The spread of the variant, first detected in India, has raised concerns that England’s final step of the roadmap out of restrictions scheduled for June 21, might be delayed
A public health digital board advises the public to follow the rules as a COVID-19 variant of concern is affecting the community in Bolton, northwest England. Pic/AFP
The UK government has launched plans for a new ‘Global Pandemic Radar’ to identify emerging Covid-19 variants and track new diseases around the world.
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The WHO will lead an implementation group, supported by the Wellcome Trust, to launch this new international partnership to identify, track and share data on new the variants and monitor vaccine resistance in populations, according to a statement issued by the government on Friday.
The Global Pandemic Radar is expected to be fully up and running with a network of surveillance hubs before the end of 2021.
“We need to build a system of disease surveillance fit for the 21st century, with real-time data sharing and rapid genomic sequencing and response,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
“The programme will ensure that we are vigilant to new variants and emerging pathogens, and can rapidly develop the vaccines and treatments needed to stop them in their tracks.”
Almost 3,000 cases of the Coronavirus variant first detected in India have been reported in Britain, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday.
According to Hancock, surge testing and vaccinations will be deployed in the affected areas including Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow and Leicester.
The Scottish government is also taking similar steps in Glasgow and Moray, he added. Johnson told lawmakers earlier this week that there is “increasing confidence” that the current vaccines will be effective against all variants of the virus.
Get vaxxed to land a hot date
The White House is pushing a new reason to swipe right: vaccination badges and ‘super swipes’ for people who’ve got their Coronavirus shots. The Biden administration said on Friday it’s teaming up with dating apps to showcase the benefits of getting a shot. Apps like Hinge and Bumble are offering special incentives to people who roll up their sleeves, including free access to premium content.
CA to reopen on June 15
California, the most populous state in the US, has announced plans to fully reopen its economy on June 15. Almost all business sectors may return to usual operations with no capacity limits or physical distancing requirements, according to the statement.
16,65,58,609
TOTAL Number OF CORONAVIRUS
CASES IN THE WORLD
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34,59,928
Number OF DEATHS WORLDWIDE
14,73,54,077
Number OF RECOVERED PATIENTS
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