As parts of Japan near the planned end of a third state of emergency, infectious disease experts warn that a fourth declaration in Tokyo might be right around the corner.
Reuters
Asia-Pacific economies are racing to develop home-grown Covid-19 vaccines as supply shortages threaten to upend containment efforts and prolong the pandemic.
Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam are all betting on multiple locally developed vaccine candidates after struggling to secure adequate supplies of shots from overseas.
Although locally developed vaccines are unlikely to arrive in time to save sluggish vaccine roll-outs, authorities and scientific experts regard the approach as a longer-term investment.
Many experts expect Covid-19 to circulate indefinitely. It means the emergence of variants resistant to existing vaccines and the potential need for booster shots to maintain immunity could fuel vaccine demand for years to come.
Written by Steven HansenThe U.S. new cases 7-day rolling average are 32.8 % LOWER than the 7-day rolling average one week ago and U.S. deaths due to coronavirus are now 8.5 % LOWER than the rolling average one week ago. Today s posts include: