On a global level, SE Asia recorded the largest weekly increase in daily incidence of new cases last week, largely driven by India’s surge in infections - reporting seven consecutive days of 300,000+ cases, and now more than 3,000 deaths in one day (both figures likely an undercount). The SE Asian region recorded a 49 percent week-on-week rise in new cases, according to the latest WHO epi update. In neighbouring Nepal, the peak climbing season has kicked off amid reports that several climbers had been evacuated from Everest Base Camp suffering from COVID-19. Nepal requires a negative PCR test no later than 72 hours before arrival in the country and also on entry. Seven day hotel quarantine is mandatory, but not necessarily enforced, for those with positive results. Read more
In related news:
- The WHO is considering emergency use approval for three vaccines – Moderna, Sinopharm and Sinovac, with a positive outcome expected to allow for their wider distribution. Read more
- CIDRAP summarised three real-world studies carried out on COVID-19 vaccines where it was found they reduced the number of both infections and hospitalisations.
- Updated advice for women to seek advice on deferring a planned mammogram or breast ultrasound for six weeks following evidence that, as part of the normal immune response in some people, the two mRNA vaccines given in the US had induced a temporary swelling of the armpit lymph nodes that could interfere with the interpretation of the scan. Read more
- The Australian government has published information to help patients make informed decisions on COVID-19 vaccinations - Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.