London: The United Kingdom was recently shut off from the rest of Europe after its closest allies cut transport ties due to fears about a new coronavirus strain, sowing chaos for families and companies just days before it exits the European Union’s orbit. France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Israel and Canada were…
New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Rapidly Spreading Through in UK
London: As public health officials worldwide mount vaccination campaigns against COVID-19, a new SARS-CoV-2 variant has rapidly taken hold in the UK, leading scientists to investigate if it carries any implications for the transmissibility of the virus, severity of infection, and success of a vaccine, though experts say it is unlikely to hamper vaccination efforts….
Pakistani Doctor Develops App For Instant COVID-19 Testing
Islamabad: A Pakistani doctor based in Toronto has introduced an instant COVID-19 diagnostic test using a smartphone. Pakistan High Commissioner to Canada Raza Bashir Tarar has congratulated Dr Naqeeb Khalid for his extraordinary achievement. In conversation with a local newspaper, Dr Naqeeb Khalid who led the development of a smartphone-based diagnostic test for COVID-19 as Director…
FDA Clears Pfizer Vaccine for emergency use in USA
USA: The Food and Drug Administration authorized Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use recently, clearing the way for millions of highly vulnerable people to begin receiving the vaccine within days. The authorization is a historic turning point in a pandemic that has taken more than 290,000 lives in the United States. With the decision, the United…
UK becomes first country to approve COVID-19 vaccine
LONDON: Britain approved Pfizer Inc’s COVID-19 vaccine on 2 Dec 2020, jumping ahead of the rest of the world in the race to begin the most crucial mass inoculation programme in history. Prime Minister Boris Johnson touted the green light from Britain’s medicine authority as a global win and a ray of hope for the…
Moderna files for U.S. vaccine authorization, will seek EU nod
USA: Moderna Inc recently said that it has applied for U.S. emergency authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine after full results from a late-stage study showed it was 94.1% effective with no serious safety concerns. A shot developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE that was 95% effective in its pivotal trial is set to be…
13 educational institutes closed as sudden surge in COVID reported
ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) recently said that 13 educational institutions were closed down during the last 24 hours for flouting health guidelines and standards operating procedures (PSOs). According to latest reports, more than 750 COVID-19 positive cases after a gap of one month in Pakistan. “In last 24 hours, 13 educational institutions…
Nestlé Pakistan donates 75 tons of water to NDMA for relief efforts in Karachi.
KARACHI: Nestlé Pakistan has donated 75 tons of water to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to facilitate them in their relief activities in Karachi following the torrential rains during recent monsoon spells. Nestlé will support the NDMA’s relief efforts by donating 50,000 bottles of 1.5 litres Nestlé Pure Life for people affected by the…
95% of those with COVID-19 report no symptoms: AKU study
KARACHI: More than 9 out of 10 people infected with the coronavirus experience no symptoms of the disease, according to a new study by the Aga Khan University researchers. Karachi has the most COVID-19 cases in Pakistan, and the study saw AKU’s faculty investigate COVID-19’s prevalence in parts of the city with high and low…
Arab Health conference postpones due to coronavirus
UAE: In light of the evolving global situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Informa Markets has been closely monitoring its impact on the healthcare industry and as a result of feedback from stakeholders and participants, Arab Health will be rescheduled to 21 – 24 June 2021. The event will take place, as always, at the…