New COVID-19 case numbers remained fairly stable over the past week in the Western Pacific region according to the latest WHO epi update, however it was the only region to report a rise in deaths, with the greatest increases recorded in Malaysia, followed by Japan and the Philippines. Elsewhere, Argentina registered a 41 percent hike in new cases and nearly 20 percent more deaths in the same reporting period. A strict 9-day nationwide lockdown was ordered on May 22 and the government announced that by the end of this week around 20 percent of the population will have received at least one vaccine dose. Worldwide, vaccination rates have been rising by around 13 percent per week and the percentage of the global population which is fully vaccinated is estimated to be just over 5 percent, according to the May 25 Johns Hopkins situation report. It is acknowledged that this ‘reporting is less complete than for other data’. Our World in Data
In other news:
- Australia’s TGA has joined with the EMA and the FDA in extending the approved timeframe for the storage of thawed, unopened and undiluted vials of Comirnaty up to one month, as detailed in updated product information. Read more
- From May 20th onwards, Australian citizens and permanent residents under 50 years of age who have an approved outwards travel exemption in an eligible category are able to access COVID-19 vaccinations. More information here.
- An agreement has been reached on the EU Digital COVID Certificate with plans to have it in use late next month. Key features of the digital certificate are that ‘it will cover vaccination, test and recovery; will be available in a digital and paper-based format, depending on the choice of the recipients, and contain a digitally signed QR code; will be free of charge, be obtained easily and also available to persons vaccinated before the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation has entered into force; and may also be used by Member States for national purposes, if this is provided for in national law.’ Read more. On the same day, the European Council updated its recommendation on restrictions to travel from third countries, potentially opening up the region to travellers who have received EU-approved COVID-19 vaccines.
- The Cov-Boost study gets underway in the UK early next month to trial a third dose of seven different vaccines to test the impact on the immune systems of participants. Read more
- COVID is surging in the world’s most vaccinated country. Why? The Conversation
- What scientists know about new, fast-spreading coronavirus variants: Nature
- COVID-19 factsheets have been published by the Aust. Govt covering Auslan and an easy to read format.
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.