Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate&nbsp;children&nbsp;aged two to 18 against&nbsp;Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in&nbsp;order&nbsp;to reopen&nbsp;schools&nbsp;for in-person instruction&nbsp;amid&nbsp;a spike in infections.

Children&nbsp;aged 12 and older will be the first to receive one of the two&nbsp;domestically produced vaccines, Abdala and Soberana, followed by younger kids.

Schools&nbsp;have mostly been closed in&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;since March 2020 and students have been following lessons on television. With the&nbsp;school&nbsp;year starting Monday, they will continue learning remotely until all eligible&nbsp;children&nbsp;are vaccinated.&nbsp;

Laura Lantigua, 17, came to receive the first of three injections at Saul Delgado high&nbsp;school&nbsp;in the Cuban capital Havana.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blame-for-afghanistan-lies-on-president-biden-says-911-era-nypd-commissioner-410532">Also read | Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner&nbsp;</a>

"I always wanted to be vaccinated," Lantigua told AFP. She said that doctors measured her blood pressure and temperature before giving her the shot, then told her to wait for an hour to make sure she didn't have any side effects.&nbsp;

"I felt normal, fine," Lantigua said.

As the Delta variant spread across the island of 11.2 million the country's health care system has been pushed to the brink.

Of the 5,300 novel coronavirus deaths recorded since the outbreak started, nearly half were in August, as were almost a third of all reported cases.

The government said it plans to begin to gradually&nbsp;re-open&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in October after the vaccination campaign among&nbsp;children&nbsp;is completed.

Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate children aged two to 18 against Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in order to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a spike in infections.

Cuban authorities on Friday launched a national campaign to vaccinate children aged two to 18 against Covid-19, a condition set by the Communist government in order to reopen schools for in-person instruction amid a spike in infections. Children aged 12 and older will be the first to receive one of the two domestically produced vaccines, Abdala and Soberana, followed by younger kids. Schools have mostly been closed in Cuba since March 2020 and students have been following lessons on television. With the school year starting Monday, they will continue learning remotely until all eligible children are vaccinated. Laura Lantigua, 17, came to receive the first of three injections at Saul Delgado high school in the Cuban capital Havana. Also read | Exclusive: Blame for Afghanistan 'lies on President Biden', says 9/11-era NYPD commissioner "I always wanted to be vaccinated," Lantigua told AFP. She said that doctors measured her blood pressure and temperature before giving her the shot, then told her to wait for an hour to make sure she didn't have any side effects. "I felt normal, fine," Lantigua said. As the Delta variant spread across the island of 11.2 million the country's health care system has been pushed to the brink. Of the 5,300 novel coronavirus deaths recorded since the outbreak started, nearly half were in August, as were almost a third of all reported cases. The government said it plans to begin to gradually re-open schools in October after the vaccination campaign among children is completed.

Cuba starts vaccinating children in order to re-open schools amid Covid surge

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different.

The nurses' employer, Valley Health, the parent company of Winchester Medical Center had given the nurses an ultimatum: Get the shot or face termination.

To this, the women responded by standing on the corner of a busy four-way intersection at the entrance to Winchester Medical Center, protesting the hospital's recent coronavirus vaccine mandate.

Some were on a quasi-strike, skipping a day of work to stand on the side of the road in scorching heat, holding signs that demanded, "NO FORCED VACCINATION."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/woman-host-back-on-tolo-tv-breakfast-show-amid-chaos-in-afghanistan-410491">Also read |&nbsp;Woman host back on Tolo TV breakfast show amid chaos in Afghanistan</a>

The Valley Health announced a vaccine mandate for its 6,300 employees at its six locations on July 19, while offering religious and medical exemptions for eligible applicants.&nbsp;

For the majority of Valley Health employees, the policy was not a problem as 75 per cent are fully vaccinated, the company said.

However, in a region where vaccination rates are lower than they are statewide, Valley Health's mandate prompted a furious community debate, with numerous protests outside Valley Health's hospitals in Front Royal and Winchester.

There were pleas from unvaccinated people demanding the intervention from local government to stop the mandate.

In Winchester, 57 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, compared with 66% statewide.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring rural Warren County only 46 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated.

Those who were standing outside the Winchester hospital said that they had weighed the risks, and despite more than 620,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US, they still viewed the vaccine as riskier.&nbsp;

Some cited rare but serious side effects, including myocarditis tied to Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines and blood clots tied to Johnson &amp; Johnson's.&nbsp;

People also pointed to misinformation about fertility issues.&nbsp;

Others said they were banking on natural immunity after contracting the virus last year.

Brittany Watson, a behavioural health nurse at the Winchester hospital, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying, "We are not 'anti-vax".

She added, "We've done all the vaccines that you get when you grow up - but those have been around for decades. But this one, there's so much propaganda around it. It doesn't make any sense."

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different.

While every person across the globe is struggling their way to get the vaccine against deadly coronavirus, the situation in Shenandoah Valley is a little different. The nurses' employer, Valley Health, the parent company of Winchester Medical Center had given the nurses an ultimatum: Get the shot or face termination. To this, the women responded by standing on the corner of a busy four-way intersection at the entrance to Winchester Medical Center, protesting the hospital's recent coronavirus vaccine mandate. Some were on a quasi-strike, skipping a day of work to stand on the side of the road in scorching heat, holding signs that demanded, "NO FORCED VACCINATION." Also read | Woman host back on Tolo TV breakfast show amid chaos in Afghanistan The Valley Health announced a vaccine mandate for its 6,300 employees at its six locations on July 19, while offering religious and medical exemptions for eligible applicants. For the majority of Valley Health employees, the policy was not a problem as 75 per cent are fully vaccinated, the company said. However, in a region where vaccination rates are lower than they are statewide, Valley Health's mandate prompted a furious community debate, with numerous protests outside Valley Health's hospitals in Front Royal and Winchester. There were pleas from unvaccinated people demanding the intervention from local government to stop the mandate. In Winchester, 57 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated, compared with 66% statewide. Meanwhile, in neighbouring rural Warren County only 46 per cent of the adult population is fully vaccinated. Those who were standing outside the Winchester hospital said that they had weighed the risks, and despite more than 620,000 deaths from COVID-19 in the US, they still viewed the vaccine as riskier. Some cited rare but serious side effects, including myocarditis tied to Pfizer-BioNTech's and Moderna's vaccines and blood clots tied to Johnson & Johnson's. People also pointed to misinformation about fertility issues. Others said they were banking on natural immunity after contracting the virus last year. Brittany Watson, a behavioural health nurse at the Winchester hospital, was quoted by The Washington Post as saying, "We are not 'anti-vax". She added, "We've done all the vaccines that you get when you grow up - but those have been around for decades. But this one, there's so much propaganda around it. It doesn't make any sense."

Shenandoah Valley women choose to not get vaccinated, here is why

India would resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines only after its own interests are taken care of, a health ministry official said on Thursday.&nbsp;

This comes in as a recent surge in immunisations raised hopes of foreign sales that have been barred since mid-April.

"Every country works with an aim of keeping its people, economy and social system safe," Rajesh Bhushan told a weekly news conference.

"Even the public health response to COVID-19 is governed by those goals. So we will also try to achieve those goals and see when would be the right time to export vaccines," he added.

Meanwhile, India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-highest-covid-19-cases-in-two-months-worst-hit-kerala-in-focus-410225">Also read |&nbsp;India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus</a>

Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths.

This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common.

"With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala.

India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

India would resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines only after its own interests are taken care of, a health ministry official said on Thursday. This comes in as a recent surge in immunisations raised hopes of foreign sales that have been barred since mid-April.

India would resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines only after its own interests are taken care of, a health ministry official said on Thursday. This comes in as a recent surge in immunisations raised hopes of foreign sales that have been barred since mid-April. "Every country works with an aim of keeping its people, economy and social system safe," Rajesh Bhushan told a weekly news conference. "Even the public health response to COVID-19 is governed by those goals. So we will also try to achieve those goals and see when would be the right time to export vaccines," he added. Meanwhile, India reported the biggest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months today, as the government worries about the virus spreading from the most-affected Kerala state, schools reopening, and the start of the festival season. Also read | India records highest COVID-19 cases in two months, worst-hit Kerala in focus Kerala accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the 47,092 new infections and a third of deaths. This comes a week after it celebrated its biggest festival during which family and social gatherings were common. "With cases rising in Kerala, adequate steps should be taken to contain the inter-state spread of COVID-19," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in a statement after speaking with his state counterparts in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which border Kerala. India has so far administered 662 million doses, with at least one dose in 54 per cent of its 944 million adults and the required two doses in 16 per cent.

India's interests come before vaccine exports: Health ministry

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Cook County judge James Shapiro said Rebecca Firlit, 39, could not see the boy again until she had taken the jab.

“I’ve had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past and was advised not to get vaccinated by my doctor. It poses a risk,” Firlit told ta local media about the virtual court hearing, which took place earlier this month.

“I was confused because it was just supposed to be about expenses and child support. One of the first things he asked me when I got on the Zoom call was whether or not I was vaccinated, which threw me off because I asked him what it had to do with the hearing.”

“He said: I am the judge, and I make the decisions for your case.”

Firlit’s lawyer Annette Fernholz said she and her ex-husband have been divorced for seven years and that her former husband did not seek a ruling on the vaccination issue.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-throwing-porn-collection-judge-orders-couple-to-pay-30441-to-son-in-us-408965">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-throwing-porn-collection-judge-orders-couple-to-pay-30441-to-son-in-us-408965">For throwing porn collection, judge orders couple to pay $30,441 to son in US</a>

“The trial court clearly exceeded its authority in suspending the mother’s parenting time when the issue before the court was child support,” Fernholz said in a statement.

“The mother did not know her parenting time was being discussed when she went to Zoom court. The judge deprived her of notice and a full hearing on the issue,” he added

The father’s attorney, Jeffery M&nbsp;Leving, said he supported the judge’s decision. “There are children who have died because of COVID,” he told The Washington Post

Meanwhile, Filirt’s lawyer said they have filed a legal challenge to the state appellate court.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

In what is being described as an unprecedented ruling, a county judge in US’ Illinois state has prohibited a mother from visiting her 11-year-old son, who lives with her estranged husband, because she refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Cook County judge James Shapiro said Rebecca Firlit, 39, could not see the boy again until she had taken the jab. “I’ve had adverse reactions to vaccines in the past and was advised not to get vaccinated by my doctor. It poses a risk,” Firlit told ta local media about the virtual court hearing, which took place earlier this month. “I was confused because it was just supposed to be about expenses and child support. One of the first things he asked me when I got on the Zoom call was whether or not I was vaccinated, which threw me off because I asked him what it had to do with the hearing.” “He said: I am the judge, and I make the decisions for your case.” Firlit’s lawyer Annette Fernholz said she and her ex-husband have been divorced for seven years and that her former husband did not seek a ruling on the vaccination issue. Also read | For throwing porn collection, judge orders couple to pay $30,441 to son in US “The trial court clearly exceeded its authority in suspending the mother’s parenting time when the issue before the court was child support,” Fernholz said in a statement. “The mother did not know her parenting time was being discussed when she went to Zoom court. The judge deprived her of notice and a full hearing on the issue,” he added The father’s attorney, Jeffery M Leving, said he supported the judge’s decision. “There are children who have died because of COVID,” he told The Washington Post Meanwhile, Filirt’s lawyer said they have filed a legal challenge to the state appellate court. (With inputs from agencies)

US judge revokes mother’s custody of son after she refused to take Covid vaccine

Around two million French workers in restaurants and other service sectors will now have to show a health pass in order to go to work. This is part of French government's effort to fight coronavirus pandemic. In order to obtain a pass, a worker must reportedly have proof of having been vaccinated, negative test result, or recovery from coronavirus infection.

The health pass is official documentation, with a QR scan code, that proves a person has had the COVID-19 vaccine. Many French bars, restaurants, museums and sports venues will not allow people inside unless they can show the health pass.

The health pass mandate has seen fierce protests for weeks.

While the majority of people in France have been vaccinated against COVID-19, demonstrators argue the health pass discriminates against those who have not, and infringes upon people's liberties.

The protesters have been protesting across France for many weekends.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around two million French workers in restaurants and other service sectors will now have to show a health pass in order to go to work. This is part of French government's effort to fight coronavirus pandemic.

Around two million French workers in restaurants and other service sectors will now have to show a health pass in order to go to work. This is part of French government's effort to fight coronavirus pandemic. In order to obtain a pass, a worker must reportedly have proof of having been vaccinated, negative test result, or recovery from coronavirus infection. The health pass is official documentation, with a QR scan code, that proves a person has had the COVID-19 vaccine. Many French bars, restaurants, museums and sports venues will not allow people inside unless they can show the health pass. The health pass mandate has seen fierce protests for weeks. While the majority of people in France have been vaccinated against COVID-19, demonstrators argue the health pass discriminates against those who have not, and infringes upon people's liberties. The protesters have been protesting across France for many weekends. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Health pass mandatory for service sector workers to enter workplace

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year.

After donating or selling 66 million doses to nearly 100 countries, India barred exports in the middle of April to focus on domestic immunisation as infections exploded, upsetting the inoculation plans of many African and South Asian countries&nbsp;

India`s daily vaccinations surpassed 10 million doses on Friday, with national vaccine production more than doubling since April and set to rise again in the coming weeks. New production lines &nbsp;have been set up, a vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare won recent approval, and commercial production of Russia`s Sputnik V is starting in India.

The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world`s biggest vaccine maker, is now producing about 150 million doses a month of its version of the AstraZeneca shot, more than twice its April output of about 65 million, a source with knowledge of the matter said.

"No fixed timeline on exports but the company hopes to restart in a few months," said the source, who declined to be named without approval to talk on the matter.

SII, which has previously indicated exports could resume by year-end , did not respond to a request for comment.

Global vaccine sharing platform COVAX hopes India will restart foreign sales sooner than later.

"With successful national vaccination and the arrival of more products, we are hoping that Indian supply to COVAX will resume as quickly as possible," a spokesperson for the platform`s co-lead GAVI told Reuters in an email.

India, a major international producer of many other vaccines, could play a "similarly transformative role in the global response to COVID-19," the spokesperson said.

India`s health ministry and the foreign ministry, which coordinates vaccine exports, did not respond to a request for comment.

Bharat Biotech, the maker of India`s first domestically developed COVID-19 shot, on Sunday inaugurated a new factory with a production capacity of 10 million doses a month. It said it was "marching towards" a goal of a total annual capacity of about 1 billion doses of the drug, Covaxin.

Infections, meanwhile, are again rising in India after an explosive outbreak in April and May. But the country has administered more than 633 million vaccine doses, with at least one dose to 52% of its 944 million adults and two doses to more than 15%.

A government source told Reuters in June the U.S. experience showed that vaccinations tend to slow down after a big majority of people get their shots. That might give SII a chance to export excess output, said the source.

The chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party said this month India could produce as many as 1.1 billion vaccine doses between September and December, enough to fully immunise all adults in the country this year.

India has so far given emergency authorisation to six COVID-19 shots, four of which are being produced locally. One more domestic vaccine is expected to be approved soon while many more are going through mid-stage trials.

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year.

India`s rising output of COVID-19 vaccines and the inoculation of more than half its adult population with at least one dose are raising hopes the country will return as an exporter within months, ramping up from early next year. After donating or selling 66 million doses to nearly 100 countries, India barred exports in the middle of April to focus on domestic immunisation as infections exploded, upsetting the inoculation plans of many African and South Asian countries India`s daily vaccinations surpassed 10 million doses on Friday, with national vaccine production more than doubling since April and set to rise again in the coming weeks. New production lines have been set up, a vaccine developed by Cadila Healthcare won recent approval, and commercial production of Russia`s Sputnik V is starting in India. The Serum Institute of India (SII), the world`s biggest vaccine maker, is now producing about 150 million doses a month of its version of the AstraZeneca shot, more than twice its April output of about 65 million, a source with knowledge of the matter said. "No fixed timeline on exports but the company hopes to restart in a few months," said the source, who declined to be named without approval to talk on the matter. SII, which has previously indicated exports could resume by year-end , did not respond to a request for comment. Global vaccine sharing platform COVAX hopes India will restart foreign sales sooner than later. "With successful national vaccination and the arrival of more products, we are hoping that Indian supply to COVAX will resume as quickly as possible," a spokesperson for the platform`s co-lead GAVI told Reuters in an email. India, a major international producer of many other vaccines, could play a "similarly transformative role in the global response to COVID-19," the spokesperson said. India`s health ministry and the foreign ministry, which coordinates vaccine exports, did not respond to a request for comment. Bharat Biotech, the maker of India`s first domestically developed COVID-19 shot, on Sunday inaugurated a new factory with a production capacity of 10 million doses a month. It said it was "marching towards" a goal of a total annual capacity of about 1 billion doses of the drug, Covaxin. Infections, meanwhile, are again rising in India after an explosive outbreak in April and May. But the country has administered more than 633 million vaccine doses, with at least one dose to 52% of its 944 million adults and two doses to more than 15%. A government source told Reuters in June the U.S. experience showed that vaccinations tend to slow down after a big majority of people get their shots. That might give SII a chance to export excess output, said the source. The chief of Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s party said this month India could produce as many as 1.1 billion vaccine doses between September and December, enough to fully immunise all adults in the country this year. India has so far given emergency authorisation to six COVID-19 shots, four of which are being produced locally. One more domestic vaccine is expected to be approved soon while many more are going through mid-stage trials.

India could soon be exporting Covid vaccines again as production jumps

The rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 percent. It remains a huge task for the country's govt to convince people to take COVID jabs.

Rate of inoculation in South Africa remains 20 percent

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan on Wednesday said the COVID-19 infection in India will likely enter “some kind of stage of endemicity” marked by low or moderate levels of transmission.

The endemic stage is when the infection is present in a certain population or region and the people have learnt to live with it.

On clearance of the Indian-made COVID vaccine Covaxin, Swaminathan said she is “fairly confident” that the WHO's technical group will be satisfied to give the vaccine clearance for one of its authorised vaccines, adding “it could happen by mid-September”.

"We may be entering some kind of stage of endemicity where there is low-level transmission or moderate level transmission going on but we are not seeing the kinds of exponential growth and peaks that we saw a few months ago," Swaminathan was quoted by local media.

“As far as India is concerned that seems to be what is happening and because of size of India and heterogeneity of population and immunity status in different parts of the country in different pockets, it is very very feasible that the situation may continue like this with ups and downs in different parts of the country, particularly where there are more susceptible population, so those groups who were perhaps less affected by first and second waves or those areas with low levels of vaccine coverage we could see peaks and troughs for the next several months," she said.

She also expressed hope of India achieving the targeted vaccine coverage of 70% of the population by the end of 2022.

While speaking on the prevalence of Covid among children, Swaminathan asked parents to remain calm.

“We can take from the serosurvey and what we learnt from other countries also that while it is possible that children could get infected and transmit, children luckily have very mild illness most of the time and there is a small percentage that gets sick and get inflammatory complications and few will die but much much less than the adult population...But it is good to prepare... Preparing hospitals for paediatric admissions, paediatric intensive care is going to serve our health system in many ways for other illnesses children have but we should not panic about thousands of children crowding into ICUs," she said.

On the use of drugs like Remdesivir, Ivermectin or HCQ for treatment of COVID systems, she said there is no evidence of these drugs playing a role in reducing mortality or morbidity in people infected with the virus.

On the third wave, she said no one has a "crystal ball" and it's impossible to predict a third wave.

Meanwhile, India logged 37,593 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased marginally to 3,22,327, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday.

The total tally of COVID-19 cases increased to 3,25,12,366 and the number of deaths climbed to 4,35,758 with 648 fresh fatalities, according to the data.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan on Wednesday said the COVID-19 infection in India will likely enter “some kind of stage of endemicity” marked by low or moderate levels of transmission.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan on Wednesday said the COVID-19 infection in India will likely enter “some kind of stage of endemicity” marked by low or moderate levels of transmission. The endemic stage is when the infection is present in a certain population or region and the people have learnt to live with it. On clearance of the Indian-made COVID vaccine Covaxin, Swaminathan said she is “fairly confident” that the WHO's technical group will be satisfied to give the vaccine clearance for one of its authorised vaccines, adding “it could happen by mid-September”. "We may be entering some kind of stage of endemicity where there is low-level transmission or moderate level transmission going on but we are not seeing the kinds of exponential growth and peaks that we saw a few months ago," Swaminathan was quoted by local media. “As far as India is concerned that seems to be what is happening and because of size of India and heterogeneity of population and immunity status in different parts of the country in different pockets, it is very very feasible that the situation may continue like this with ups and downs in different parts of the country, particularly where there are more susceptible population, so those groups who were perhaps less affected by first and second waves or those areas with low levels of vaccine coverage we could see peaks and troughs for the next several months," she said. She also expressed hope of India achieving the targeted vaccine coverage of 70% of the population by the end of 2022. While speaking on the prevalence of Covid among children, Swaminathan asked parents to remain calm. “We can take from the serosurvey and what we learnt from other countries also that while it is possible that children could get infected and transmit, children luckily have very mild illness most of the time and there is a small percentage that gets sick and get inflammatory complications and few will die but much much less than the adult population...But it is good to prepare... Preparing hospitals for paediatric admissions, paediatric intensive care is going to serve our health system in many ways for other illnesses children have but we should not panic about thousands of children crowding into ICUs," she said. On the use of drugs like Remdesivir, Ivermectin or HCQ for treatment of COVID systems, she said there is no evidence of these drugs playing a role in reducing mortality or morbidity in people infected with the virus. On the third wave, she said no one has a "crystal ball" and it's impossible to predict a third wave. Meanwhile, India logged 37,593 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases increased marginally to 3,22,327, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The total tally of COVID-19 cases increased to 3,25,12,366 and the number of deaths climbed to 4,35,758 with 648 fresh fatalities, according to the data. (With inputs from agencies)

India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan

As the third world nations struggle to get enough doses to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Thailand has come up with an idea of utilising these doses more efficiently.<o:p></o:p>

There have been some reports from all over the world where medical professionals have been punished for wasting the useable vials. However, a group of researchers in Thailand have found a way to help those third-world nations and make sure no extra drop of any vial is wasted.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-finds-that-pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-only-66-effective-against-delta-variant-408157">Study finds that Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines only 66% effective against Delta variant</a></o:p>

A robotic arm, termed as "AutoVacc", can draw nearly 12 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in just four minutes from a single vial. This machine has been developed by a group of researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.

<o:p></o:p>

Usually, a medical professional can draw upto 10 doses from a single vial, manually. This robotic arm can bring nearly 20 per cent more productivity from the standard procedure.<o:p></o:p>

"The machine guarantees with accuracy that we can gain an extra 20% from each <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> vial — from 10 to 12 doses,"&nbsp;said Juthamas Ratanavaraporn, the lead researcher of the team at the university’s Biomedical Engineering Research Center. "The extra 20% that we get means that if we have AstraZeneca for 1 million people, this machine can increase the number of doses to 1.2 million people."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vaccine-inequity-continues-to-remain-a-cause-of-concern-408227">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vaccine-inequity-continues-to-remain-a-cause-of-concern-408227/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This process requires high level of skill to make sure there is no wastage and leads to more efficiency. "This could drain a lot of the health workers' energy. They would have to do this every day for many months," Ratanavaraporn said.<o:p></o:p>

The robotic arm will also help the medical professionals save manual labour and steer clear of human error when they are tired. "When the health workers are too tired, there are also chances of human error, so we should let the machines work on this," Ratanavaraporn explained.<o:p></o:p>

Researchers have launched this robotic arm at a time when Thailand is observing an increase in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus"> Covid-related cases</a> due to the Delta variant.<o:p></o:p>

Thailand was earlier hailed for keeping Covid cases under control, but the vaccination rate has slowed down a tad which has been blamed on slow vaccine supplies.<o:p></o:p>

As the third world nations struggle to get enough doses to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Thailand has come up with an idea of utilising these doses more efficiently.

As the third world nations struggle to get enough doses to fight the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Thailand has come up with an idea of utilising these doses more efficiently. There have been some reports from all over the world where medical professionals have been punished for wasting the useable vials. However, a group of researchers in Thailand have found a way to help those third-world nations and make sure no extra drop of any vial is wasted. Also read | Study finds that Pfizer, Moderna COVID-19 vaccines only 66% effective against Delta variant A robotic arm, termed as "AutoVacc", can draw nearly 12 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in just four minutes from a single vial. This machine has been developed by a group of researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. Usually, a medical professional can draw upto 10 doses from a single vial, manually. This robotic arm can bring nearly 20 per cent more productivity from the standard procedure. "The machine guarantees with accuracy that we can gain an extra 20% from each vaccine vial — from 10 to 12 doses," said Juthamas Ratanavaraporn, the lead researcher of the team at the university’s Biomedical Engineering Research Center. "The extra 20% that we get means that if we have AstraZeneca for 1 million people, this machine can increase the number of doses to 1.2 million people." WATCH | This process requires high level of skill to make sure there is no wastage and leads to more efficiency. "This could drain a lot of the health workers' energy. They would have to do this every day for many months," Ratanavaraporn said. The robotic arm will also help the medical professionals save manual labour and steer clear of human error when they are tired. "When the health workers are too tired, there are also chances of human error, so we should let the machines work on this," Ratanavaraporn explained. Researchers have launched this robotic arm at a time when Thailand is observing an increase in Covid-related cases due to the Delta variant. Thailand was earlier hailed for keeping Covid cases under control, but the vaccination rate has slowed down a tad which has been blamed on slow vaccine supplies.

'AutoVacc': Thai experts develop robotic arm to save every drop of Covid vaccine

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported.

The officials are finalising the necessary paperwork and are currently negotiating with the company.&nbsp; 

A green light from the FDA would make the two-shot Pfizer vaccine the first to receive full approval from the federal government, the New York Times reported. 

The Pfizer vaccine has been in use in the US under an emergency authorization since December 2020. Pfizer applied for full approval three months ago. The vaccine is available to people 12 years old and above.

The health officials are hoping that a full approval from the FDA would help shed vaccine hesitancy among the Americans who have refrained from taking one as it was authorized for emergency use only. 

Once it obtains the approval, Pfizer-BioNTech is also planning to&nbsp;ask the FDA to grant approval for a third dose as a booster shot. 

The Biden administration on Wednesday said that from September 20, booster shots would be given to the fully vaccinated adults eight months after they received their second dose.

Pfizer is expected to finish submitting data that it says shows a third shot is safe and effective next week.

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported.

The United States Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Service, is likely to grant full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine by Monday, several media outlets have reported. The officials are finalising the necessary paperwork and are currently negotiating with the company. A green light from the FDA would make the two-shot Pfizer vaccine the first to receive full approval from the federal government, the New York Times reported. The Pfizer vaccine has been in use in the US under an emergency authorization since December 2020. Pfizer applied for full approval three months ago. The vaccine is available to people 12 years old and above. The health officials are hoping that a full approval from the FDA would help shed vaccine hesitancy among the Americans who have refrained from taking one as it was authorized for emergency use only. Once it obtains the approval, Pfizer-BioNTech is also planning to ask the FDA to grant approval for a third dose as a booster shot. The Biden administration on Wednesday said that from September 20, booster shots would be given to the fully vaccinated adults eight months after they received their second dose. Pfizer is expected to finish submitting data that it says shows a third shot is safe and effective next week.

FDA likely to grant full approval for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine by Monday

India has become the first country to approve the world's first DNA shot against the coronavirus. India's drug regulator has granted emergency use approval for Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children aged 12 years and above. It is the second homegrown covid-19 vaccine for India. Also the first approved covid-19 vaccine for children older than 12 in the country.

Big boost to India's vaccination programme, vaccine approved for over 12-year-olds

A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-andy-murray-accepts-winston-salem-wild-card-entry-407023" hreflang="en">Tennis - Andy Murray accepts Winston-Salem wild-card entry</a> 
 
"He does not have the knowledge and studies to assess the need for vaccinations," government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou was quoted as saying in Greek press reports. 
 
"Stefanos Tsitsipas is a great athlete, his skills in sports and his contribution to sports in the country is unquestionable. 
 
"What is at stake, however, is his ability to assess the need for vaccinations or whether the vaccine has been tested for a sufficient period of time. And ... he has neither the knowledge nor the studies nor the research work that would allow him to form an opinion about it." 
 
The 23-year-old world number three from Greece caused a stir at the Western &amp; Southern Open in Cincinnati this week when he told reporters that he worried about the side effects of the vaccine. 
 
"I am not against vaccines, but I don`t see any reason for someone of my age to do it - it hasn`t been tested enough and it has side effects - as long as it`s not mandatory, everyone can decide for themselves," he told Greek press at the tournament on Wednesday. 
 
Oikonomou encouraged people to instead listen to health policy experts and said Tsitsipas and other celebrities should be careful with their words given their huge platforms. 
 
"Those who through their excellent performance in other places are also a point of reference for wider social groups, it would be good to be doubly careful in expressing such views," he said. 
 
The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. 
 
World number one Novak Djokovic said in April he hoped the COVID-19 vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete and has declined to answer questions regarding his own vaccination status. 
 
However, fellow 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part to get life back to some form of normality.

A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis.

A spokesman for the Greek government has pushed back on Stefanos Tsitsipas` comments in which he said he would only get vaccinated for COVID-19 if it became mandatory to compete in tennis. ALSO READ: Tennis - Andy Murray accepts Winston-Salem wild-card entry "He does not have the knowledge and studies to assess the need for vaccinations," government spokesman Giannis Oikonomou was quoted as saying in Greek press reports. "Stefanos Tsitsipas is a great athlete, his skills in sports and his contribution to sports in the country is unquestionable. "What is at stake, however, is his ability to assess the need for vaccinations or whether the vaccine has been tested for a sufficient period of time. And ... he has neither the knowledge nor the studies nor the research work that would allow him to form an opinion about it." The 23-year-old world number three from Greece caused a stir at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati this week when he told reporters that he worried about the side effects of the vaccine. "I am not against vaccines, but I don`t see any reason for someone of my age to do it - it hasn`t been tested enough and it has side effects - as long as it`s not mandatory, everyone can decide for themselves," he told Greek press at the tournament on Wednesday. Oikonomou encouraged people to instead listen to health policy experts and said Tsitsipas and other celebrities should be careful with their words given their huge platforms. "Those who through their excellent performance in other places are also a point of reference for wider social groups, it would be good to be doubly careful in expressing such views," he said. The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. World number one Novak Djokovic said in April he hoped the COVID-19 vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete and has declined to answer questions regarding his own vaccination status. However, fellow 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part to get life back to some form of normality.

Tennis - Greek government pushes back on Tsitsipas' vaccine comments

A British public health study has found that protection from either of the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines against the now prevalent Delta variant of the coronavirus weakens within three months.

It also found that those who get infected after receiving two shots of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the AstraZeneca vaccine may be of greater risk to others than under previous variants of the coronavirus.

Based on more than three million nose and throat swabs taken across Britain, the Oxford University study found that 90 days after a second shot of the Pfizer or Astrazeneca vaccine, their efficacy in preventing infections had slipped to 75% and 61%, respectively.

That was down from 85% and 68%, respectively, seen two weeks after a second dose. The decline in efficacy was more pronounced among those aged 35 years and older than those below that age.

"Both of these vaccines, at two doses, are still doing really well against Delta... When you start very, very high, you got a long way to go," said Sarah Walker, an Oxford professor of medical statistics and chief investigator for the survey https://www.ndm.ox.ac.uk/covid-19/covid-19-infection-survey/results/new-studies.

Walker was not involved in work on AstraZeneca's vaccine, which was initially developed by immunology experts at Oxford.

The researchers would not project how much more the protection would drop over time, but suggested that the efficacy of the two vaccines studied would converge within 4-5 months after the second shot.

Israel began administering third Pfizer doses last month to confront a surge in local infections driven by Delta. Several European countries are also expected to begin offering boosters to the elderly and people with weak immune systems.

Pfizer has said its vaccine's efficacy drops over time. Last month AstraZeneca said it was still looking into how long its vaccine's protection lasts and whether a booster dose would be needed to keep up immunity.

"The fact that we do see ... more viral load hints that indeed herd immunity might become more challenging," said co-author Koen Pouwels, also of Oxford University.

Herd immunity is when a large enough portion of the population is immune to a pathogen, either by vaccination or prior infection, stopping infection numbers from growing.

"Vaccines are probably best at preventing severe disease and slightly less at preventing transmission," said Pouwels.

The authors cautioned that the viral concentration in the throat was only a rough proxy for severity of symptoms and that they had no new data on the duration of infections.

The survey, which has yet to be peer-reviewed before publication in a scientific journal, underscores concerns by scientists that the Delta variant, first identified in India, can infect fully vaccinated people at a greater rate than previous lineages, and that the vaccinated could more easily transmit it.

To contrast periods before and after Delta became prevalent, the Oxford researchers analysed about 2.58 million swabs taken from 380,000 randomly picked adults between Dec. 1, 2020, and May 16, 2021, and 810,000 test results from 360,000 participants between May 17 and Aug. 1.

The study was conducted in partnership with Britain's Office of National Statistics (ONS) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

A British public health study has found that protection from either of the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines against the now prevalent Delta variant of the coronavirus weakens within three months.

A British public health study has found that protection from either of the two most commonly used COVID-19 vaccines against the now prevalent Delta variant of the coronavirus weakens within three months. It also found that those who get infected after receiving two shots of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the AstraZeneca vaccine may be of greater risk to others than under previous variants of the coronavirus. Based on more than three million nose and throat swabs taken across Britain, the Oxford University study found that 90 days after a second shot of the Pfizer or Astrazeneca vaccine, their efficacy in preventing infections had slipped to 75% and 61%, respectively. That was down from 85% and 68%, respectively, seen two weeks after a second dose. The decline in efficacy was more pronounced among those aged 35 years and older than those below that age. "Both of these vaccines, at two doses, are still doing really well against Delta... When you start very, very high, you got a long way to go," said Sarah Walker, an Oxford professor of medical statistics and chief investigator for the survey https://www.ndm.ox.ac.uk/covid-19/covid-19-infection-survey/results/new-studies. Walker was not involved in work on AstraZeneca's vaccine, which was initially developed by immunology experts at Oxford. The researchers would not project how much more the protection would drop over time, but suggested that the efficacy of the two vaccines studied would converge within 4-5 months after the second shot. Israel began administering third Pfizer doses last month to confront a surge in local infections driven by Delta. Several European countries are also expected to begin offering boosters to the elderly and people with weak immune systems. Pfizer has said its vaccine's efficacy drops over time. Last month AstraZeneca said it was still looking into how long its vaccine's protection lasts and whether a booster dose would be needed to keep up immunity. "The fact that we do see ... more viral load hints that indeed herd immunity might become more challenging," said co-author Koen Pouwels, also of Oxford University. Herd immunity is when a large enough portion of the population is immune to a pathogen, either by vaccination or prior infection, stopping infection numbers from growing. "Vaccines are probably best at preventing severe disease and slightly less at preventing transmission," said Pouwels. The authors cautioned that the viral concentration in the throat was only a rough proxy for severity of symptoms and that they had no new data on the duration of infections. The survey, which has yet to be peer-reviewed before publication in a scientific journal, underscores concerns by scientists that the Delta variant, first identified in India, can infect fully vaccinated people at a greater rate than previous lineages, and that the vaccinated could more easily transmit it. To contrast periods before and after Delta became prevalent, the Oxford researchers analysed about 2.58 million swabs taken from 380,000 randomly picked adults between Dec. 1, 2020, and May 16, 2021, and 810,000 test results from 360,000 participants between May 17 and Aug. 1. The study was conducted in partnership with Britain's Office of National Statistics (ONS) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

British study shows Covid-19 vaccine efficacy wanes under Delta variant

A recent study suggests that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant. As per the study, the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab offers the same high protection as the Pfizer-BioNTech after four to five months.

A recent study suggests that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant. As per the study, the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab offers the same high protection as the Pfizer-BioNTech after four to five months. However, neither of them is effective as it is against the Alpha variant, which is responsible for most UK infections last winter. As a part of the study, the researchers analysed, two and a half million tests results from 743,526 participants in the UK's COVID-19 household-infection survey. The results concluded that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine had 93 per cent effectiveness against symptomatic infection two weeks after the second dose, compared with Oxford-AstraZeneca which was at 71 per cent. Also read | Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge Also, over time, the Pfizer-BioNTech's effectiveness dropped while the Oxford-AstraZeneca's remained largely the same. Prof Sarah Walker, at the University of Oxford was quoted by the BBC as saying "when you start very very high, you've got a long way to go". "The World Health Organization set the bar at 50 per cent and we're way above that," she said. "Both of these vaccines are still doing very well against Delta." Few other discoveries of the study stated that people who have had COVID-19 gain even more antibodies when fully vaccinated. Also, younger people gain more protection from vaccination than older.

COVID-19 vaccines still effective against Delta variant, says study

The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.

The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. &nbsp;

Initial booster doses will be given to Americans who received the two-dose vaccines, but U.S. health officials said they anticipate that people who received the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot, the other COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States, will also need boosters. The United States did not begin administering J&amp;J shots until March.

The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top U.S. health officials said in a joint statement.

The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.

The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time. The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. Initial booster doses will be given to Americans who received the two-dose vaccines, but U.S. health officials said they anticipate that people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, the other COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States, will also need boosters. The United States did not begin administering J&J shots until March. The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top U.S. health officials said in a joint statement.

US to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in September

As per the government, all 16 and 17-year-olds in England are to be offered their first coronavirus vaccine dose or the chance to book one by August 23. The health secretary said offering vaccines by this date would allow teenagers to get some protection before starting school or college next month.

As per the government, all 16 and 17-year-olds in England are to be offered their first coronavirus vaccine dose or the chance to book one by August 23. The health secretary said offering vaccines by this date would allow teenagers to get some protection before starting school or college next month. Also, a walk-in site finder is being launched online by NHS England. This will help people to locate their nearest vaccine centre. Also read | Uzbekistan says it detains 84 Afghan servicemen who crossed border Tens of thousands of people aged 16 and 17 have already had the first vaccine. For teenagers, who are within three months of turning 18, can book an appointment online through the National Booking Service or calling 119. Health Secretary Sajid Javid urged people not to delay. He was quoted by the BBC as saying, "Get your jabs as soon as you can so we can continue to safely live with this virus and enjoy our freedoms by giving yourself, your family and your community the protection they need."

16 and 17-year-olds in England to be offered jab by August 23

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

"We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy.

"We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added.

A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks.

The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/canada-to-accept-20000-vulnerable-afghans-such-as-women-leaders-human-rights-workers-405268">Also read |&nbsp;Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers</a>

The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing.

It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying.

The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians."

As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated.

The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant.

The Canadian government announced Friday it will require all federal workers and most commercial rail, air and ship passengers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, amid a surge in virus cases due to the Delta variant. "We know that vaccines are the best way to end this pandemic," said Dominic LeBlanc, a government minister in charge of Canada's federal bureaucracy. "We expect federal public servants to want to comply with this mandatory requirement," he added. A deadline for inoculations for some 300,000 public servants will be announced in the coming weeks. The federal government is Canada's largest employer and LeBlanc said the vaccine mandate is "aimed at helping Canada reach a minimum level of coverage needed to fully reopen the economy, and keep it open as well as to protect thousands of workers." Also read | Canada to accept 20,000 vulnerable Afghans such as women leaders, human rights workers The vaccination requirement for the transport sector should be applied by the end of October at the latest, LeBlanc said at a press briefing. It includes all commercial air passengers, as well as people traveling by rail between provinces and on large vessels such as cruise ships, local media cited Transport Minister Omar Alghabra as saying. The country's largest carrier, Air Canada, said mandatory vaccinations was "a welcome step forward in the evolving measures to protect the health and safety of airline employees, customers and all Canadians." As of Friday, 71 percent of Canada's 38 million population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 62 percent were fully vaccinated. The announcement comes less than a month before the reopening of Canada's borders to vaccinated foreign travelers, scheduled for September 7, a year and a half after their closure due to the pandemic.

Canada to mandate COVID-19 vaccine for government workers

Russia recorded its record daily Covid-related deaths for the third consecutive day on Saturday with 819 new fatalities.<o:p></o:p>

The country has been struggling to control the widespread of the Delta variant of coronavirus while the vaccination rate has not picked up.<o:p></o:p>

On Saturday, Russia recorded 819 Covid deaths and 22,144 new infections in the country, taking the death toll to nearly 169,683.

<o:p>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-will-die-if-countries-start-booster-shots-experts-claim-405342">More people will die if countries start booster shots, experts claim</a></o:p>

The death toll of Russia is now one of the highest in Europe, and experts are warning that if the same data trend continues, Russia will record the majority of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> deaths in Europe.<o:p></o:p>

This spike in Covid caused deaths is a direct result of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine hesitancy</a> in locals in Russia. Authorities have been struggling to convince people to get vaccinated. <o:p></o:p>

A recent poll by an independent organisation called Levada Centre claimed that nearly 55 per cent of Russians do not plan to get vaccinated against coronavirus ever. Till Saturday, only 32 million people have been fully vaccinated, out of a population of nearly 146 million.<o:p></o:p>

To beat this mindset, the capital city, Moscow, has introduced compulsory vaccine measures in the city, as well as some other regions.<o:p></o:p>

Russian President Vladimir Putin has also repeatedly urged locals to get their vaccine shots as soon as possible to stop the spread of the new variants in the country.<o:p></o:p>

Russia recorded its record daily Covid-related deaths for the third consecutive day on Saturday with 819 new fatalities. The country has been struggling to control the widespread of the Delta variant of coronavirus while the vaccination rate has not picked up.

Russia recorded its record daily Covid-related deaths for the third consecutive day on Saturday with 819 new fatalities. The country has been struggling to control the widespread of the Delta variant of coronavirus while the vaccination rate has not picked up. On Saturday, Russia recorded 819 Covid deaths and 22,144 new infections in the country, taking the death toll to nearly 169,683. Also read | More people will die if countries start booster shots, experts claim The death toll of Russia is now one of the highest in Europe, and experts are warning that if the same data trend continues, Russia will record the majority of the Covid deaths in Europe. This spike in Covid caused deaths is a direct result of vaccine hesitancy in locals in Russia. Authorities have been struggling to convince people to get vaccinated. A recent poll by an independent organisation called Levada Centre claimed that nearly 55 per cent of Russians do not plan to get vaccinated against coronavirus ever. Till Saturday, only 32 million people have been fully vaccinated, out of a population of nearly 146 million. To beat this mindset, the capital city, Moscow, has introduced compulsory vaccine measures in the city, as well as some other regions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also repeatedly urged locals to get their vaccine shots as soon as possible to stop the spread of the new variants in the country.

Russia records highest daily Covid deaths as people run away from vaccines

The French police are now investigating a series of COVID-19 vaccine certificate scams after several doctors reported having their health service accounts hacked.

The French police are now investigating a series of COVID-19 vaccine certificate scams after several doctors reported having their health service accounts hacked. In one instance, one of several forgery rackets under investigation, fraudsters gained access to the online account of a GP near Bordeaux and obtained 55 false documents. Another doctor in Marseilles reported being similarly hacked, and others have told the authorities that there had been attempts to access their accounts. Also read | Plymouth shooting: Jake Davison was licensed gun holder Also, the health authority has reported a growing number of forged certificates, with 46 incidents under police investigation since May. The forgers are also producing fake negative COVID-19 tests. Local deputy prefect, Martin Guespereau, told journalists, "Health pass fraud is very serious and is severely punished. Nobody should be cheating with the vaccine". Various hackers have been put under investigation in recent weeks in Paris, Grenoble and Bordeaux. During the end of July, a vaccine centre contract worker was jailed after he was found to have generated 200 false QR codes.

French police investigate soaring number of fake COVID-19 vaccine certificates

Almost twenty years ago, Panta Petrovic made social distancing a lifestyle choice when he moved into a tiny&nbsp;Serbian&nbsp;mountain&nbsp;cave&nbsp;to avoid society.

Last year, on one of his visits to town, the dreadlocked man with a long beard found out there was a pandemic raging. After vaccines against&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;became available, he got jabbed and&nbsp;urges&nbsp;everyone to do the same.

"It (the virus) does not pick. It will come here, to my&nbsp;cave, too", the 70-year-old told AFP in his&nbsp;cave&nbsp;on the forested Stara Planina mountain in southern Serbia.

The&nbsp;cave&nbsp;Petrovic calls home is accessible only by a steep climb that is not for the fainthearted.

It is equipped with an old rusty bathtub which he uses as a toilet, some benches and a stack of hay that serves as a bed.

Petrovic hails from the nearby town of Pirot where he worked as a labourer on the black market, as he did abroad for some time. He remarried on multiple occasions, a life he called "hectic".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9000-anti-asian-incidents-reported-in-us-since-start-of-covid-19-pandemic-405162">Also read | Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic</a>

Always a nature lover, he gradually found out that isolating from society brings him freedom he never tasted before.

"I was not free in the city. There is always someone in your way – you either argue with your wife, neighbours, or the police", Petrovic told AFP while peeling vegetables for lunch.

"Here, nobody is hassling me", the man added with a smile, revealing his decaying teeth.

'Money is cursed'

Petrovic mostly feeds on mushrooms and fish from the local creek, but also hikes downtown in search of leftover food in the bins.

And his visits to the town have become more regular recently.

After wolves slaughtered some of the animals he kept near the&nbsp;cave, Petrovic decided to move them to a shack he assembled in the outskirts of the town where he thought they would be safe.

The gang includes several goats, a flock of chickens, some thirty dogs and cats and his favourite -- an adult wild boar named Mara.

Petrovic found her eight years ago as a helpless piglet entangled in the bushes, and bottle-fed her until she recovered.

Now, the intimidating 200-kilogram&nbsp;(440 pound) animal playfully rolls in the creek and eats apples from Petrovic's hand.

"She means everything to me, I love her and she listens to me. There is no money that can buy such a thing. A true pet", Petrovic said.

Among the animals, there are three kittens whose mother was killed by a wolf, which he now feeds through a syringe.

Petrovic receives welfare, but also relies on donations for food and supplies for the animals.

After the vaccines became available, he rolled up his sleeve and got jabbed.

Petrovic said he "doesn't understand the fuss" some vaccine sceptics make, and underlined that he believes in a process that aims to eradicate diseases.

"I want to get all three doses, including the extra one. I urge every citizen to get vaccinated, every single one of them."

Before isolating, Petrovic donated all the money he had made abroad to the community by funding the construction of three small bridges in the town.

"Money is cursed, it spoils people. I think nothing can corrupt a human like money", Petrovic told AFP.

On top of one of the bridges, Petrovic built a pigeon loft which he, despite his advancing age, effortlessly climbs in order to stock them with pieces of bread he found while searching the bins.

Almost twenty years ago, Panta Petrovic made social distancing a lifestyle choice when he moved into a tiny Serbian mountain cave to avoid society. Last year, on one of his visits to town, the dreadlocked man with a long beard found out there was a pandemic raging.

Almost twenty years ago, Panta Petrovic made social distancing a lifestyle choice when he moved into a tiny Serbian mountain cave to avoid society. Last year, on one of his visits to town, the dreadlocked man with a long beard found out there was a pandemic raging. After vaccines against COVID-19 became available, he got jabbed and urges everyone to do the same. "It (the virus) does not pick. It will come here, to my cave, too", the 70-year-old told AFP in his cave on the forested Stara Planina mountain in southern Serbia. The cave Petrovic calls home is accessible only by a steep climb that is not for the fainthearted. It is equipped with an old rusty bathtub which he uses as a toilet, some benches and a stack of hay that serves as a bed. Petrovic hails from the nearby town of Pirot where he worked as a labourer on the black market, as he did abroad for some time. He remarried on multiple occasions, a life he called "hectic". Also read | Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic Always a nature lover, he gradually found out that isolating from society brings him freedom he never tasted before. "I was not free in the city. There is always someone in your way – you either argue with your wife, neighbours, or the police", Petrovic told AFP while peeling vegetables for lunch. "Here, nobody is hassling me", the man added with a smile, revealing his decaying teeth. 'Money is cursed' Petrovic mostly feeds on mushrooms and fish from the local creek, but also hikes downtown in search of leftover food in the bins. And his visits to the town have become more regular recently. After wolves slaughtered some of the animals he kept near the cave, Petrovic decided to move them to a shack he assembled in the outskirts of the town where he thought they would be safe. The gang includes several goats, a flock of chickens, some thirty dogs and cats and his favourite -- an adult wild boar named Mara. Petrovic found her eight years ago as a helpless piglet entangled in the bushes, and bottle-fed her until she recovered. Now, the intimidating 200-kilogram (440 pound) animal playfully rolls in the creek and eats apples from Petrovic's hand. "She means everything to me, I love her and she listens to me. There is no money that can buy such a thing. A true pet", Petrovic said. Among the animals, there are three kittens whose mother was killed by a wolf, which he now feeds through a syringe. Petrovic receives welfare, but also relies on donations for food and supplies for the animals. After the vaccines became available, he rolled up his sleeve and got jabbed. Petrovic said he "doesn't understand the fuss" some vaccine sceptics make, and underlined that he believes in a process that aims to eradicate diseases. "I want to get all three doses, including the extra one. I urge every citizen to get vaccinated, every single one of them." Before isolating, Petrovic donated all the money he had made abroad to the community by funding the construction of three small bridges in the town. "Money is cursed, it spoils people. I think nothing can corrupt a human like money", Petrovic told AFP. On top of one of the bridges, Petrovic built a pigeon loft which he, despite his advancing age, effortlessly climbs in order to stock them with pieces of bread he found while searching the bins.

Serbian cave hermit gets COVID-19 jab, urges others to follow

Australia's coveted status of being almost pandemic-free has now been taken away as the contagious delta variant outbreak forces nation's major states to go under lockdown. The country's most populous states. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland reported 282 covid-19 new locally acquired infections on Sunday.

Australia: Authorities struggle to contain COVID-19

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said.

The findings come after concerns raised by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over people’s infectiousness amid Delta variant spread.

In a statement, PHE said, "Some initial findings ... indicate that levels of virus in those who become infected with Delta having already been vaccinated may be similar to levels found in unvaccinated people".

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-announces-five-additions-to-global-terrorist-list-403595">Also read |&nbsp;US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list</a>

Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases.

The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday.

The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies.

"I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP.

Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million.

Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics.

Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.&nbsp;

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said.

In a recent development, it has been revealed that the Delta variant of Sars-CoV-2 indicate that the people vaccinated against coronavirus disease may transmit the highly contagious strain as easily as the unvaccinated, Public Health England said. The findings come after concerns raised by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over people’s infectiousness amid Delta variant spread. In a statement, PHE said, "Some initial findings ... indicate that levels of virus in those who become infected with Delta having already been vaccinated may be similar to levels found in unvaccinated people". Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again. Also read | US State Department announces five additions to global terrorist list Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases. The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies. "I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP. Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million. Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics. Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.

COVID-19 vaccines may not stop Delta transmission

Indian government&nbsp;has given&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine&nbsp;approval for emergency use in the country, said&nbsp;Union Health Minister Mansukh&nbsp;Mandaviya&nbsp;in a tweet on Saturday.&nbsp;

The vaccine joins the likes of&nbsp;Covishield,&nbsp;Covaxin, Moderna and&nbsp;Sputnik V&nbsp;vaccines, which have got the emergency use approval&nbsp;in the country&nbsp;till now.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

On the microblogging site,&nbsp;Mandaviya&nbsp;said,&nbsp;“India expands its vaccine basket.&nbsp;Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for emergency use in India.&nbsp;Now,&nbsp;India has 5 EUA vaccines.&nbsp;This will further boost our nation's collective fight against COVID-19.”&nbsp;

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India expands its vaccine basket! 
 
Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for Emergency Use in India. 
 
Now India has 5 EUA vaccines. 
 
This will further boost our nation's collective fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1423915409791610886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A Johnson &amp; Johnson India spokesperson said, “We are pleased to announce that on August 7, the Government of India issued Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 single-dose vaccine in India, to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older."

Earlier, Global healthcare major Johnson &amp; Johnson had said it applied for Emergency Use&nbsp;Authorisation&nbsp;(EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India.&nbsp;

The company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government.&nbsp;

"On August 5, 2021 Johnson &amp; Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson &amp; Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement.&nbsp;

This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added.&nbsp;

"Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and&nbsp;organisations&nbsp;such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said.&nbsp;

The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related&nbsp;hospitalisation&nbsp;and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added.&nbsp;

"We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian government has given Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine approval for emergency use in the country, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a tweet on Saturday.

Indian government has given Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine approval for emergency use in the country, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a tweet on Saturday. The vaccine joins the likes of Covishield, Covaxin, Moderna and Sputnik V vaccines, which have got the emergency use approval in the country till now. On the microblogging site, Mandaviya said, “India expands its vaccine basket. Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for emergency use in India. Now, India has 5 EUA vaccines. This will further boost our nation's collective fight against COVID-19.” India expands its vaccine basket! Johnson and Johnson’s single-dose COVID-19 vaccine is given approval for Emergency Use in India. Now India has 5 EUA vaccines. This will further boost our nation's collective fight against #COVID19 — Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) August 7, 2021 × A Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said, “We are pleased to announce that on August 7, the Government of India issued Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single-dose vaccine in India, to prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older." Earlier, Global healthcare major Johnson & Johnson had said it applied for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine in India. The company had said that it remained committed to bringing its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to India and looks forward to ongoing discussions with the Indian government. "On August 5, 2021 Johnson & Johnson Pvt Ltd applied for EUA of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the government of India," a Johnson & Johnson India spokesperson said in a statement. This is an important milestone that paves the way for bringing the company's single-dose COVID-19 vaccine to the people of India, and the rest of the world, through a collaboration with Biological E Limited, the statement added. "Biological E will be an important part of our global supply chain network, helping to supply our Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the extensive collaborations and partnerships we have with governments, health authorities and organisations such as Gavi and the COVAX Facility," the statement said. The EUA submission is based on topline efficacy and safety data from the Phase 3 clinical trial, which demonstrated that the company's single-shot vaccine was 85 per cent effective in preventing severe disease across all regions studied, and showed protection against COVID-19 related hospitalisation and death, beginning 28 days after vaccination, it added. "We look forward to concluding our discussions with the government of India to accelerate the availability of our COVID-19 vaccine to help end the pandemic," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

J&J single-dose COVID-19 vaccine gets emergency use approval in India 

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version.&nbsp;

The vaccine showed 93 per cent effectiveness six months after the second dosage, according to the firm, which is a positive indication as COVID cases grow across the country, primarily due to the highly infectious delta form.&nbsp;

"We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said.

Candidates who received a booster injection during a phase 2 study had "strong antibody responses" against the Delta and Gamma versions, according to the firm.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization requested that countries delay providing booster injections until at least September to ensure that poorer countries had access to dosages.&nbsp;

Moderna said that based on the "intersection" of factors including the delta variant, mask fatigue and people moving indoors due to colder weather, "we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary before the winter season."

(With inputs from agencies)

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version.

Moderna stated in an earnings call on Thursday that its two-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccine is still effective for six months, but that consumers would likely require booster doses before winter to battle the delta version. The vaccine showed 93 per cent effectiveness six months after the second dosage, according to the firm, which is a positive indication as COVID cases grow across the country, primarily due to the highly infectious delta form. "We are pleased that our COVID-19 vaccine is showing durable efficacy of 93% through six months, but recognize that the Delta variant is a significant new threat so we must remain vigilant," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said. Candidates who received a booster injection during a phase 2 study had "strong antibody responses" against the Delta and Gamma versions, according to the firm. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization requested that countries delay providing booster injections until at least September to ensure that poorer countries had access to dosages. Moderna said that based on the "intersection" of factors including the delta variant, mask fatigue and people moving indoors due to colder weather, "we believe dose 3 booster will likely be necessary before the winter season." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine 'remains durable' with 93% efficacy through 6 months: Moderna

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

The pledge came as a written message by Xi to a video forum on vaccine cooperation.&nbsp;

This comes as China battles a fresh outbreak fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-cases-in-tokyo-at-record-high-as-government-expands-restrictions-403140">Also read |&nbsp;Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions</a>

Delta has now been detected in parts of China. "For the whole of this year, China will strive to provide two billion doses of vaccine to the world," Xi said in remarks reported by state broadcaster CCTV.

Also, China has also promised to donate $100 million to Covax, he added, for the distribution of vaccines to developing countries.

The announcement comes weeks after Xi promised $3 billion in aid to developing countries to fight COVID-19.

The funds are aimed at helping developing nations recover from the social and economic impacts of the virus.

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

China will "strive to provide" two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses to the world this year and donate $100 million to the international vaccine distribution system known as Covax, President Xi Jinping said Thursday. The pledge came as a written message by Xi to a video forum on vaccine cooperation. This comes as China battles a fresh outbreak fuelled by the highly contagious Delta variant. Also read | Covid cases in Tokyo at record high as government expands restrictions Delta has now been detected in parts of China. "For the whole of this year, China will strive to provide two billion doses of vaccine to the world," Xi said in remarks reported by state broadcaster CCTV. Also, China has also promised to donate $100 million to Covax, he added, for the distribution of vaccines to developing countries. The announcement comes weeks after Xi promised $3 billion in aid to developing countries to fight COVID-19. The funds are aimed at helping developing nations recover from the social and economic impacts of the virus.

China pledges two billion vaccine doses to world, says Xi

One of the favourite leaders of the world, Jacinda Ardern, was hailed for leading New Zealand quickly out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> and has been appreciated for several of her policies. However, her popularity has taken a hit.

A local poll has indicated that Ardern’s government’s popularity has dipped by 9.7 per cent, bringing Labour at 43 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-will-not-follow-uks-live-with-covid-policy-jacinda-ardern-396563">New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern</a>

This dip has come as New Zealand’s vaccine programme saw a dip and lagged behind Australia’s vaccine rollout. As per official data, till August 02, 18 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, and 29 per cent had been administered the first dose.

Experts believe that the slow vaccine rollout has been a major issue behind the dip in Ardern’s popularity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/something-from-game-of-thrones-jacinda-ardern-laughs-at-her-new-puppet-393460">'Something from Game of Thrones': Jacinda Ardern laughs at her new puppet</a>

"I think it’s obvious that some people are unhappy with the vaccine rollout failing to hit the high gear," political analyst and Māori politics writer Morgan Godfery was quoted by the Guardian. "People are quite highly engaged with that and there have been things in the past month or so to criticise … But at the same time, I think most people understand that the rollout is going to take time and it’s never been at risk of stalling."

Ardern has been hailed as a prime example of good leadership in terms of handling the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand leader was appreciated for being the empathetic, quick decision-maker and a fellow griever with the locals.

One of the favourite leaders of the world, Jacinda Ardern, was hailed for leading New Zealand quickly out of the coronavirus pandemic and has been appreciated for several of her policies.

One of the favourite leaders of the world, Jacinda Ardern, was hailed for leading New Zealand quickly out of the coronavirus pandemic and has been appreciated for several of her policies. However, her popularity has taken a hit. A local poll has indicated that Ardern’s government’s popularity has dipped by 9.7 per cent, bringing Labour at 43 per cent. Also read | New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern This dip has come as New Zealand’s vaccine programme saw a dip and lagged behind Australia’s vaccine rollout. As per official data, till August 02, 18 per cent of the population had been fully vaccinated, and 29 per cent had been administered the first dose. Experts believe that the slow vaccine rollout has been a major issue behind the dip in Ardern’s popularity. Also read | 'Something from Game of Thrones': Jacinda Ardern laughs at her new puppet "I think it’s obvious that some people are unhappy with the vaccine rollout failing to hit the high gear," political analyst and Māori politics writer Morgan Godfery was quoted by the Guardian. "People are quite highly engaged with that and there have been things in the past month or so to criticise … But at the same time, I think most people understand that the rollout is going to take time and it’s never been at risk of stalling." Ardern has been hailed as a prime example of good leadership in terms of handling the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand leader was appreciated for being the empathetic, quick decision-maker and a fellow griever with the locals.

Jacinda Ardern's popularity dips as vaccine rollout in New Zealand slows down

At least 70 per cent of the US adults have had at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, says data published by the CDC. This is about a month behind President Joe Biden's Fourth of July goal.&nbsp;

Dr. Paul Offit, a voting member of the Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, in a recent interview said, "We need to have at least 80% of the population vaccinated to truly have some form of herd immunity".&nbsp;

He added, "This is a fairly contagious virus".

Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician with One Medical in Phoenix, said that while the 70 per cent nationwide mark is noteworthy, local communities with lower vaccination rates are still a matter of worry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/less-than-1-fully-vaccinated-may-get-a-breakthrough-covid-infection-report-402550">Also read |&nbsp;Less than 1% fully vaccinated may get a ‘breakthrough’ Covid infection: Report</a>

She said, "Even if America reaches 70 per cent or 75 per cent, if we continue to have ZIP codes and neighbourhoods at 40 or 50 per cent, they will continue to be at risk of having outbreaks and being hot spots".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people have experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said.&nbsp;

The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death.&nbsp;

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004 per cent people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001 per cent died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare.&nbsp;

At least 70 per cent of the US adults have had at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, says data published by the CDC. This is about a month behind President Joe Biden's Fourth of July goal.

At least 70 per cent of the US adults have had at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, says data published by the CDC. This is about a month behind President Joe Biden's Fourth of July goal. Dr. Paul Offit, a voting member of the Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, in a recent interview said, "We need to have at least 80% of the population vaccinated to truly have some form of herd immunity". He added, "This is a fairly contagious virus". Natasha Bhuyan, a family physician with One Medical in Phoenix, said that while the 70 per cent nationwide mark is noteworthy, local communities with lower vaccination rates are still a matter of worry. Also read | Less than 1% fully vaccinated may get a ‘breakthrough’ Covid infection: Report She said, "Even if America reaches 70 per cent or 75 per cent, if we continue to have ZIP codes and neighbourhoods at 40 or 50 per cent, they will continue to be at risk of having outbreaks and being hot spots". Meanwhile, a Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of official US state data, less than 1% of fully vaccinated people have experienced a breakthrough infection lately, a CNN report said. The US federal government has been reporting data about breakthrough infections, which result in hospitalisation or death. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data says, less than 0.004 per cent people, who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus experienced a breakthrough case resulting in hospitalisation, while less than 0.001 per cent died. Out of more than 163 million fully vaccinated people in the US, it is about 6,600 severe cases. The analysis shows breakthrough infections are extremely rare.

US reaches 70 per cent vaccine milestone for adults, a month behind Biden's goal

Saudi Arabia announced Friday it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists after a 17-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the state news agency said.

However, Riyadh did not announce any lifting of restrictions on the umrah, a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, which usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year.

"The Ministry of Tourism announced that the Kingdom will open its doors to foreign tourists, and lift... the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders, starting from August 1," the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It said travellers fully vaccinated with Saudi-approved jabs -- Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson -- will be able to enter the kingdom "without the need for an institutional quarantine period", provided they also have proof of a negative PCR COVID-19&nbsp;test taken within the last 72 hours and register their details with health authorities.&nbsp;

Riyadh has spent billions trying to build a tourism industry from scratch, as part of efforts to diversify its oil-reliant economy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-bars-foreign-travellers-from-haj-over-covid-19-391037">Also read |&nbsp;Saudi Arabia bars foreign travellers from Haj over COVID-19</a>

The once-reclusive kingdom began issuing tourist visas for the first time in 2019, part of an ambitious push to revamp its global image and draw visitors.

Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 -- only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed.

COVID-19 also hugely disrupted the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, usually a key revenue earner for the kingdom -- in normal times, they together rake in some $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually.

Currently only immunised pilgrims resident in Saudi Arabia are eligible for umrah permits.

The government has accelerated a nationwide vaccination drive as it moves to revive tourism and host sports and entertainment extravaganzas, all pandemic-hit sectors.

So far, 26 million jabs have been administered to the population of 35 million, and the kingdom has said that from August 1, vaccinations will be mandatory to enter government and private establishments, including education institutions and entertainment venues, as well as to use public transport.

Saudi Arabia has registered more than 523,000 coronavirus cases, with 8,213 deaths.

Saudi Arabia announced Friday it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists after a 17-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the state news agency said.

Saudi Arabia announced Friday it would reopen its borders to fully vaccinated foreign tourists after a 17-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, the state news agency said. However, Riyadh did not announce any lifting of restrictions on the umrah, a pilgrimage that can be undertaken at any time, which usually attracts millions of Muslims from across the globe each year. "The Ministry of Tourism announced that the Kingdom will open its doors to foreign tourists, and lift... the suspension of entry for tourist visa holders, starting from August 1," the Saudi Press Agency reported. It said travellers fully vaccinated with Saudi-approved jabs -- Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson -- will be able to enter the kingdom "without the need for an institutional quarantine period", provided they also have proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours and register their details with health authorities. Riyadh has spent billions trying to build a tourism industry from scratch, as part of efforts to diversify its oil-reliant economy. Also read | Saudi Arabia bars foreign travellers from Haj over COVID-19 The once-reclusive kingdom began issuing tourist visas for the first time in 2019, part of an ambitious push to revamp its global image and draw visitors. Between September 2019 and March 2020, it issued 400,000 -- only for the pandemic to crush that momentum as borders were closed. COVID-19 also hugely disrupted the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, usually a key revenue earner for the kingdom -- in normal times, they together rake in some $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually. Currently only immunised pilgrims resident in Saudi Arabia are eligible for umrah permits. The government has accelerated a nationwide vaccination drive as it moves to revive tourism and host sports and entertainment extravaganzas, all pandemic-hit sectors. So far, 26 million jabs have been administered to the population of 35 million, and the kingdom has said that from August 1, vaccinations will be mandatory to enter government and private establishments, including education institutions and entertainment venues, as well as to use public transport. Saudi Arabia has registered more than 523,000 coronavirus cases, with 8,213 deaths.

Saudi Arabia to reopen to vaccinated tourists after 17-month COVID-19 closure

US President Joe Biden has urged the states to offer $100 as a vaccine incentive to encourage Americans to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. This comes amid a fresh surge in severe infections and deaths as cases surge in the US.

US President Joe Biden has urged the states to offer $100 as a vaccine incentive to encourage Americans to get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. This comes amid a fresh surge in severe infections and deaths as cases surge in the US. As per the US health experts, the surge is linked to the delta variant. Biden has also issued a strict new vaccine requirement for US federal workers, which is the nation's largest workforce with around two million people. Also read | US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO As per the orders, the employees are required to show proof of vaccination or be subjected to mandatory testing and masking. Speaking from the White House, Biden said that the new measures are a result of the highly contagious Delta variant's spread, made worse by a "pandemic of the unvaccinated". He further added that monetary incentives may seem unfair to already vaccinated Americans but "we all benefit if we can get more people vaccinated". Meanwhile, as the US reports fresh coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization in its latest report said that over the past week the highest numbers of new cases were reported in the US. The US accounted for 500,332 COVID-19 cases which was an increase of 131 per cent followed by Brazil with 324,334 new cases - up 13 per cent and Indonesia with 289,029 cases.

Biden tells states to offer $100 vaccine incentive as cases surge

Kuwait&nbsp;on Tuesday said only&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus will be allowed to travel&nbsp;abroad&nbsp;starting on August&nbsp;1.

A government statement said the rule excepted children under age of 16, those with a health ministry certificate saying they cannot be vaccinated, and pregnant women who have a pregnancy proof certificate&nbsp;from&nbsp;authorities.

Also on Tuesday, the civil aviation authority said that all arrivals in&nbsp;Kuwait&nbsp;must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they board their flights and must not be showing any symptoms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/following-a-rise-in-indias-covid-numbers-kuwait-suspends-commercial-flights-from-india-379716">Also read |&nbsp;Following a rise in India's Covid numbers, Kuwait suspends commercial flights from India</a>

All arrivals will have to be home quarantined for seven days unless they take a COVID-19 PCR test inside&nbsp;Kuwait&nbsp;that comes out negative.

The&nbsp;Kuwaiti government on Monday eased some coronavirus related restrictions and resumed all activities except for gatherings which include conferences, weddings, and social events.

Kuwait on Tuesday said only citizens who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus will be allowed to travel abroad starting on August 1. A government statement said the rule excepted children under age of 16, those with a health ministry certificate saying they cannot be vaccinated, and pregnant women who have a pregnancy proof certificate from authorities.

Kuwait on Tuesday said only citizens who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus will be allowed to travel abroad starting on August 1. A government statement said the rule excepted children under age of 16, those with a health ministry certificate saying they cannot be vaccinated, and pregnant women who have a pregnancy proof certificate from authorities. Also on Tuesday, the civil aviation authority said that all arrivals in Kuwait must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test before they board their flights and must not be showing any symptoms. Also read | Following a rise in India's Covid numbers, Kuwait suspends commercial flights from India All arrivals will have to be home quarantined for seven days unless they take a COVID-19 PCR test inside Kuwait that comes out negative. The Kuwaiti government on Monday eased some coronavirus related restrictions and resumed all activities except for gatherings which include conferences, weddings, and social events.

Kuwait bans unvaccinated citizens from travelling abroad

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

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

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

Germany fully vaccinates more than half of population

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