2022 could be the decisive year to defeat the coronavirus, provided, however, that countries overcome nationalisms and inequities in the distribution of vaccines. This is the warning that came from the director general of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu, in his end-of-year statement, in which he urged world leaders to work together.
“Nationalism and vaccine hoarding by some countries have undermined equity and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of the Omicron variant, and the longer the injustice continues, the greater the risks of the virus evolving. in ways we can’t prevent or predict, “he said. Meanwhile, states and governments are introducing new measures to manage the impact of infections after the holidays.
Israel: ok at the fourth dose in nursing homes for the elderly, the first country in the world
The director general of the Israeli ministry of health, Nahman Ash, has given permission for a fourth dose of Pfizer vaccine to be administered in nursing homes for the elderly and geriatric hospitals. The ministry of health made it known that this decision was taken out of fear that a wave of infections would occur in those institutions that could even cost lives. Even employees of those institutes will now be able to get a fourth dose if they wish.
After a long series of consultations, Ash had authorized the administration of the fourth dose to the immunosuppressed. Meanwhile, the health ministry has announced that the fifth wave is advancing.
It’s a hunt for anti-Covid pills. Germany moves on its own
by Elena Dusi
In France, masks are required for children aged six and over
France has extended the obligation to wear masks on buses and in public places to children aged 6 and over. This was established by a decree published yesterday in the Official Gazette across the Alps. The measure – report the French sites – will start from Monday 3 January and will concern public transport, places open to the public including restaurants, sports centers and those of worship The decision comes a few days after the reopening of schools after the holidays.
Coronavirus in the world: one million infections a day. South Africa passes the Omicron peak
Austria confirms: mandatory vaccine from 1 February
The Austrian health minister, Wolfgang Mueckstein, of the Greens, confirmed that in Austria “vaccination will be mandatory from February 1”. Previously, the minister for constitutional affairs, Karoline Edtstadler (OeVP) had held back on the possibility of starting the compulsory procedure from next month and had suggested a possible “rethink”. Mueckstein then added that “the last few months have not been easy for the country and the people.”
The Emirates prohibit unvaccinated citizens from traveling abroad
The UAE will ban unvaccinated Emirati citizens from traveling abroad starting January 10. This was announced by the authorities of the country, cited by the newspaper The National.
Furthermore, fully vaccinated Emirati citizens will have to undergo the third booster dose, if suitable, in order to travel abroad, according to reports from the National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the Emirates, citizens can receive the Covid-19 booster dose six months after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. Those who are excluded from vaccination for health reasons will not be subject to the new measure, as well as “humanitarian cases and people traveling for medical and therapy reasons”.
At least 70 universities in the US are returning to online teaching
In the context of the increase in Covid-19 infections linked to the Omicron variant, at least 70 universities in the United States are planning to return to classes through distance learning, for at least the first weeks of the first period. Harvard University moved classes online for the first three weeks, returning to campuses in late January, but only “conditions permitting.” The University of Chicago has scheduled a postponement of the start and two weeks of online classes. Michigan State University has invited female students and students to return to campuses, but classes will take place online.
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