BioNTech-Pfizer to seek approval for 3rd shot

Pfizer and BioNTech said Thursday they would soon seek authorization from regulators for a third dose of their COVID-19 jab to be administered in the United States and the European Union. 

The move comes amid fears that the delta variant is behind the latest outbreaks in Asia and Africa and rising cases in Europe and the US.

The drugmakers said a third shot of their COVID-19 vaccine could boost immunity against more contagious variants. 

The companies said they were also working on developing a jab specifically against the delta variant. 

Shortly after the announcement, the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said: "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed." 

Here's a rundown of the latest coronavirus news from around the world:

Europe

The number of COVID-19 cases in Germany increased by 949 to 3,734,468, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases reported on Friday. An additional 49 deaths were reported Friday, bringing the overall total to 91,190.

A spokesman for German athletes said the decision to ban spectators in the Tokyo Games amid fears of the spread of COVID-19 was the right move.

"I have trained for five years. I am happy that I can compete," Max Hartung told broadcasters ARD, adding that German athletes competing at the Olympics shared the sentiment. 

The Netherlands reversed course and reimposed restrictions on restaurants, nightclubs and music events Friday after registering nearly 7,000 new infections over the past 24 hours compared to less than 1,000 for the same time last week. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said 75% of new infections had been registered among young people and more than half were delta variant cases. The new rules, which will limit the size of concerts, force bars to close at midnight and shut down clubs altogether, will remain in place until August 14.

UK airports along with airlines, filed a lawsuit against the UK government Friday over its travel rules. The suit, brought by Manchester Airports Group, with backing from Ryanair, easyJet, TUI UK and IAG — which owns British Airways — says the government's rules are opaque and ruining business because British consumers don't have the information they need to plan their travel.  

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz urged citizens to get fully vaccinated Friday, noting that the country's supply currently outstrips demand and warning that the country will see another wave of infections — likely of the more contagious delta variant — late this summer or in autumn. "The decision every person must make for themselves is vaccination or infection. Either you get vaccinated or you are constantly at risk of infection — which will become reality at some point," said Kurz at a press conference in Vienna.

Americas

Cuba approved emergency use of the Abdala vaccine, which it developed and produces domestically. The country's health authority says the jab is 92% effective in preventing infection after three doses and hopes to have its 11.2 million citizens fully vaccinated by the end of the year. Cuba has a long history of developing its own vaccines — Abdala is the first coronavirus vaccine to be made in Latin America.

Asia

Pakistan's National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), which oversees the country's coronavirus response, has recommended a ban on air travel for unvaccinated individuals after August 1. Pakistani health officials have warned that a fourth wave of infections has begun. NCOC guidance rules must be approved by the federal government before going into effect. 

Nepal received 800,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine from China Friday, with another delivery from vaccine maker Sinopharm expected next week. The country has been ravaged by a deadly second wave of coronavirus infections with only 1 million of its 30 million person population fully inoculated, mainly with vaccines from India and China.

Asia-Pacific

Vietnam's government said on Friday that it aims to vaccinate 50% of all adults against coronavirus by the end of this year. The Health Ministry said the target was 70% of over 18's by the end of March 2022.

Vietnam has been struggling to contain a recent surge in infections. The country's economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City, began a two-week lockdown on Friday, a day after a lockdown was placed on the capital Hanoi. 

Indonesia will extend restrictions — already in place in Java and Bali islands — to 15 cities to curb the spread of the coronavirus. 

Hit by a major outbreak, Indonesia is also trying to speed up its vaccination drive. Medical workers will receive booster shots of the COVID jab, officials said Friday. 

In Jakarta, authorities sent teams of health workers to drive around the capital in vans and vaccinate communities in crowded districts. 

South Korea will raise COVID-19 restrictions to their highest level in the Seoul metropolitan area starting next week, officials said on Friday. Although the country had been previously hailed for its handling of the pandemic with its social distancing rules, it has recently seen a spike in new infections after a slow start of its vaccine rollout. 

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum warned on Friday that the surge in cases had reached the "maximum crisis level." His remarks came just a day after the country recorded its highest daily rise since the pandemic began, with 1,316 new cases.

The new measures include a ban on gatherings of more than two people after 6 p.m. and a shutdown of schools and entertainment establishments, such as bars and clubs. Cafes and restaurants are allowed to serve diners until 10 p.m. with limited seating.  

Australia's largest city, Sydney, is in lockdown for a third week as 44 new cases were recorded in 24 hours. Authorities fear an outbreak of the delta variant is spinning out of control.

"Do not leave your home unless you absolutely have to," New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian told the city's 5 million residents. 

Australia has fully vaccinated just over 11% of its 25 million residents.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison approved of a Melbourne pub offering a complimentary drink to COVID-19 vaccinated clients. 

Although health regulators had disapproved of the plan over the use of alcohol as an incentive to receive medicines, Morrison said it was a "good-hearted" initiative. 

"This is a national interest vaccine program," Morrison said. "We'll be making some changes to ensure that these good-hearted, good-natured sort of initiatives that people may take on of their own volition."

Meanwhile, New Zealand has canceled flights to bring its own citizens back from Australia's New South Wales. Planes had expected to start ferrying stranded New Zealanders back home on Saturday.

js,fb,jf/sms (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)