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UAE says China’s Sinopharm vaccine has 86% efficacy against  COVID-19

DUBAI — An experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by China’s Sinopharm has 86% efficacy against the virus, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) health ministry said on Wednesday, citing an interim analysis of a human trial underway there.

The Gulf Arab state has been conducting Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine since July and in September approved its emergency use for certain groups.

The analysis also shows “99% seroconversion rate of neutralizing antibody and 100% effectiveness in preventing moderate and severe cases of the disease,” the ministry said in a statement carried by the state news agency.

It also said it had registered the vaccine, without elaborating.

The vaccine, which uses an inactivated virus, unable to replicate human cells, to trigger immune responses, requires two doses, past trial data has showed.

The UAE trial is a partnership between Sinopharm’s China National Biotec Group (CNBG), Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company Group 42 (G42) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.

Sinopharm and G42 have also expanded the trial to Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain.

Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital, this week said it was seeking volunteers to take part in clinical trials of Russia’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine, known as Sputnik V.

The UAE, with a population of around 9 million, has recorded 178,837 infections and 596 deaths from the disease. — Reuters

Labor group seeks help for seafarers stranded by COVID

NEW YORK — Hundreds of thousands of seafarers around the world are stranded at sea due to coronavirus travel restrictions, unable to go home or get medical care, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said on Tuesday, calling on nations to address their plight.

Many shipping and transport workers have been at sea as long as 17 months or longer, as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related restrictions make it almost impossible to rotate crews, the United Nations’ labor agency said.

The ILO adopted a resolution asking nations to take action by providing medical care to seafarers in need, waiving visa or documentation requirements and designating seafarers as key workers who are allowed to go home.

“The problems faced by seafarers resulting from efforts to contain the virus have lasted unacceptably long,” said ILO Director General Guy Ryder in a statement.

“These key workers continue to transport the food, medicines and goods that we need, but their extended periods at sea, and the inability of seafarers ashore to relieve them, are simply unsustainable.”

About 90% of world trade goods are transported by sea, and coronavirus restrictions have crippled supply chains even as lockdowns ease in some parts of the world.

Nautilus International, a union of some 20,000 shipping workers, has launched a global campaign for crew changes by Christmas”

The London-based organization said it estimates 400,000 seafarers are stranded on ships, unable to be relieved.

Another 400,000 seafarers are home, unable to take over the jobs at sea and in serious financial hardship, it said.

At a virtual summit hosted by Britain in July, a dozen countries including the United States, Germany and Singapore agreed to open up their borders to seafarers and increase the number of commercial flights to speed up repatriation efforts.

But countries must act on their commitments, the U.N. agency said. In June, Pope Francis paid tribute to the stranded seafarers in a special video message, saying they were “not forgotten.” — Thomson Reuters Foundation

National team coaches all for building better players, system

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

ONE with having the right set of players and system for the country’s basketball program to go far, national coaches Tab Baldwin and Jong Uichico welcome efforts to go in that direction.

In separate podcast interviews last week, Messrs. Baldwin and Uichico, part of the coaching team for the youth-laden Gilas Pilipinas squad that recently saw action in the second window of the International Basketball Association (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers, said considering the international basketball landscape right now, focus should be given to shoring up the country’s hoops program not only for the present, but, more importantly, moving forward.

The two said the process could take some time, but it should not stop stakeholders from going for it if they want Philippine basketball to progress as hoped.

“There’s a lot to work on, but we have an excellent environment now to begin developing and building better basketball players and a better basketball system,” said Mr. Baldwin in his second guesting on Tiebreaker Vods’ Coaches Unfiltered podcast on Dec. 4.

The champion Ateneo coach, in his capacity as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Inc. (SBP) program director, helped compose the pool of players for the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Bahrain, and assisted head coach Uichico during the games.

SBP and the Gilas coaching staff went for youth in the window to showcase what the country’s young players can do and give them international exposure, in line with the thrust of preparing for the future, including for the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where the country is one of the host nations along with Japan and Indonesia.

It was a move that paid instant dividends as the team of amateur and collegiate stars not only competed in the window but won big, sweeping Thailand in their two-game series by an average winning margin of 28 points.

The twin victories helped the Philippines stay unscathed in the qualifiers and claim solo leadership in Group A with a 3-0 record heading into the final window set for February next year.

Mr. Baldwin said their run in Bahrain had its share of bumps, but overall provided much to take cue from as they sharpen their program moving forward.

“I’m really happy going into this experience with this Gilas pool of players… I knew what was coming, dealing with the players and it’s always a blessing, it’s always fun and exciting, but it’s always a challenge. There are difficulties in dealing with younger players, there’s so much teaching,” he said.

“There was more teaching when you have young players like we had against Thailand,” Mr. Uichico said, for his part, in his session on the 2OT podcast on Dec. 3.

“There’s more teaching because they still do not have the experience and learning curve of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players, but you have to forge ahead and keep teaching; which is why it is a good thing that this kind of program has started,” he added.

Part of the pool of players that saw action in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Bahrain were Dwight Ramos, Juan and Javi Gomez de Liano, Kobe Paras, Isaac Go, Matt and Mike Nieto, Will Navarro, Rey Suerte, Justine Baltazar, Calvin Oftana, Kenmark Carino, Jaydee Tungcab and Dave Ildefonso.

For the next window, both Messrs. Baldwin and Uichico said they will carefully chart their plans as far as composition of the players is concerned to come out with the best result possible.

“We are planning and obviously we have to talk to all of our partners that are involved in the basketball landscape, my good friends at the PBA, SBP, our bosses and all of the college teams, too,” said Mr. Baldwin.

Mr. Uichico said the team could have PBA players back, but he would not be surprised if players from the second window get a call-up anew.

Local obstacle sports federation continues to thrive amid pandemic

HAD it momentous in 2019, the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) continued to thrive, despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic this year.

One of the more successful Philippine sports associations in last year’s 30th Southeast Asian Games, where obstacle course racing accounted for 10 medals, six of which gold, the POSF said work continued for them after in further developing the sport and the local scene for it despite operating in extraordinary times. “We never stopped,” said Atty. Al Agra, POSF president, in his session at the online Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

Mr. Agra went on to say that while the pandemic has made their work all the more challenging, it has not stopped them from putting forth their plans and programs with the end view of keeping obstacle course racing relevant and building on the gains they have made since being established in 2017.

“We coined the term ‘advertunity’ in that there are opportunities amid the adversities. We relied on our resiliency. We did not look at the new normal but the better normal, and through sports contribute to sustainability and development in the country,” said Mr. Agra.

Apart from laying down programs for regular practitioners of the sport, POSF has also moved to use its platform to engage and involve other members of the community, in particular, street children, the visually impaired and the deaf, through the Association for Community Sports Advocates (ACSA).

“It’s sports for all with no discrimination. We created a primer on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) covering sports, human rights and our national athletes. We put up a template on sports ordinance for the cities, municipalities and provinces,” said the POSF head.

Mr. Agra was also happy to report that different communities in the country have started to take notice of obstacle course racing, by setting up race courses in their areas.

He cited Subic, Laguna, Boracay, Cebu, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as some of the places that have put up facilities.

POSF is also in the process of preparing an Obstacle in a Box (a 12-in-1 facility covering a limited space) for 20 schools, colleges, and universities in cooperation with the local government units.

“Appreciation for the sport really widened. During the lockdown, we held regular virtual workouts for the able-bodied, Para (special athletes), youth and seniors,” said Mr. Agra.

To finish the year, POSF is set to hold a face-to-face ninja event at the Pretty Huge Obstacles at SM Aura on Saturday.

Mr. Agra was quick to say though that the event will be conducted under strict health and safety protocols, with one athlete going at a time.

As for next year, the POSF is angling to host an Asian event in May and competing in a world event in Russia. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

PRURide PH pedals through despite the challenges

ALREADY a staple in the local cycling scene, Pru Life UK’s PRURide PH would not let the year 2020 be a total loss for the sport as it pushes to stage the yearly event albeit pivoting digitally.

To adapt with the prevailing conditions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Pru Life UK has brought the country largest cycling festival online by way of the PRURide Virtual Challenge on Pulse.

To kick off this month, the virtual event is powered by Pulse, Pru Life UK’s all-in-one health management app, and invites cyclists, enthusiasts, and families to experience fun and safe cycling wherever they may be.

It is open to all Pulse Android users who have subscribed to a free premium subscription.

The virtual challenge is staged in partnership with Garmin smartwatch, a fitness band that can be easily synchronized with Pulse to track participants’ performances.

To join the virtual rides, cyclists need to download the Pulse mobile app on any Android device and sync it with a Pulse-compatible wearable, such as a Garmin, Google Fit, and Fitbit. Within the app, users can choose between different Distance Challenges.

Families are also encouraged to join the community engagement activity in the Pulse Cycling – PRURider community for a chance to win special prizes such as Best Decorated Bike, Best Christmas-themed family photo with bike, and Best Kid Costume photo with bike.

Given how far PRURide PH has come since its first staging in 2016 and in line with their group’s “We Do Health” advocacy, Allan Tumbaga, Pru Life UK SVP and Chief Customer Marketing Officer, said they really pushed for the event to take place amid the challenges of the pandemic.

“The number of PRURide PH participants has been growing since 2016 and  the awareness for using cycling as building healthy habits has been increasing. It also has caught the attention of award-giving bodies for its mission,” said Mr. Tumbaga of the cycling festival.

“PRURide PH has always been an inclusive festival for all cyclists, from beginners to professionals. In addition to providing our participants with an extraordinary cycling experience, we also want Filipinos to have an opportunity to have fun even amid tough circumstances,” he added.

The PRURide Virtual Challenge on Pulse will happen until January 2021 with registration details to be announced soon. For more information, visit the www.prulifeuk.com.ph or the Pru Life UK Facebook page at facebook.com/prulifeukofficial. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Ronaldo double helps Juve to 3-0 win over Barcelona

BARCELONA — Cristiano Ronaldo netted two penalties as Juventus out-classed Barcelona 3-0 at the Camp Nou to claim top spot in Champions League Group G on Tuesday.

It was Ronaldo’s first meeting with Barca since leaving bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2018 and it did not take long for the forward to make his mark on the game.

The Portuguese tested Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen early on, before opening the scoring from the spot in the 13th minute after being felled by Ronald Araujo.

Defender Danilo flashed an effort just wide as the visitors cranked up the pressure, with a stunning Weston McKennie volley putting the Italian champions two goals up and in full control seven minutes later.

“The defeat was because of how we played in the opening 25 minutes,” a furious Barca coach Ronald Koeman said.

“We started badly, we looked scared, we weren’t aggressive. It looked as if we’d come out looking not to lose, as opposed to trying to control the game. We weren’t good, not even positionally.

“We got better, but we lost the game in the first half an hour.”

Both sides had already qualified for the knockout stages before kick-off. They ended the group phase on 15 points each, but Juve took first place by virtue of a superior head-to-head record.

Ronaldo got his second penalty when Clement Lenglet was penalised for handball seven minutes after the restart.

Things almost got worse for the Catalans a quarter of an hour from time when Leonardo Bonucci thought he had scored, only for a VAR review to show he had been offside as he bundled the ball in from close range.

The result puts the under-fire Koeman under pressure, with the club suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time under his stewardship.

Forward Antoine Griezmann, however, said the defeat was not Koeman’s fault.

“Who else’s fault could it be other than the players? We’re the ones who go out there and play,” he said.

“We were missing everything: desire, attitude, a willingness to run. Everything was bad.

“We’ve left a really bad image here tonight, for ourselves and for the fans.” — Reuters

Sixers to keep Simmons, Embiid, could be out on James Harden

PHILADELPHIA 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is apparently out of the James Harden sweepstakes if the Houston Rockets demand one of Philadelphia’s young All-Stars in return.

Morey, per ESPN, is unwilling to engage his former employer, the Rockets, in talks surrounding Harden if the return package includes point guard Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid.

Simmons, 24, was the first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and was selected to the 2020 All-Star team along with Embiid, the third pick in the 2014 draft.

Morey inherited the home-grown stars when he joined the franchise with new head coach Doc Rivers. The key decision-makers, along with general manager Elton Brand, have all made public commitments to keeping Simmons and the 26-year-old Embiid.

Harden officially became a holdout in Houston on Monday, when first-year coach Stephen Silas confirmed the 31-year-old former MVP wasn’t planning to show for training camp workouts.

“He’s not here and he has a reason, but that’s on him to tell whoever what the reason is,” Silas said.

Silas was hired to replace Mike D’Antoni, who left before Morey and is now an assistant coach for the Brooklyn Nets under Steve Nash. Harden is also reportedly interested in reuniting with D’Antoni, plus old Oklahoma City Thunder running mate Kevin Durant in Brooklyn.

Harden first reportedly broached a trade with the Rockets at the end of the season, around the same time Morey’s exit became official.

Harden averaged 34.3 points per game, but his one-season partnership with Russell Westbrook was not a playoff success. The Rockets finished in fourth place in the Western Conference at 44-28, but lost in five games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA playoffs.

Westbrook was traded to the Washington Wizards for John Wall earlier this month. — Reuters

Philippine startup fundraising hits $184 million in first half of 2020

The fintech sector accounted for over 80% of the total announced invested capital in startups, signaling a  pivot from traditional financial services toward tech-driven platforms. Image via Facebook/@PayMayaOfficial

Local startup ecosystem ranks 53rd in the world, up 17 places from three years ago

By Patricia B. Mirasol

The first half of 2020 saw total investments in Philippine startups reach an estimated $183.8 million, a 384% increase from the 2019 year-round estimated value of $37.9 million, according to the Philippine Venture Capital Report released by Foxmont Capital Partners, a venture capital fund.  

The first half of 2020 raised this record capital with a little over half the number of deals (14) versus the same period last year (24), the report added.

Fintech, information technology (IT) and software, and transport and logistics grabbed the most investment capital, with COVID-19 accelerating growth of the top sector. Fintech has transaction values forecasted to increase by 24% at the end of 2020.

The Philippine startup ecosystem currently ranks at 53rd in the world—17 positions up from its ranking three years ago. It has more than 400 startups, 50 angel investors, 40 venture capitalists, and 35 incubators and accelerators. 

TOP SECTORS
The fintech sector accounted for over 80% of the total announced invested capital in startups, signaling a  pivot from traditional financial services toward tech-driven platforms. The report noted the Philippines’ strong English language skills and its established outsourcing industries as creating a favorable environment for these startups.

IT and software is the second biggest startup sector, accounting for 8% of total deal value for the same period. Most of the IT and software activities related to telecommunications and business-to-business (B2B) software development as corporate entities opened up to technology that startups built. Transport and logistics comes in third, comprising 3% of the total deal value. Investment activity in this sector is driven by rising e-commerce demands—a sector with 2% of total deal value. 

E-commerce gross merchandise value (or the total value of merchandise sold over a period of time through a customer-to-customer exchange site) is projected to reach $12 billion by 2025, on track to becoming one of the fastest-growing sectors in Southeast Asia.

Despite the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, the report said that the country’s startup activity matured in a short period of time due to access to more mentors, the entry of new funds and investors, and the rising number of successes. 

CHALLENGES TO A PROMISING FUTURE
This year’s Philippine Startup Survey revealed that both founders and investors expect a promising future. Ninety-six percent of founders are confident about their prospects for revenue growth over the next two years, with 95% aiming to enter new territories in the next five years. 

Seventy-eight percent of investors, meanwhile, are confident about their prospects for revenue growth over the next two years, with 73% wanting to inject up to $5 million in Philippine startups in the next three years.

“Today, capital is not only flowing into businesses with the purpose of regional expansion—it’s pouring into original ideas and energetic founders,” Franco Varona, managing partner of Foxmont Capital Partners, said in a statement. “It’s an exciting time to be a problem solver in the Philippines.”

To capitalize on future prospects, the country needs to overcome a set of challenges, among them a lack of external funding and a scarcity of initiatives to boost startups in the growth stage toward becoming unicorns (as the majority of support systems such as government legislation and incubators are focused on early-stage efforts). 

Promising startups remain under the radar of offshore capital, the report added. Further challenges include the need to match the technical talent pool of neighboring regions like Singapore, traditional career aspirations hindering entrepreneurship, and the persistence of brain drain.

Air freight prices ‘outrageous’ as COVID-19 shots rolled out, says WHO expert

Christmas demand “exaggerates the problem” of soaring cargo rates, which should ease early next year in time for the ramp-up in vaccine shipments.

GENEVA — Some carriers are seeking “outrageous” prices to fly dry ice and other medical equipment in the pre-holiday rush, but a capacity squeeze should ease in 2021 when the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines is expected, the logistics chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday.

Distribution of vaccines to low- and middle-income countries will be tricky, due to grounded passenger air services in some places, and may rely on charters, Paul Molinaro, WHO chief of operations support and logistics, told Reuters.

Price inflation has been a growing feature in air freight, with “across the board increases especially since November,” Mr. Molinaro said.

He cited a price quote just received for a dry ice shipment, needed to cool some lab re-agents, which is around 20 times the norm.

“I just had a quote from a cargo (company)—a big one that shall remain nameless—Dallas (Texas) USA to Sierra Leone, Freetown—at sort of $105 a kilo, which is outrageous actually,” he said. The “normal price” would be $4–$6 per kilo, he said.

Mr. Molinaro said a range of factors had driven prices, including a greater than usual pre-Christmas increase in e-commerce as lockdowns keep people at home.

“So we have air freight rates coming out of China going up because of the introduction of the new iPhone, because of the introduction of Play Station 5, and because of the fact that products are in high demand anyway,” he said.

By January, available capacity might increase, he added.

Airline body IATA’s chief economist Brian Pearce told reporters on Tuesday that Christmas demand “exaggerates the problem” of soaring cargo rates, which should ease early next year in time for the ramp-up in vaccine shipments. “That’s the low season for the cargo business—that will free up a lot of capacity,” he said.

HOTSPOTS AND SANCTIONS
The WHO hopes to have half a billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines available for distribution by the global COVAX initiative in the first quarter of 2021, its chief scientist said on Friday.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which is taking the lead on delivering COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries, says it spent $35–$40 million on international vaccine freight in pre-crisis 2019 when it procured 2.43 billion doses for immunization campaigns against polio and other diseases.

Since then, prices have gone “through the roof,” the agency’s transport chief Pablo Panadero said. But UNICEF is negotiating lower rates with airlines for the airlift.

WHO may help arrange delivery of COVAX vaccine supplies to hotspots such as Somalia or Yemen or to sanctions-hit Iran or North Korea, Mr. Molinaro said.

“It will be areas where it is not necessarily straightforward using the regular passenger/cargo network,” he said.

“Syringes will be sea freight, you wouldn’t have air capacity to move that, no way,” he said.

The WHO is providing technical guidance to all countries on cold chain issues, Mr. Molinaro said, noting that the Pfizer vaccine requires storage at minus 70 degrees Celsius.

“We are still in a period with a lot of fog and crystal-ball kind of gazing, which obviously doesn’t make this easier.

“There may be a breakthrough vaccine that comes out, big production, 2–8 degrees, and that changes the game,” he said. — Stephanie Nebehay/Reuters

BDO, SM to hold first virtual ‘Pamaskong Handog 2020 on Dec 13’

Even amid the new normal, BDO and SM Supermalls are finding ways to continue its annual tradition of paying tribute to overseas Filipinos (OFs) and their families during the Christmas season.

The companies said that this year, the much anticipated “Pamaskong Handog” will be held as a virtual event; online but still full of star-studded guests and performers and exciting activities that Pamaskong Handog has been known for all these years.

This announcement was made today at a media teleconference, which officially launched  Pamaskong Handog 2020: Sama-Sama Tayo sa Pasko.

Among those who joined the announcement were BDO Unibank Senior Vice President Genie T. Gloria, BDO Unibank Senior Vice President Jamie Nasol, BDO Network Bank Senior Vice President Karen Cua, and SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing-South Luzon Ritchie Gonzales.

Ms. Gloria of BDO said this year’s Pamaskong Handog will be streamed through Facebook live on the BDO Kabayan Facebook page and will be simulcast on the BDO Unibank YouTube channel on December 13. The event will feature Piolo Pascual, Christian Antolin, Marcelito Pomoy, Beks Batallion, and Donekla.

“Our overseas Filipinos have been through a lot this year. We hope that by keeping the tradition of Pamaskong Handog alive, even under the rules of safety, we can still give a sense of optimism, that hope that we will get through this and we will all bounce back,” said Gloria.

Apart from the celebrities joining the event, viewers from all over the world will be treated to enjoy virtual games with many prizes.

Also participating as sponsors of the Pamaskong Handog event include World Remit, MoneyGram, Western Union, and Ria Money Transfer.

The event is one of the many initiatives of BDO, which has been actively engaging with OFs and their families, as many of them depend on the Bank for their financial-related transactions.

BDO Remit has become one of the nation’s lifeblood for years and during these trying times. It provides a safe, trusted, and reliable remittance channel for millions of Filipinos. Another service, BDO Cash Agad, provides bank services in remote locations of the archipelago. Meanwhile, BDO Network Bank, the rural bank subsidiary of BDO, takes care of the underserved and unserved customers, including the remittance beneficiaries who live in far-flung areas.

The number of OFs is estimated to number 12.5 million across more than 150 countries and continents.

As more OFs and their family members are expected to include Christmas shopping as part of their activities, SM Supermalls assured its commitment to serve the public through a safe malling experience for their needs amid the pandemic.

“Everyone was really concerned when the country went on quarantine. And since people still have to go out for their basic needs, SM Supermalls has prioritized customer safety and satisfaction with #SafetyMallingAtSM,” said Gonzales.

“We continue this practice with the utmost care given the increased operation of our malls with the lifting of the lockdowns. We make sure that each and every mall strictly follows safety and sanitation protocols that comply with government regulation to keep our malls as safe spaces,” he added.

Leaders in COVID fight praised in Forbes list of world’s powerful women

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among those recognized in the annual Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful women. -- Image via Reuters

NEW YORK — Female leaders who have stood out for their handling of the coronavirus earned honors on Tuesday in the annual Forbes list of the world’s 100 most powerful women, which highlighted women’s roles in battling the global pandemic.

Women from prime ministers to corporate executives earned spots in the list for their achievements helping mitigate and control the deadly contagious virus, which has infected more than 67 million people and caused 1.54 million deaths, Forbes said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike were particularly effective, it said.

“Where they differ in age, nationality and job description, they are united in the ways they have been using their platforms to address the unique challenges of 2020,” Forbes said on its website.

Prime Minister Erna Solberg. Image via Eirin Larsen/Office of the Prime Minister

It quoted Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, also on the list, who said recently that “countries where human rights are respected and where women are able to reach top positions in society are also the countries that are the best-equipped to handle crises by COVID-19.”

New Zealand eliminated coronavirus infections with a strict lockdown, reporting just over 2,000 cases of the virus and 25 deaths.

Taiwan kept the pandemic under control after instituting strict restrictions and largely closing its borders in January, long before Western countries, limiting cases of the virus to just over 700 and seven deaths, it said.

Of the 17 newcomers to the Forbes list, Carol Tomé, chief executive of United Parcel Service, where delivery volumes skyrocketed during lockdowns, and Linda Rendle, chief executive of Clorox, which boosted production of cleaning goods, were noted for their work.

At CVS Health, Karen Lynch, who becomes chief executive in February, took over the pharmacy giant’s COVID response and extensive network of testing sites. In 2021, she will be responsible for overseeing vaccine distribution at the company’s nearly 10,000 US locations.

Stacey Cunningham, the first woman to head the New York Stock Exchange, made the “swift” decision to shut down in-person trading as the virus was spreading in March, it said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel for a tenth consecutive year headed up the group of 100 women that also included leaders in entertainment, technology, philanthropy, and finance from 30 countries.

Other honorees included US Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. — Matthew Lavietes/Thomson Reuters Foundation

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