A grieving man sits next to the coffin of a Covid-19 victim in the Vila Formosa cemetery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on March 24.
Photographer: Victor Moriyama / Bloomberg
Photographer: Victor Moriyama / Bloomberg
AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine was 76% effective in a US study, a slightly downgraded estimate based on the latest data gathered from a controversial clinical trial, adding even more uncertainty to the recordings.
According to data from Johns Hopkins University, there were more than 30 million cases in the US. Brazil surpassed 300,000 deaths from Covid-19, the second most in the world. Singapore will relax measures to allow more people to return to offices and allow for larger meetings.
Boris Johnson warned that the UK may need stricter border measures “very soon” to prevent the arrival of Covid-19 variants from continental Europe that threaten to undermine the roll-out of vaccines in the country. The European Union and the UK signaled a thawing of vaccine sharing relationships.
Main Developments:
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Astra Reports Lower Efficacy Amid Questions (9:12 AM HK)
AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine was 76% effective in a US study – a slightly lower estimate based on the latest data gathered from a controversial clinical trial, and a twist that creates a new layer of uncertainty for the injections.
The company released the new analysis after an independent supervisory board raised concerns that the initial 79% efficiency was based on outdated information. The earlier reading was based on data collected through February 17. The glitch of data could slow the vaccine’s ability to obtain US authorities approval, although it will likely still play a critical role in stopping the pandemic.
Trudeau, Von der Layen Talk After EU Export Move (09.10 hrs HK)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Ursula Von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, after the EU took steps to tighten export restrictions on vaccines.
According to a lecture from Trudeau’s office, “they agreed on the importance of rolling out safe and effective vaccines as soon as possible, including with regard to the continued close cooperation between Canada and the EU.”
Johnson may warn the UK of stricter border rules ‘very soon’ (8:10 am HK
The UK may need “Very soon” stricter border measures to prevent the arrival of Covid-19 variants from continental Europe that threaten to undermine the country’s vaccination drive, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Parliament.
Ministers should weigh up any decision to impose tighter restrictions – including possible virus checks on carriers coming from France – against the very serious disruption resulting from the curtailment of trade across the Channel, he said.
Nissan stops production in Brazil until April 12 over Covid (7:41 am HK)
Nissan is leave all workers at the Resende industrial complex between March 26 and April 9, according to an emailed statement from Nissan Brazil, and production is expected to resume on April 12. The move is intended to ensure worker safety and adapt the company to the current situation while ensuring business continuity, the Japanese automaker said.
Weaker Africa virus controls sparked more serious wave: study (7:30 am HK)
The relaxation of coronavirus-related controls in African countries and the emergence of more transmissible variants have led to a second wave of infections that is more serious than the first, according to a study published in The Lancet Journal.
Brazil Exceeds 300,000 Dead (6:11 AM HK)
Brazil only became the second country to cross the 300,000 death mark from Covid-19, as the virus continues to rage and engulf hospitals.
It took just two and a half months for Brazil to go from 200,000 to 300,000 deaths, compared to five months between 100,000 and 200,000 deaths, showing just how truthfully the virus and its P.1 variant is spreading.
The Health Ministry reported 2,009 additional deaths on Wednesday, bringing the toll to 300,685. The number of new confirmed cases increased by 89,992 in the past 24 hours to a total of 12.2 million. Both totals are the highest worldwide after the US
CDC Speeds Cruise Industry Hopes For Restart (4:15 pm NY)
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are insisting on a staged return to cruise lines, undermining the industry’s hopes for a quick reboot.
Cruise ships docked in Miami on March 2.
Photographer: Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Cruise Lines International Association, the main lobby group for cruise lines including Carnival Corp., released a statement earlier Wednesday calling on the CDC to scrap the order and agree to resume US sailings by July. But in an email response to questions, the CDC said the so-called Framework for Conditional Sailing Order, or CSO, remains in effect.
More US States Expand Vaccine Suitability (15:40 NY)
Louisiana, Idaho and Utah joined the growing list of US states that will allow anyone 16 and older to get coronavirus vaccines in the coming weeks.
Duterte Warns Vaccine Line Jumpers (11:30 am NY)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte officials warned against skipping the vaccine queue, saying the nation is at risk of losing donated doses from the World Health Organization-backed Covax facility if health workers are not prioritized.
Iceland imposes stricter limits (11:30 am NY)
Iceland, whose response to the pandemic is considered one of the best in the world, is imposing stricter social measures after an increase in infections linked to the British variant. The new restrictions, which will be in effect for three weeks, include the closure of schools and universities.
Abandoned Hanover city center during a lockdown on March 24.
Photographer: Julian Stratenschulte / picture alliance / Getty Images
Cyprus Visitor Opening (8:49 am NY)
Cyprus will open its borders to visitors from the US, Russia and Ukraine from April 1, the tourism ministry said Wednesday. All travelers who have been tested and shown to be Covid-free and who have not come into close contact with a confirmed case are guaranteed a quarantine-free stay, the company said. Cyprus said Tuesday that it will reopen its borders in April for those coming from Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while visitors from the UK can come from May 1.
Belgium tightens restrictions (8:07 am NY)
The Belgian federal government and regions have tightened virus restrictions for the first time since the end of October, schools closed a week before the two-week Easter holidays and ordered hairdressers and beauty salons to close for another four weeks from Saturday.
Belgium shies away from tougher lockdown measures introduced twice last year, allowing non-essential retailers to remain open by appointment and not impose restrictions on domestic traffic.
Merkel Scraps Easter Lockdown (7:38 am NY)
Chancellor Angela Merkel asked the German people for forgiveness after a rare public apology for provoking massive criticism with plans for a five-day Easter freeze.
Merkel dropped the proposal, calling it a “mistake,” after a hastily organized video conference with the leaders of the 16 German states some 33 hours after the move was announced.
– With the help of Karen Leigh