This week in coronavirus: Madness over mask mandates in Tennessee schools – Tennessean

This week in coronavirus: Madness over mask mandates in Tennessee schools – Tennessean

More children are being admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 as health systems struggle to deal with surge of new patients – CNN

More children are being admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 as health systems struggle to deal with surge of new patients – CNN

August 13, 2021

The seven-day average number of children reported hospitalized with Covid-19 jumped almost 30% to a new peak of 239 in the week ending August 9. That number is up from the 184 children reported the previous week, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Evaluating vaccines for children under 12 is now a top priority for the US Food and Drug Administration, and it is possible that doses could become available to them by the end of the year.

The urgency to get more of the population protected by vaccines is growing, said CNN medical analyst Dr. Leana Wen, who noted the worrying spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, adults being less cautious about protection -- and more children being admitted to hospitals.

"We have the more contagious Delta variant, we have surges and we have so many adults letting down their guard, not wearing masks, not getting vaccinated," Wen told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday.

"That's contributing to this really dangerous environment for children."

For people with compromised immune systems, including some cancer patients, those taking medications that suppress the immune system and organ transplant recipients, the two doses of mRNA vaccine or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson may not be enough to develop adequate antibodies, Murthy said.

These people "really never got a good response to begin with," from their immunizations, so the extra dose is "more of getting them up to what they hopefully had gotten the first time around, but we know because of their immune compromise, they didn't," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on NBC's "Today" show on Thursday.

The authorization would apply to less than 3% of adults, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday. The CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices will meet Friday to discuss the authorization, Walensky said.

The new school year already upended

For many students, the new school year has just begun -- and the fresh surge in cases is already causing disruption.

School officials in Reno, Nevada, told more than 80 students to quarantine after a child went to middle school two days after a positive coronavirus test.

Washoe County Health District officials said a parent of the child, who goes to Marce Herz Middle School, also tested positive. According to the health district, the parent refused to communicate with health department staff or the school officials.

In Mississippi, more than 4,400 students are quarantining after being exposed to Covid-19 during the week of August 2, according to data from the state's department of health.

In Lamar County, several schools were forced to switch to virtual learning to combat rising cases. Superintendent Steven Hampton proposed a hybrid schedule during a board meeting on Monday, saying while he believes face-to-face learning is best, a hybrid model would help avoid having all of the schools be virtual.

"Face-to-face learning is the best way for our children to learn but I just don't feel like it's safe," Hampton said.

In Florida's Palm Beach County, 440 students are quarantined after Covid-19 cases were detected, after just two days of the new school year.

Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday the state has passed a public health order requiring masks in indoor settings in K-12 schools, according to a news release from his office.

Current prevention guidelines for schools are the "best way" to prevent community transmission in the classroom, Walensky said Thursday.

"(The) best way to keep our schools safe, and we know how to do it, is to vaccinate everyone who can be vaccinated, vaccinate family members of children who cannot yet be vaccinated, and then to follow the mitigation strategies in our school guidance, including masking in schools."

Understaffed hospitals facing rising patient numbers

Increased protection in the community could also be important in reducing the burden on hospitals across the country.

In Mississippi, more than 1,300 of the nearly 1,500 people hospitalized are unvaccinated, the department of health tweeted Thursday.

There are currently 1,490 people hospitalized with Covid-19, of which 388 are in intensive care and 264 are on ventilators -- all three figures are records for the pandemic.

"Hospitals are operating at emergency capacity to cope with the incoming flood of COVID-19 patients," the health department added.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said that for the first time since February 8, there are more than 100 Covid-19 patients in hospital ICUs across the state.

In Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown said ICU beds are about 90% filled, with some hospitals starting their days with fewer than five available ICU beds.

"Oregon hospitals are facing a crisis that threatens to eclipse the most severe bed shortages they've faced at any point in the pandemic," said Pat Allen, Director of the Oregon Health Authority.

In Alabama, only 5% of ICU beds are available, Dr. Scott Harris, the state's health officer, said on Thursday, and at the current rate, "we will surpass our all-time high from back in January in the next three or four days."

"We need Alabamians to understand we are in a very difficult position right now," Harris said during a Covid-19 update.

In Mississippi, the University of Mississippi Medical Center reported its highest number of Covid-19 patients ever -- while citing problems with finding nursing staff as the "biggest pain point."

There are some medical, surgical and ICU beds unable to open due to low nursing staff numbers, said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, UMMC Vice Chancellor.

More places to require vaccination proof

An increasing number of Americans will be asked for proof of vaccination when they go to events or work.

The mandate, announced Thursday by Mayor London Breed, takes effect next Friday and applies to "high contact" indoor public spaces and events with 1,000 or more people.

The move makes San Francisco the first major US city to mandate proof of full vaccinations for some indoor activities. Earlier this month, New York City implemented a similar mandate but allowed for partial vaccination.

"We know that for our city to bounce back from the pandemic and thrive, we need to use the best method we have to fight COVID-19 and that's vaccines," Breed said in a statement.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced a similar requirement Thursday. The need to show proof of vaccination in some indoor places will begin Monday.

Boston Mayor Kim Janey on Thursday announced that all 18,000 city employees will be required to receive a Covid-19 vaccine or submit weekly testing results.

One of the country's biggest concert promoters, AEG Presents, announced that by October it will require proof of vaccination for all concertgoers and staff members in clubs, theaters and festivals.

The policy will be "limited only as required by law," AEG Presents said in a press release.

"We realize that some people might look at this as a dramatic step, but it's the right one," Jay Marciano, CEO of AEG Presents, said in a statement. "We also are aware that there might be some initial pushback, but I'm confident and hopeful that, at the end of the day, we will be on the right side of history and doing what's best for artists, fans, and live event workers."

And the music bands Phish and Dead and Company said they will require vaccine proof or negative coronavirus test results at concerts.

Authorities said the recent Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago was not a superspreader event despite hundreds of thousands of attendees.

Officials have identified only 203 cases of Covid-19 about two weeks after the festival, according to Chicago Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady. Of those, 58 are Chicago residents. Another 138 are Illinois residents and seven are from other states.

Officials believe 90% of attendees were vaccinated, Arwady said, though she said the health department has used a figure of 88%, calling that a "conservative estimate."

Prior to the festival's start, event organizers announced they would require proof of full vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result from the last 72 hours to enter.

CNN's Lauren Mascarenhas, Kaitlan Collins, John Bonifield, Cheri Mossburg, Naomi Thomas, Rebekah Riess, Amanda Watts, Maria Cartaya, Mallory Simon, Melissa Alonso, Chris Boyette, Hannah Sarisohn and Keith Allen contributed to this report.


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More children are being admitted to hospitals with Covid-19 as health systems struggle to deal with surge of new patients - CNN
Coronavirus in Illinois: 21,334 New COVID Cases, 92 Deaths, 215K Vaccinations in the Past Week – NBC Chicago

Coronavirus in Illinois: 21,334 New COVID Cases, 92 Deaths, 215K Vaccinations in the Past Week – NBC Chicago

August 13, 2021

Illinois health officials on Friday reported 21,334 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, along with 92 additional deaths and more than 215,000 new vaccine doses administered.

In all, 1,457,687 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state since the pandemic began. The additional deaths reported this week bring the state to 23,594 confirmed COVID fatalities.

The state has administered 421,009 tests since last Friday, officials said, bringing the total to more than 27 million tests conducted during the pandemic.

The states seven-day positivity rate on all tests rose to 5.9% from 5.2% last week which was up from 4.7% the week before, officials said. The rolling average seven-day positivity rate for cases as a percentage of total tests was up to 5.1% from 4.6% the week before, 4% two weeks prior and 3.3% three weeks ago.

Over the past seven days, a total of 215,157 doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered to Illinois residents - up from around 176,000 the week prior and bringing the states average to 30,737 daily vaccination doses over the last week, per IDPH data.

More than 13.5 million vaccine doses have been administered in Illinois since vaccinations began in December. More than 59% of adult residents in the state are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 76% receiving at least one dose.

As of midnight, 1,652 patients are currently hospitalized due to COVID in the state. Of those patients, 345 are in ICU beds, and 162 are on ventilators. All three metrics are a reported increase since last Friday.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker previously announced that all students and teachers in schools will be required to wear masks while indoors, as state officials take steps to try to slow the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19.

Pritzker says that the new requirement will take effect immediately, and will also apply to all students and coaches participating in indoor sports and other activities.

He also announced that employees at state-run congregant care facilities, including correctional facilities, veterans homes, and psychiatric hospitals, will be required to receive COVID vaccinations, effective Oct. 4.


Read the original here: Coronavirus in Illinois: 21,334 New COVID Cases, 92 Deaths, 215K Vaccinations in the Past Week - NBC Chicago
Israel, Widely Vaccinated, Suffers Another Covid-19 Surge – The Wall Street Journal

Israel, Widely Vaccinated, Suffers Another Covid-19 Surge – The Wall Street Journal

August 13, 2021

TEL AVIVAfter becoming one of the first countries to open up thanks to a widespread Covid-19 vaccination campaign, Israel is again on guard, this time against the spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

Mask mandates are back, including requirements to mask up for large outdoor gatherings. Many venues require people to show proof of vaccination, a negative Covid-19 test or proof of recovery from the virus. People returning from most countries have to quarantine for at least a week, even if they are fully vaccinated. Over-60s are being offered a third, booster shot of Pfizer Inc.s vaccine, and the government is planning to offer it to younger recipients with the hopes it can suppress the rise of cases of severe illness.

Health officials are warning that Israel could face a fourth lockdown during the Jewish holiday season in September if the country doesnt deliver more booster shots and improve on its wider vaccination rate; 60% of the total population are fully vaccinated, making up around 80% of adults.

A little over a month ago, day-to-day life in Israel was quickly getting back to normal. People were dining indoors or attending concerts without needing the so-called green pass, a digital certificate stored on phones to show the holder is fully vaccinated. But the more contagious Delta variant is forcing a change in tack, in a test case for what could happen elsewhere, including countries with high vaccination rates.

That window when we werent concerned about things was so brief, said Rena Magun, 61 years old, who co-runs a tourism and Jewish events-planning business with her husband in Jerusalem.


Excerpt from: Israel, Widely Vaccinated, Suffers Another Covid-19 Surge - The Wall Street Journal
ICE Detainees Say They’re Exposed To COVID-19. ICE Says It Follows Protocols – NPR

ICE Detainees Say They’re Exposed To COVID-19. ICE Says It Follows Protocols – NPR

August 13, 2021

Detainees walk with their hands clasped behind their backs along a line painted on a walkway inside the Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, La. Gerald Herbert/AP hide caption

Detainees walk with their hands clasped behind their backs along a line painted on a walkway inside the Winn Correctional Center in Winnfield, La.

Asylum seeker, Raudel, who wants to use only his first name for fear of being targeted, says he had no choice but to flee Cuba and come to the United States. He said he was routinely attacked by the police there for his political views that opposed the government.

"They took out all of my teeth," Raudel says, "and they forced me to abandon my country."

When Raudel made it to the U.S. border, he was sent to Adams Correctional facility in Mississippi to begin the legal asylum process and have a "credible fear" interview to declare why he came to the U.S. He was then transferred to River Correctional in Louisiana. In total, he was in detention for about five months. And, he says, COVID-19 conditions during his time in detention weren't great.

He says COVID-19 positive detainees were put together in one room. There was very little social distancing or mask wearing, and both sick and healthy people were mixed together during transfers.

"Many people had coronavirus," he says. "And they weren't worried about it."

Shortly after COVID-19 first hit the U.S., the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, emptied its detention facilities to help slow the outbreak. But in the last year, amid a surge of migrants crossing the southern border, ICE has detained tens of thousands of migrants.

Now, the agency is under fire from immigration advocates for how it's handling COVID-19 protocols while the highly transmissible Delta variant surges across the country. NPR analysis of publicly available ICE data on COVID-19 online shows the weekly percentage of COVID-19 positive detainees in monitoring or isolation has more than doubled since June from 2% of the population to around 6% as of last week.

Immigration attorney Mich Gonzalez with Southern Poverty Law says ICE's New Orleans Field office has been holding, moving and releasing detainees under conditions that are not pandemic safe. ICE data show rapid declines and increases in the number of people with COVID-19 over time.

"It's a place where people are being transported and transferred out, transferred in and transferred out. Of course, they're going to be exposed there," Gonzalez says. "The precautions that are supposed to be taken don't really work well because they violate their own protocols."

Another immigration attorney, Max Meyers, with the Mississippi Center for Justice says his clients have described unsafe transfer processes.

"I've had clients that have described to me in detail being transferred from Texas to Mississippi and being transported, in some instances, maskless, as well as sitting one person next to another on airplanes and then upon arrival being grouped into medium sized multipurpose rooms."

But, ICE spokesman Dexter Henson says they do follow their transfer and COVID-19 protocols to move people only when absolutely necessary and make sure they are not sick.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure that those that are under our control, that they have ties to the community and a support network near the location that they're detained," Henson says.

ICE's COVID-19 transfer protocols indicate that when it's necessary to transport individuals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, they can be transported in cars, but, "everyone in the vehicle must wear a mask."

Henson also says that the best way to stop spread is vaccination. He says the COVID-19 vaccination rate across ICE detention facilities is as high as 70%.

Still, the Department of Homeland Security's office of inspector general says it found problems when it randomly inspected Adams Correctional facility in Mississippi.

Ellen McSweeney, senior assistant to the chief of staff for the DHS OIG says, "they didn't necessarily always follow sick calls with detailed notes. Nor follow up in terms of recordkeeping. The staff and the detainees were not consistently using masks, nor social distancing."

Josiah Rich, an epidemiologist at Brown University, has spoken out against COVID-19 prevention practices in detention facilities before. He also says it's hard to fully analyze ICE data because the same principles used to study public health can't be applied to disease in correctional facilities.

"One of the things that many correctional systems do, and especially ICE seems to do a lot of, is shuffle people around, moving them from place to place. And that's the last thing you want to do when you have a contagious disease that's easily transmitted," he says.

"I think they've certainly improved their policies ... but, you know, people who run correctional and detention facilities ... they didn't train in public health. And how could they be expected to know that?" Rich asks.

McSweeney says by May, ICE had said it implemented many of the Office of Inspector General's recommendations at the Adams facility. But, OIG has received complaints about facilities from around the country.

"We have now an ongoing audit that is looking in greater depth at ICE's approach to covid-19 across detention facilities," McSweeney says.

That could take up to a year. In the meantime, immigration advocates and detainees say the best way to avoid COVID-19 spread is to avoid locking up so many people in the first place, in particular asylum seekers using legal means to enter the U.S.

Last month, hundreds were released on parole from detention centers in Louisiana, including Raudel. He and his friends were all vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19 before being sent to a host home in New Orleans.

"I had the opportunity to have the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. And I took it," Raudel says.

Raudel says he's tired, but happy to be vaccinated and out of detention where he was scared to get sick.

This story was produced by the Gulf States Newsroom, a collaboration between WWNO in New Orleans, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama and NPR. Support for health equity coverage comes from the Commonwealth Fund.

NPR's Austin Fast contributed to this report.


See the article here: ICE Detainees Say They're Exposed To COVID-19. ICE Says It Follows Protocols - NPR
Coronavirus tally: Global cases of COVID-19 top 205.4 million as FDA authorizes vaccine booster for those with weak immune systems – MarketWatch

Coronavirus tally: Global cases of COVID-19 top 205.4 million as FDA authorizes vaccine booster for those with weak immune systems – MarketWatch

August 13, 2021

The global tally for the coronavirus-borne illness headed above 205.4 million on Friday, while the death toll climbed above 4.33 million according to data aggregated by Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. leads the world with a total of 36.3 million cases and in deaths with 619,093 as the highly infectious delta variant continues to spread fast, especially in states with low vaccination rates. As expected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late Thursday authorized a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those with weakened immune systems in its first regulatory nod for a booster shot in the U.S. "The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease," acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock said in a statement. "After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech PFE, +2.22% BNTX, -0.57% or Moderna MRNA, -0.19% vaccines." The FDA's announcement was made ahead of the CDC advisory committee's meeting, which is scheduled for Friday. The committee is expected to decide whether the CDC should recommend an extra shot for people who are immunocompromised.India is second by cases at 32.1 million and third by deaths at 430,254 according to its official numbers, which are expected to be undercounted.Brazil is second in deaths at 566,896, but is third in cases at 20.3 million. Mexico has fourth-highest death toll at 246,811 but has recorded just 3.0 million cases, according to its official numbers. In Europe, Russia continues to pull ahead of the U.K. by deaths at 165,996, while the U.K. has 1301,016, making Russia the country with the fifth-highest death toll in the world and highest in Europe.


Read more: Coronavirus tally: Global cases of COVID-19 top 205.4 million as FDA authorizes vaccine booster for those with weak immune systems - MarketWatch
Field of Dreams game, murder hornets, coronavirus & more: Whats trending today – cleveland.com

Field of Dreams game, murder hornets, coronavirus & more: Whats trending today – cleveland.com

August 13, 2021

A look at some of the top stories trending online today around the world including the Yankees and White Sox playing at the Field of Dreams movie site, murder hornet spotted in Washington, coronavirus updates and much more.

Kevin Costner, White Sox and Yankees put on a show at Field of Dreams game in Iowa (USA Today)

The intro to MLBs Field of Dreams Game was a masterclass in nostalgia (Yahoo Sports)

Washington state has first live murder hornet sighting of 2021 (NBC News)

Nearly 200 million Americans under heat wave advisories. Heres where its the hottest (CBS)

Taliban speeds up advance in Afghanistan, captures 2 more major cities (AP)

These 8 states make up half of US Covid-19 hospitalizations. And the surge among the unvaccinated is overwhelming healthcare workers (CNN)

In the wake of declining statewide mask mandates, cities and counties are picking up the slack (NBC)

Extra COVID vaccine OKd for those with weak immune systems (AP)

Short-staffed hospitals battling COVID surge after opting not to staff up (ABC News)

Sony Delays Venom 2 Due To Covid Surges (Forbes)

China rejects need for further WHO coronavirus origins probe (AFP)

Britney Spears father agrees to step down as conservator (CNBC)

IHOP Adds Mimosas and More Alcoholic Options at Participating Locations Nationwide (People)

Amazon moves Lord of the Rings production from New Zealand to UK (The Verge)

Jennifer Aniston And David Schwimmer Confirmed To Be Just Friends (Forbes)


Read more here: Field of Dreams game, murder hornets, coronavirus & more: Whats trending today - cleveland.com
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals | FDA – FDA.gov

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals | FDA – FDA.gov

August 13, 2021

For Immediate Release: August 12, 2021

Espaol

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for the use of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals, specifically, solid organ transplant recipients or those who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is scheduled to meet Friday to discuss further clinical recommendations regarding immunocompromised individuals. Todays action does not apply to people who are not immunocompromised.

The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease. After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines, said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. Todays action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19. As weve previously stated, other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time. The FDA is actively engaged in a science-based, rigorous process with our federal partners to consider whether an additional dose may be needed in the future.

People who are immunocompromised in a manner similar to those who have undergone solid organ transplantation have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases, and they are especially vulnerable to infections, including COVID-19. The FDA evaluated information on the use of a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines in these individuals and determined that the administration of third vaccine doses may increase protection in this population. These patients should be counseled to maintain physical precautions to help prevent COVID-19. In addition, close contacts of immunocompromised persons should get vaccinated, as appropriate for their health status, to provide increased protection to their loved ones.

It is recommended that immunocompromised individuals discuss monoclonal antibody treatment options with their health care provider should they contract or be exposed to COVID-19. The FDA has authorized monoclonal antibody treatments for emergency use during this public health emergency for adults and pediatric patients (ages 12 and older weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. One authorized product includes use for preventative (prophylaxis) treatment after being exposed to SARS-CoV-2; however, this product is not a substitute for vaccination.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use in individuals ages 12 and older, and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is authorized for emergency use in individuals ages 18 and older. Both vaccines are administered as a series of two shots: the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered three weeks apart, and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is administered one month apart. The authorizations for these vaccines have been amended to allow for an additional, or third, dose to be administered at least 28 days following the two-dose regimen of the same vaccine to individuals 18 years of age or older (ages 12 or older for Pfizer-BioNTech) who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who are diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.

The EUA amendments for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine were issued to Pfizer Inc. and ModernaTX Inc., respectively.

###

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The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nations food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

08/12/2021


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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: FDA Authorizes Additional Vaccine Dose for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals | FDA - FDA.gov
Vietnam concerned over vaccine supply as COVID-19 cases near record – Reuters

Vietnam concerned over vaccine supply as COVID-19 cases near record – Reuters

August 13, 2021

A health worker wearing a protective suit labels a sample tube at the National Convention Center, the venue for the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Hanoi, Vietnam January 29, 2021. REUTERS/Kham/File Photo

HANOI, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Vietnam's government on Thursday said it was facing a tense situation over rising coronavirus cases and a shortage of vaccines, as the country saw another day of near-record cases from its longest and most severe outbreak yet.

Most of the 9,667 new infections were in the epicentre Ho Chi Minh City and its neighbouring industrial provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai. The health ministry said there were 326 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, taking overall fatalities to 4,813.

"The disease situation is very tense, and we face a vaccine shortage nationwide," said deputy prime minister Vu Duc Dam, who heads Vietnam's coronavirus taskforce.

Dam said deals and commitments had been secured for hundreds of millions of vaccines but delivery was slow. Vietnamese leaders have over the past months made around 20 phone calls to foreign counterparts to try to secure more.

Vietnam until recently has had one of Asia's best coronavirus containment records, but the situation has deteriorated lately, with infection numbers on a typical day exceeding those recorded over the whole of last year.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a cabinet meeting on Thursday urged domestic production of Vietnam's homegrown coronavirus vaccines to be brought forward.

Fewer than 1.1 million of Vietnam's 98 million people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to official data, one of Asia's lowest rates of immunisation. It has received around 18 million doses so far.

The country has recorded more than 246,500 infections, the overwhelming majority of those since late April.

Editing by Martin Petty

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.


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Vietnam concerned over vaccine supply as COVID-19 cases near record - Reuters
COVID-19: Nurse suspected of injecting thousands with saline solution instead of coronavirus vaccine in Germany – Sky News

COVID-19: Nurse suspected of injecting thousands with saline solution instead of coronavirus vaccine in Germany – Sky News

August 13, 2021

Thousands of people in Germany have been urged to get another shot of coronavirus vaccine, after it emerged that a Red Cross nurse may have injected them with a saline solution instead.

A police investigation is under way, with the nurse suspected of injecting people with a solution instead of genuine COVID jabs at a vaccination centre in Friesland - a rural district near the North Sea coast.

A saline solution is harmless but most people who were vaccinated between March and April in Germany - when the suspected switch took place - are elderly and at high risk from coronavirus.

"I am totally shocked by this episode," Sven Ambrosy, a local councillor, said on Facebook, as local authorities issued the call to around 8,600 residents who may have been affected.

"The district of Friesland will do everything possible to ensure that the affected people receive their vaccination protection as soon as possible."

Peter Beer, a police investigator, said to local media that based on witness statements there was "a reasonable suspicion of danger".

The motive of the nurse, who has not been not named, was not clear - but she had aired sceptical views about vaccines in social media posts, police investigators said.

It was not immediately clear whether the suspect had been arrested or charged in the case, which according to broadcaster NDR has been handed to a special unit that investigates politically motivated crimes.

Local police declined to comment outside of normal working hours.


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COVID-19: Nurse suspected of injecting thousands with saline solution instead of coronavirus vaccine in Germany - Sky News
Chet Hanks, whose parents were hospitalized with Covid-19, rants against vaccines and masks – CNN

Chet Hanks, whose parents were hospitalized with Covid-19, rants against vaccines and masks – CNN

August 13, 2021

Hanks shared a video on Instagram in which he initially pretended to encourage followers to get vaccinated. He then screamed "Sike!" and shouted: "You ain't sticking me with that m*therf**king needle," before erroneously comparing Covid-19 to the flu.

The musician's parents were among the first well-known people to contract the virus last March and isolated in an Australian hospital with severe symptoms.

The Covid-19 vaccines approved in the United States have been found to be safe and highly effective, and real-world data from around the world shows that the shots are reducing transmission and drastically lowering the chances of hospitalization and death.

Chet Hanks told followers he won't be getting a shot because he "never had Covid," and said those who suffer from the disease should "get over it ... Why we working around y'all?"

He also turned on mask-wearing in his evidence-free rant, saying he was "tired" of wearing a face covering. Last year, his father told reporters that wearing a mask is "so simple, so easy, if anybody cannot find it in themselves to practice those three very basic things -- I just think shame on you."

"My Lord, it's common sense," Tom Hanks added of mask-wearing and other health precautions like hand-washing and social distancing.

Tom Hanks and Wilson caught Covid-19 just as the disease was beginning to spread around the world and days before Europe and the United States imposed their first lockdowns.


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Chet Hanks, whose parents were hospitalized with Covid-19, rants against vaccines and masks - CNN