesfoundation https://t.co/7C8RVZa3Y4 — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) December 17, 2021 × “This is yet another milestone in our fight against COVID-19, Covovax is now W.H.O approved for emergency use, showing excellent safety and efficacy. Thank you all for a great collaboration,” he tweeted. Covavax—a two-dose vaccine— will also likely be used for children aged above 3 years and it would be launched in mid-2022, Poonawalla had said earlier. Covovax was assessed under the WHO EUL procedure based on the review of data on quality, safety and efficacy, a risk management plan, programmatic suitability, and manufacturing site inspections carried out by the Drugs Controller General of India. The Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing (TAG-EUL) determined that the vaccine meets WHO standards for protection against COVID-19, that the benefit of the vaccine far outweighs any risks, and that the vaccine can be used globally, the global health body said. The agency said that Novovax’s own vaccine is currently under assessment by the European Medicines Agency, and it will complete its own assessment of this vaccine once the EMA has issued its recommendation. Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine had shown 90 per cent efficacy at preventing Covid illness, according to results from a Phase 3 clinical trial. In addition to being highly effective in preventing Covid illness of any severity, the vaccine was 100 per cent effective in preventing moderate and severe disease that required hospitalisation, revealed the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO gives approval to Novavax-Serum Institute's Covavax Covid vaccine for emergency use

<p>According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday.</p>

<p>As per the allegations, a panel of experts was paid to state things against AstraZeneca.</p>

<p>Both vaccines, one developed by Pfizer and another by AstraZeneca/ Oxford University were&nbsp;among the first ones to get Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the World Health Organization.</p>

<p>As per accusations against Pfizer, the company paid experts to say that AstraZeneca's jab would cause cancer and won't be suitable for use in the case of immunosuppressed patients. The assertions were reportedly made in an educational seminar in Canada.</p>

<p>Pfizer has also been targeted for allegedly selling its vaccine at an inflated price. The vaccine cost just 1 dollar per dose to manufacture but the company charged UK government 29 dollars per dose.</p>

<p>Pfizer has reportedly 'vehemently denied' all the accusations. The pharma major has said that they were 'wrongly attributed' to it. Pfizer said that the presentations mentioned in the allegations were carried out by a third party.</p>


According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University.

According to an investigation by the UK-based Channel 4, drug major Pfizer allegedly paid experts to lie about Covid vaccine made by its rival AstraZeneca along with Oxford University. Pfizer has denied the claims being made in the investigative report to be aired on Friday. As per the allegations, a panel of experts was paid to state things against AstraZeneca. Both vaccines, one developed by Pfizer and another by AstraZeneca/ Oxford University were among the first ones to get Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) by the World Health Organization. As per accusations against Pfizer, the company paid experts to say that AstraZeneca's jab would cause cancer and won't be suitable for use in the case of immunosuppressed patients. The assertions were reportedly made in an educational seminar in Canada. Pfizer has also been targeted for allegedly selling its vaccine at an inflated price. The vaccine cost just 1 dollar per dose to manufacture but the company charged UK government 29 dollars per dose. Pfizer has reportedly 'vehemently denied' all the accusations. The pharma major has said that they were 'wrongly attributed' to it. Pfizer said that the presentations mentioned in the allegations were carried out by a third party.

Investigative report claims Pfizer paid money to spread lies about AstraZeneca Covid jab

Employers in New York City must require COVID-19 vaccinations for their workers under new rules announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio. This is the first-of-its-kind mandate for private-sector employees.

New York City introduces COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private sector employers

<p class="MsoNormal">As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Experts have said that the failure to successfully vaccinate the poorer countries against coronavirus led to creation of breeding ground for the Omicron variant.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Scientists have been urging rich countries to focus on the increasing vaccine inequality, especially in the poorer countries around the world. Many parts of the world remained majorly unvaccinated due to lack of funding and resources. This led to the coronavirus mutating in those parts, giving birth to Omicron variant.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-heres-what-the-pandemic-will-look-like-in-2022-434239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Omicron is with us because we have failed to vaccinate the world," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAids and co-chair of the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a campaign group. "This should be a wake-up call.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Business as usual has led to huge profits for pharmaceutical firms, but many people left unvaccinated means that this virus continues to mutate. It is the definition of madness to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. We need to press reset."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This warning was issued after a new set of data (compiled by People’s Vaccine Alliance) revealed that the total number of booster shots administered in the UK is almost equal to the number of fully vaccinated people in poorer countries.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind,"&nbsp;said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."<o:p></o:p></p>


As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated.

As the rich countries rushed to vaccinate their citizens and start the booster shot campaign, it would have been much better if they would have helped poor countries get vaccinated, experts have stated. Experts have said that the failure to successfully vaccinate the poorer countries against coronavirus led to creation of breeding ground for the Omicron variant. Scientists have been urging rich countries to focus on the increasing vaccine inequality, especially in the poorer countries around the world. Many parts of the world remained majorly unvaccinated due to lack of funding and resources. This led to the coronavirus mutating in those parts, giving birth to Omicron variant. WATCH | "Omicron is with us because we have failed to vaccinate the world," said Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAids and co-chair of the People’s Vaccine Alliance, a campaign group. "This should be a wake-up call. "Business as usual has led to huge profits for pharmaceutical firms, but many people left unvaccinated means that this virus continues to mutate. It is the definition of madness to keep doing the same thing and expect a different outcome. We need to press reset." This warning was issued after a new set of data (compiled by People’s Vaccine Alliance) revealed that the total number of booster shots administered in the UK is almost equal to the number of fully vaccinated people in poorer countries. "With the new threat of the Omicron variant, it is clear that we cannot just booster our way out of the pandemic while leaving much of the developing world behind," said Anna Marriott, health policy manager at Oxfam, which is one of about 80 organisations in the People’s Vaccine Alliance. "Unless all countries are vaccinated as soon as possible we could see wave after wave of variants."

Omicron acts as a wake-up call for rich nations about vaccine inequality: Experts

India is witnessing a decrease in the new COVID-19 cases, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half years despite huge festival gatherings. India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the lowest in 543 days.

No scientific evidence to support the need of booster shot

<p>Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
On Tuesday, Burton posted a video on Instagram to talk about his exit from the long-running show.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jay-z-leads-list-of-most-nominated-artists-in-grammys-history-431535" hreflang="en">Jay-Z leads list of most-nominated artists in Grammys history</a></p>

<p><br />
"I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and ‘General Hospital’ and I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, ‘General Hospital’ has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," the actor confirmed the news over a two-minute video clip.&nbsp;<br />
A source confirmed to The Post that Burton was no longer a part of the cast as he refused to comply with the show's vaccine mandate. The last episode the actor has reportedly filmed for the show was on October 27. The date of its airing is yet to be known.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CWoRbqWj5Uj/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Steve Burton (@1steveburton)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/interview-jeremy-renner-calls-hawkeye-grandpa-says-his-biggest-superpower-isnt-archery-431403" hreflang="en">Jeremy Renner on new show 'Hawkeye' and why archery isn't his biggest power</a></p>

<p><br />
The 'The Young and the Restless' actor has alleged that he had asked for exemptions from the vaccine mandate on medical and religious grounds. However, the production unit reportedly denied both. "Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me," he continued.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
"I’ll always be grateful for my time on ‘General Hospital.’ I love it there, I grew up there. I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open … so I am excited to see what the future brings. And maybe one day, if these mandates are lifted, I can return and can finish my career as Jason Morgan," Burton added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/adeles-new-album-30-breaks-years-top-selling-record-within-three-days-of-release-431547" hreflang="en">Adele's new album '30' breaks year's top-selling record in just three days</a></p>


Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim.

Actor Steve Burton of the hit show 'General Hospital' has reportedly has been dropped from the soap opera after he refused to follow the show’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate, reports claim. On Tuesday, Burton posted a video on Instagram to talk about his exit from the long-running show. Also read: Jay-Z leads list of most-nominated artists in Grammys history "I know there’s been a lot of rumors and speculations about me and ‘General Hospital’ and I wanted you to hear it from me personally. Unfortunately, ‘General Hospital’ has let me go because of the vaccine mandate," the actor confirmed the news over a two-minute video clip. A source confirmed to The Post that Burton was no longer a part of the cast as he refused to comply with the show's vaccine mandate. The last episode the actor has reportedly filmed for the show was on October 27. The date of its airing is yet to be known. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Steve Burton (@1steveburton) × Also read: Jeremy Renner on new show 'Hawkeye' and why archery isn't his biggest power The 'The Young and the Restless' actor has alleged that he had asked for exemptions from the vaccine mandate on medical and religious grounds. However, the production unit reportedly denied both. "Which, you know, hurts. But this is also about personal freedom to me," he continued. "I’ll always be grateful for my time on ‘General Hospital.’ I love it there, I grew up there. I believe that when one door closes, multiple doors open … so I am excited to see what the future brings. And maybe one day, if these mandates are lifted, I can return and can finish my career as Jason Morgan," Burton added. Also read: Adele's new album '30' breaks year's top-selling record in just three days

Steve Burton fired from 'General Hospital' over flouting Covid vaccine mandate

Pfizer's covid-19 vaccine seems to be promising for youngsters. New trial data shows that the jab is providing long-term efficacy in adolescents, here's the report.

Covid Vaccine News: Pfizer vaccine looms promising for youngsters

The United States has approved booster shots for all adults. Earlier, only vulnerable people including the immuno-compromised and the elderly were eligible for a third dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

United States approves booster shots for all adults

<p>A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce.</p>

<p>Last week, Oklahoma’s newly appointed adjutant general for the National Guard, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, announced on behalf of the governor, Kevin Stitt, that guardsmen in the state would not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, defying a Pentagon directive issued in August that makes vaccinations mandatory for all troops, including the National Guard, by deadlines set by each service branch.</p>

<p>“The order I issued came directly from the governor. That is the lawful order to the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard,” Mancino said in an interview, adding that he had been vaccinated.</p>

<p>Pentagon officials said Wednesday that a failure to follow “valid medical readiness requirements” could “jeopardize” the status of troops.</p>

<p>The officials insist that Stitt has no legal standing to obviate the mandate, although experts on the obscure laws governing the Guard disagree. They note that unless federally deployed, National Guard members are under the jurisdiction of the governor of their state and therefore not subject to federal mandates. “Guard members can only serve one boss at a time,” said John Goheen, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association of the United States.</p>

<p>The Pentagon is not without redress. It could deny funding to state units or impede the promotions of Guard members who refuse to get vaccinated. Officials said Wednesday that Guard members who refused to be vaccinated also could face dismissal, just as with active duty troops.</p>

<p>“Oklahoma may be able to take this step as a legal matter, but there are definitely things the federal government can do in response that might make it a painful Pyrrhic victory,” said Eugene Fidell, an adjunct professor of law at the New York University Law School. “The governor and state adjutant general thus might find themselves commanding some very unhappy personnel.”</p>

<p>The Pentagon is bracing for other states to follow Oklahoma’s lead. So far none have, but many are believed to be closely watching the situation, which could become the subject of lawsuits. “This could be contagious,” Fidell said.</p>

<p>National Guard troops have been caught in the political cross hairs over the years, including in 2018, when several governors said they would withhold or recall their troops from the border with Mexico as the Trump administration separated adults who illegally crossed into the United States from their children. In 1986, several governors balked at sending Guard troops for maneuvers in Honduras ordered by President Ronald Reagan.</p>

<p>But these rare conflicts in the military have never centered on vaccine mandates, which have existed for decades.</p>

<p>The standoff, while so far limited in scope, demonstrates the headaches Biden faces as he pushes the Jan. 4 deadline for large companies to mandate coronavirus vaccinations or start weekly testing of their workers. The new rule, applying to companies with 100 or more employees, would cover roughly 84 million workers, and is already meeting fierce resistance.</p>

<p>Stitt is one of several Republican state officials who have been resisting Biden’s vaccine mandates covering federal employees and contractors.</p>

<p>Some governors who have been more resistant to mandates have so far declined to join Stitt.</p>

<p>“I took an oath, and I intend to do what I promised the country I would do,” Gen. Thomas Carden, the head of the Georgia National Guard, told a local reporter last week. “It’s cut and dry for us.”</p>

<p>Spokesmen for the Guards in North Dakota and Florida — two other states whose governors oppose vaccine mandates — said they were following the Pentagon order, while Texas officials were more vague.</p>

<p>“The decision whether or not to receive a vaccination is a personal matter each Soldier and Airman must weigh. The Texas National Guard provides the resources necessary for each Service member to make informed decisions,” an unidentified spokesperson said in response to an email query.</p>

<p>While the vast majority of active duty troops have been vaccinated, the percentage of those in the Guard has dragged below the averages for the civilian population. In Oklahoma, 89% of airmen in the Guard have been vaccinated, while only 40% of Army guardsmen have had shots.</p>

<p>Mancino issued his memo a day after Stitt dismissed his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, a proponent for vaccines.</p>


A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce.

A standoff between the governor of Oklahoma and the Pentagon over a coronavirus vaccine mandate for troops has turned into a stormy test of federal power, as President Joe Biden moves to require vaccinations for a broad swath of the American workforce. Last week, Oklahoma’s newly appointed adjutant general for the National Guard, Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, announced on behalf of the governor, Kevin Stitt, that guardsmen in the state would not be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, defying a Pentagon directive issued in August that makes vaccinations mandatory for all troops, including the National Guard, by deadlines set by each service branch. “The order I issued came directly from the governor. That is the lawful order to the men and women of the Oklahoma National Guard,” Mancino said in an interview, adding that he had been vaccinated. Pentagon officials said Wednesday that a failure to follow “valid medical readiness requirements” could “jeopardize” the status of troops. The officials insist that Stitt has no legal standing to obviate the mandate, although experts on the obscure laws governing the Guard disagree. They note that unless federally deployed, National Guard members are under the jurisdiction of the governor of their state and therefore not subject to federal mandates. “Guard members can only serve one boss at a time,” said John Goheen, a spokesperson for the National Guard Association of the United States. The Pentagon is not without redress. It could deny funding to state units or impede the promotions of Guard members who refuse to get vaccinated. Officials said Wednesday that Guard members who refused to be vaccinated also could face dismissal, just as with active duty troops. “Oklahoma may be able to take this step as a legal matter, but there are definitely things the federal government can do in response that might make it a painful Pyrrhic victory,” said Eugene Fidell, an adjunct professor of law at the New York University Law School. “The governor and state adjutant general thus might find themselves commanding some very unhappy personnel.” The Pentagon is bracing for other states to follow Oklahoma’s lead. So far none have, but many are believed to be closely watching the situation, which could become the subject of lawsuits. “This could be contagious,” Fidell said. National Guard troops have been caught in the political cross hairs over the years, including in 2018, when several governors said they would withhold or recall their troops from the border with Mexico as the Trump administration separated adults who illegally crossed into the United States from their children. In 1986, several governors balked at sending Guard troops for maneuvers in Honduras ordered by President Ronald Reagan. But these rare conflicts in the military have never centered on vaccine mandates, which have existed for decades. The standoff, while so far limited in scope, demonstrates the headaches Biden faces as he pushes the Jan. 4 deadline for large companies to mandate coronavirus vaccinations or start weekly testing of their workers. The new rule, applying to companies with 100 or more employees, would cover roughly 84 million workers, and is already meeting fierce resistance. Stitt is one of several Republican state officials who have been resisting Biden’s vaccine mandates covering federal employees and contractors. Some governors who have been more resistant to mandates have so far declined to join Stitt. “I took an oath, and I intend to do what I promised the country I would do,” Gen. Thomas Carden, the head of the Georgia National Guard, told a local reporter last week. “It’s cut and dry for us.” Spokesmen for the Guards in North Dakota and Florida — two other states whose governors oppose vaccine mandates — said they were following the Pentagon order, while Texas officials were more vague. “The decision whether or not to receive a vaccination is a personal matter each Soldier and Airman must weigh. The Texas National Guard provides the resources necessary for each Service member to make informed decisions,” an unidentified spokesperson said in response to an email query. While the vast majority of active duty troops have been vaccinated, the percentage of those in the Guard has dragged below the averages for the civilian population. In Oklahoma, 89% of airmen in the Guard have been vaccinated, while only 40% of Army guardsmen have had shots. Mancino issued his memo a day after Stitt dismissed his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Michael C. Thompson, a proponent for vaccines.

Oklahoma governor and Pentagon standoff over vaccines intensifies

<p class="MsoNormal">The people who refuse Covid vaccinations in Australia will lead a lonely and miserable life, the head of the Australian Medical Association in Queensland has warned.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Life will be miserable without being vaccinated. You won’t be able to hide," Dr Chris Perry said on a local news channel.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/even-as-air-quality-deteriorates-india-reports-lowest-active-covid-cases-since-march-2020-429165">India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Australia has been fighting the problem of vaccine hesitancy and the officials have been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. However, when all other ways failed, the AMA chief decided to issue a dark warning for all locals.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"You won’t be able to get a doctor to sign off that you got an exclusion"&nbsp;because there will be several restrictions. The doctors will be ordered to take immense care as all exclusion notices will be strictly looked at and doctors will be fined if any error is spotted in those exclusion certificates. He also added that the patients who are caught lying will be charged with fraud.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"There's a whole pile of issues, a whole pile of problems if you try and get around the system,"&nbsp;Perry said.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surging-covid-19-cases-in-europe-become-matter-of-concern-429082"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></o:p></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surging-covid-19-cases-in-europe-become-matter-of-concern-429082/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p class="MsoNormal">Australia is tightening its vaccine mandates and fines of AU$1,378 have been announced for those who breach pandemic-related regulations. All business owners have also been directed to immediately call police if they suspect any possible Covid breach.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"The pubs and the clubs are going to have to find out whether people are vaccinated before they allow them in, otherwise their businesses will go bankrupt," he said.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Queensland locals have been given the deadline of December 15 to get fully vaccinated, or they will have trouble in finding employment and entering public spaces.<o:p></o:p></p>


The people who refuse Covid vaccinations in Australia will lead a lonely and miserable life, the head of the Australian Medical Association in Queensland has warned.

The people who refuse Covid vaccinations in Australia will lead a lonely and miserable life, the head of the Australian Medical Association in Queensland has warned. "Life will be miserable without being vaccinated. You won’t be able to hide," Dr Chris Perry said on a local news channel. Also read | India reports lowest active Covid cases since March 2020 Australia has been fighting the problem of vaccine hesitancy and the officials have been urging locals to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as soon as possible. However, when all other ways failed, the AMA chief decided to issue a dark warning for all locals. "You won’t be able to get a doctor to sign off that you got an exclusion" because there will be several restrictions. The doctors will be ordered to take immense care as all exclusion notices will be strictly looked at and doctors will be fined if any error is spotted in those exclusion certificates. He also added that the patients who are caught lying will be charged with fraud. "There's a whole pile of issues, a whole pile of problems if you try and get around the system," Perry said. WATCH | Australia is tightening its vaccine mandates and fines of AU$1,378 have been announced for those who breach pandemic-related regulations. All business owners have also been directed to immediately call police if they suspect any possible Covid breach. "The pubs and the clubs are going to have to find out whether people are vaccinated before they allow them in, otherwise their businesses will go bankrupt," he said. Queensland locals have been given the deadline of December 15 to get fully vaccinated, or they will have trouble in finding employment and entering public spaces.

'Life will be miserable' for unvaccinated people, warns Australian medical chief

<p>Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing&nbsp;Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.</p>

<p>On&nbsp;Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October.</p>

<p>According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic.</p>

<p>Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge</a></p>

<p>However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak.</p>

<p>“It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times.</p>

<p>She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system.</p>

<p>“We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grave-concern-covid-cases-soar-in-germany-426732">&nbsp;'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany</a></p>

<p>Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent.</p>

<p>About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports.</p>

<p>“What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”. On Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections. According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October. According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic. Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations. Also read | 'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak. “It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times. She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system. “We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying. Also read | 'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent. About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports. “What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Unvaccinated Germans responsible for fourth Covid wave, say experts

<p>Taiwan’s health minister Chen Shih-chung has said that they are suspending&nbsp;second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT) Covid vaccine to children in the 12-17 age group amid concerns that it may increase the risk of myocarditis.</p>

<p>He said that a panel of experts will review the data on cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) and will decide on the further course of action in two weeks, according to local Taiwanese media.</p>

<p>“Taiwan's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had decided to hold off on administering second doses to the 12-17 age group and will meet in two weeks to make a final decision on the matter,” he was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>During these two weeks, experts on the committee will collect and review data on cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in other countries and Taiwan, Chen said.</p>

<p>According to Central Epidemic Command Center spokesperson Chuang Jen-hsiang, 1.1 million people aged between 12-17 have received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Taiwan.</p>

<p>Out of those, 17 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis have been reported. Fourteen of the patients were male and three were female, Chuang said.</p>

<p>Some countries have adjusted their policies regarding administering COVID-19 vaccines to adolescents. For instance, Hong Kong has changed from two doses of BNT to only a single dose for those aged 12-17. The U.K. has done something similar, recommending only one shot for children between 12 and 18 years of age, according to news outlet CNA.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan’s health minister Chen Shih-chung has said that they are suspending second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT) Covid vaccine to children in the 12-17 age group amid concerns that it may increase the risk of myocarditis.

Taiwan’s health minister Chen Shih-chung has said that they are suspending second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT) Covid vaccine to children in the 12-17 age group amid concerns that it may increase the risk of myocarditis. He said that a panel of experts will review the data on cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) and will decide on the further course of action in two weeks, according to local Taiwanese media. “Taiwan's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices had decided to hold off on administering second doses to the 12-17 age group and will meet in two weeks to make a final decision on the matter,” he was quoted as saying. During these two weeks, experts on the committee will collect and review data on cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in other countries and Taiwan, Chen said. According to Central Epidemic Command Center spokesperson Chuang Jen-hsiang, 1.1 million people aged between 12-17 have received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Taiwan. Out of those, 17 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis have been reported. Fourteen of the patients were male and three were female, Chuang said. Some countries have adjusted their policies regarding administering COVID-19 vaccines to adolescents. For instance, Hong Kong has changed from two doses of BNT to only a single dose for those aged 12-17. The U.K. has done something similar, recommending only one shot for children between 12 and 18 years of age, according to news outlet CNA. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan suspends 2nd dose Pfizer Covid vaccine for 12-17 olds over heart inflammation

<p>From November 22, the UK government plans to add India's Covaxin to a list of COVID-19 vaccines approved for international travellers. Therefore, those inoculated with the Bharat Biotech vaccine will not need to isolate themselves after arriving in England.</p>

<p>Covaxin, which is the second most commonly used formulation in India, has also been added to the Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization (WHO).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-biotechs-covid-vaccine-covaxin-gets-emergency-use-listing-from-who-panel-426431">Bharat Biotech's Covid vaccine Covaxin gets emergency use listing from WHO panel</a></strong></p>

<p>Last month, the UK approved the Covishield vaccine, another India produced Oxford-AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.</p>

<p>"More good news for Indian travellers to the UK. From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognised by WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield," British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said Monday on Twitter.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">More good news for 🇮🇳 travellers to 🇬🇧👇<br />
From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine recognised by <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield.<a href="https://t.co/UyJsryBd0O">https://t.co/UyJsryBd0O</a> <a href="https://t.co/mZhaqRgB35">https://t.co/mZhaqRgB35</a></p>
— Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexWEllis/status/1457761829644644352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The new rules will take effect at 4 am on November 22.</p>

<p>In addition to Covaxin, China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, both listed on the WHO Emergency Use List, will also be recognised by the UK government as approved vaccines for inbound travel, benefitting fully vaccinated travellers from Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-travellers-now-allowed-to-enter-us-after-covaxin-gets-nod-by-who-426594">Indian travellers now allowed to enter US after Covaxin gets nod by WHO</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Passengers who are fully vaccinated will not need to take a pre-departure test, a day-8 test or a self-isolation test upon arrival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today's announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel," said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-who-delays-approval-for-covaxin-jab-every-minute-is-an-eternity-for-this-indian-family-424897">As WHO delays approval for Covaxin jab, every minute is an eternity for this Indian family</a></strong></p>

<p>"The red list and quarantine system remain vital in protecting our borders and as we've said, we will not hesitate to take action by adding countries to the red list if necessary," UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said.</p>

<p>Travel rules will be further simplified, with all people under the age of 18 who have been fully vaccinated to be able to enter England without self-isolating on arrival, the Department for Transport announced Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is WHO delaying approval for COVAXIN?</strong></p>

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<p>Not only will they no longer be required to self-isolate at the border, but they also won't have to take pre-departure tests or undergo day-8 testing either. However, if they test positive, they will have to take a follow-up test on arrival and a confirmatory free PCR test.</p>


From November 22, the UK government plans to add India's Covaxin to a list of COVID-19 vaccines approved for international travellers. Therefore, those inoculated with the Bharat Biotech vaccine will not need to isolate themselves after arriving in England.

From November 22, the UK government plans to add India's Covaxin to a list of COVID-19 vaccines approved for international travellers. Therefore, those inoculated with the Bharat Biotech vaccine will not need to isolate themselves after arriving in England. Covaxin, which is the second most commonly used formulation in India, has also been added to the Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization (WHO). Also read | Bharat Biotech's Covid vaccine Covaxin gets emergency use listing from WHO panel Last month, the UK approved the Covishield vaccine, another India produced Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19. "More good news for Indian travellers to the UK. From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a COVID19 vaccine recognised by WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield," British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis said Monday on Twitter. More good news for 🇮🇳 travellers to 🇬🇧👇 From 22 November travellers fully vaccinated with a #COVID19 vaccine recognised by @WHO for Emergency Use Listing, including Covaxin, will not have to self-isolate; so joining those fully vaccinated with Covishield.https://t.co/UyJsryBd0O https://t.co/mZhaqRgB35 — Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) November 8, 2021 × The new rules will take effect at 4 am on November 22. In addition to Covaxin, China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, both listed on the WHO Emergency Use List, will also be recognised by the UK government as approved vaccines for inbound travel, benefitting fully vaccinated travellers from Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Also read | Indian travellers now allowed to enter US after Covaxin gets nod by WHO Passengers who are fully vaccinated will not need to take a pre-departure test, a day-8 test or a self-isolation test upon arrival. "As we continue to recover from the pandemic and expand our recognition of international vaccines, today's announcements mark the next step in our restart of international travel," said UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. Also read | As WHO delays approval for Covaxin jab, every minute is an eternity for this Indian family "The red list and quarantine system remain vital in protecting our borders and as we've said, we will not hesitate to take action by adding countries to the red list if necessary," UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. Travel rules will be further simplified, with all people under the age of 18 who have been fully vaccinated to be able to enter England without self-isolating on arrival, the Department for Transport announced Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Is WHO delaying approval for COVAXIN? Not only will they no longer be required to self-isolate at the border, but they also won't have to take pre-departure tests or undergo day-8 testing either. However, if they test positive, they will have to take a follow-up test on arrival and a confirmatory free PCR test.

India's Covaxin to be added to UK approved list from November 22

<p>Costa Rican children aged five and up must get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a new health ministry mandate, making the Central American country one of the first to adopt such a requirement for kids.</p>

<p>The move would add COVID-19 to a list of other infectious diseases in which vaccines for children have for years been required, including for polio and smallpox.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-experimental-covid-pill-reduces-hospitalisations-and-deaths-company-claims-426982">&nbsp;Pfizer's experimental Covid pill reduces hospitalisations and deaths, company claims</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our basic vaccination scheme has made it possible to subdue many of the viruses that cause suffering and health consequences and even fatalities in the underage population," Health Minister Daniel Salas said in a statement issued on Friday, announcing the addition of COVID-19 to the scheme.</p>

<p>Coronavirus infection rates in Costa Rica have been trending down recently, with confirmed COVID-19 deaths totaling more than 7,000, according to official data, out of a population of around 5.1 million.</p>

<p>So far, nearly three-quarters of the country's 12 to 19-year-olds have received at least one vaccine dose, while about 54 per cent&nbsp;of all Costa Ricans have been fully vaccinated.</p>


Costa Rican children aged five and up must get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a new health ministry mandate, making the Central American country one of the first to adopt such a requirement for kids.

Costa Rican children aged five and up must get COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a new health ministry mandate, making the Central American country one of the first to adopt such a requirement for kids. The move would add COVID-19 to a list of other infectious diseases in which vaccines for children have for years been required, including for polio and smallpox. Also Read | Pfizer's experimental Covid pill reduces hospitalisations and deaths, company claims "Our basic vaccination scheme has made it possible to subdue many of the viruses that cause suffering and health consequences and even fatalities in the underage population," Health Minister Daniel Salas said in a statement issued on Friday, announcing the addition of COVID-19 to the scheme. Coronavirus infection rates in Costa Rica have been trending down recently, with confirmed COVID-19 deaths totaling more than 7,000, according to official data, out of a population of around 5.1 million. So far, nearly three-quarters of the country's 12 to 19-year-olds have received at least one vaccine dose, while about 54 per cent of all Costa Ricans have been fully vaccinated.

Costa Rica issues COVID-19 vaccine requirement for children

<p>An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said.</p>

<p>The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US&nbsp;west coast, the US&nbsp;Tsunami Warning System said.</p>

<p>&quot;If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring,&quot; Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said in a warning for Alaska and British Columbia.</p>

<p>Tsunami warnings for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire U.S. west coast and Hawaii were issued.</p>

<p>&quot;Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter,&quot; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.</p>

<p>Japan&#39;s meteorological agency said it was monitoring the situation but did not issue a tsunami alert.</p>


An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US west coast, the US Tsunami Warning System said.

An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US west coast, the US Tsunami Warning System said. "If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring," Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said in a warning for Alaska and British Columbia. Tsunami warnings for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire U.S. west coast and Hawaii were issued. "Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Japan's meteorological agency said it was monitoring the situation but did not issue a tsunami alert.

US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January

<p>The US government has cancelled a multimillion-dollar contract with a Maryland-based COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer where 15 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine were found to be contaminated earlier this year due to unsanitary plant conditions.</p>

<p>According to New York Times, the company, Emergent BioSolutions, disclosed the development on Thursday in a conference call discussing its latest financial results.</p>

<p>Emergent said it will forgo about $180 million due to the contract’s termination.</p>

<p>Emergent BioSolutions played a role in the Trump administration’s effort to speed up vaccine development and distribution. But after winning a contract from the previous administration, Emergent quickly ran into production problems.</p>

<p>Troubles began for Emergent in March 2021, when the ingredients intended for use in producing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shots contaminated 15 million doses of the Johnson &amp; Johnson single-shot vaccine in its Baltimore plant.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-demands-replacement-of-60-million-contaminated-jj-vaccine-doses-391456">Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&amp;J vaccine doses</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;The lapses at the Bayview factory hampered J&amp;J’s efforts to be a major player in vaccinating people, particularly in remote areas and poor countries.</p>

<p>The Biden administration then put Johnson &amp; Johnson in direct control of vaccine production there.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-jj-millions-of-vaccine-doses-from-troubled-plant-cant-be-used-390950">US tells J&amp;J millions of vaccine doses from troubled plant can't be used</a></p>

<p>In June, the Food and Drug Administration issued a 13-page report about the plant, highlighting sanitary and production issues.</p>

<p>The FDA inspectors in their report stated that unsealed bags of medical waste were observed, along with&nbsp;peeling&nbsp;paint and damaged floors and walls&nbsp;that could inhibit proper cleaning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also says that the employees were not properly trained and failed to properly handle ingredients.</p>

<p>The government had already stopped making payments under the contract, which was created in May 2020 and worth over $600 million, the Times reported.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


The US government has cancelled a multimillion-dollar contract with a Maryland-based COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer where 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were found to be contaminated earlier this year due to unsanitary plant conditions.

The US government has cancelled a multimillion-dollar contract with a Maryland-based COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer where 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were found to be contaminated earlier this year due to unsanitary plant conditions. According to New York Times, the company, Emergent BioSolutions, disclosed the development on Thursday in a conference call discussing its latest financial results. Emergent said it will forgo about $180 million due to the contract’s termination. Emergent BioSolutions played a role in the Trump administration’s effort to speed up vaccine development and distribution. But after winning a contract from the previous administration, Emergent quickly ran into production problems. Troubles began for Emergent in March 2021, when the ingredients intended for use in producing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shots contaminated 15 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson single-shot vaccine in its Baltimore plant. Also read | Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&J vaccine doses The lapses at the Bayview factory hampered J&J’s efforts to be a major player in vaccinating people, particularly in remote areas and poor countries. The Biden administration then put Johnson & Johnson in direct control of vaccine production there. Also read | US tells J&J millions of vaccine doses from troubled plant can't be used In June, the Food and Drug Administration issued a 13-page report about the plant, highlighting sanitary and production issues. The FDA inspectors in their report stated that unsealed bags of medical waste were observed, along with peeling paint and damaged floors and walls that could inhibit proper cleaning. The report also says that the employees were not properly trained and failed to properly handle ingredients. The government had already stopped making payments under the contract, which was created in May 2020 and worth over $600 million, the Times reported. (With inputs from agencies)

US cancels contract with Covid vaccine maker whose plant contaminated 15 million J&J jabs

According to reports, India's Covaxin vaccine has been approved by the WHO for emergency use. The 'made-in-India' vaccine will now be recognized by other nations and Indians who received the jab need not self-quarantine or face covid-19 restrictions. WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal brings all the latest information.

Covaxin gets WHO's nod; here's what it will mean for those who have taken the shot

According to reports, India's Covaxin vaccine has been approved by the WHO for emergency use. The 'made-in-India' vaccine will now be recognized by other nations and Indians who received the jab need not self-quarantine or face covid-19 restrictions.

Covid Vaccine Updates: India's indigenous vaccine Covaxin approved for Emergency use by WHO

<p>In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Despite the decisions of the G20, not all countries in need can have access to anti-Covid vaccines," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in video message comments to counterparts that were retransmitted on Russian state television.</p>

<p>"This happens mainly because of dishonest competition, protectionism and because some states, especially those of the G20, are not ready for mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates," Putin added.</p>

<p>In an apparent reference to the failure of Russia's Sputnik V to win foreign regulatory approval, Putin urged G20 health ministers to discuss the mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates "as soon as possible".</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a></strong></p>

<p>South Africa refused recognition to Sputnik V vaccine earlier this month. This was in spite of the country being in dire need of vaccines. South Africa claimed that the Russian vaccine could risk of HIV infection among men.</p>

<p>Sputnik V also lacks regulatory approval in the EU and the US.</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping -- who, like Putin did not travel to Rome for the summit and participated by video link -- made a similar call for the mutual recognition of vaccines, according to Chinese state media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rising cases</strong></p>

<p>Putin and Xi were said to have avoided travelling to Italy due to tightening coronavirus restrictions in their home countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has seen increased coronavirus cases in spite of increased availability of Spuynik jabs. Putin has ordered a week-long holiday starting Saturday with an aim to contain spread of the virus.</p>

<p>Russian authorities said Saturday that daily infection numbers had risen to 40,251, a record since the start of the pandemic, with only 32.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pics-pm-modi-joins-world-leaders-for-g20-summit-in-rome-425321">PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome</a></strong></p>

<p>At the G20, summit host and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the international community was "very close to meeting the WHO’s target of vaccinating 40 percent of the global population by the end of 2021".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now we must do all we can to reach 70 percent by mid-2022," he added.</p>

<p>According to a source quoted by Reuters, "all the leaders" agreed to commit to the target set out by Draghi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Italian premier noted that while more than 70 percent of people in developed countries have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, the percentage drops to around three percent in the poorest parts of the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"These differences are morally unacceptable, and undermine the global recovery," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.

In what appeared to be first round of fire at G20 Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin complained about lack of international recognition for its Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine. "Despite the decisions of the G20, not all countries in need can have access to anti-Covid vaccines," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in video message comments to counterparts that were retransmitted on Russian state television. "This happens mainly because of dishonest competition, protectionism and because some states, especially those of the G20, are not ready for mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates," Putin added. In an apparent reference to the failure of Russia's Sputnik V to win foreign regulatory approval, Putin urged G20 health ministers to discuss the mutual recognition of vaccines and vaccination certificates "as soon as possible". Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy South Africa refused recognition to Sputnik V vaccine earlier this month. This was in spite of the country being in dire need of vaccines. South Africa claimed that the Russian vaccine could risk of HIV infection among men. Sputnik V also lacks regulatory approval in the EU and the US. Chinese President Xi Jinping -- who, like Putin did not travel to Rome for the summit and participated by video link -- made a similar call for the mutual recognition of vaccines, according to Chinese state media. Rising cases Putin and Xi were said to have avoided travelling to Italy due to tightening coronavirus restrictions in their home countries. Russia has seen increased coronavirus cases in spite of increased availability of Spuynik jabs. Putin has ordered a week-long holiday starting Saturday with an aim to contain spread of the virus. Russian authorities said Saturday that daily infection numbers had risen to 40,251, a record since the start of the pandemic, with only 32.5 percent of the population fully vaccinated. Pics: PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome At the G20, summit host and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said the international community was "very close to meeting the WHO’s target of vaccinating 40 percent of the global population by the end of 2021". "Now we must do all we can to reach 70 percent by mid-2022," he added. According to a source quoted by Reuters, "all the leaders" agreed to commit to the target set out by Draghi. The Italian premier noted that while more than 70 percent of people in developed countries have received at least one dose of the Covid vaccine, the percentage drops to around three percent in the poorest parts of the world. "These differences are morally unacceptable, and undermine the global recovery," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

G20 Summit: Putin fires first shots, calls for greater recognition to Sputnik jab

<p>Hollywood star Charlize Theron is serious about everyone in the world getting COVID vaccination to help curb the spread of the virus that has plagued us all since more than a year now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actress has joined the social justice organisation Ford Foundation that wants the World Trade Organisation to agree to a waiver on vaccine patents so that countries of the world can manufacture their own vaccines. This comes after the World Health Organisation announced its goal of vaccinating 70 per cent of the planet by next year. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-the-crown-star-claire-foy-to-play-scandal-queen-margaret-campbell-in-new-series-see-first-look-424379" hreflang="en">'The Crown' star Claire Foy to play scandal queen Margaret Campbell in new series; see first look</a></p>

<p>Speaking to the BBC, Charlize Theron also questioned some countries' booster programmes, when only 5 per cent of Africa's population has been vaccinated.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVBBreEDTGU/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Charlize Theron (@charlizeafrica)</a></p>
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<p>Charlize Theron is an Academy Award-winning actor. She also serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which champions the health, education and community support of young people living in Southern Africa.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-fendi-x-skims-collaboration-is-real-424261" hreflang="en">Fendi x SKIMS collaboration is real!</a></p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-hollywood-to-ban-live-weapons-on-film-tv-sets-after-alec-baldwins-mishap-424224" hreflang="en">Hollywood to ban 'live' weapons on film/TV sets after Alec Baldwin's mishap?</a></h2>


Hollywood star Charlize Theron is serious about everyone in the world getting COVID vaccination to help curb the spread of the virus that has plagued us all since more than a year now.

Hollywood star Charlize Theron is serious about everyone in the world getting COVID vaccination to help curb the spread of the virus that has plagued us all since more than a year now. The actress has joined the social justice organisation Ford Foundation that wants the World Trade Organisation to agree to a waiver on vaccine patents so that countries of the world can manufacture their own vaccines. This comes after the World Health Organisation announced its goal of vaccinating 70 per cent of the planet by next year. Also read: 'The Crown' star Claire Foy to play scandal queen Margaret Campbell in new series; see first look Speaking to the BBC, Charlize Theron also questioned some countries' booster programmes, when only 5 per cent of Africa's population has been vaccinated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charlize Theron (@charlizeafrica) × Charlize Theron is an Academy Award-winning actor. She also serves as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, which champions the health, education and community support of young people living in Southern Africa. Also read: Fendi x SKIMS collaboration is real! Hollywood to ban 'live' weapons on film/TV sets after Alec Baldwin's mishap?

Charlize Theron champions the cause of vaccine for all, wants countries to share

Is Pfizer putting profits above lives? Public Citizen, a non-profit organization says that Pfizer can stop countries from speaking about contracts, block vaccine donations, unilaterally change delivery schedules & demand public assets as collateral. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Revealed: How Pfizer blackmails countries for shots

The World Health Organisation is scheduled to meet on october 26 to consider listing India's indegeneous COVID vaccine for emergency use.

World Health Organisation scheduled to meet on October 26

<p>India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.</p>

<p>With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-development-finance-corporation-chief-to-visit-india-to-boost-vaccine-manufacturing-421167">US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing</a></strong></p>

<p>The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload.</p>

<p>In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent.</p>

<p>The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381&nbsp;samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-15823-fresh-covid-19-cases-226-fatalities-420329">&nbsp;India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities</a></strong></p>

<p>The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day.</p>

<p>The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755&nbsp;vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455&nbsp;balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.</p>


India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday. With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload. In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381 samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday. Also Read | India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day. The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755 vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455 balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India adds 14,146 new Covid cases, over 970 million vax doses given

US president Joe Biden has announced a major new COVID vaccine donation for Africa after he met with his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta at the white house on Thursday.

US president Joe Biden announces COVID vaccine donation for Africa

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