EU countries on Sunday embarked on a vaccination campaign hailed as the “key” to defeating COVID-19, as the growing spread of a new coronavirus variant intensified fears the pandemic could wreak further devastation.
The jab is a glimmer of hope for a continent still battling the pandemic in earnest, with infection rates again on the rise, lockdowns imposed and Christmas and New Year plans let in taters for many.
The numbers vaccinated in the initial days with the Pfizer-BioNTech jab are largely symbolic and it will be months before enough are protected to envisage a return to normal from the pandemic that has killed 1.76 million people worldwide since emerging in China late last year.
An AFP count showed the world passed 80 million confirmed coronavirus cases early on Sunday.
In a sign of impatience, some EU countries began vaccinating on Saturday, a day before the official start, with a 101-year-old woman in a care home becoming the first person in Germany to be inoculated and Hungary and Slovakia also handing out their first shots.
This story is from the December 28, 2020 edition of Gulf Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 28, 2020 edition of Gulf Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Bayern's bid for 10th German League title boosted by rivals' disarray
Bayern are cruising unbeaten at the top of the league table under new coach Nagelsmann and their challengers from last season are in disarray. They have won their last nine matches in all competitions and scored at least three goals in each game
Pakistan Pavilion at Expo spotlights Balochistan
Visitors will get to see the strides women in Pakistan have made and the importance of their development
Defence cooperation between UAE, Pakistan grows stronger
Sheikh Mohamed and General Bajwa discussed relations of friendship and joint coordination between the two countries in defence and military affairs
England's Buttler reiterates to pull out of Ashes tour if not allowed to meet family in Oz
But whether the wicketkeeper-batsman also features in the five-Test Ashes series is open to doubt amid questions over the severity of COVID-19 restrictions confronting Joe Root’s men in Australia
Balmain celebrates ten years with designer at Paris Fashion Week
An emotional recorded message by Beyonce opened the evening show, paying tribute to the French designer who she said strove to put diversity at the heart of his fashion
Brazil's Palmeiras Advance To Copa Libertadores Final Again
BELO HORIZONTE: Defending champions Palmeiras booked their place in the final of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, securing a batling 1-1 against Brazilian rivals Atletico Mineiro to advance on away goals.
Chennai Look To Tighten Grip On Top, Hyderabad To Play For Pride
Chennai are siting at the top of the standings with 16 points, having won eight of their ten matches. They are in stupendous form and have been unbeaten in the UAE leg of the tournament. CSK have notched up three victories on the trot to maintain their stranglehold on the summit
Britain Deploys Soldiers To Deliver Fuel, Says Official
Petrol stations’ union says only 27% reported being out of gasoline while taxi drivers say there appeared to be little signs of the situation improving
Cabinet Ministers Of UAE Sworn In At Qasr Al Watan
The ministers expressed their appreciation for the trust of the leaders of the UAE
Expo 2020 Star-Studded Opening Ceremony Will Mesmerise World
Opening ceremony viewing parties will take place across the country
