New Delhi: The novel coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate countries across the world — the latest count being over 11.4 crore cases and more than 25 lakh deaths.
On Monday, Ghana and its neighbour Ivory Coast became the world’s first nations to administer vaccines from COVAX. Late last year, Bolivia had struggled to secure a vaccine deal with large drug firms, and then, it struck a deal with Russia for its Sputnik V vaccine for 20 per cent of its population. And, in Belgium, people over the age of 55 may be given the Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine.
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Ghana, Ivory Coast receive world’s first COVAX shots
On Monday, Ghana and its neighbour the Ivory Coast became the world’s first nations to administer vaccines from COVAX, reports Al Jazeera. Ivory Coast received 5,04,000 doses of the vaccine Friday and plans to start inoculating three per cent of its population.
It is a global scheme to get free coronavirus vaccines for poorer countries.
“Ghana was the first country to receive vaccines from COVAX, the Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Pre-preparedness Innovations (CEPI),” said the report.
Ghana has recorded 84,023 cases of Covid-19 and 607 deaths while, Ivory Coast has recorded 32,791 cases of Covid-19 and 193 deaths, so far.
Also read: Counterfeit vaccine scandal raises doubts over China-made shots & other global Covid news
Latin America turns to Russia amid scramble for vaccine
Late last year, Bolivia had struggled to secure a vaccine deal with large drug firms. Then, it struck a deal with Russia for its Sputnik V vaccine for 20 per cent of its population.
Apart from Bolivia, there are a couple of other countries in Latin America that have turned to Russia for vaccine deals, such as Argentina and Brazil, reports Reuters.
“For Russia, acceptance in Latin America lends legitimacy to its vaccine, which faced initial skepticism,” said the report.
Bolivia has recorded 2,49,767 cases of Covid-19 and 11,666 deaths.
Belgium considers ‘U-turn’ on using Oxford vaccine for people above 55
People over the age of 55 in Belgium could be given the Oxford AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine. This comes after Belgium had earlier decided to give the vaccine to only younger age groups owing to lack of data on the efficacy of the vaccine, reports The Guardian.
“Images of empty vaccination centres and reports of untouched stockpiles of doses lying in fridges has led to an outcry over the slow progress in administering vaccines,” said the report.
Belgium has recorded 7,72,294 cases of Covid-19 and 22,106 deaths.
Singapore’s vaccination drive boosts hope for some normalcy
With Singapore’s vaccination drive in full swing, there is some hope of normalcy returning in the country, reports The Straits Times.
It has been two months since Singapore rolled out its inoculation drive. It is estimated that 1.25 million people in the country will be vaccinated by the end of next month.
Singapore has recorded 59,948 cases of Covid-19 and 29 deaths.
Turkey eases Covid restrictions, cafes and eateries reopen
In a press conference Monday, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the country is starting its process of easing coronavirus restrictions, reports The Daily Sabah.
The country has vaccinated over 10 per cent of its population so far. Restaurants have been allowed to operate with 50 per cent capacity, from 7 am to 7 pm.
Further, elementary schools grades from 8 to 12 will resume in-person classes.
Turkey has recorded 27,11,479 cases of Covid-19 and 28,638 deaths.
What else we are reading:
New Zealand urged ‘don’t let virus divide you’ as Covid frustration builds: The Guardian
US and China should join forces to find the animal host, top Chinese scientists say: South China Morning Post
India to get biggest share of Covax shots from WHO despite tepid demand for vaccine