Scientists develop genome sequencing to trace virus cases
SYDNEY — Australian scientists said on Thursday they had developed a rapid genome sequencing method that would cut to within four hours the time taken to trace the source of coronavirus cases, helping to quickly contain any future outbreaks.
China tells cabin crew to wear diapers on risky COVID flights
China’s aviation regulator is recommending cabin crew on charter flights to high-risk COVID-19 destinations wear disposable diapers and avoid using the bathroom to reduce the risk of infection.
Pounded by pandemic ‘storm,’ poor nations need climate finance more than ever
BARCELONA — Many developing nations are under huge financial stress from the COVID-19 crisis, making it more important than ever that they receive the funding promised by rich nations to help them tackle climate change, said the head of the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
What do the UK allergic reaction cases mean for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine
Britain’s medicines regulator has advised people with a history of significant allergies not to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine after two people reported adverse reactions on the first day of its rollout in the UK.
Study links Japan’s domestic travel campaign to increased COVID-19 symptoms
TOKYO — Researchers in Japan found a higher incidence of COVID-19 symptoms among people who have participated in a domestic travel campaign promoted by...
Hackers steal Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine data in Europe, companies say
LONDON — US drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said on Wednesday that documents related to development of their COVID-19 vaccine had been...
Fitch unlikely to upgrade major economies even with vaccine
FITCH RATINGS told Reuters on Tuesday that upgrades of any major economy are unlikely in 2021 despite recent developments related to COVID-19 vaccination, and that countries in Latin America, the Middle East and Africa show the highest level of vulnerability to further negative action in the coming year.
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.
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.
Air freight prices ‘outrageous’ as COVID-19 shots rolled out, says WHO expert
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.
Leaders in COVID fight praised in Forbes list of world’s powerful women
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.
Poor countries seen missing out as rich nations hoard COVID-19 vaccines
Nine out of 10 people in dozens of poor nations could miss out on getting vaccinated against COVID-19 next year because rich countries have...