Benefits of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine outweigh its risks and vaccinations should continue, WHO says
From CNN s Jamie Gumbrecht
A health worker in Rome shows how she prepares a dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine on March 8. Alessandra Tarantino/AP
After several European Union countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, the World Health Organization said Wednesday that the vaccine’s benefits outweigh its risks and vaccinations should continue.
The statement follows reports of rare blood clotting disorders in people who have received the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. WHO notes that it’s routine for countries to signal potential adverse events during extensive vaccination campaigns, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the events are linked to the vaccination.
Iceland will allow vaccinated tourists
From Sharon Braithwaite in Pisa, Italy
Iceland will open its borders to vaccinated visitors, including those from non-Schengen countries, the government said Tuesday in a statement.
The government announced that all those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to travel to Iceland without being subject to border measures, such as testing and quarantine
Until now, this exemption has only applied to those presenting certificates from the EU/EEA Area but will now apply equally to everyone who can provide proof of a full vaccination with a vaccine that has been certified for use by the European Medical Agency as well as requirements defined by the Chief Epidemiologist of Iceland and Icelandic regulations. Certificates from the World Health Organization (WHO) are also accepted for vaccines the WHO has validated.
Europe virus surge a cautionary tale for US
By JOHN SEEWER and CARLA K. JOHNSON
Associated Press
Optimism is spreading in the U.S. as COVID-19 deaths plummet and states ease restrictions and open vaccinations to younger adults. But across Europe, dread is setting in with another wave of infections that is closing schools and cafes and bringing new lockdowns.
The pandemic s diverging paths on the two continents can be linked in part to the much more successful vaccine rollout in the U.S. and the spread of more contagious variants in Europe.
Health experts in the U.S., though, say what s happening in Europe should serve as a warning against ignoring social distancing or dropping other safeguards too early.
Covid-19 cases rising significantly in 14 US states over past week
From CNN’s Brandon Miller
Covid-19 cases are rising by more than 10% in 14 states this week compared to last week, with half of those states rising by more than 20%.
While nationally the number of new cases has continued to decline – though at a much slower rate over the past three weeks compared to late January and February – the trend is not down for all states.
One month ago, on Feb. 17, there were only 3 states showing increases of 10% or more (North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska).
Michigan cases are increasing the fastest, at more than 50% this week compared to last, with Delaware (39%), Montana (34%), Alabama (31%) and West Virginia (29%) in the Top 5.