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UK coronavirus variant has been reported in 86 countries, WHO says
From CNN Health s Andrea Diaz
The coronavirus variant
B.1.1.7, which was first identified in the United Kingdom on September 20, has now been reported in 86 countries, the World Health Organization says.
In its weekly epidemiological update, WHO says the variant B.1.1.7 has shown an increase in transmissibility, and some evidence of increase in disease severity based on preliminary findings. As of February 7, an additional six countries have reported cases of this variant.
In the UK, for example, Covid-19 test samples of this strain increased from 63% in the week of December 14 to 90% in the week of January 18, WHO noted.
Efficiencies and upgrades in the production process have helped vaccine maker Pfizer double its output of coronavirus vaccine in the past month, a spokeswoman for the company told CNN Monday.
FDA authorizes new Eli Lilly monoclonal antibody duo
From CNN Health’s Maggie Fox
In this file photo, an employee at Eli Lilly works on an antibody treatment for Covid-19. Source: Eli Lilly
The US Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization to a new version of Eli Lilly and Co’s antibody treatment for coronavirus that adds a second monoclonal antibody to one already authorized, the company said Tuesday.
The new treatment adds etesevimab or LY-CoV016 to the already authorized bamlanivimab or LY-CoV555 to make a double-antibody version – one that might be more protective, the company says. Rival Regeneron has a dual antibody-cocktail on the market already.
From late Monday, all Americans will have to wear masks on public transport
From CNN Health’s Jen Christensen
Buses on 5th Avenue display Mask Required signs in New York on September 21, 2020. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Americans will have to wear a mask while using any form of public transportation including buses, trains, taxis, planes, boats, subways or rideshare vehicles from late Monday to slow the spread of Covid-19, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced.
The order goes into effect at 11:59 p.m. ET Monday.
The order, signed by Dr. Martin Cetron, director of CDC s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, says people must wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth while on public transportation and while waiting for their ride. The mask needs to feature at least two layers of breathable fabric and secured to the head with ties, ear loops or elastic bands.