Coronavirus Breaking News

On June 5, 2021, WalesOnline reported that First Minister Mark Drakeford described how he believed people in Wales are very happy to continue following social distancing guidelines of 2m.

And social distancing will likely remain in Wales for the rest of 2021

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mr. Drakeford described social distancing as the "strongest defense" against the virus, adding that he does not believe people in Wales want to see it gone.

The government of Wales published the updated rules that are effective on June 7, 2021. These rules include:

• Regulated events allowed outdoors with up to 10,000 people seated or up to 4,000 people standing (subject to risk assessment)
• Extended households can be formed between 3 households
• Up to 30 people can meet in any outdoor area, including private gardens, public spaces, and outdoor regulated premises such as cafes, restaurants, and bars.

In England, the social distancing rules were changed on May 17, 2021.

The new guidance from the UK government 'on meeting friends and family emphasizes personal responsibility rather than government rules. Instead of instructing you to stay 2m apart from anyone you don’t live with, you are encouraged to exercise caution and consider the guidance on risks associated with COVID-19 and actions you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe.'

A research team from the University of Birmingham found Dental care professionals (DCPs) in England were at heightened occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 virus infection early in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an observational study published in the Journal of Dental Research on June 2, 2021.

The baseline seroprevalence of DCPs was 16.3%, compared to estimates in the regional population of up to 7%.

The only virus-reinfected DCPs were those without a detectable anti-spike protein immunoglobulin G response, either because they had undetectable IgG concentrations at baseline or because their IgG response dwindled over time.

These researchers stated, 'Consistent with other studies, we demonstrate that natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 is generally associated with robust and durable serological responses' (Wajnberg et al. 2020; Dan et al. 2021).'

'Furthermore, in this community-based cohort of DCPs, we corroborate the hospital-based studies of Lumley et al. (2020) and Hanrath et al. (2020) in demonstrating that seropositivity arising from natural infection is associated with longitudinal protection from reinfection with SARS-CoV-2.'

In the USA, the American Dental Association (ADA) issued guidance on May 19, 2021, to help dentists answer questions about new recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding mask use for fully vaccinated people.

The CDC recommendations state, “Although screening for symptoms will not identify asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, symptom screening remains an important strategy to identify those who could have COVID-19 so that appropriate precautions can be implemented.”

The Moscow-based Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced data from the Ministry of Health of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 2, 2021, which confirmed the efficiency of the Sputnik Light vaccine at the level of 78.6-83.7% when vaccinating the elderly.

According to the analysis of data, more than 186 thousand people aged 60 to 79 years, more than 40 thousand of whom received an injection of the single-dose "Sputnik Light" vaccine during the mass vaccination of the population.

The data showed SARS-CoV-2 virus incidence from 21 to 40 days after receiving one vaccine injection was only 0.446%. The incidence among the adult unvaccinated population for the same period was 2.74%.

The data adjusted for age, gender, and several other parameters of vaccinated and unvaccinated people showed comparable efficacy of the Sputnik Light vaccine at the level of 78.6%.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, said in a press statement, “The publication of independent data in the province of Buenos Aires confirms the high effectiveness of the Russian vaccine for senior citizens who are at high risk."

"As follows from the report of the Ministry of Health of the province, vaccination with Sputnik Light, which is the first component of the Sputnik V vaccine, can significantly reduce the number of cases and the number of hospitalizations. We plan to continue close contact with colleagues in Argentina to study further the data on the use of the Russian vaccine."

Sputnik Light is the first component (recombinant human adenovirus 26 serotype (rAd26) of the two-dose Sputnik V vaccine. The Sputnik Light vaccine is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors, which cause the common cold.

The Tehran Times reported the Soberana-02 COVID-19 vaccine would complete clinical trials by mid-June 2021 after administering it to 24,000 Iranians. The two first phases of the human clinical trial have been conducted in Cuba.

Developed by Cuba's Finlay Vaccine Institute and Pasteur Institute of Iran, the vaccine is a conjugate vaccine with two injectable doses. It consists of the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein conjugated chemically to tetanus toxoid.

In Iran, the study was performed on a population of 18 to 80 years in seven provinces and eight cities across the country, Alireza Biglari, director of the Pasture Institute of Iran, stated. He expressed hope to analyze the preliminary results in late June to obtain a license for mass production.

He expressed hope to start vaccinating Iran's population by late September 2021.

The government of Canada updated its travel policy, saying, 'We understand that you're arriving under difficult circumstances, but all travelers entering Canada must follow testing and quarantine requirements. This is to keep everyone safe, particularly given the new COVID-19 variants in Canada and around the world.'

However, Canadians returning after a compassionate visit abroad now have an option.

'If you're a resident of Canada flying home, you can now apply for an exemption from the mandatory hotel stopover.'

'We recommend that you submit your application for exemption before you leave Canada for compassionate reasons. Applications will not be processed upon arrival in Canada.'

Canada's Chief Public Health Officer of Canada is in close contact with provincial and territorial Chief Medical Officers of Health to ensure that any cases of COVID-19 occurring in Canada continue to be rapidly identified and managed to protect Canadians' health.

On May 30, 2021, Canada reported (34) additional fatalities related to COVID-19. The majority of COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Ontario.

A spokesperson for the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) in Taiwan announced on May 30, 2021, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control had signed contracts with Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp. and United Biomedical to buy ten million COVID-19 vaccine doses from each, reported CNA.

Chuang Jen-hsiang (莊人祥) informed local reporters that the vaccines developed by Medigen and United Biomedical are still in second-stage clinical trials.

United Biomedical began second-stage clinical trials for the vaccine in January, and over 4,000 participants have received the required two doses to date, a company spokesperson told CNA.

The companies have said they plan to apply in June 2021 for emergency use authorization.

During 2021, Taiwan had received 726,600 doses of AstraZeneca and 150,000 doses of Moderna. A total of 378,277 people have received their first COVID-19 shots, according to the latest CECC data.

Additionally, media reported the CECC indicated 'there are no immediate plans to impose a full lockdown in Taiwan, although some cities and counties have been carrying out computerized drills to prepare for such an eventuality.'

As of May 19, 2021, the U.S. CDC issued a Level 1 Travel Alert, which stated, 'If you travel to Taiwan, get fully vaccinated before travel.'

COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly a year, reported the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on May 28, 2021.

However, certain medical conditions can increase the risk of being becoming severely ill due to COVID-19.

From March 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, data shows that about 91% of adults with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalization have an underlying medical condition.

The most common underlying medical conditions include obesity (48.6%), metabolic disease including diabetes (43.9%), and cardiovascular disease (36.5%).

Additionally, among children ages 17 years and younger with a COVID-19-associated hospitalization, more than half have at least one underlying medical condition; the two most common are obesity (34.2%) and asthma (13.2%).

The CDC added 'As you make plans this summer, consider adding “visit my doctor” back to your list of things to do. Getting regular health care, routine screenings, and vaccinations can help prevent serious health problems, save money, and lead to better health.'

'If you’ve delayed medical care during the pandemic, now is the best time to see your doctor or healthcare provider.'