Russian jab rollout on hold as country waits for WHO approval
Rollout of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine is to be delayed while government waits for the World Health Organization (WHO) to give the jab the official stamp of approval.
The delay is a U-turn on previous plans to get the shot in circulation quickly to bolster the national vaccination programme by offering residents an alternative to AstraZeneca.
Information Minister Melford Nicholas told media yesterday that government was keen to avoid public concern that it had been “reckless” in dishing out the shot.
Another reason for the postponement might be that there are still as many as 28,500 unused AstraZeneca doses in the country – some of them due to expire at the end of June – amid lingering hesitancy among many residents towards getting inoculated.
Bar owners looking forward to positive discussions on reopening
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By Orville Williams
Some bar owners and others that operate establishments within that realm have expressed confidence that discussions with the government regarding a potential reopening should go well, despite past concerns.
These establishments are among the few that have yet to be granted some kind of reprieve, following the relaxations given to restaurants for in-house dining. Along with the eateries, gyms were allowed to reopen earlier this week and churches were given the green light to return to full, socially-distanced capacity.
Information Minister Melford Nicholas, confirmed on Thursday that a meeting would be held soon with a group of bar operators, to determine the parameters for a possible reopening.
Sputnik V jab set to be given green light for use in A&B antiguaobserver.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from antiguaobserver.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Report filed by Jessica Russell – News Reporter.
The 65 and older age group will be able to get vaccinated against COVID- 19 at the All Saints Secondary and Jennings Primary Schools from next Monday to Wednesday.
Information Minister Melford Nicholas says there are attempts to reach those residing in more southern parts of the island.
During these three days, vaccination sites at the Glanvilles and Villa Polyclinics will temporarily close, but will resume inoculation from the 11th of March.
The locations are open from 9 to 3:30 on weekdays but close over weekends to allow healthcare workers to focus on targeted groups.
The Health Ministry also assures people who are incapacitated and with disabilities will be prioritized for vaccination in their homes through a scheduling system.
A decision will be made in coming weeks whether to pause vaccination to ensure second doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are available to those who have be