Africa CDC says cannot predict when second COVID-19 shots will arrive

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Many Africans who have received their first COVID-19 vaccine do not know when they will get a second shot because deliveries are delayed, the continent’s top public health official said on Thursday.
Merck plans large outpatient trial of COVID-19 pill, stops study in hospitalized patients

(Reuters) – Merck & Co Inc on Thursday said it plans a large study of what could become the first pill to target the coronavirus in people at risk of severe COVID-19, but will no longer pursue use of the experimental antiviral drug in hospitalized patients.
PepsiCo bets on higher soda sales as restaurants reopen

(Reuters) -PepsiCo Inc said on Thursday it expects organic revenue growth to pick up pace in the second quarter, betting on higher soda sales from restaurants that are gradually reopening following the speedy rollout of coronavirus vaccines. A pandemic winner, the company has been benefiting from homebound consumers stocking up their pantries with salty chips, […]
Brazil hopes veterinary facilities can help increase COVID-19 vaccine output

SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Brazil hopes to use veterinary facilities to increase COVID-19 vaccine output, authorities said on Saturday, as the country accounts for the world’s worst daily death tolls and its vaccination efforts lag. Brazil already makes or finishes coronavirus vaccines at its two main public health institutes, although those efforts have not been […]
On the road to a speedy economic recovery: A broad-based tax system is key to Solomon Islands’ pandemic response

By Matthew Hodge A more sustainable revenue base for the Pacific Island nation could better manage changing economic conditions and the impact of shocks such as COVID-19. While being largely shielded from the health impacts of COVID‑19, the economy of the Solomon Islands has felt a severe shock. Travel restrictions shuttered tourism throughout 2020, major construction […]
The spread of Covid-19 and attending football matches in England

The rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus meant that by mid-March 2020, the UK government had stopped outdoor sports from being played in England. Since then, football has resumed behind closed doors, and whether fans should be allowed to attend matches is now the subject of much debate. This column examines whether football matches held in England across February and March helped to spread Covid-19. It finds that attendance at matches resulted in an increase in cases and deaths and concludes that extreme caution should be applied to reopening football to spectators and that there should be close monitoring of any gradual re-opening of stadiums.