Headlines
• Pfizer says its vaccine is safe for children aged 12-15
• Arizona and Arkansas lift mask mandates
• Germany bans AZ vaccine for under 60s
• Mass testing begins in Bolton after discovery of SA variant
• Malta to allow UK travellers this summer
World news
• Surge testing is being deployed in Bolton, Greater Manchester, after one case of the South African variant was identified.
• Germany will only administer AstraZeneca’s vaccine to those aged over 60 following the recommendation of the country’s vaccination commission (Stiko).
• Arizona and Arkansas are the latest US states to lift mask requirements against federal advice.
• People aged 45-49 are now eligible for vaccinations in Northern Ireland.
• China will launch mass vaccinations in four cities and counties in the South Western Yunnan province that borders Myanmar.
• Malta has said UK travellers who have had both doses of a coronavirus vaccine will be allowed to enter from 1 June.
• Australia has administered 600,000 Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, short of its target of delivering four million vaccinations by 31 March.
• Austria is in late-stage talks with Russia to buy a million doses of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine.
• Organisers of Glastonbury have announced they will be holding an online livestream event in May, after the festival was cancelled for a second year.
• Pfizer says its vaccine is safe and 100% effective in preventing the illness in young people aged 12-15.
• Israel plans to administer the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to 12-15-year-olds upon FDA approval.
• PwC will allow flexible working to continue when coronavirus restrictions ease. The firm said it expects staff will spend an average of 2-3 days per week co-located with colleagues, either in the office or at client sites.
• South Africa has banned the sale of takeaway alcohol over this weekend’s Easter holiday. Bars and restaurants may still serve drinks. Religious gatherings have also been restricted to 50% capacity if indoors.
• Yemen has received its first 360,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s vaccine through the Covax scheme.
