With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

New weekly Covid cases are declining, says WHO

In its latest Weekly epidemiological update on COVID-19, the WHO has reported a decrease of 9% in new weekly cases in the week from 15-21 August, 2022 compared to the preceding week. The number of new cases was over 5.3 million. Weekly deaths also declined by 15% with more than 14,000 deaths. The maximum rise in new weekly cases (1,476,374) was seen in Japan, where cases increased by 6% followed by the Republic of Korea with 884,373 new cases (+2%), the United States with 612,378 new cases (-13%), Germany with 240,998 new cases (-19%) and the Russian Federation with 235,385 new cases (+39%)…(Source: WHO Weekly Update, Aug. 24, 2022).

BA.5 Omicron sublineage is the dominant strain globally

The Omicron variant of concern (VOC) continues to the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain globally, according to the WHO in the month from 22nd July to 22nd August, 2022. The BA.5 is the dominant Omicron sublineage with a rise in prevalence from 71% to 74%. The BA.5.1 and BA.5.2 are rising in prevalence as is BF.7 (BA.5.2.1.7) descendent lineage. The BA.2 and BA.4 descendent lineages are however showing a decline…(Source: WHO Weekly Update, Aug. 24, 2022).

Japan may no longer require predeparture Covid test for vaccinated travellers

Japan may soon ease its travelling restrictions for vaccinated (three doses) individuals. It is considering waiving the requirement of a negative Covid-19 test 72 hour prior to the departure from September 7. However, the restrictions on the number of travellers permitted entry into the country will continue. Japan is currently in the midst of the seventh wave of Covid-19 mainly due to the BA.4 and BA.5 variants…(Source: Medscape, Aug. 24, 2022). 

Moderna applies for EUA for its updated Covid booster vaccine

Moderna has applied for EUA for its bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccine for individuals aged 18 years and older. Besides the original virus strain, the updated version also acts against BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron variants. The doses may be available next month, says Moderna…(Source: Medscape, Aug. 24, 2022).  

Masks to be mandatory only on public transport and high-risk places in Singapore

From next Monday, for the first time, Singapore will no longer require people to wear masks indoors. Now, masks will be mandatory only in high-risk settings like healthcare facilities and on public transport. Another change in the Covid measures is that unvaccinated travellers will not be required to undergo a 7-day quarantine. More than 90% of the people in the country have been vaccinated…(Source: Medscape, Aug. 24, 2022).

CDC recommends Novavax covid vaccine for adolescents

The CDC has recommended the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine for primary vaccination for adolescents aged 12-17 years following the EUA issued by the FDA widening the options available. The Novavax is a protein subunit vaccine…(Source: CDC, Aug. 22, 2022).

Pfizer to test the effect of second course of Paxlovid in rebound patients

Following reports of rebound infection after the first course of Paxlovid, the US FDA has asked Pfizer to examine the effect of a second course of Paxlovid in persons who experience a Covid-19 rebound. The preliminary results of the randomized controlled trial are expected to be available by end of September next year. A study protocol, in tandem with the FDA, may be finalized soon, according to Pfizer…( Source: Medscape, Aug. 22, 2022).