Previous COVID infection may offer less protection from new variant
JOHANNESBURG — Previous infection with the coronavirus may offer less protection against the new variant first identified in South Africa, scientists said on Monday, although they hope that vaccines will still work.
Biden to block Trump’s plan to lift travel restrictions
WASHINGTON — US President-elect Joe Biden plans to quickly extend travel restrictions barring travel by most people who have recently been in much of Europe and Brazil soon after President Donald Trump lifted those requirements effective Jan. 26, a spokeswoman for Mr. Biden said.
WHO says close to Pfizer deal that would give poorer countries access
GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) is in advanced negotiations with Pfizer to include the firm’s coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shot in the body’s vaccine-sharing scheme, which would speed vaccine deliveries to poorer countries, a senior WHO official said on Monday.
Accenture to extend home working in Italy beyond COVID emergency
Consulting and outsourcing services provider Accenture Plc said on Monday it would extend home working for its employees in Italy beyond the coronavirus emergency.
IMF chief sees ‘high degree of uncertainty’ in global outlook
WASHINGTON — The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday said the global lender needed more resources to help heavily indebted countries,...
Sinovac steps up defense of shot after confusing data
China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. defended the efficacy of its coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shot, saying the vaccine that’s being rolled out from Indonesia to...
Vaccine disparities raise alarm as COVID variants multiply
GLOBAL gaps in access to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are raising concerns that the continued spread of the coronavirus will breed more dangerous versions of the pathogen, weakening medical weapons and further crippling economies.
Egypt unveils 3,000-year old coffins in latest archaeological discovery
CAIRO — Egypt has unveiled a significant new archaeological discovery at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, including 54 wooden coffins, many of which can be traced back 3,000 years to the New Kingdom period.
Samsung’s Lee receives 30-month prison term in bribery trial
SEOUL — A South Korean court sentenced Samsung Electronics vice chairman Jay Y. Lee to two and a half years in prison, the court said on Monday, which will have major ramifications for his leadership of the tech giant as well as Korea’s views toward big business.
Thailand sold itself as a paradise COVID retreat — no one came
It’s hard to imagine a more luxurious place to spend two weeks of quarantine than the Anantara Phuket Suites & Villas in Thailand, where visitors are pampered in private residences that can have their own pool and courtyard.
Brazil clears emergency use of Sinovac, AstraZeneca vaccines, shots begin
BRASILIA/RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Sunday approved emergency use of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines from China’s Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and Britain’s AstraZeneca, clearing the way for immunizations as the pandemic enters a deadly second wave.
How to stay safe with a new fast-spreading coronavirus variant on the loose
A fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has been found in at least 10 states in America, and people are wondering: How do I protect myself now?