Covid-19: Breaking news across the world this week
The United States calls for another probe into the origin of Covid-19 and those infected with the disease could carry antibodies with them for a lifetime. These are just some of the stories making headlines this week.
WHO reports drop in Covid cases worldwide
On Friday (yesterday), the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported its latest 7-day average of 607 663 new Covid-19 cases, compared to the previous week of 618 240 cases – while 413 095 540 people have been fully vaccinated, as the pandemic continued to dominate headlines across the world.
US calls for probe into Covid-19 origin in China
The United States has again called on the WHO to investigate the origins of Covid-19 in China. A WHO investigative team spent time in Wuhan earlier this year and determined that the virus probably came from bats, and was spread to humans via an as-yet unidentified intermediary animal. However, the US has now called on the organisation to consider other theories, ‘including whether it emerged from human contact with an infected animal or from a laboratory accident’, a White House statement reads.
Covid-19 variant in India spread to at least 53 territories worldwide
It has been confirmed by the WHO that the Covid-19 variant discovered in India has been found in at least 53 territories across the world, including South Africa.
This variant has been shown to spread more easily compared to the original virus. “There is increased transmissibility demonstrated by some preliminary studies,” says Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19.
However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that current vaccines are less effective against this variant.
Antibodies in Covid-positive people could last a lifetime
Those who have been infected with Covid-19 and recovered from it, will most likely have antibodies that will fight against the virus for the rest of their lives, according to a study published in Nature this week.
More than 400 children have died of Covid-19 in SA
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases confirmed in its latest report that 401 children aged 19 and younger have died in hospitals throughout SA, due to Covid-19.
The institute said among 245 in-hospital deaths, 148 reported underlying conditions. Read more by clicking here.
Cracks begin to show in SA’s vaccination data system
Although the vaccine roll-out programme got off to a promising – albeit it slow – start, cracks have started to appear in the electronic vaccination data system. Read more by clicking here.
*Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
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