German institute says coronavirus vaccine could be available by autumn August 12, 2020 Germany’s leading infectious diseases institute said today a first vaccine against coronavirus could be available as early as autumn but warned that it may take longer to control the pandemic. “Preliminary projections make the availability of one or several vaccines seem possible by autumn 2020,” the Robert Koch Institute said in a statement. “It would [...]
Making it work: Why we need to start talking about who gets access to a coronavirus vaccine August 12, 2020 There is an unprecedented international scientific effort underway to develop an effective vaccine for SARS CoV-2 — the cause of Covid-19 — and we are all desperate for some good news. I have spent my life fighting infectious diseases around the world, from HIV to SARS to Ebola. Unfortunately, our collective track record for speedy [...]
Government to crack down on online political campaigns August 12, 2020 The government has today outlined proposals for new laws designed to improve the transparency of political advertising on social media. The new measures would require political parties and campaigners to clearly state who they are when promoting campaign content online. Under the plans, all campaigners would be required to include a digital imprint containing their [...]
Markets live: US stocks near record high on stimulus hopes as FTSE 100 soars August 11, 2020 The FTSE 100 jumped today as US stimulus hopes offset bleak new data that showed a surge in UK job losses during the coronavirus crisis. The blue-chip index was up 2.42 per cent at 6,197 points at midday, before closing up 1.71 per cent at 6,154 in a bullish day for western markets. The gains [...]
Russia names new vaccine after iconic satellite Sputnik August 11, 2020 Russia has named its first approved coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, in reference to the world’s first satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957. The choice in name was selected as a way of comparing the vaccine to what Russia views as its success in becoming the first country to approve a treatment, according to [...]
New Zealand records first coronavirus outbreak in 102 days August 11, 2020 New Zealand has recorded its first locally transmitted coronavirus cases in 102 days. Four positive coronavirus tests have been reported in one family from an unknown source. The only positive cases New Zealand had recorded in the past 102 days had been in quarantine facilities from people coming into the country from overseas. Prime Minister [...]
Russia becomes first country to approve a coronavirus vaccine August 11, 2020 Russia has become the first country to deem a coronavirus vaccine as safe for widespread use after less than two months of human testing , according to President Vladimir Putin. Putin said the vaccine has “passed all the needed checks” and that he had even given the vaccine to one of his daughters. The vaccine [...]
Saudi Aramco profit collapses but oil giant retains $75bn dividend August 10, 2020 State oil giant Saudi Aramco saw profit collapse nearly 75 per cent in the second quarter as the coronavirus pandemic decimated oil prices around the world. In the three month period, profit fell to 24.6bn riyals (£5bn), down 73 per cent from 92.6bn riyals the year before. The figure was lower than that forecast by [...]
Beirut explosion: Blast probe will consider possible ‘rocket or bomb’, says Lebanon president August 7, 2020 Lebanon’s president has said it is possible the Beirut explosion was caused by “a rocket or bomb”. Michel Aoun was speaking to the media on Friday after the number of casualties had risen to 154. A further 5,000 people have been injured. Aoun said an investigation would consider the possibility the explosion was caused by [...]
Finance must play a bigger role in the UK’s national security, says think tank August 5, 2020 A think tank has called on the government to use the UK’s financial capabilities to further support its national security policy. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has recommended the UK capitalise on its financial advantages ahead of an integrated review of the UK’s foreign policy, defence and security. In February, the government announced the [...]