Covid US: Pfizer tests combination booster and pneumococcal vaccine on elderly
Participants will be given the company's 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC) candidate - which helps fight illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria -along with a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 shot. The aim of the study is to understand if the combination of the vaccines is safe, and the immune response after adding the pneumonia vaccine to the existing COVID-19 vaccine, the company said. Some experts also believe a pneumococcal vaccine can help combat COVID-19. Pfizer is running tests of their vaccine booster shot combined with a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Bourla said his company is still in the early stages of trials for a booster shot, but some data on the shots may be available soon.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:00 UTC
Bangladesh Bank approves $200m currency swap with Sri Lanka
The Bangladesh Bank board on Sunday approved in principle a draft $200-million currency swap deal with Sri Lanka, which is struggling to maintain a moderate foreign exchange reserve. The currency swap agreement would be finalized after getting a legal vetting approved by the government, BB officials told New Age after the meeting. Under the draft currency swap proposal, the BB would provide up to $200 million in foreign currency to meet Sri Lanka’s foreign currency expenditures, the officials said. The currency swap agreement also contains a rollover condition, allowing Sri Lanka to extend the period of repayment of the loan, the BB officials said. Before the move to strike a currency swap deal with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has already signed a 10 billion yuan or $1.5b swap with the Peoples’ Bank of China and asked for a $1 billion swap from India, according to media reports.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 18:00 UTC
Fury as Labour MP Valerie Vaz suggests PM's Covid scare exaggerated
Mr Johnson tested positive for Covid-19 on March 27, 2020, and was later admitted to intensive careHe added later: 'It is genuinely wrong, Valerie, to question how sick the PM was. April 12: Mr Johnson is discharged from hospital to continue his recovery at Chequers. Ms Vaz insisted the point she was trying to make was that Mr Cummings was in a key position with huge influence over government policy. Mr Johnson and Matt Hancock both tested positive for Covid-19 on March 27, 2020, just four days after the country entered the first lockdown. Adding to his attack today, Mr Cummings dismissed the idea that the government was always intending to lock down - but just waited for the right moment.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 17:06 UTC
Ten things we learned from the Monaco Grand Prix
After a one-year absence as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the glitzy Monaco Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar and brought dramatic changes at the top of the order. However, there was plenty to take away from events at the principality as Sportsmail looks at ten things we learned from the Monaco Grand Prix. Back then the world champions' carnage was caused by the rain, in Monaco however their race strategy was nothing short of calamitous. Monaco was always difficult to overtake at and when you factor in the above, it makes it near enough impossible. It's a problem for the Monaco Grand Prix and its racing appeal.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 15:45 UTC
Govt further suspends import of motor vehicles
May 24, 2021 08:57 pmThe Cabinet of Ministers, considering the situation in the country, has decided to suspend the import of even the limited number of motor vehicles. The decision has been taken when the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, convened via Zoom today (May 24). During the meeting ministers pointed out that the import of vehicles should be further restricted, considering the current situation and the financial position of the country. Accordingly, measures have been taken to suspend the previous proposal to import a limited number of motor vehicles.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 15:22 UTC
Coronavirus- 2,283 fresh cases reported in Sri Lanka
May 24, 2021 07:03 pmThe Health Ministry reported that 2,283 more persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus today (24). All new cases are associated with the New Year Covid-19 cluster. This brings the tally of COVID-19 cases confirmed in the country thus far to 166,484. The total number of Covid-19 patients reported from Minuwangoda, Peliyagoda, Prisons and New Year clusters so far has increased to 160,078 with this. Total recoveries in Sri Lanka stands at 139,947 while 25,327 coronavirus patients are currently under medical care.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 13:52 UTC
Sri Lanka s total Covid-19 recoveries up by 1,296
May 24, 2021 07:23 pmThe Ministry of Health says that another 1,296 patients who were being treated for COVID-19 have been discharged after completing their recovery. This increased the total number of coronavirus recoveries in Sri Lanka to 139,947. A total of 166,484 positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the island thus far while 25,327 of these patients are currently under medical care. The death toll due to the virus stands at 1,210.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 13:52 UTC
Bangladesh Bank okays $200m currency swap with Sri Lanka; reports
Dhaka (Bangladesh); The Bangladesh Bank (BB) board on Sunday (23) approved in principle a draft $200-million currency swap deal with Sri Lanka, which is struggling to maintain a moderate foreign exchange reserve. The currency swap agreement would be finalized after getting a legal vetting approved by the government, reports suggested. Under the draft currency swap proposal, the BB would provide up to $200 million in foreign currency to meet Sri Lanka’s foreign currency expenditures. Against the fund, Sri Lankan would keep the same amount of its local currency, Rupee, with the Bangladesh Bank along with a government guarantee. The currency swap agreement also contains a rollover condition, allowing Sri Lanka to extend the period of repayment of the loan.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 12:56 UTC
Six more areas isolated in four districts
The National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) announced the isolation of several areas and Grama Niladhari divisions in four districts with effect from 4.00 a.m. tomorrow (May 25). Meanwhile the isolation of certain areas and GN divisions will also be lifted at the same time tomorrow. Accordingly, the following areas are to be isolated:Rathnapura DistrictKuruvita Police AreaKuruvita Delgamuwa GN Town AreaGalle DistrictAmbalangoda Police AreaUrawattaGampaha DistrictKiribathgoda Police AreaEriwetiyaNuwara-Eliya DistrictDayagama Police AreaSandirigama Estate Sandirigama Division Sandirigama Estate NLDB FarmThe following areas will be released from isolation:Kalutara DistrictIngiriya Police AreaMaha Ingiriya GN Raigam Cantonment Raigamwatta GN Raigamwaththa Bottom Area Maha Ingiriya GN RaigampuraRathnapura DistrictRathnapura Police AreaRathgamaMonaragala DistrictSiyambalanduwa Police AreaGal Amuna HelamullaWellawaya Police AreaEthiliwewaGampaha DistrictWattala Police AreaMaddumagalaHekiththa Police AreaHekiththa GN excluding Athkam Housing Scheme, Alwis Place, National Housing Scheme, Koktain RoadKerawalapitiya Police AreaKerawalapitiya GN excluding Paranawaththa AreaKerandapokuna Police AreaKeranga Pokuna GN excluding Jorge LaneKatana Police AreaKalugahawelaIsolation 2021-05-25 by Adaderana Online on Scribd
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 12:56 UTC
The man who drove Belarus's dictator to 'hijack' a plane
When a Belarusian warplane intercepted a Ryanair passenger jet over Belarus on Sunday, one man on board immediately knew he faced mortal danger. Lukashenko - 'Europe's last dictator' - personally gave the order for the 170 passengers to be brought down hundreds of miles from their final destination. Protasevich was with his Russian girlfriend Sofia Sapega, 23, a law student at the European Humanities University based in Lithuania. As it was announced the plane was landing in Minsk, he was seen standing up and opening the overhead locker. Protasevich immediately started unpacking his bag and handed a laptop and phone to his girlfriend Sapega - but she too was arrested.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 12:00 UTC
Important things to know when travel restrictions are relaxed
COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to extend the travel restrictions to 07th June, said Minister Johnston Fernando on Monday (24). However, travel restrictions will be relaxed on the following day for people to make purchases of essential items from the nearest store. 25th May 2021 (Travel Restrictions will be relaxed from 04 AM to 11 PM)31st May 2021 (Travel Restrictions will be relaxed from 04 AM to 11 PM)04th June 2021 (Travel Restrictions will be relaxed from 04 AM to 11 PM)07th June 2021 (Travel Restrictions will be relaxed from 04 AM to 11 PM)– Only retail shops, pharmacies, fish & meat stalls, vegetable stalls, and bakeries are allowed to operate when travel restrictions are relaxed. – People will not be permitted to travel using vehicles to make purchases when travel restrictions are relaxed. – Only people involved in essential services will be allowed to travel until the 07th of June.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 11:48 UTC
Bahrain suspends entry from Red List countries including Sri Lanka
Bahrain is suspending entry of travelers from countries on its “Red List”, which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, from today (May 24), state news agency BNA reported. Bahraini citizens and residency visa holders are not covered by the suspension, but will have to provide a PCR test before boarding a plane and quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, BNA added. Bahrain will also apply precautionary 10-day quarantine to vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals from all other countries, in their homes or in places licensed for quarantining, BNA added. Bahraini citizens and residency visa holders will have to present an approved PCR test certificate conducted no more than 48 hours prior to boarding and undertake another PCR test on arrival and on the tenth day of stay. Red list countries are modified based on an assessment made by the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus and is periodically reviewed in line with international developments.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 11:48 UTC
Hotline introduced for queries about essential services
The government has introduced a special telephone number ” 1965 ” for inquiries about essential services. The Presidential Task Force on Economic Recovery and Poverty Alleviation says the 1965 Special Telephone Number will be operational from today. The operation will be carried out 24 hours a day and the public will be able to obtain information on the purchase of essential items through the number. The Presidential Task Force on Economic Recovery and Poverty Alleviation said that the telephone service is committed to providing essential services to the people at a time when travel restrictions are in force throughout the country, enabling the public to purchase goods without inconvenience. “1965” special telephone number will be activated due to travel restrictions imposed.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 10:52 UTC
No buses tomorrow despite ease of travel restrictions
May 24, 2021 by Mihi Perera No CommentsSri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Kingsley Ranawaka says that no buses will be operated tomorrow (25) despite the easing of travel restrictions. He said the move was taken following health advice at a time when the corona epidemic was spreading rapidly. However, the services provided to the health and security sectors will continue to function, he said. He further said that all depot managers have been instructed to provide buses only for essential services.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 10:05 UTC
Black fungus is not new to Sri Lanka, SLMRI reveals
Sri Lanka Medical Research Institute (SLMRI) has made a revelation on cases of ‘black fungus’ detected in Sri Lanka. With reports of a person from Ampara who has been diagnosed with the ‘black Fungus’, there has been much dialogue in Sri Lanka regarding the infection which has stirred quite a storm in India. Meanwhile, SLMRI has revealed that Sri Lanka has reported cases of ‘black fungus’, also known as mucormycosis, since 2019. She said, “This fungus is not new to Sri Lanka. We have reported 42 cases of ‘black fungus’ in 2019, 24 in 2020, and 24 in 2021 so far.
Source:The Nation
May 24, 2021 09:56 UTC