https://www.idse.net/Covid-19/Article/03-21/Vaccine-Origins-Unexpected-Adverse-Events-Variant-Effects-and-Other-News/62785
Vaccine Origins, Unexpected Adverse Events, Variant Effects and Other News

Variants of SARS-CoV-2 can evade antibodies that work against the original virus, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

The findings suggest that current COVID-19 vaccines and drugs may become less effective as the new variants become dominant.

“We’re concerned that people whom we’d expect to have a protective level of antibodies, because they have had COVID-19 or been vaccinated against it, might not be protected against the new variants,” said Michael S. Diamond, MD, PhD, the Herbert S. Gasser Professor of Medicine at Washington University.

https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/coronavirus-variant-in-brazil-infected-many-who-had-already-recovered-from-covid-19-957474.html
Coronavirus variant in Brazil infected many who had already recovered from Covid-19

Now three studies offer a sobering history of P.1’s meteoric rise in the Amazonian city of Manaus. It likely arose there in November and then fueled a record-breaking spike of coronavirus cases. It came to dominate the city partly because of an increased contagiousness, the research found.

But it also gained the ability to infect some people who had immunity from previous bouts of Covid-19. And laboratory experiments suggest that P.1 could weaken the protective effect of a vaccine now in use in Brazil.

The new studies have yet to be published in scientific journals.

https://www.deccanherald.com/science-and-environment/coronavirus-variant-in-brazil-infected-many-who-had-already-recovered-from-covid-19-957474.html
Coronavirus variant in Brazil infected many who had already recovered from Covid-19

Now three studies offer a sobering history of P.1’s meteoric rise in the Amazonian city of Manaus. It likely arose there in November and then fueled a record-breaking spike of coronavirus cases. It came to dominate the city partly because of an increased contagiousness, the research found.

But it also gained the ability to infect some people who had immunity from previous bouts of Covid-19. And laboratory experiments suggest that P.1 could weaken the protective effect of a vaccine now in use in Brazil.

The new studies have yet to be published in scientific journals.

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/covid19-contagious-brazil-variant-evades-immunity-scientists-warn-11614706056202.html
COVID-19: Contagious Brazil variant evades immunity, scientists warn

A highly transmissible COVID-19 variant that emerged in Brazil and has now been found in at least 20 countries can re-infect people who previously recovered from the disease, scientists said on Tuesday.

In a study of the mutant virus's emergence and its spread in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, the scientists said the variant - known as P.1 - has a "unique constellation of mutations" and had very rapidly become the dominant variant circulating there.

https://www.livemint.com/news/world/covid19-contagious-brazil-variant-evades-immunity-scientists-warn-11614706056202.html
COVID-19: Contagious Brazil variant evades immunity, scientists warn

A highly transmissible COVID-19 variant that emerged in Brazil and has now been found in at least 20 countries can re-infect people who previously recovered from the disease, scientists said on Tuesday.

In a study of the mutant virus's emergence and its spread in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, the scientists said the variant - known as P.1 - has a "unique constellation of mutations" and had very rapidly become the dominant variant circulating there.

https://www.salon.com/2021/03/02/cdc-director-mutant-coronaviruses-could-wipe-out-gains-in-fighting-covid-19/
CDC director: Mutant coronaviruses could wipe out gains in fighting COVID-19

CDC director warned that the rise of mutant coronavirus strains could wipe out all of the gains made so far in fighting the pandemic.

She noted that new infections increased by 2% last week compared to the week before that one, a stark contrast to how numbers had been declining over several previous weeks.

Walensky urged states to avoid prematurely lifting COVID-19 restrictions that could help slow or prevent transmission of the virus.

"I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from COVID-19," Walensky explained. She urged the public to continue wearing masks and following other public health safety measures.

https://www.salon.com/2021/03/02/cdc-director-mutant-coronaviruses-could-wipe-out-gains-in-fighting-covid-19/
CDC director: Mutant coronaviruses could wipe out gains in fighting COVID-19

CDC director warned that the rise of mutant coronavirus strains could wipe out all of the gains made so far in fighting the pandemic.

She noted that new infections increased by 2% last week compared to the week before that one, a stark contrast to how numbers had been declining over several previous weeks.

Walensky urged states to avoid prematurely lifting COVID-19 restrictions that could help slow or prevent transmission of the virus.

"I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from COVID-19," Walensky explained. She urged the public to continue wearing masks and following other public health safety measures.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid-19-variant-wastewater-vaccine-1.5936959
Ottawa's race between the COVID-19 vaccine and the variants

It's been a great week for COVID-19 vaccine news in Ottawa. Health Canada approved a fourth vaccine. The federal government announced more doses than expected of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be delivered this month.

But when it comes to other COVID-19 developments, it's been a worrying week.

Many coronavirus indicators — case counts, hospitalizations, wastewater measurements — are on the rise. Ottawa is on the edge of more-restrictive red zone, when the city's trying to move to the less-stringent yellow.

Perhaps most concerning of all is the news that the number of COVID-19 cases involving variants has jumped substantially.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/covid-19-variant-wastewater-vaccine-1.5936959
Ottawa's race between the COVID-19 vaccine and the variants

It's been a great week for COVID-19 vaccine news in Ottawa. Health Canada approved a fourth vaccine. The federal government announced more doses than expected of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be delivered this month.

But when it comes to other COVID-19 developments, it's been a worrying week.

Many coronavirus indicators — case counts, hospitalizations, wastewater measurements — are on the rise. Ottawa is on the edge of more-restrictive red zone, when the city's trying to move to the less-stringent yellow.

Perhaps most concerning of all is the news that the number of COVID-19 cases involving variants has jumped substantially.

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-06/speedy-variants-power-virus-surge-sweeping-europe
Speedy coronavirus variants powering another surge in Europe

Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and a reversal that ended a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday.

“The spread of the variants is driving the increase, but not only,’’ said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, citing “also the opening of society, when it is not done in a safe and a controlled manner.”

“That is why health systems are struggling more now,” Kluge said. “It really is at a tipping point. We have to hold the fort and be very vigilant.”

https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-06/speedy-variants-power-virus-surge-sweeping-europe
Speedy coronavirus variants powering another surge in Europe

Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and a reversal that ended a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday.

“The spread of the variants is driving the increase, but not only,’’ said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, citing “also the opening of society, when it is not done in a safe and a controlled manner.”

“That is why health systems are struggling more now,” Kluge said. “It really is at a tipping point. We have to hold the fort and be very vigilant.”

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-who-warn-against-relaxing-pandemic-fight-worries-brazil-14345024
WHO warns against relaxing COVID-19 pandemic fight, worries about Brazil

The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines should not tempt countries to relax efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, top WHO official said, citing concern that Brazil's epidemic could spread to other countries.

"We think we're through this. We're not," Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergency expert, told an online briefing. "Countries are going to lurch back into third and fourth surges if we're not careful."

Record COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Brazil this week and its hospital system is on the brink of collapse, driven partly by a more contagious variant first identified there.

On a global level, COVID-19 case numbers reversed a six-week downwards trend last week despite the delivery of millions of doses of vaccines in recent weeks, WHO data showed.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-who-warn-against-relaxing-pandemic-fight-worries-brazil-14345024
WHO warns against relaxing COVID-19 pandemic fight, worries about Brazil

The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines should not tempt countries to relax efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, top WHO official said, citing concern that Brazil's epidemic could spread to other countries.

"We think we're through this. We're not," Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergency expert, told an online briefing. "Countries are going to lurch back into third and fourth surges if we're not careful."

Record COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Brazil this week and its hospital system is on the brink of collapse, driven partly by a more contagious variant first identified there.

On a global level, COVID-19 case numbers reversed a six-week downwards trend last week despite the delivery of millions of doses of vaccines in recent weeks, WHO data showed.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/03/04/task-force-warns-israel-on-verge-of-another-covid-outbreak/
Is Israel on the verge of another COVID outbreak?

A new report by a military intelligence task force on the coronavirus has found corona infections in Israel are widespread.

"We are on the verge of a renewed outbreak," task force members said, noting Israel's relatively high average weekly infection rate
The experts noted that those who had recovered from the virus, however, were at risk of reinfection with the South African and possibly New York variants.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2021/03/04/task-force-warns-israel-on-verge-of-another-covid-outbreak/
Is Israel on the verge of another COVID outbreak?

A new report by a military intelligence task force on the coronavirus has found corona infections in Israel are widespread.

"We are on the verge of a renewed outbreak," task force members said, noting Israel's relatively high average weekly infection rate
The experts noted that those who had recovered from the virus, however, were at risk of reinfection with the South African and possibly New York variants.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7675174/coronavirus-pandemic-end7675174/
‘When will it end?’: New data suggests COVID-19 could become endemic

Chris Murray, a University of Washington disease expert had until recently been hopeful that the discovery of several effective vaccines could help countries achieve herd immunity, or nearly eliminate transmission through a combination of inoculation and previous infection.

But in the last month, data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7675174/coronavirus-pandemic-end7675174/
‘When will it end?’: New data suggests COVID-19 could become endemic

Chris Murray, a University of Washington disease expert had until recently been hopeful that the discovery of several effective vaccines could help countries achieve herd immunity, or nearly eliminate transmission through a combination of inoculation and previous infection.

But in the last month, data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/with-rise-in-infections-officials-weigh-slowing-down-israel-s-lockdown-exit-plan-1.9576964
With Rise in Infections, Health Officials Weigh Slowing Down Israel's COVID Lockdown Exit Plan

The Health Ministry is worried by the rise in the infection coefficient for COVID-19, as well as by the general increase in new infections

The ministry is reevaluating how and when to introduce the next stage of the lockdown exit that was meant to start at the beginning of next week.

The third stage of reopening, set to begin on March 7, but the Health Ministry might seek to delay it

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/with-rise-in-infections-officials-weigh-slowing-down-israel-s-lockdown-exit-plan-1.9576964
With Rise in Infections, Health Officials Weigh Slowing Down Israel's COVID Lockdown Exit Plan

The Health Ministry is worried by the rise in the infection coefficient for COVID-19, as well as by the general increase in new infections

The ministry is reevaluating how and when to introduce the next stage of the lockdown exit that was meant to start at the beginning of next week.

The third stage of reopening, set to begin on March 7, but the Health Ministry might seek to delay it

https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/can-you-spread-coronavirus-after-getting-covid-19-vaccine/
Can you spread coronavirus after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person who is vaccinated against COVID-19 can still be infected with or “carry” the virus that causes COVID-19 while not feeling sick or having symptoms. Experts call this “asymptomatic infection.”

The CDC says the vaccine is effective at keeping you from getting sick, but scientists are still learning how well it prevents people from spreading the virus.

https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/can-you-spread-coronavirus-after-getting-covid-19-vaccine/
Can you spread coronavirus after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person who is vaccinated against COVID-19 can still be infected with or “carry” the virus that causes COVID-19 while not feeling sick or having symptoms. Experts call this “asymptomatic infection.”

The CDC says the vaccine is effective at keeping you from getting sick, but scientists are still learning how well it prevents people from spreading the virus.

https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/warning-that-south-african-coronavirus-variant-is-out-of-control-in-israel-1.512502
Warning that South African coronavirus variant is ‘out of control’ in Israel

An Israeli health official raised concern that the South African coronavirus variant has “gotten out of control”.

Israel has now administered at least one dose of the vaccine to over 96 per cent of its eligible population. Concerns exist over efficacy of Pfizer vaccine against the strain

https://www.thejc.com/news/israel/warning-that-south-african-coronavirus-variant-is-out-of-control-in-israel-1.512502
Warning that South African coronavirus variant is ‘out of control’ in Israel

An Israeli health official raised concern that the South African coronavirus variant has “gotten out of control”.

Israel has now administered at least one dose of the vaccine to over 96 per cent of its eligible population. Concerns exist over efficacy of Pfizer vaccine against the strain

https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/mutating-covid-19-mars-optimism-initially-brought-on-by-vaccines-report-101614792659774.html
Mutating Covid-19 mars optimism initially brought on by vaccines: Report

https://www.hindustantimes.com/health/mutating-covid-19-mars-optimism-initially-brought-on-by-vaccines-report-101614792659774.html
Mutating Covid-19 mars optimism initially brought on by vaccines: Report

https://globalnews.ca/news/7675174/coronavirus-pandemic-end7675174/
‘When will it end?’: New data suggests COVID-19 could become endemic

Chris Murray, a University of Washington disease expert had until recently been hopeful that the discovery of several effective vaccines could help countries achieve herd immunity, or nearly eliminate transmission through a combination of inoculation and previous infection.

But in the last month, data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7675174/coronavirus-pandemic-end7675174/
‘When will it end?’: New data suggests COVID-19 could become endemic

Chris Murray, a University of Washington disease expert had until recently been hopeful that the discovery of several effective vaccines could help countries achieve herd immunity, or nearly eliminate transmission through a combination of inoculation and previous infection.

But in the last month, data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/with-rise-in-infections-officials-weigh-slowing-down-israel-s-lockdown-exit-plan-1.9576964
With Rise in Infections, Health Officials Weigh Slowing Down Israel's COVID Lockdown Exit Plan

The Health Ministry is worried by the rise in the infection coefficient for COVID-19, as well as by the general increase in new infections

The ministry is reevaluating how and when to introduce the next stage of the lockdown exit that was meant to start at the beginning of next week.

The third stage of reopening, set to begin on March 7, but the Health Ministry might seek to delay it

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/with-rise-in-infections-officials-weigh-slowing-down-israel-s-lockdown-exit-plan-1.9576964
With Rise in Infections, Health Officials Weigh Slowing Down Israel's COVID Lockdown Exit Plan

The Health Ministry is worried by the rise in the infection coefficient for COVID-19, as well as by the general increase in new infections

The ministry is reevaluating how and when to introduce the next stage of the lockdown exit that was meant to start at the beginning of next week.

The third stage of reopening, set to begin on March 7, but the Health Ministry might seek to delay it

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/when-will-it-end-how-a-changing-virus-is-reshaping-scientists-views-on-covid-19-1.9586488
'When Will It End?': How a Changing Virus Is Reshaping Scientists' Views on COVID-19

A new consensus is emerging among scientists, according to Reuter’s interviews with 18 specialists who closely track the pandemic or are working to curb its impact

Data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

Many described how the breakthrough late last year of two vaccines with around 95% efficacy against COVID-19 had initially sparked hope that the virus could be largely contained, similar to the way measles has been.

But, they say, data in recent weeks on new variants from South Africa and Brazil has undercut that optimism. They now believe that SARS-CoV-2 will not only remain with us as an endemic virus, continuing to circulate in communities, but will likely cause a significant burden of illness and death for years to come.

The shift in thinking among scientists has influenced more cautious government statements about when the pandemic will end.

At least a few of the scientists Reuters interviewed said even in the wake of those results, they hadn't expected the vaccines to wipe out the virus.

https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/when-will-it-end-how-a-changing-virus-is-reshaping-scientists-views-on-covid-19-1.9586488
'When Will It End?': How a Changing Virus Is Reshaping Scientists' Views on COVID-19

A new consensus is emerging among scientists, according to Reuter’s interviews with 18 specialists who closely track the pandemic or are working to curb its impact

Data from a vaccine trial in South Africa showed not only that a rapidly-spreading coronavirus variant could dampen the effect of the vaccine, it could also evade natural immunity in people who had been previously infected.

Many described how the breakthrough late last year of two vaccines with around 95% efficacy against COVID-19 had initially sparked hope that the virus could be largely contained, similar to the way measles has been.

But, they say, data in recent weeks on new variants from South Africa and Brazil has undercut that optimism. They now believe that SARS-CoV-2 will not only remain with us as an endemic virus, continuing to circulate in communities, but will likely cause a significant burden of illness and death for years to come.

The shift in thinking among scientists has influenced more cautious government statements about when the pandemic will end.

At least a few of the scientists Reuters interviewed said even in the wake of those results, they hadn't expected the vaccines to wipe out the virus.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0227/1199793-life-after-vaccines/
Life after vaccines: When will it return to normal?

"It's unclear to me what an end to this pandemic will look like," said Dr Kim Roberts, a virologist at Trinity College in Dublin.

"It would take a huge global effort to eliminate SARS Covid 2.

"Whether it's even possible to eliminate this virus is hotly debated because of how it is mutating

The reason control measures will remain in place beyond vaccines is because Covid-19 jabs alone are unlikely to be sufficient to achieve herd immunity.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0227/1199793-life-after-vaccines/
Life after vaccines: When will it return to normal?

"It's unclear to me what an end to this pandemic will look like," said Dr Kim Roberts, a virologist at Trinity College in Dublin.

"It would take a huge global effort to eliminate SARS Covid 2.

"Whether it's even possible to eliminate this virus is hotly debated because of how it is mutating

The reason control measures will remain in place beyond vaccines is because Covid-19 jabs alone are unlikely to be sufficient to achieve herd immunity.

https://www.wired.com/story/the-pandemic-will-end-but-covid-19-may-be-here-to-stay/
The Pandemic Will End—but Covid-19 May Be Here to Stay

This won’t be over soon. Between the slow pace of global vaccination and the rapid emergence of virus variants—potentially driven by the selective pressure that patchy vaccine coverage is putting on the virus—researchers and policymakers are beginning to admit that Covid-19 is here for good.

https://www.wired.com/story/the-pandemic-will-end-but-covid-19-may-be-here-to-stay/
The Pandemic Will End—but Covid-19 May Be Here to Stay

This won’t be over soon. Between the slow pace of global vaccination and the rapid emergence of virus variants—potentially driven by the selective pressure that patchy vaccine coverage is putting on the virus—researchers and policymakers are beginning to admit that Covid-19 is here for good.

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/special-focus/covid-19/international-update-who-warns-against-virus-rebound-as-global-covid-infections-rise-new-variant-detected-in-us/
International update: WHO warns against ‘virus rebound’ as global Covid infections rise – New variant detected in US

The global Covid death toll has passed 2.53 million with a figure of 2,539,880 according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, infections have passed 114.4 million world wide.

The number of new coronavirus infections globally rose last week for the first time in seven weeks, the World Health Organization said on Monday. Part of the reason is that countries are easing restrictions, people are letting their guard down and variants are spreading, WHO officials said at a media briefing.

“If the last week tells us anything, it’s that this virus will rebound,” said Maria van Kerkhove, the group’s technical lead officer on Covid-19. “This virus will rebound if we let it. We cannot allow it to take off

https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/special-focus/covid-19/international-update-who-warns-against-virus-rebound-as-global-covid-infections-rise-new-variant-detected-in-us/
International update: WHO warns against ‘virus rebound’ as global Covid infections rise – New variant detected in US

The global Covid death toll has passed 2.53 million with a figure of 2,539,880 according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, infections have passed 114.4 million world wide.

The number of new coronavirus infections globally rose last week for the first time in seven weeks, the World Health Organization said on Monday. Part of the reason is that countries are easing restrictions, people are letting their guard down and variants are spreading, WHO officials said at a media briefing.

“If the last week tells us anything, it’s that this virus will rebound,” said Maria van Kerkhove, the group’s technical lead officer on Covid-19. “This virus will rebound if we let it. We cannot allow it to take off

https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-digest-global-infections-up-for-first-time-in-weeks-warns-who/a-56732232
Coronavirus digest: Global infections up for first time in weeks, warns WHO

The number of new COVID-19 infections globally rose last week for the first time in seven weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the surge in infections was "disappointing but not surprising."

He called on nations worldwide not to ease coronavirus measures, stressing that it was too early for countries to rely only on vaccination campaigns and abandon other measures.

"If countries rely solely on vaccines, they are making a mistake. Basic public health measures remain the foundation of the response," he said.

https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-digest-global-infections-up-for-first-time-in-weeks-warns-who/a-56732232
Coronavirus digest: Global infections up for first time in weeks, warns WHO

The number of new COVID-19 infections globally rose last week for the first time in seven weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the surge in infections was "disappointing but not surprising."

He called on nations worldwide not to ease coronavirus measures, stressing that it was too early for countries to rely only on vaccination campaigns and abandon other measures.

"If countries rely solely on vaccines, they are making a mistake. Basic public health measures remain the foundation of the response," he said.

https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/what-will-happen-when-everyone-is-vaccinated-for-covid-19-48195491
Why We Can Expect Some COVID-19 Changes to Linger, Even After Most People Are Vaccinated

If we flash forward to that (beautiful) moment, when most Americans are vaccinated, what will life look like then? It's too early to say for sure, but experts predict life will still be different, at least for a while.

For one thing, we don't have complete confirmation that the vaccines reduce transmission of the virus, only that they make it less likely you'll get severe COVID-19 if you do contract the virus.

In other words, you'll be protected once you get the vaccine, but you could still pass on the virus to someone else. Because of that, experts recommend continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands frequently, and practicing social distancing even after you're vaccinated as a way to protect the people around you.

Once widespread vaccination is attained, some doctors believe we'll continue to see more mask-wearing than before. "I suspect that people will be wearing masks at some point going forward, during winter seasons or even when not in a pandemic," "There'll just be more mask wearing than in the past."

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel-vaccine/israel-looking-to-buy-36-million-booster-shots-of-covid-19-vaccine-idUSKBN2AT2YG
Israel looking to buy 36 million booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists have raised the probability of regular boosts to deal with coronavirus variants.

“We are working on bringing a further 36 million vaccines for the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu said in public remarks. “The vaccines we have, no one knows how long they last...We need to prepare for the worst scenario. The worst scenario is that we have to vaccinate every half year.”

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel-vaccine/israel-looking-to-buy-36-million-booster-shots-of-covid-19-vaccine-idUSKBN2AT2YG
Israel looking to buy 36 million booster shots of COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists have raised the probability of regular boosts to deal with coronavirus variants.

“We are working on bringing a further 36 million vaccines for the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu said in public remarks. “The vaccines we have, no one knows how long they last...We need to prepare for the worst scenario. The worst scenario is that we have to vaccinate every half year.”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/data-shows-coronavirus-pushed-israels-2020-death-rate-up-by-as-much-as-10/
Data shows coronavirus pushed Israel’s 2020 death rate up by as much as 10%

The coronavirus outbreak pushed Israel’s mortality rate up from its lowest-ever level at the start of 2020 to numbers not seen since the 1990s, according to a report published Monday.

The number of deaths in the country rose by 7 percent during 2020 compared to the years 2017-2019, taking into consideration population growth. However, considering the fact that the figures had been expected to decrease without the virus spread, the mortality rate actually rose by about 10%, according to study author Prof. Alex Weinreb.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/data-shows-coronavirus-pushed-israels-2020-death-rate-up-by-as-much-as-10/
Data shows coronavirus pushed Israel’s 2020 death rate up by as much as 10%

The coronavirus outbreak pushed Israel’s mortality rate up from its lowest-ever level at the start of 2020 to numbers not seen since the 1990s, according to a report published Monday.

The number of deaths in the country rose by 7 percent during 2020 compared to the years 2017-2019, taking into consideration population growth. However, considering the fact that the figures had been expected to decrease without the virus spread, the mortality rate actually rose by about 10%, according to study author Prof. Alex Weinreb.

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S11ULanzu
Israel sees spike in infection spread, drop in contagion rate

Israel on Wednesday said although its coronavirus contagion rate is now the lowest it has been in months, the infection spread has increased once again.

The basic reproduction number (R number), meanwhile, has risen once again according to the Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center, a special IDF taskforce.

The taskforce's report says the increase in the R number is likely related to the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the spread of the British variant, which has long become the dominant one in Israel.

https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S11ULanzu
Israel sees spike in infection spread, drop in contagion rate

Israel on Wednesday said although its coronavirus contagion rate is now the lowest it has been in months, the infection spread has increased once again.

The basic reproduction number (R number), meanwhile, has risen once again according to the Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center, a special IDF taskforce.

The taskforce's report says the increase in the R number is likely related to the lifting of lockdown restrictions and the spread of the British variant, which has long become the dominant one in Israel.

https://www.cp24.com/news/covid-19-cases-start-to-climb-again-as-variants-spread-in-step-with-dire-forecasts-1.5330620
COVID-19 cases start to climb again as variants spread, in step with dire forecasts

Canada's chief public health officer says new COVID-19 cases are starting to tick back up after a month of decline.

The increase is in keeping with models forecasting a spike in cases over the next two months unless strict public-health measures remain in place to combat more contagious strains of the virus.

“The concern is that we will soon see an impact on hospitalization, critical care and mortality trends,”

https://www.cp24.com/news/covid-19-cases-start-to-climb-again-as-variants-spread-in-step-with-dire-forecasts-1.5330620
COVID-19 cases start to climb again as variants spread, in step with dire forecasts

Canada's chief public health officer says new COVID-19 cases are starting to tick back up after a month of decline.

The increase is in keeping with models forecasting a spike in cases over the next two months unless strict public-health measures remain in place to combat more contagious strains of the virus.

“The concern is that we will soon see an impact on hospitalization, critical care and mortality trends,”

https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-03-01/the-latest-uk-finds-brazilian-virus-variants-hunts-others
Brazil Health Officials Urge Lockdowns, Curfews

Brazilian health officials are urging nationwide lockdowns and curfews because hospitals are running short of intensive-care unit beds

“The return of the pandemic in several states is making private and public assistance networks collapse and has brought imminent risk of spreading it to all regions of Brazil,” adding that the nation is experiencing its worst moment since the pandemic began.

Last week was Brazil’s deadliest of the pandemic, with 8,244 deaths from the virus.

https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-03-01/the-latest-uk-finds-brazilian-virus-variants-hunts-others
Brazil Health Officials Urge Lockdowns, Curfews

Brazilian health officials are urging nationwide lockdowns and curfews because hospitals are running short of intensive-care unit beds

“The return of the pandemic in several states is making private and public assistance networks collapse and has brought imminent risk of spreading it to all regions of Brazil,” adding that the nation is experiencing its worst moment since the pandemic began.

Last week was Brazil’s deadliest of the pandemic, with 8,244 deaths from the virus.