Category: General Interest

Researchers apparently found a new combination of two mutation variants in a virus in some samples. One consequence could be implications for vaccination protection.As recently discovered mutations of SARS-CoV-2 continue to spread, British scientists are warning of a new mutation. They are testing samples of the coronavirus for mutations on behalf of the British government. Now researchers have apparently found a combination of two variants in one virus. The BBC reports that some samples showed an altered genetic profile of the virus. The altered spike protein E484K, found in the…

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Expert panel recommendation: but with logistical problems with mRNA vaccines, there is nothing to prevent use of Astra-Zeneca vaccine in people 65 plus.The 18 members of the National Immunization Panel at the Department of Health and Human Services unanimously recommend use of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine in the 18- to 64-year-old age group. “There are sufficient good safety and effectiveness data for this age group to recommend the vaccine as having good efficacy against symptomatic infection and severe morbidity (hospitalization, intensification, death) for 18- to 64-year-olds,” according to the preamble to…

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MANILA, Philippines—the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that they will be lifting the travel restrictions on the 36 countries with reported cases of the new Covid-19 variants starting Feb 1, following a directive from the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Emerging and infectious Diseases (IATF). However, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente clarified that other travel restrictions remain in place. “We are still limiting the entry of foreign nationals to the country, following the IATF,” said Morente. “Generally speaking, tourists are still not allowed to enter the country,” he added. Current restrictions only…

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As of Monday, the government will consult with experts, state governors and opposition leaders on the way forward in the fight against the pandemic. After six weeks of lockdown, there could be the first opening steps starting Feb. 8: in retail, in service providers close to the body and in schools – which are expected to return to face-to-face classes in shifts. However, the lockdown will not end, given the still-high infection numbers. “The mutations are putting the brakes on a complete relaxation,” Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) said in a…

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FFP2 masks, unlike FFP3 masks, “are not virus-proof masks,” explains virologist Norbert Nowotny of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in an interview published by APA. This has to do with the smaller number of filter layers. Nevertheless, FFP2 masks would protect against viruses. The pore size of the filters is 600 nanometers, he said. SARS-CoV-2 viruses are only 100 to 120 nanometers in size, Nowotny explains, but they move in the air in the form of tiny droplets (aerosols) or adhere to dust particles. These are usually larger than…

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“The first vaccines were available just before Christmas, and today more than 82 million doses have already been vaccinated worldwide – that’s unprecedented.” Austrian Infectiologist Herwig Kollaritsch is confident about the start-up of “the largest vaccination campaign in human history.” Most doses have been administered so far in the U.S. (about 25 million), China (23 million), the U.K. (8 million) and Israel (4.5 million) – meaning Israel has vaccinated the largest share of the population so far (about 33 percent). Friday also saw new trial data from two other manufacturers:…

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US vaccine maker Moderna will initially deliver fewer doses than expected to Italy in February. Government Commissioner Domenico Arcuri told the press in Rome on Friday that the US company had said there should be a 20 percent reduction. The EU Commission, which is centrally responsible for vaccine procurement, said possible supply problems from Moderna were currently being discussed in the steering committee. Arcuri said, according to the ANSA news agency, “Moderna has just informed us that for the week of Feb. 9, 132,000 of the planned 166,000 doses will…

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As expected, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently granted a conditional marketing authorization for Astra Zeneca’s Corona vaccine. Nearly a year after the outbreak of the pandemic, this means a third vaccine is now available, in addition to those from Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna. The vaccine will be licensed for all persons 18 years of age and older. Previously, there had been speculation that it could only be approved for people under 65. Formal approvalNow the EU Commission still has to formally approve the approval: This process can take only a…

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Hungary has become the first European Union country to approve the Chinese CoV vaccine. The National Institute of Pharmacy and Nutrition has given its approval for the vaccination of Sinopharm’s vaccine, the head of Hungary’s health authority, Cecilia Muller, said today. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced he himself would be vaccinated with the Chinese drug. He has “the most confidence” in Sinopharm, Orban said. “I will wait for my turn, and when the time comes, I will choose the Chinese vaccine.” Justifying his decision, the head of government said…

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