We have a special responsibility towards Americans: Sr US official

State Department spokesperson Ned Price says the US first and foremost is engaged in an ambitious and effective and, so far, successful effort to vaccinate the American people

Defending US’ restrictions on the export of key raw materials for the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines that threatens to slow India’s vaccination drive, a senior State Department official has said the Biden administration’s first obligation is to take care of the requirements of the American people.

When asked when the Biden administration would decide on India’s request to lift a ban on the export of vaccine raw materials, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, “...the US first and foremost is engaged in an ambitious and effective and, so far, successful effort to vaccinate the American people.” “That campaign is well underway, and we’re doing that for a couple of reasons. Number one, we have a special responsibility to the American people. Number two, the American people, this country has been hit harder than any other country around the world – more than 550,000 deaths, tens of millions of infections in this country alone,” he said on Thursday. It is not only in the US interest to see Americans vaccinated; but it is in the interests of the rest of the world to see Americans vaccinated, he said.

“The point the Secretary (of State Antony Blinken) has made repeatedly is that as long as the virus is spreading anywhere, it is a threat to people everywhere. So as long as the virus is spreading uncontrolled in this country, it can mutate and it can travel beyond our borders,” Price said in responses to questions. As for the rest of the world, “We will, of course, always do as much as we can, consistent with our first obligation,” he said.

UK sees 55 more cases of double-mutant virus

The ‘red list’ COVID-19 travel restrictions came in force for India on Friday, which bans entry for travellers from the country and requires British and Irish nationals and long-term UK residents returning home to undergo a compulsory 10-day hotel quarantine. The ban comes in as Public Health England confirmed 55 more cases of the so-called double mutant Indian variant, B.1.617, from all Coronavirus cases tracked until April 14, taking the total to 132.

Thailand’s COVID cases breach 50k

Thailand’s total COVID-19 cases have surpassed 50,000 as a record of 2,070 new infections were recorded on Friday, according to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). The total tally now stands at 50,183, the Xinhua news agency quoted CCSA spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin as saying. Of the new cases, 2,062 were domestic transmissions, including 740 in the capital Bangkok.

Singapore bars entry to visitors from India

All long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who have travelled to India within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter Singapore, as the country goes on “heightened alert” against COVID-19. This move takes effect from 11.59 pm on Friday, and includes people who have prior approval to enter Singapore, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong.

EU agrees on vaccine passport terms

European Union (EU) members states’ representatives have agreed on the technical specifications for the implementation of the Digital Green Certificate, the European Commission said in a press release. The Commission proposed the creation of the certificate last month, in a bid to ease COVID-19 related travel and movement restrictions for people. 

6,52,570
No. of new cases reported globally in the past 24 hours

14,48,78,978
Total no. of cases worldwide

30,75,042
Total no. of deaths worldwide

Source: WHO/Johns Hopkins

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