AstraZeneca said on Saturday that the coronavirus vaccine offered only limited protection against mild cases of the South African virus strain. The company based their decision on early test and study data released by the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and the University of Oxford.
“In this small phase I / II trial, early data have shown limited efficacy against mild disease primarily due to the B.1.351 variance in South Africa,” an AstraZeneca spokesperson said.
“However, we have not been able to properly determine its impact against serious illness and hospitalization because subjects such as young adults were predominantly healthy. Oxford University and AstraZeneca have begun to change their vaccines against this variant and will proceed rapidly through clinical development to be ready for Autumn delivery if required, “the company said.
Europe
France has fallen in new infections and hospitals from the coronavirus. The fall comes at a time when the country has gradually increased vaccines against the virus. The country has released the AstraZeneca vaccine after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
An estimated 1.86 million people in France have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 247,260 people have received a second dose.
On Saturday, France reported 20,586 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, marking the third straight day when cases fell. Meanwhile, 245 hospitals fell from the previous day.
In Germany There is growing dissatisfaction with the German government ‘s control over the coronavirus pandemic, according to a recent poll conducted by the research institute YouGov. The election results came out just days before state and federal leaders are to decide whether to extend a nationwide closure that currently runs until February 14th.
In the poll, only 50% of people rated government governance as positive. People said the vaccines were being distributed slowly as a reason they were not happy. Approximately 345,600 doses of the vaccine are expected to reach Saturday, followed by 391,200 doses next week.
In Switzerland, about 500 people in the city of Zug have complained while wearing white protective suits. People shouted a slogan and expressed dissatisfaction with restrictions imposed to control the pandemic.
Protesters carried plagues that claimed, “wearing a mask is a modern-day slavery, while speakers blame it on“ rejecting the most you prefer ”.
The protests in the famous tax arena come at a time when the country ‘s health minister, Alain Berset, has said that the existing restrictions would remain at least until the end of February, and possibly beyond , if the virus continued to spread.
The UK has reported 825 new deaths from coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 112,092.
The country has distributed the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine to 11.5 million people.
Romania’s Prime Minister Florin Citu has said the country wants to implement one of the EU-approved coronavirus vaccines. Citu said further forms were being made to enter into a production contract. He did not reveal the timeline of the project.
Denmark announced that everyone entering the country through land or ports would be tested for coronavirus by the time they arrive on Sunday. After the test, the person has to go through quarantine for ten days at home.
The Danish government said those who did not follow the rule would receive a fine of € 470. The country has enforced the measure as a result of the spread of new variants of the coronavirus. The only exceptions are those transporting goods in border areas and travelers.
Denmark’s steps come at a time when its Swedish neighbor imposed the requirement for a negative coronavirus test at the border. The measure applies until 31 March for people over 18.
Venice has moved a festival celebration this year online. The event will be broadcast live Saturday and Sunday from Palazzo Vendramin-Calergi, with 90-minute programming by artists.
The carnival in Venice is usually attended by thousands of people, and includes masked balls, gondola parades and fireworks. Last year’s event was abruptly postponed after Italy was hit by a major outbreak of the coronavirus. Italy is currently under curfew, with people not allowed to move out after 10pm.
America
Chile more than 550,000 people were vaccinated against the coronavirus virus within three days. The nation’s health ministry said more than 112,000 doses had been given to people older than 85 on Friday alone.
Chile has a target of vaccinating 5 million people by the end of March. The country provides the Pfizer vaccine, along with the vaccine from the Chinese company Sinovac. The country has also entered into supply contracts with Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.
am / aw (AFP, Reuters, dpa)