(Reuters) – Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
UK’s Johnson set to announce delay to end of restrictions
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Monday that the end of COVID-19 restrictions will be delayed following concern about the rapid rise in infections of the Delta variant.
Under a roadmap outlined by Johnson in February, the government signalled all social restrictions imposed to control the spread of the disease would be lifted “no earlier” than June 21, when pubs, clubs and other hospitality venues could fully reopen.
But in recent weeks there has been a fast growth again in the number of new cases caused by the Delta variant, first discovered in India, which health officials believe to be 60% more transmissible than the previous dominant strain.
India gingerly eases coronavirus rules
Many Indian states eased coronavirus restrictions on Monday including the capital Delhi, where authorities allowed all shops and malls to open, as the number of new infections dropped to the lowest in more than two months.
Experts have cautioned against a full re-opening as India has vaccinated only about 5% of its estimated 950 million adults with the necessary two doses, leaving millions vulnerable.
Infections peaked in India in May with about 400,000 new cases a day but that dropped to 70,421 new infections reported on Monday, the lowest daily increase since March 31, health ministry data showed.
South Korea eases restrictions on concerts, sports
South Korea began easing restrictions on large concerts and sports events on Monday after announcing last week it would loosen a series of coronavirus curbs as it pushes ahead with its vaccination drive.
Up to 4,000 people will be allowed to attend K-Pop concerts and other cultural shows from Monday, up from a capacity limit of fewer than 100 people since late last year, according to measures announced by health officials on Friday.
Sports stadiums will be able to operate at a 30% to 50% capacity, depending on the districts, up from 10%.
Bangkok hospitals postpone COVID-19 shots
Thailand’s recently launched vaccination campaign was hit by confusion in the capital, Bangkok, on Monday after at least 20 hospitals postponed inoculation appointments set for this week, citing delays in vaccine deliveries.
The hospital announcements were made on their Facebook pages, while Bangkok’s vaccine booking app also sent messages saying appointments after Tuesday would be delayed, as officials sought to reassure the public over vaccine supplies.
“There may have been confusion because private hospitals did not check with the Bangkok administration,” health minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters.
AstraZeneca shot has good risk-benefit profile for over 60s
The head of the EU drug regulator’s COVID-19 task force said on Sunday that AstraZeneca’s vaccine had a favourable risk-benefit profile for all age groups and particularly for those over 60.
Italian newspaper La Stampa earlier quoted European Medicines Agency task force chief Marco Cavaleri as saying countries should avoid giving the vaccine to people over 60 in addition to younger age groups, amid fears over very rare blood clotting and as alternative vaccines become available.
“Unfortunately my words have not been interpreted correctly in a recent interview with La Stampa,” Cavaleri said in a statement to Reuters.
(Compiled by Linda Noakes; Editing by Robeert Birsel)
