South Africa has recorded 20 Covid-19 deaths on Sunday, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.

"Regrettably, we report 20 more COVID-19 related deaths: 4 from KwaZulu-Natal, 6 from Gauteng, 4 from Eastern Cape, and 6 from Western Cape."

This brings the total number of Covid-19 related deaths to 15 447.

New infections rise by 1 579, pushing the number of cases to 649 793.

#COVID19 Statistics in SA as at 13 September.

Use the COVID Alert SA app to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community. Start using this privacy preserving app today. Add your phone to the fight! Download the Covid Alert SA app now! https://t.co/8YKEqaiiRF pic.twitter.com/And0i4sZwm

— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) September 13, 2020

India, which has consistently reported over 1 000 Covid-19 deaths daily this month, has now recorded 78 586 fatalities from the disease. It lags only the United States globally in overall number of infections, but it has been adding more daily cases than the United States since mid-August.

"India is considering emergency authorisation of a Covid-19 vaccination," said Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. "If there is a consensus we may go ahead with it, especially in the case of senior citizens and people working in high-risk settings."

Vardhan said the timeline on Phase III trials could be shortened by giving emergency authorisation, but stressed no corners would be cut in clinical trials and that a vaccine would only be made available when the government could ensure its safety and efficacy.

He said no date has been set for a vaccine launch, but added results of trials should be clear by the first quarter of 2021.

"A vaccine expert group has been established recently by the government to look into various issues related to the delivery of vaccines to vulnerable populations."

India considers emergency authorisation of vaccine as Covid-19 cases surge | News24

India is considering granting an emergency authorisation for a Covid-19 vaccine, particularly for the elderly and people in high-risk workplaces, as the country's number of reported infections passed 4.75 million.

UK Covid-19 deaths rise to 41 628

The United Kingdom has reported 3 330 confirmed new daily cases of Cvid-19, according to government data published on Sunday, compared with 3 497 a day earlier.

It also reported a further five deaths from the disease, bringing the total to 41 628, according to figures that show fatalities within 28 days of a first positive test.

Scotland reported 244 new cases, the most since May 6.

England is due to bring in a new ban on social gatherings on Monday in a bid to curb a rise in infections.

Israeli minister quits as coronavirus lockdown looms over Jewish holidays

An Israeli cabinet minister tendered his resignation on Sunday in protest at a looming coronavirus lockdown that he argued would unfairly impede religious celebrations of Jewish holidays.

The restrictions - the most extensive Israel will have imposed since a lockdown that ran from late March to early May - are expected to go into effect on Friday, the Jewish new year Rosh Hashana, and span into the Yom Kippur fast day on Sept 27.

"This wrongs and scorns hundreds of thousands of citizens," Housing Minister Yaakov Litzman, who heads an ultra-Orthodox Jewish party in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conservative coalition, said in his resignation letter.

IsraelBNews: Look at how Litzman is wearing his mask, when writing his resignation letter. #Israel's ex-health minister, who went to shul knowing he was supposed to be in bidud and delayed harsher restrictions to after Purim #corona #covid19 #coronavirus ???????? pic.twitter.com/8EJo4U5gS3

— IsraelB (@IsraelBayit) September 13, 2020

- Reuters

Dozens arrested at Melbourne anti-lockdown protest

Melbourne – Authorities in Melbourne arrested more than 70 people for flouting stay-at-home orders to protest against lockdown restrictions on Sunday, with some demonstrators clashing with riot police at a market in the city.

About 250 people attended the illegal protest – the second in as many days in the city – promoted by coronavirus conspiracy groups on social media.

The demonstrators ignored official warnings and public health orders to gather at the central Queen Victoria market, calling for an end to a weeks-long lockdown of Australia's second-biggest city.

They were met by a heavy police presence, with scuffles breaking out as the riot squad swept through market's fruit and vegetable aisles.

Police arrested 74 people and fined 176, saying in a statement that "many protestors were aggressive and threatened violence towards officers".

One man believed to be a "primary agitator" is facing charges of incitement while another was charged with assaulting police, according to the statement.

Last weekend, "Freedom Day" events were held across Australia to protest what some labelled the government's "overblown" response to the pandemic, which has killed more than 900 000 people worldwide.

 - AFP

India reports over 94 000 new coronavirus cases, over 1 000 more deaths

MUMBAI – India reported 94 372 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Sunday, taking total cases past 4.7 million, as infection numbers rose in several states amid a gradual opening up of businesses.

The number of deaths rose to 78 586, with 1 114 new deaths, health ministry data showed.

While several states showed a rise in infections, including the capital New Delhi and the central Chhattisgarh state, the highest numbers were from the India's biggest and richest state, Maharashtra, which reported 8 204 fresh cases.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in a news briefing on Sunday urged residents to wear masks and maintain social distancing, amid growing fatigue over a drawn-out lockdown that has made many lax about taking precautions.

 - REUTERS

Iran's confirmed coronavirus cases exceed 400 000 - health ministry

DUBAI – The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Iran rose by 2 089 to 402 029, a health ministry spokesperson told state TV on Sunday, as the country reported 128 new deaths in the past 24 hours.

Sima Sadat Lari said the official death toll stood at 23 157 in Iran, one of the worst-hit countries in the Middle East.

 - REUTERS

Indonesia reports sixth consecutive day of over 3 000 new infections

JAKARTA – Indonesia on Sunday reported its sixth consecutive day of over 3 000 new cases of novel coronavirus infection, just as the capital city of Southeast Asia's most populous country prepares to re-impose social distancing restrictions.

New infections on Sunday reached 3 636 with new deaths at 73, showed data from the health ministry's website. That brought the total number of infections to 218 382 and deaths to 8 723.

To try and stem the spread of the virus in Jakarta, employees of businesses considered non-essential will be required to work from home from Monday. Certain government workers will be allowed to work from offices.

Markets and shopping centres will be permitted to stay open with admittance at half capacity, and restaurants within shopping centres will be allowed to operate for take-out only, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan told a news briefing on Sunday.

"Our main focus is to set restrictions in office spaces," Baswedan said. "We hope this will put a stop to the rising number of cases in office clusters."

The curbs will be implemented for two weeks, but can be extended, he said.  

- REUTERS

Coronavirus toll at 11:00 (GMT) Sunday

Paris – The novel coronavirus has killed at least 921 097 people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP at 11:00 (GMT) on Sunday.

At least 28 819 490 cases of coronavirus have been registered. Of these, at least 19 133 300 are now considered recovered.

The tallies, using data collected by AFP from national authorities and information from the World Health Organisation (WHO), probably reflect only a fraction of the actual number of infections. Many countries are testing only symptomatic or the most serious cases.

On Saturday, 4 806 new deaths and 284 827 new cases were recorded worldwide. Based on latest reports, the countries with the most new deaths were India with 1 114 new deaths, followed by Brazil with 814 and the United States with 523.

The United States is the worst-hit country with 193 705 deaths from 6 486 401 cases. At least 2 434 658 people have been declared recovered.

After the US, the hardest-hit countries are Brazil with 131 210 deaths from 4 315 687 cases, India with 78 586 deaths from 4 754 356 cases, Mexico with 70 604 deaths from 663 973 cases, and the United Kingdom with 41 623 deaths from 365 174 cases.

The country with the highest number of deaths compared to its population is Peru with 93 fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants, followed by Belgium (86), Spain (64), Bolivia (63), and Chile (62).

 - AFP

Coronavirus science | Week in review: Face mask redesigned, recovery, and retesting after infection 

Recap of the latest coronavirus research and science: Redesigning the face mask; long recoveries for some; and retesting a month after infection.

LATEST SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

As Covid-19 spreads and masks become mandatory in many more parts of the world, there have been plenty of debates about which types of masks are most effective. The valve mask, for example, provides comfort, but it doesn’t protect other people against droplets that escape through the vents. Some prefer masks with elastic bands that loop around the ears, while others prefer simple cotton buffs.

Research has shown that some masks are more effective than others, but even the simplest single-layer cotton mask can decrease the amount of droplets expelled. Even though we theoretically understand this, masks are, however, still a bit of a struggle for some.

Now, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a new mask to incorporate protection and comfort – and are providing plans so that people can make it themselves.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

South Africa has recorded an increase of 1 816 positive cases of Covid-19, bringing the total to 648 214.

49 more deaths have been reported.

This brings the total number of deaths to 15 427.

Recoveries sit as 576 423, with an 88.9% recovery rate.

UN adopts Covid response resolution, US votes against

The United States was supported only by Israel Friday in a vote against a UN resolution for a "comprehensive and coordinated response" to the Covid-19 pandemic, a text that included recognition of the WHO's leadership role.

WATCH | Covid-19 testing teams in Cameroon met with skepticism

Cameroon launched a mobile testing campaign in July to raise awareness about the Covid-19 pandemic among people in crowded areas such as markets.

But the job of health care workers is a difficult one, as some Cameroonians doubt the coronavirus exists. 

India reports record daily jump in Covid-19 cases for second straight day

India reported a record daily jump in coronavirus cases for a second consecutive day, logging 97 570 new infections on Saturday, data from the federal health ministry showed.

With total cases of more than 4.65 million, India is the world's second worst affected country, trailing only the United States, which has more than 6.4 million cases.

But the growth in infections in India is faster than anywhere else in the world, with cases surging through urban and rural areas of some large, populous states.

- Reuters

Coronavirus morning update: Details on KZN Covid tender deals, SA's rules on kids and masks

The KwaZulu-Natal government names those who scored big with Covid-19 contracts; and kids aged 2 to 5 "must be encouraged" to wear masks, SA rules say - but the WHO disagrees.

The SA death toll hits 15 378, while the number of cases now sits at 646 398

The total number of recoveries is now 574 587- a recovery rate of 88,9%.

Here are five stories that made headlines on Friday

The KwaZulu-Natal government has named those who scored big with   Covid-19 contracts. The list includes directors of electricity, media, and cleaning companies paid out of the R2.1 billion spent. Premier Sihle Zikalala said the point of releasing the report was to get an understanding of how money was spent and who benefitted, particularly in light of transformation goals.

A survey by non-profit organisation Save the Children has found that home violence and no school causes suffering and loss for poor children during Covid-19. The survey, titled Protect A Generation, examines what children have faced since the start of Covid-19 pandemic six months ago. It was conducted in 46 countries.

A small group of entertainers matched to the Union Buildings to hand over a memorandum demanding that events be allowed. The protesters said since the lockdown they have not been able to earn any money. One of protesters told News24, “As a father, it’s been heartbreaking to see my child go to school without the things that he had before Covid-19”.

Meanwhile, evidence that South Africa has under-reported its true death toll from Covid-19 has been mounting for weeks but the health department and government have not given a clear explanation. Researchers at the South African Medical Research Council and the University of Cape Town have found more than 42 200 excess deaths in South Africa between 6 May and 1 September.

Avbob says it has conducted close to 4 000 Covid-19 burials between June and August 2020. The funeral home said it saw a 35% increase in overall burials but it cannot be attributed to Covid-19 alone. “The least number of funerals over all three months were conducted in Limpopo,” Avbob spokesperson  Marius du Plessis said.

-Compiled by Nokuthula Khanyile  

Children aged 2 to 5 ‘must be encouraged’ to wear masks, new SA rules say. The WHO disagrees.

In guidance on children last updated on 21 August, the WHO advises that children under age five should, generally, not wear masks.

"This advice is based on the safety and overall interest of the child and the capacity to appropriately use a mask with minimal assistance," the body says.

If masks must be used for some reason, the WHO says, perhaps because children will be in close contact with someone who is ill, their use should be closely monitored. More closely than a teacher in an ECD centre can manage.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Covid-19 wrap | Global cases hit 28.32 million, France says virus crisis 'worsening'

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 28.32 million, death toll at 910 255 More than 28.32 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 910 255 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Meanwhile, nearly 100 Senegalese soldiers tested positive this week for the coronavirus after returning home from a deployment in neighbouring Gambia, a military source said on Friday.

The source said testing continued of the contingent of 600 soldiers, who are part of a force deployed in 2017 to enforce President Adama Barrow's election victory over then-President Yahya Jammeh.

The source did not say how the soldiers may have been infected.

Entertainers petition govt to allow events again: 'We went from providers to beggars'

It’s been six months since DJ Keletso Monaanyane known as Hypnotic-K has performed at a gig.

As a club and event DJ, this is how he makes his money, but since the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in South Africa and the country went into lockdown, he has been reduced to an unemployment statistic.

"We are not making any money, we went from providers to beggars," Monaanyane told News24.

Monaanyane said for the first three months he dipped into his savings, hoping that government would soon re-open nightclubs and allow the running of events such as concerts and festivals.Once his savings ran out, he had to start asking people for money, as there have been no Covid-19 relief funds made available by government for DJs, according to Monaanyane.

"As a father it’s been heartbreaking to see my child go to school without the things that he had before Covid-19."

Ibuprofen and Covid-19: How credible sources can drive misinformation during a pandemic

Verán advised patients with Covid-19 not to take ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties, warning that it could lead to mortality among Covid-19 patients.

Health24 reported on Verán’s tweet, wherein the Minister stated that anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, can be "an aggravating factor" in Covid-19 infection.

After his tweet was posted, panic ensued and discussions among medical experts quickly followed, with the World Health Organization (WHO) later tweeting that they do not advise against the use of the medication.

This false news about ibuprofen initially started as a WhatsApp voice message in Germany, then made it onto the Minister’s Twitter account, and, over a period of two weeks, spread to France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy.

Almost 100 Senegalese soldiers test positive for coronavirus

DAKAR – Nearly 100 Senegalese soldiers tested positive this week for the coronavirus after returning home from a deployment in neighbouring Gambia, a military source said on Friday.

The source said testing continued of the contingent of 600 soldiers, who are part of a force deployed in 2017 to enforce President Adama Barrow's election victory over then-president Yahya Jammeh.

The source did not say how the soldiers may have been infected.

Senegal has recorded 14 193 cases of Covid-19, including 293 deaths. Gambia, which is mostly surrounded by Senegal, has confirmed 3 293 cases and 99 deaths.

 - REUTERS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Covid-19 wrap | Public trust in vaccine safety slowly growing in Europe, Trump denies virus lies

 - Public trust in vaccine safety is slowly growing in Europe even as it dips in parts of Asia and Africa, researchers said.

 - Ninety people have tested positive for Covid-19 and eight have died in two care homes in central Switzerland in two of the largest outbreaks seen in retirement facilities.

 - The Brazilian state of Bahia has signed an agreement to conduct Phase III clinical trials of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against Covid-19.

Latin America and Caribbean pass 8 million virus infections

Montevideo – Latin America and the Caribbean on Thursday passed the milestone of eight million cases of Covid-19, days after logging more than 300 000 deaths from the virus, according to an AFP tally of official records.

The region, which is the worst hit in the world, had 8 035 484 cases as of 22:00 (GMT) on Thursday, out of a global total of 28.02 million people infected with the disease.

The region made up of the United States and Canada has the second largest number of infections worldwide, with 6 504 734 cases.

Europe is second to Latin America in the number of deaths, with 220 085 fatalities from the disease.

Brazil is the worst hit country in Latin America, with 4.23 million people infected with Covid-19 and 129 522 dead from the disease.

Peru holds second place in the number of infections with 702 776 cases, as well as 30 236 dead – but Mexico holds second place in the number of fatalities in the region, with 69 095 having succumbed to the virus. It has logged 647 507 infections.

 - AFP

KwaZulu-Natal government names those who scored big with Covid-19 contracts

The KwaZulu-Natal government paid R17 million of its total R2.1 billion expenditure on Covid-19 to companies for which it has no details, Premier Sihle Zikalala said on Thursday.

This emerged as the provincial government released its report on the owners and directors it paid around R2.1 billion to during the Covid-19 pandemic up to 31 August.

It also does not yet have the ownership details of companies which did business with municipalities because of different IT systems, but said this is a work in progress.

Zikalala said the point of releasing the report was not to be judgemental, but to get an understanding of how the money was spent and who benefitted, particularly in light of transformation goals.

No charges for breach of lockdown regulations at Andrew Mlangeni's funeral - Cele

Prosecutors will not pursue charges after mourners crowded around the coffin of struggle stalwart Andrew Mlangeni outside his home without practising social distancing.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said a case was opened at the Orlando police station after Mlangeni's funeral in July.

Responding to EFF MP Brian Madlingozi's written parliamentary question this week, Cele said the case was immediately investigated.

"A criminal case was opened at Orlando Police Station on 30 July, for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act, regulating the number of attendees at a funeral. The case was investigated and presented to the senior prosecutor at the Orlando Magistrate's Court who declined to prosecute," he said.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

Antibody testing 101: Unpacking the what, where and how

 - Antibody tests are different to the PCR tests South Africa has been using until now.

 - They don't detect the new coronavirus. Instead, they detect the proteins, or antibodies, that our bodies' immune systems produce in response to SARS-CoV-2.

 - This means they can tell us whether we've been infected with the virus, even after we have recovered.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS

Researchers redesign the face mask to improve both comfort and protection

Imagine a reusable face mask which protects the user and other people, but also fits comfortably and stays in place for an entire day? Researchers have designed a new mask to do just that.

As Covid-19 spreads and masks become mandatory in many more parts of the world, there have been plenty of debates about which types of masks are most effective. The valve mask, for example, provides comfort, but it doesn’t protect other people against droplets that escape through the vents. Some prefer masks with elastic bands that loop around the ears, while others prefer simple cotton buffs.

Research has shown that some masks are more effective than others, but even the simplest single-layer cotton mask can decrease the amount of droplets expelled. Even though we theoretically understand this, masks are, however, still a bit of a struggle for some.

Now, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology have designed a new mask to incorporate protection and comfort – and are providing plans so that people can make it themselves.

India reports record daily jump of 96 551 coronavirus cases

BENGALURU – India reported another record daily jump of 96 551 coronavirus cases on Friday, taking its caseload to 4.5 million, data from the federal health ministry showed.

Infections are growing faster in India than anywhere else in the world and the United States is the only nation worse affected.

Deaths have remained relatively low in the country, but are seeing an upward trend, with more than one thousand deaths being reported every day for the last 10 days.

On Friday, 1 209 people died from Covid-19, the ministry said, taking total mortalities to 76 271.

 - REUTERS

Worldwide cases cross 28.01 million, death toll at 904 482

More than 28.01 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 904 482 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

 - REUTERS

Mapping Covid-19's tracks as it attacks the body 

A new study mapped the parts of the body most susceptible to coronavirus infection.

The process of scientists trying to understand how the coronavirus operates has been likened to detectives investigating a crime. To better understand the perpetrator, they first had to uncover its modus operandi in the human body, i.e. which cells it targets, and why.

These hotspots have recently been mapped in a study published in Cell Reports, where 28 SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus-associated receptors and factors (SCARFS) were investigated as "accomplices" to the virus, serving as gateways for infection into various organ cells.

Let's start with cause of death. Post-mortems confirm that victims had major lung damage inflicted by Covid-19-induced pneumonia. It also wreaks havoc on the heart, kidney, liver and gastrointestinal tract, and has been proven to have some neurological impact on the brain.

"What causes the wide range of clinical phenotypes observed in people infected with SARS-CoV-2 is not yet understood," write the investigative scientists.

Six months into SA's Covid-19 pandemic, 'real' death toll and govt response remain unclear

Evidence that South Africa has under-reported its true death toll from Covid-19 has been mounting for weeks, but a clear explanation from health officials and government has been absent.

Coronavirus morning update: 'Fight the second pandemic', and what Level 1 may look like

The Western Cape premier says opening up all sectors of the economy could prevent the deadly second pandemic of joblessness; and what lockdown Level 1 may look like.

The SA death toll hits 15 265, while the number of cases now sits at 644 438.

 The total number of recoveries is now 573 003- a recovery rate of 88,9%.

Here are five stories that made headlines on Thursday

Cabinet has approved the extension of the national state of disaster by another month. This was announced following a virtual meeting on Wednesday. Cabinet said the decision was taken in order to “continue giving effect to regulations that remain relevant to managing the spread of Covid-19 infections”.

Discovery Health Insurance says a third of South African adults have likely been infected with Covid-19. According to the health insurer, the real Covid-19 death toll is around 40 000, with another 11 000 people likely to die before the end of the year.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa for the reopening of all sectors of the economy and the resumption of international travel. Winde said that opening up the economy will help fight the second pandemic, which is unemployment. He added, “All indicators confirm that the Western Cape has moved into the recovery phase of its pandemic”.

Meanwhile, with a possible move to Level 1 Covid-19 restrictions President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is considering input from various parts of society, including religious leaders. Level 1 was originally envisioned to see the return of sit-down restaurants, hair care, and untrammelled shopping.

In other news, Sanlam has reported a 10% increase in headline earnings in the first half of the year. The insurer benefited from not having to raise Covid-19 provisions because its actuarial models provided for the current scenario. The insurer however noted a R3 billion Covid-19 impact on its operations which included its share of the provisions that its short-term arm, Santam, has made business interruption claims.

-Compiled by Nokuthula Khanyile

         

Cabinet approves extension of national state of disaster by another month

She said they welcomed the drop in the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks and the improved recovery rate to 87 percent.

"Cabinet thanks all South Africans for playing their part in adhering to restrictions to flatten the curve. We commend the dedication and sacrifice of all health professionals who have been our frontline defence against the virus."

On the Auditor-General's report into Covid-19 funding, Williams said they reiterated their resolution to continue decisively pursuing all those found to have abused these funds, irrespective of who they were.

Williams announced that a deputy had been appointed to Hawks head Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya. 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 27.97 million, death toll at 903 920

More than 27.97 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 903 920 have died, according to a Reuters tally.

Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019-

Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines said Thursday it was cutting about 4 300 jobs - about 20 percent of the workforce - due to the devastating impact of the coronavirus, and warned any recovery would be "long and fraught with uncertainty".

SIA is the latest airline to announce massive layoffs as the global aviation industry faces its greatest-ever crisis due to travel restrictions to fight the spread of coronavirus.

The city-state's flag carrier said about 1 900 positions had already been eliminated in recent months due to a recruitment freeze, natural attrition and voluntary departures, reducing further expected job cuts to around 2 400.

Positions are being cut across full-service Singapore Airlines, regional carrier SilkAir and budget airline Scoot in Singapore and overseas.

"The future remains extremely challenging," said Singapore Airlines chief executive Goh Choon Phong.

"Given the expectation that the road to recovery will be long and fraught with uncertainty, it has come to the point where we have to make the painfully difficult decision to implement involuntary staff reduction measures."

He said Singapore Airlines was more vulnerable than other major carriers around the world, as it did not have a domestic market and is wholly dependent on international routes.

Lockdown: Western Cape calls for resumption of international travel, opening of economy

On Friday, the Western Cape government will discuss the further opening of the economy and adopt an official position to present to Ramaphosa during the next round of consultations.  

"We must open up all sectors of the economy and allow for international travel in line with clear health guidelines and in acknowledgement of individual responsibility."

We must treat our residents as responsible partners in our continued efforts to keep Covid-19 on the decline," Winde said in a statement of Thursday.

Mkhize finally makes MAC recommendations public.

He said by opening up all sectors they could prevent the deadly second pandemic of joblessness, which will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.

Questions over Russia vaccine study 'inconsistencies'  

The Lancet medical journal said Thursday it had asked authors of a study on a potential Russian Covid-19 vaccine for clarifications after their research came under scrutiny.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.

Russian researchers published their trial findings last week in the Lancet, meaning their research had undergone review from a selection of their peers.

It said that the vaccine had proven to be "safe and well-tolerated" among a few dozen volunteers. However an open letter signed this week by more than 30 Europe-based experts cast doubt on the findings, pointing towards "potential data inconsistencies".

The researchers identified what they said appeared to be a number of duplications in figures presented and concluded that the data within the study was "highly unlikely" to be correct.

The lead study author was quoted Thursday by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency saying he rejected the letter's claims.

A spokeswoman for The Lancet told AFP that they were aware of the open letter. "We have shared the letter directly with the authors and encouraged them to engage in the scientific discussion," she said.

The spokeswoman added that the research had been reviewed by independent experts before publication. The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

Pharma giant AstraZeneca said this week it was halting Phase 3 trials of its candidate vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford, after one volunteer fell ill.

- AFP

WHO says $700 million raised so far for Covid-19 vaccines initiative for poor

International donors have raised $700 million - less than half the target - to purchase future Covid-19 vaccines for poor countries in a global initiative to ensure eventual vaccines do not go only to rich countries, a World Health Organisation official said on Thursday.

The COVAX Advanced Market Commitment has an initial target of $2 billion to buy the vaccines.

"Up to today, what has been mobilised so far is $700 million ... So there is a great deal of work to be done to diversify the possible sources of funding," Matshidiso Moeti, Africa regional director for the WHO, told an online press briefing.

COVAX is co-led by the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved Covid-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.

At least eight African countries, including South Africa, Gabon, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea had agreed to self-finance access to the vaccine, Moeti said.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said last month the continent had started to slowly "bend the curve" of Covid-19 infections as measures like mask-wearing and social distancing slow the spread of the pandemic.

- REUTERS 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Covid-19 wrap | AstraZeneca to know by year-end if vaccine works, Trump admits playing down virus

 - President Donald Trump admits he tried to minimise the seriousness of the threat from Covid-19 at the outset of the pandemic.

 - AstraZeneca should still know before the end of the year whether its experimental vaccine protects people against Covid-19.

 - More quiet zones in high-risk indoor spaces could help to cut coronavirus contagion risks, researchers have said.

Coronavirus (Covid-19) update from Cabinet

Cabinet has extended of the national state of disaster to 15 October 2020 in terms of Section 27(5)(c) of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (57 of 2002). This is to continue giving effect to the regulations that remain relevant to manage the spread of Covid-19 infections, spokesperson Phumla Williams said in a statement. 

"Cabinet welcomes the drop in the number of new confirmed Covid-19 cases over the past few weeks and the improved recovery rate that has increased to 87%. The number of people requiring admission in our hospitals and the demand for Covid-19 tests have also dropped," the statement noted.

"Cabinet encourages all people in South Africa to download the free COVID Alert South Africa application from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The Department of Health introduced the app as another tool to alert South Africans if they have been exposed to someone with Covid-19."