24th Aug 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=80 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera Restart19 is studying the movement of people and flight of the tiny airborne particles that can carry viruses. Scientists in Germany have held three pop concerts to study the risk of virus transmission during large events. The mass experiment staged with nearly 2000 people in the city of Leipzig comes at a time the country has banned all such gatherings until at least the end of October. Al Jazeeras UmeKulsoom reports. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/germany-covid-concerts-experiment-study-virus-transmission-200823111306863.html 23rd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian Teams will be withdrawn from the Tour de France if two riders or staff show symptoms or test positive for Covid19 under strict protocols from race organisers. However the race which starts in Nice on 29 August will continue even if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in the peloton according to an 18page document shared with teams this week. If two persons or more from the same team present strongly suspect symptoms or have tested positive for Covid19 the team in question will be expelled from the Tour de France states the document which has been obtained by the VeloNews website. Its riders will not be authorised to start the Tour de France or the next stage and the teams personnel will have their accreditation withdrawn. All team members will have to enter a bubble three days before the race by passing two Covid19 tests and everyone in the Tour entourage will be tested again on both rest days 7 and 14 September. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/aug/21/tour-de-france-teams-will-be-expelled-if-two-members-test-positive-for-covid-cycling 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

The New York Times Markets bars and restaurants are crowded again. Local virus transmissions are near zero. But some worry that people are letting their guard down too soon. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/23/world/asia/china-coronavirus-normal-life.html 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters UK The scale of the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico is underrepresented and underrecognised and testing is limited the World Health Organizations Dr Mike Ryan said on Friday. He told a Geneva briefing that testing in Mexico worked out at about three people per 100000 compared with about 150 tests per 100000 people in the United States. More than 22.78 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 792837 have died according to a Reuters tally. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-who-mexico/scale-of-pandemic-in-mexico-under-recognised-says-who-idUKKBN25H27X 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Thailand Business News Thailand was considered the worlds safest travel destination during the COVID19 pandemic based on various criteria including the 14day notification rate of new COVID19 cases and deaths per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC https://www.thailand-business-news.com/tourism/80335-thailand-tops-the-list-of-the-worlds-safest-destinations-during-covid-19.html 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters UK Health authorities in Chinas capital Beijing have removed a requirement for people to wear masks outdoors further relaxing rules aimed at preventing the spread the novel coronavirus after the city reported 13 consecutive days without new cases. Despite the relaxed guidelines a large proportion of people continued to wear masks in Beijing on Friday. Some said the mask made them feel safe while others said social pressures to wear the masks were also a factor. I think I can take off my mask anytime but Ill need to see if others accept it. Because Im afraid that people would be scared if they see me not wearing mask one 24year old Beijing woman surnamed Cao told Reuters. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-beijing-masks/beijing-says-residents-can-go-mask-free-as-china-covid-cases-hit-new-lows-idUKKBN25H0H8 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Vatican News Pope Francis turns his thoughts and prayers to the victims of the novel coronavirus and recalls the 4th anniversary of a deadly earthquake in central Italy. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-08/pope-francis-angelus-coronavirus-italy-earthquake-cabo-delgado.html 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Devdiscourse While there are many things that need to be fixed in Italys health system a comprehensive integrated health information system could make the overall health system upgradation process seamless and costeffective as it will improve the monitoring and evaluation process. https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/health/1179185-covid-19-response-how-italy-went-from-well-prepared-to-worst-hit-in-a-few-weeks 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Guardian The Melbourne set of The Masked Singer has been shut down after several crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. The entire production team including the masked singers the host and panellists are now in selfisolation the Network 10 program posted on Twitter late on Saturday night. They are all being monitored closely and are in constant contact with medical authorities. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2020/aug/23/the-masked-singer-production-shut-down-after-coronavirus-outbreak-on-melbourne-set 22nd Aug 2020

Lockdown Exit

Business Insider India Brazil and South Africa will face the harshest economic impact from the coronavirus in major nations as theyre corrupt and badly run a report says https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-economic-impact-worst-india-south-africa-brazil-verisk-2020-8 22nd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters The coronavirus crisis in Brazil appears to be leveling off if not easing the World Health Organization said on Friday offering a chink of light for the worlds second biggest COVID19 hot spot. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-coronavirus-health-brazil/brazils-coronavirus-spread-on-stable-or-downwards-trend-who-says-idUKKBN25H2QM 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

Yahoo News UK Middle and high school students in France will return to classrooms on September 1. But as the countrys daily tallies of new coronavirus infections rise some teachers are concerned about the conditions they and their students will face including heightened sanitary measures. The daily levels of new coronavirus infections in France have been rising for several weeks but the new school year la rentre scolaire is set to start on September 1. Affirming that education is more important than anything Minister of Education JeanMichel Blanquer gave his assurance on August 20 that students would be welcome in class every day. He also announced that stricter sanitary measures would be in place notably concerning face masks. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/french-teachers-prepare-special-la-141239160.html 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC More staff extra teaching space and greater clarity on what to do if there is a spike in cases is needed for schools to reopen safely the UKs largest teaching union has said. The National Education Union NEU accused the government of letting down pupils teachers and parents by failing to have a plan B if infections rise. The UKs four chief medical officers have insisted it is safe to return. The education secretary said ministers were doing everything we can to help. Millions of pupils in England Wales and Northern Ireland are due to return to school in the coming days and weeks. In Scotland schools have already reopened. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53882613 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

The Sydney Morning Herald Churches may have closed their doors but more Australians are opening their minds to spirituality and prayer. Researchers have found Australians say they have been praying more during the COVID19 crisis suggesting the pandemic has led many to reassess their priorities in life. https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-meaning-of-life-australians-praying-more-during-covid-19-20200820-p55nla.html 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

The Sydney Morning Herald The suicides of some year 11 and 12 students have prompted mental health experts to warn that Australia must act quickly to counteract a growing sense of hopelessness among HSC students. Parents and teachers are increasingly worried about the welfare of senior students as their rites of passage are cancelled the job market shrinks and the tertiary education sector faces a financial crisis due the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.smh.com.au/national/give-students-hope-amid-coronavirus-mental-health-crisis-experts-urge-20200821-p55o55.html 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian Many people are being forced to wait for weeks or months with far more people needing support than there are people to provide them https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/aug/23/mental-health-funding-has-surged-after-coronavirus-so-why-is-it-so-difficult-to-get-help 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

The Guardian NSW reports four new cases while two more people test positive in Queensland in cluster linked to Brisbane youth detention centre https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/aug/23/australias-coronavirus-death-toll-passes-500-as-victoria-reports-17-more-fatalities-and-208-new-cases 23rd Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

Financial Times Coronavirus is spreading far faster in Spain than in the rest of Europe confronting the country with a race against time to bring the outbreak under control before the return to school and work next month following the holiday season. Figures published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control an EU agency on Friday indicated that in the previous 14 days Spain had reported about 145 new Covid19 cases per 100000 of population. Apart from Malta no other European country had a ratio above 100 and the Spanish figures compare with ratios of 51 in France and 21 in the UK. In three districts of Madrid the Spanish region with most cases the equivalent ratio is above 400 and in one it is almost 600. On Friday the regional government of Madrid urged people in the worstaffected areas to stay at home. https://www.ft.com/content/4e3e3e31-87ed-4631-af62-c649efb854ed 21st Aug 2020

Exit Strategies

Deccan Herald The Chinese Super League permitted spectators on Saturday for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic with former Chelsea star Oscar marking the occasion by hitting the winner. In a significant development for football in China where the virus emerged last year up to 2000 people were allowed to attend the clash in Suzhou between title rivals Shanghai SIPG and Beijing Guoan. SIPG captain Oscar seemed to relish having the limited number of fans back the 60millioneuro Brazilian setting up his sides equaliser before making it 21 with 14 minutes left. Beijings beaten players unfurled a banner afterwards thanking their supporters while Oscar blew kisses to the sparse crowd https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/football/oscar-stars-as-chinese-football-welcomes-back-fans-after-coronavirus-876581.html 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

Sky News Emergency plans drawn up by the government to protect the UK if a second coronavirus spike coincides with a nodeal Brexit have been revealed. A Cabinet Office reasonable worstcase scenario document dated July 2020 has been leaked to The Sun newspaper. A government spokeswoman said it reflects a responsible government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities. https://news.sky.com/story/revealed-emergency-plans-to-protect-uk-if-second-coronavirus-spike-coincides-with-no-deal-brexit-12055049 23rd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

AlJazeera Hong Kong has been at the forefront of the coronavirus pandemic and is now joining the global race for a vaccine. The city is also launching voluntary mass coronavirus testing next month to combat what is being seen as a third wave. The government has enlisted the help of medical experts from mainland China but as Al Jazeeras Divya Gopalan reports not everyone supports the move. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/hk-raises-concerns-china-involvement-covid-19-tests-200823185639698.html 23rd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

MarketWatch Irelands Minister for Agriculture and deputy chairperson of the Senate resigned Friday after attending an 80person dinner directly contravening the guidelines of their own government https://www.marketwatch.com/story/we-had-everything-in-our-favor-ireland-is-no-new-zealand-and-is-fast-becoming-a-test-case-on-how-not-to-battle-covid-19-2020-08-21 23rd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

Euronews French President Emmanuel Macron said a vaccine against coronavirus could soon be ready as he spoke at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday. The French president is optimistic the cure will arrive in the coming months and hailed the EU cooperation on the matter during his speech in Fort Brganon in the southeast of France. We have improved European cooperation on the vaccine together by associating many other States and the Commission in encouraging EU manufacturers to look for vaccines he said. And to ensure that we will have the capacity to produce them and deliver them to our populations when they are available the president stressed. https://www.euronews.com/2020/08/21/macron-reasonable-prospect-of-having-coronavirus-vaccine-ready-in-coming-months 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

Reuters UK South Korea said on Saturday it held talks with Chinas top diplomat over trade denuclearisation and the coronavirus response in the first visit by a highlevel Beijing official since the COVID19 pandemic erupted late last year. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-china/south-korea-china-hold-highest-level-talks-since-covid-19-outbreak-idUKKBN25I03R 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

AlJazeera About 120 people in Lima tried to flee a party banned under current coronavirus restrictions when police arrived. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/08/peru-13-killed-police-raid-club-breaking-coronavirus-curbs-200823134731654.html 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

Evening Standard Australia has ordered 25 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University in partnership with pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca the countrys prime minister has said. Scott Morrison promised to make the vaccine as mandatory as you can in an interview with Melbournes 3AW radio station https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/australia-signs-deal-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-a4528041.html 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

The Guardian Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk reports nine new Covid19 cases including six linked to Brisbane youth detention centre as NSW announces another nine infections https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/aug/22/queensland-reimposes-coronavirus-restrictions-as-second-nsw-quarantine-guard-tests-positive 22nd Aug 2020

Partisan Exits

FRANCE 24 Rohingya in Myanmars conflictwracked Rakhine state expressed fears Sunday of a coronavirus outbreak reaching their overcrowded camps after a spate of infections sent the state capital into lockdown. Nearly 130000 Rohingya Muslims live in what Amnesty International describes as apartheid conditions in camps around Sittwe. The city has recorded 48 cases in the past week making up more than 10 percent of the about 400 cases so far registered in Myanmar https://www.france24.com/en/20200823-local-virus-outbreak-in-myanmar-sparks-fears-for-rohingya-camps 23rd Aug 2020

Continued Lockdown

The Local Europe According to projections from the University of Geneva arrivals from France may have to quarantine on arrival in Switzerland in the coming days. Frances infection rates have almost doubled in the previous week. The University of Geneva set up a forecasting model which predicts that the infection rate will continue to rise in the coming weeks eventually crossing the Swiss governments quarantine threshold. They now stand at 43 new cases per 100000 inhabitants just shy of Switzerlands quarantine threshold of 60 per 100000. As of August 21st there are more than 50 countries with an infection rate above Switzerlands threshold of high risk. https://www.thelocal.com/20200821/will-france-be-placed-on-switzerlands-coronavirus-quarantine-list 23rd Aug 2020

Continued Lockdown

Reuters UK The United Kingdom recorded 1041 new cases of COVID19 on Sunday down from 1288 on Saturday government figures showed. Six people died after testing positive for the coronavirus within the previous 28 days compared with 18 deaths announced on Saturday. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-cases/uk-records-1041-new-covid-19-cases-government-data-idUKKBN25J0JD 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK President Donald Trump on Sunday hailed FDA authorization of a coronavirus treatment that uses blood plasma from recovered patients a day after accusing the agency of impeding the rollout of vaccines and therapeutics for political reasons. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-trump/trump-administration-considering-fast-tracking-uk-covid-19-vaccine-before-election-ft-idUKKBN25J0OD 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Evening Standard The UK could be forced into a second nationwide lockdown if rising coronavirus cases reach levels seen in Spain it has been reported. After the R number in the UK rose to as high as 1.1 meaning cases could start to spread rapidly the Government is considering tougher nationwide measures according to a senior official. The R number could be distorted by local outbreaks which mean the situation is worse in places like Oldham than in the country as a whole but a further national lockdown could be needed to keep the virus under the control. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/uk-second-lockdown-coronavirus-cases-spike-a4530926.html 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Anadolu Agency An expert virologist in Thailand has said a 14day quarantine period is not enough to ensure full recovery from COVID19. He suggested that people need to selfisolate for another 14 days meaning almost a month to be sure the virus is gone. Professor Yong Poovorawan of Bangkoks Chulalongkorn University said he has studied 212 COVID19 cases and outlined four points in a Facebook post on Thursday. I found 6.6 of them showed symptoms four to 12 weeks after they were allowed to return home he said. We found a virus after 36105 days of symptoms but very weak so the possibility of spreading the disease to others is very low. He said the hatching range of most COVID19 cases is two to seven days. It may be found up to 14 days and it may be less than 21 days said Poovorawan who is a medical professor in pediatric hepatology viral hepatitis and virology. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/14-day-quarantine-not-enough-for-covid-19-patients/1948886 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Seattle Times In a tweet late Saturday night White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the announcement at 230 p.m. Pacific time Sunday involved a major therapeutic breakthrough on the China virus. Officials confirmed on Sunday the treatment is convalescent plasma they spoke on the condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the issue. The White House declined comment. https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/trump-to-announce-emergency-authorization-of-convalescent-plasma-as-covid-19-treatment/ 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK Authorities in Peru and Morocco have approved Phase 3 clinical trials for a potential COVID19 vaccine developed by China National Biotec Group CNBG the company said late on Thursday on Chinese social media platform WeChat. Phase 3 trials which usually involve several thousand participants allow researchers to gather data on the efficacy of potential vaccines for final regulatory approvals. The experimental vaccine of CNBG a unit of stateowned pharmaceutical giant China National Pharmaceutical Group Sinopharm has entered a Phase 3 trial in the United Arab Emirates that has already recruited 15000 volunteers https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vaccine-sinopharm/peru-morocco-to-test-china-sinopharms-covid-19-vaccine-in-phase-3-trial-idUKKBN25H08Q 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Poultry World Chinese authorities say the virus was found in imported shipments of frozen food one of which came from Brazil. According to local Chinese authorities traces of Covid19 have been found in shipments of imported frozen food in two Chinese cities Reuters reports. A shipment of frozen chicken wings imported from Brazil into the southern city of Shenzen tested positive for the virus when it was sampled. Reuters reports that Shenzhen authorities identified the chicken as originating from a plant owned by Aurora Brazils thirdlargest poultry and pork exporter. China has not formally notified Brazilian authorities about the alleged Covid19 that was found on the frozen wings. https://www.poultryworld.net/Meat/Articles/2020/8/China-Traces-of-Covid-19-found-in-imported-frozen-food-629464E/ 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK Argentina joined Peru Morocco and the United Arab Emirates in approving Phase 3 clinical trials for a coronavirus vaccine developed by China National Biotec Group CNBG the company said late Friday. As China forges ahead in the global race to develop a vaccine to curb the COVID19 pandemic and as cases within China dwindle CNBG needs research participants from other countries for testing. Phase 3 trials which usually involve several thousand participants allow researchers to gather data on the efficacy of potential vaccines for final regulatory approvals. CNBG will partner with Argentinas ELEA in the vaccine trial the Chinese company said in a statement late Friday. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-vaccine-sinopharm/argentina-joins-chinese-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-maker-says-idUKKBN25I0CZ 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

South China Morning Post Border officials and health workers among first to get jabs as they are more likely to get infected government adviser Zheng Zhongwei says. Scheme will later be rolled out to include people working in the transport and service sectors and at wet markets he says https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3098505/coronavirus-china-has-been-using-covid-19-vaccine-candidate-key 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK China has approved human testing for a potential coronavirus vaccine cultivated within insect cells local government in the southwestern city of Chengdu said on Saturday. China is in a global race to develop costeffective vaccines to curb the COVID19 pandemic. Using insect cells to grow proteins for the coronavirus vaccine a first in China could speed up largescale production the city government of Chengdu said in a notice on social media WeChat. The vaccine developed by West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Chengdu has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration to enter a clinical trial the notice said. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vaccine-china/china-approves-human-testing-for-coronavirus-vaccine-grown-in-insect-cells-idUKKBN25I0GA 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Doctors warn coronavirus vaccine testing is rushed and cant guarantee safety Vaccines normally take up to 15 years to approve the average is 10 years Pharmaceutical giants race to be the first with a covid vaccine in under 2 years Australians could face being banned from work or travelling for refusing jab Doctors warn the government not to make the rushed vaccine compulsory More than 100 vaccine candidates studied worldwide at least 10 in clinical trials https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8655523/Doctors-issue-warning-rushed-coronavirus-vaccine-dangerous-effects.html 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Guardian The World Health Organization says children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the pandemic. Masks should be worn when 1metre distancing cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission it advised. It is the first time the WHO has issued guidance on masks for children and comes less than two weeks before pupils in England return to school. Although a small number of schools including James Gillespies high school in Edinburgh and Eaton Mill primary school in Milton Keynes have said they will require children to wear masks the government says that masks are not recommended for primary or secondary school children. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/22/children-should-wear-face-masks-to-combat-covid-says-who 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Standard Britains top medical officers say children are more likely to be harmed by staying away from school than from being exposed to the coronavirus. Englands chief medical officer on Sunday joined his counterparts in Scotland Northern Ireland and Wales in saying that children are less likely to contract the virus than adults and have an exceptionally low risk of dying from the coronavirus. By contrast they said studies show that not going to school limits childrens ability to succeed in life and may worsen physical and mental health problems. Very few if any children or teenagers will come to longterm harm from the coroavirus due solely to attending school they said in a statement. This has to be set against a certainty of longterm harm to many children and young people from not attending school. https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/6/153699/UK%E2%80%99s-top-medical-officers-defend-opening-schools 23rd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK Mexico told Moscow on Wednesday it would like to carry out phase 3 testing of Russias coronavirus vaccine as part of the Latin American countrys intensifying efforts to secure early supplies of an effective medicine to control the pandemic. After a meeting with Russias ambassador to Mexico Viktor Koronelli Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said on Twitter he had expressed interest in carrying out large scale human trials to have the vaccine as soon as possible in Mexico. Russia has already produced the first batch of its new vaccine giving approval before trials that would normally involve thousands of participants. Such phase 3 trials are usually considered essential precursors for a vaccine to secure regulatory approval. The race to produce a vaccine has become a contest for influence and prestige among major powers while developing economies are trying to ensure a fair distribution of the medicines. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-mexico-russia/mexico-exploring-phase-3-trials-of-russian-coronavirus-vaccine-idUKKCN25F2ML 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Stuff.co.nz A test to diagnose Covid19 using saliva is being looked at as a potential player in New Zealands fight against the pandemic. Aucklander Dr Anne Wyllie based at the Yale School of Public Health in Connecticut led research which found saliva samples may be more sensitive to detecting Covid19 than the invasive gold standard nasal swab tests. This week a saliva test developed by Wyllies team dubbed SalivaDirect was granted Emergency Use Authorisation by the US Food and Drug Administration FDA making it immediately available to other labs that want to start using it. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300087323/coronavirus-new-zealand-looks-to-use-saliva-tests-as-part-of-covid19-fight 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Evening Standard Chinas coronavirus vaccine will be available to buy in December the company developing it has said. The stateowned China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation said the vaccine is currently undergoing its third and final trial. Two shots of the vaccine will cost less than 1000 yuan about 110 and will be completely effective company president Liu Jingzhen said. https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/china-coronavirus-vaccine-sale-december-a4527891.html 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Fortune Sinopharm a stateowned Chinese pharmaceutical company says that its COVID19 vaccine will reach market by December but its likely price tag is much higher than any put forward for a coronavirus vaccine so far. It is expected to cost a few hundred yuan for a shot and for two shots it should be less than 1000 yuan 145 Sinopharm CEO Liu Jingzhen told a Chinese newspaper this week. Liu said that the cost is not very high but in fact its significantly more expensive than the projected prices of its peers. https://fortune.com/2020/08/22/china-covid-vaccine-sinopharm-price-cost/ 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Khaleej Times China has approved human testing for a potential coronavirus vaccine cultivated within insect cells local government in the southwestern city of Chengdu said on Saturday. China is in a global race to develop costeffective vaccines to curb the Covid19 pandemic. Using insect cells to grow proteins for the coronavirus vaccine a first in China could speed up largescale production the city government of Chengdu said in a notice on social media WeChat. The vaccine developed by West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Chengdu has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration to enter a clinical trial the notice said. When tested on monkeys the vaccine was shown to prevent SarsCoV2 infections with no obvious sideeffects the notice added. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/a-covid-19-vaccine-from-insects-china-rolls-out-tests- 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Dr Anthony Fauci appears in first Australian interview on 60 Minutes on Sunday He shares a message of hope saying the world will defeat the killer coronavirus Were going to get out of this. Were going to end this guaranteed Dr Fauci said https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8653837/Dr-Anthony-Fauci-tells-Australia-world-defeat-COVID-19.html 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Gulf Times The representative Covid19 strain in Qatar is very similar to the strains found in Guangdong China Philippines and India according to an analysis by two officials from Hamad Bin Khalifa University HBKU. Expressing their views in their personal capacity Dr Mounir Hamdi dean of the College of Science and Engineering Dr Tanvir Ala an assistant professor at the college noted that although these countries do not share a geographical border with Qatar there are many expats from China Philippines and India who are residents of Qatar. According to their analysis Though Qatars initial case was reported from Iran subsequent cases might have originated from these countries. Our estimated phylogenetic tree places the representative strain of Qatar very close to England Hong Kong and Wales as well. Interestingly strains from other Gulf countries were under the same clade of the phylogenetic tree but proved quite far from the clade of the representative strain of Qatar. https://www.gulf-times.com/story/671285/Covid-19-strain-in-Qatar-is-similar-to-China-India 22nd Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

PMLive.com Pfizer and BioNTech have revealed additional data from a phase 1 study of two of its COVID19 vaccine candidates as well as their plans to potentially seek regulatory approval by October this year. At the beginning of July PfizerBioNTech revealed early positive data from their mRNAbased COVID19 vaccine programme. Those results demonstrated that one of the candidates BNT162b1 generated promising dosedependent immunogenicity. However the companies somewhat surprised commentators when they announced that another candidate BNT162b2 had been selected for a largescale phase 3 clinical trial. In additional data shared today PfizerBioNTech posted the results from all 332 participants tested with the two mRNAbased candidates BNT162b1 or BNT162b2 to clarify their decision http://www.pmlive.com/pharma_news/pifzer,_biontech_eye_october_approval_for_mrna-based_covid-19_vaccine_1347163 21st Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Bloomberg Thailand is looking to secure access to a Covid19 vaccine candidate being developed by University of Oxford through an agreement which would give the Southeast Asian nation the technology rights for local production. Were in the process of finalizing our letter of intent to cooperate with the Oxford vaccine research team Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday. Once that process is done Ill sign it right away. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-21/thailand-seeks-local-production-rights-to-oxford-s-covid-vaccine 21st Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Guardian Britains demand for cheap food could be fuelling the spread of the coronavirus in factories a leading health expert has warned as analysis shows nearly 1500 cases across the UK. Cramped conditions in some factories and in lowpaid workers homes spurred by the UKs desire for cheaply produced food may have driven infection rates in the sector according to David Nabarro a World Health Organization special envoy on Covid19. In the early stages of the pandemic the UK avoided the scale of Covid19 outbreaks seen in meat factories and other food processing plants in countries such as the US. But a Guardian analysis suggests that reported UK outbreaks of the disease are now increasing in frequency with examples of cases spreading into the wider community. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/21/uk-cheap-food-could-fuel-covid-19-spread-says-who-envoy 21st Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Yahoo News UK The clinical trial of a Russian COVID19 vaccine being developed by the Siberian Vektor research centre is due to be completed in September the RIA news agency cited Russias healthcare watchdog as saying on Friday. https://uk.news.yahoo.com/russias-vektor-covid-19-vaccine-080215499.html 21st Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters China has been giving experimental coronavirus vaccines to groups facing high infection risks since July a health official told state media. No vaccine has yet passed final largescale trials to prove it is safe and effective enough to protect people from contracting the virus that has led to almost 800000 deaths worldwide. The aim is to boost the immunity of specific groups of people including medical workers and those who work at food markets and in the transportation and service sectors Zheng Zhongwei a National Health Commission official told state TV in an interview aired late on Saturday. Authorities could consider modestly expanding the emergency use programme to try to prevent possible outbreaks during the autumn and winter added Zheng who heads the Chinese governmentled team that coordinates state resources for coronavirus vaccine development. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vaccine-china/china-giving-experimental-coronavirus-vaccines-to-high-risk-groups-since-july-says-official-idUKKBN25I0J7 21st Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

ABC News New Zealand once the worlds COVID recovery darling applauded internationally for its lockdown and apparent quashing of the pandemic coronavirus is now facing a fresh cluster of cases. After the countrys recent celebration of 100 days without any documented coronavirus cases scientists say New Zealands latest COVID19 resurgence is shedding new light on how the virus is spread and why its so hard to contain. While the cause of the outbreak is still being investigated experts say its possible the virus has been there all along. Just because there are no reported cases that doesnt mean there arent any said Dr. Dan Barouch director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. There could be asymptomatic cases existing and spreading without any actually being detected. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/zealands-renewed-covid-crisis-scientists-virus-hard/story?id=72420563 19th Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The New York Times Last week just as the Food and Drug Administration was preparing to issue an emergency authorization for blood plasma as a Covid19 treatment a group of top federal health officials including Dr. Francis S. Collins and Dr. Anthony S. Fauci intervened arguing that emerging data on the treatment was too weak according to two senior administration officials. The authorization is on hold for now as more data is reviewed according to H. Clifford Lane the clinical director at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. An emergency approval could still be issued in the near future he said. Donated by people who have survived the disease antibodyrich plasma is considered safe. President Trump has hailed it as a beautiful ingredient in the veins of people who have survived Covid19. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/us/politics/blood-plasma-covid-19.html 19th Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

YAHOO! Brazil approved on Tuesday human clinical trials for a potential COVID19 vaccine developed by Johnson Johnson the fourth candidate to trial in the Latin American country that has become key to the global race for a vaccine. Health regulator Anvisa said it had given the green light to the study which will see 6000 people in Brazil volunteer to trial the vaccine contender of Johnson Johnsons pharmaceutical subsidiary Janssen. With the worlds biggest coronavirus outbreak outside the United States Brazil has become a hub for mass clinical trials of potential vaccines. Brazilian officials have vowed to start producing British and Chinese vaccines within a year but experts warn it may take at least twice as long. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/brazil-approves-human-trials-potential-123510423.html 18th Aug 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

FiercePharma The head of Chinas stateowned Sinopharm has put forward a general price range for the groups two inactivated COVID19 vaccine candidates now in latestage developmentand its quite a bit higher than the amounts other shot makers have quoted so far. An inactivated vaccine wont be priced too high Sinopharm Chairman Liu Jingzhen told state media Guangming Daily Chinese. Its expected to cost a couple hundred yuan for one shot and it would be less than 1000 yuan 145 for two doses. Its not immediately clear what price Liu was referring tothe outofpocket cost or list price. And its not yet certain whether Beijing will help cover some of the costs for a pandemic vaccine developed by a staterun company. https://www.fiercepharma.com/vaccines/china-sinopharm-chief-narrows-down-covid-19-vaccine-price-to-within-145-for-2-dose-regimen 18th Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Financial Times Mexico has surpassed its catastrophic worstcase scenario of 60000 Covid19 deaths and is shaping up as one of the worst health and economic casualties of the global pandemic. Latin Americas secondbiggest economy which has the worlds third highest overall coronavirus death toll hit the grim milestone on Saturday when the health ministry reported 60254 and 556216 confirmed cases. But officials have long acknowledged that the governments data is an underrepresentation and the health ministry and private studies say the real death tally could be some three times higher. https://www.ft.com/content/fc83004a-769f-49b3-9f7c-9d5fd840d31f 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Bloomberg After suffering one of Europes earliest and fiercest outbreaks Italy emerged as an unlikely role model for its handling of the pandemic. The country managed to reduce infections dramatically in June and July after two months of strict lockdown while its fatality rate once one of the worlds highest fell to a handful per day. The White Houses coronavirus response coordinator Deborah Birx and top infectiousdisease expert Anthony Fauci both praised the countrys response in recent days. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-23/italy-s-lockdown-success-challenged-by-new-european-virus-surge 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters France reported 4897 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours on Sunday the highest daily level since the end of a twomonth lockdown in May. Health Minister Olivier Veran warned earlier that the situation was risky and said infections were essentially happening among 20 to 40 yearolds at parties. Cases among older people were starting to rise too Veran said but he ruled out another total lockdown in France. Sundays health ministry figures showed the number of people in hospital edged down by two to 4709 from the previous day however. Three more people were registered in intensive care taking that total to 383. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-france-casualties/france-reports-post-lockdown-daily-record-of-4897-new-covid-19-cases-idUKKBN25J0NB 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Financial Times A sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections over the past two weeks has put European governments on high alert as holidaymakers return home to big cities and teachers and pupils prepare for the start of the school year after months of disruption. But leaders are eager to avoid reimposing drastic controls on freedom of movement because they want to allow economies to recover from the deepest recession since the second world war. France has opted to control the spread of the virus rather than attempt to eliminate it completely and French president Emmanuel Macron has said there is no such thing as a zero risk society. https://www.ft.com/content/25da4c31-f79a-4aa2-a9c9-a5c31546e5df 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Wall Street Journal When Jos Ignacio Barrasa saw the number of Covid19 patients in his hospital rise to levels last seen in the spring he resorted to a tactic European countries thought they had put behind them He asked the Spanish military to build an emergency field hospital. The outbreak was a complete surprise. We didnt expect it so soon says Dr. Barrasa the director of the University Clinic Hospital in Zaragoza. Coronavirus infections are climbing across Europe and Spain is at the forefront of the rebound accounting for around onethird of the Continents new daily Covid19 cases. https://www.wsj.com/articles/spain-caught-off-guard-by-resurgent-coronavirus-11598194801 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Euro Weekly News New cases of COVID19 in Spain have skyrocketed in practically the entire country one week before the end of the summer holidays. Some communities are doubling and even tripling the levels at which they had reached at the end of the confinement by the state of alarm. The number of cases of coronavirus cases in Spain now amount to 386054 and deaths to 28838. More than a third of the new infections have been detected in Madrid so the regional government has recommended not to go out in the areas with the most positives. In addition there are now 1126 active outbreaks with more than 12400 infected especially worrying are those located in the Segovian municipalities of Cantalejo and Carrascal del Ro where 3400 residents have been confined for two weeks. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/08/23/coronavirus-spain-witnesses-fresh-outbreaks-and-a-rise-in-infections-one-week-before-the-end-of-the-holidays/ 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Spain diagnosed 3349 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours health ministry data showed on Thursday down from 3715 reported the previous day and bringing the cumulative total to 370867. The ministry said 122 people had died from the coronavirus over the past seven days. The sevenday death toll reported on Wednesday was 131. The number of recorded fatalities has significantly increased since the country exited from a threemonth lockdown in late June but is far below the levels seen during the epidemics lateMarch peak when the daily toll approached 1000. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-spain-tally/spain-reports-3349-new-coronavirus-infections-in-past-day-idUKKBN25G1Y2 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

VnExpress International A 73yearold woman in Da Nang with previous comorbidities has become Vietnams 27th Covidfatality. Patient 577 is a resident of Lien Chieu District in the central city of Da Nang. She died of septic shock and multiorgan failure due to pneumonia caused by Covid19 and she had a history of finalstage kidney failure high blood pressure heart failure and thigh bone fracture the Health Ministry said Sunday afternoon. The patient had suffered chronic kidney disease for eight years and had undergone dialysis twice a week for the past four years. She was treated at the Department of Renal Medicine at the Da Nang Hospital from July 21 to 24. She also broke her leg during this period. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-27-4150438.html 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

New Zealand Herald Playgrounds skate parks and public courts are all shut in Auckland at level 3 but you wouldnt know it from packed scenes across the city on Sunday. The City of Sails remains at alert level 3 with playgrounds and public facilities all shut. People must stay off outdoor exercise equipment away from basketball hoops and off park benches and Government guidance urges people to stay local for exercise and recreation. But some chose to flout the rules in the sunshine on Sunday ripping the caution tape and closed signs off local playgrounds and skate parks. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&ampobjectid=12358843 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

New Zealand Herald Two West Auckland supermarkets closed a hunt began for several bus passengers and six new cases of Covid19 were announced in Auckland the source of two last night still under investigation in the latest developments yesterday. It comes as Aucklanders wait anxiously for Cabinets big decision tomorrow and whether they will be released from alert level3 lockdown from 11.59pm this Wednesday. Nine of those infected in a growing community cluster first identified on August 11 and leading to a level 3 lockdown in Auckland and level 2 across the rest of New Zealand are in hospital including three in intensive care. There are 111 active cases of Covid19 in New Zealand 16 of which are imported. Countdown Te Atat South and Countdown LynnMall supermarkets closed yesterday afternoon for cleaning after it was revealed a person later found to have Covid19 visited both. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&ampobjectid=12358735 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Stuff.co.nz After being described by the New York Times and Daily Mail as being the envy of the world New Zealand well and truly fell off its pedestal with the alert levels changing after the discovery of community transmission. Gorman said New Zealand was not prepared for such a fall as queues once again formed at supermarkets panic buying resumed health centre phone lines and inboxes were clogged with Covid19 test requests and medical staff were hassled and abused for their sudden sluggishness which did not exist the day before. The air fell heavy again as New Zealand like the rest of the world continued with the battle. Our tendency to keep telling ourselves how well we had done left us poorly placed the second time around Gorman said. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/122530826/coronavirus-new-zealand-got-caught-out-by-the-euphoria-of-beating-covid19 23rd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Standing in a graveyard on the outskirts of Mexico City decked out in a cowboy hat to cover his rugged features from the sun guitar player Eberardo Vargas this week had fewer funerals to play at than he has for most of the coronavirus pandemic. Even as Mexico passes a grim new milestone in its battle with the pandemic 60000 fatalities signs of relief are beginning to emerge in the country that has registered more dead than any other bar the United States and Brazil. Vargas 49 said May June and July were the busiest months he could recall as a musician as mourners in the municipality of Ecatepec northeast of Mexico City paid him and his band to hear favorite songs of lost lovedones during their last goodbyes. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-mexico-slowdown/mexico-nears-somber-coronavirus-milestone-even-as-signs-of-hope-emerge-idUKKBN25I0QF?il=0 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

VnExpress International With Vietnam looking to avoid repeating an economically bruising nationwide social distancing period to curb Covid19 localities have stepped up to the plate. After going over three months without a single community transmission of the novel coronavirus Vietnam has found itself grappling with a second wave of infections since July 25 when one case was detected in the central city of Da Nang. What began as a single isolated case exploded into outbreaks in 14 other cities and provinces. In less than a month over 500 new local transmissions were recorded all associated with Da Nang which has become the epicenter of Vietnams second wave of Covid19 infections. https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/think-national-act-local-localities-gear-up-for-covid-19-fight-4148631.html 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Irish Times Coronavirus cases have been reported by at least 41 schools in Berlin barely two weeks after the German capitals 825 schools reopened. Cases are rising across Europe including in Spain which registered 66905 in the past two weeks resulting in the continents highest 14day infection rate and warnings over the risk of a new wave of deaths. The Berlin experience echoes that in some states in the US including Georgia and in Israel which have recorded clusters tied to schools. According to reports in Berlin all age groups have been affected including in elementary schools high schools and trade schools. Berlin was one of the first places in Germany to reopen its schools after the summer holidays. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/over-40-berlin-schools-report-covid-19-cases-a-fortnight-after-reopening-1.4336773 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

BNNBloomberg France reported 3602 new Covid19 cases over the past 24 hours as infections climb across Europe. While Saturdays figure was lower than the 4586 new cases the governments health office reported on Friday and the fourmonth record the previous day the number is still above levels since May. Despite the rising case numbers fatalities remain well below those earlier this year. Deaths increased by nine to 30512 in the past 24 hours. France and its neighbors are grappling with a pickup in infections as people travel for vacations and attend summer gatherings. Officials are tightening measures to curb the spread but are reluctant to resort to the sweeping closures imposed during the initial peak of the pandemic in March and April. https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/france-reports-3-602-new-coronavirus-cases-in-past-24-hours-1.1483858 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Euro Weekly News Italys cases spike as infections exceed 1000 for the first time since lockdown eased. The rise has been blamed on large gatherings caused by holidays and nightlife after a number of infections were found in returning travellers. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/08/22/italy-back-to-lockdown-figures-as-covid-19-cases-top-1000-in-24-hours/ 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

RNZ A number of further bus journeys taken by two infectious Covid19 cases in Auckland have been identified. The case linked to the Auckland cluster took the 670 bus on 10 August along a route through Mt Roskill to Otahuhu and then later between Otahuhu and Avondale. The St Lukes worker also took buses on three days after alert level 3 on 14 15 and 17 August travelling the same bus 22 route between Symonds St and St Lukes. Both cases also took the 22N on 12 August. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/424241/bus-trips-taken-by-infectious-covid-19-cases-in-auckland-identified 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Brazil reported 50032 new cases of the novel coronavirus and 892 deaths from the disease caused by the virus in the past 24 hours the health ministry said on Saturday. Brazil has registered 3582362 cases of the virus since the pandemic began while the official death toll from COVID19 has risen to 114250 according to ministry data from the worlds worst coronavirus outbreak outside the United States. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-brazil/brazil-registers-50032-new-cases-of-coronavirus-892-deaths-in-24-hours-idUKKBN25I0RZ 22nd Aug 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters UK Vietnams tally of coronavirus infections since January passed the 1000 mark on Thursday after 14 new cases were reported. More than half of the total confirmed cases are linked to a new outbreak that began late last month in the central coastal city of Danang the health ministry said. Vietnams tally now stands at 1007 infections and 25 deaths among the lowest in the region having successfully contained earlier outbreaks. The ministry said 86644 people are currently undergoing quarantine most in their homes. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vietnam/vietnams-coronavirus-infections-pass-1000-mark-idUKKBN25G188 22nd Aug 2020

New Lockdown

Stuff.co.nz Twentyseven swabs. That was New Zealands Covid19 frontline barrier against the 3795 people on the Ruby Princess as it made its way to our shores. Of the many remarkable findings in the 320page report by the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess the most concerning is the near total reliance New Zealand had on New South Wales Health and cruise ship company Carnival Cruises to protect us from the threat of Covid19. Both failed to do their jobs. And while neither could be said to be responsible for the passengers spreading the virus here the paucity of checks and monitoring raises serious questions about their actions and what needs to change when the indefinite ban on cruise ships is lifted. https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/coronavirus/300086383/coronavirus-27-swabs-for-nearly-4000-people-on-ruby-princess-cruise-how-nz-was-put-at-risk 22nd Aug 2020

New Lockdown

Reuters New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday deferred a decision on whether to ease a lockdown on the city of Auckland as 11 new coronavirus infections were reported including nine cases of community transmission. New Zealands biggest city was placed in lockdown earlier this month until Aug. 26 amid a spike in new cases forcing businesses to close and schools to shut. Ardern said after a review of the lockdown that there was no need to change any settings at this stage and promised to review them again on Monday. We have made good progress. Unlike our first lockdown we are not dealing with multiple outbreaks she said at a news conference. There is nothing to suggest we need change our course and certainly nothing that suggests that we need to escalate our response. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-new-zealand/new-zealand-defers-lockdown-decision-as-it-reports-new-covid-19-cases-idUKKBN25H05B 22nd Aug 2020

New Lockdown

Reuters UK Authorities in Madrid on Friday advised residents in areas with a high level of coronavirus cases to stay at home as the Spanish health ministry reported more than 3000 new infections for the fourth day running. The country logged 3650 coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours bringing the cumulative total to 386054. With 1199 infections Madrid accounted for nearly a third of the new cases. The regions deputy health chief Antonio Zapatero urged people to avoid unnecessary trips and meetings and said those in the worsthit areas should stay at home though he ruled out any mandatory confinement for now. Although were worried I dont think the situation merits targeted lockdowns he told reporters. https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-spain/spain-daily-coronavirus-infections-rise-to-3650-idUKKBN25H24Y 21st Aug 2020

New Lockdown

Euro Weekly News The government is seriously considering proposing a return to phase 2 of a restriction of movement in order to stop the spread of the virus across Spain. The worsening of the coronavirus pandemic in Spain has prompted Pedro Snchez to consider the possibility of implementing mobility restrictions in the autonomous communities similar to those of Phase 2 but without having to decree a state of alarm say sources from various regional governments. If there is no noticeable change in the current trend of the data which this Friday amounted to more than 3600 infections in a single day Spain could take steps back in its new normal and return according to the same sources to similar situations to those of Phase 2 although mobility limitations would be limited to the community and not on a provincial level. https://www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/08/23/spanish-government-considers-the-possibility-of-returning-to-phase-2-mobility-restrictions/ 21st Aug 2020