China says plans are underway for COVID-19 vaccination stations abroad to vaccinate its citizens. Here are five updates about the pandemic this Monday.
Russian-backed outlets spread vaccine disinformation, says US
Three online platforms are being used by Russian intelligence to spread disinformation about Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, according to a State Department spokeswoman.
The State Department’s Global Engagement Center, set up to counter propaganda and disinformation campaigns, identified the three outlets as News Front, New Eastern Outlook and Oriental Review.
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“These sites all vary in their reach, tone, and audience, but they all are spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation. The State Department’s finding of a link between these sites and Russian Intelligence is a result of a joint interagency conclusion,” the spokesperson said.
The outlets “spread many types of disinformation, including about both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, as well as international organizations, military conflicts, protests, and any divisive issue that they can exploit”.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, denied the US claim that Russia was spreading false information about vaccines.
Austria suspends use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine after death
Austrian authorities have reportedly suspended vaccination with a batch of AstraZeneca vaccine following the death of one person and the illness of another who received the vaccine.
A 49-year-old woman was said to have died as a result of severe coagulation disorders, while a 35-year-old woman developed pulmonary embolism and she is said to be recovering.
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A pulmonary embolism is an acute lung disease caused by a dislodged blood clot.
The two women are said to be nurses who worked at the Zwettl clinic.
The state’s health authorities said the suspension is a precaution, and that the death and illness recorded are being investigated.
FCTA warns against flouting COVID-19 protocol
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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) ministerial taskforce on enforcement of COVID-19 protocol has warned residents and businesses against violating COVID-19 protocol following the arrival vaccines.
Ihkaro Attah, head of media and enlightenment, who issued the warning at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja, said the taskforce observed that many residents have relaxed on compliance with COVID-19 protocol since the arrival of vaccines in the country.
“The vaccination currently ongoing is a welcome development and a good one but that doesn’t mean that we should all go and relax, throw away our facemasks, stop our regular washing of hands and stop observing physical distancing,” Attah said.
“We must ensure that we comply with COVID-19 protocols. The taskforce set up by the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and headed by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, will continue to intensify enforcement in the coming days.”
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Attah said anyone found violating the regulation would be arrested and prosecuted.
China to vaccinate citizens abroad
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China has announced plans to set up COVID-19 vaccination stations to vaccinate its citizens abroad.
The country also disclosed that it is ready to work with the International Olympic Committee to help provide vaccines to Olympic athletes for upcoming events.
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Speaking at a news conference on Sunday, Wang Yi, China’s top government diplomat, said the vaccine stations will be set up in countries where conditions permit.
“We are preparing to set up regional vaccination sites for domestically produced vaccines in countries where conditions permit, to provide services to compatriots in need in neighbouring countries,” Yi said.
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China will hold the 2022 Winter Olympics next year, while the Summer Olympics are scheduled to take place in Japan later this year.
Lagos seals off 11 facilities over breach of COVID-19 protocol
The Lagos government has sealed off 11 facilities, including event centres, lounges and nightclubs, for contravening the COVID-19 protocol in the state.
Speaking on Sunday, Lanre Mojola, director-general of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), said the facilities were sealed off during the weekend.
Mojola, who was represented at the sealing of the facilities by Wale Adeboje, the events safety administrator of LSC, said the agency was informed by managers of the facilities of their intention to organise parties and events, but the centres failed to meet the expectations on compliance with the COVID-19 protocol.
The affected facilities include UBC Club, VGC; Sapearz Lounge, Awolowo road, Ikoyi; Bravo event centre, Ogba; Ronite Event Centre, Iju road, Agege.
Others are: All Seasons Event Centre, Ipaja; Olajide Adeoluwa Memorial Hall, Carabana Lounge/Bar, Isolo, Ajao estate; DNA, Victoria Island, Twist Lounge, Kofo Abayomi, Victoria Island; Carlsbad Lounge, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, and Darts Event Centre, Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye.
COVID-19 IN NIGERIA
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