Concerns over AstraZeneca vaccine dismissed by health authorities

Mar 12 2021

The Maltese Health Authorities have dismissed any concerns regarding the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine batch which under investigation in multiple countries due to a potential link to blood clots.

It was reported that the batch concerned, ABV5300, was used a number of weeks ago and while the authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation, no doses remain and no reports were received.

The batch of AstraZeneca jabs is currently under investigation by six EU countries after reports of blood clot cases amongst those vaccinated, albeit lacking a definite link between the vaccine and blood clots.

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Human remains found in Kent as Everard investigation continues

Mar 12 2021

The English Metropolitan Police has reported that human remains have been found near a woodland in Kent during the search for the missing Sarah Everard.

A Metropolitan Police officer has also been arrested, suspected to be in connection with Everard’s kidnap and murder after she went missing in Clapham, south London on 3 March.

Sarah Everard’s case has sparked a movement of concern around the world, shining a light on the lack of women’s safety and awareness around the world, with surveys reporting that 97% of women have been sexually harassed some time or other.

The police have released a CCTV image of Sarah as the search, as well as investigation on the Met police officer continues.

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Gozo Ferry terminal with long queues following COVID-19 measures

Mar 11 2021

After authorities set new COVID-19 measures into effect yesterday, a photo has emerged of a Gozo ferry terminal filled with long queues as people made their way either to or from Gozo/Malta. Social distancing measures in the photo seemed to be completely absent. This promptly raised concerns and criticism from social media users at the lack of enforcement of mitigations.

Gozo Channel this morning.

Posted by Gerald Fenech Covid19 news updates on Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Travel to Gozo was left open only to residents of the island as Prime Minister Robert Abela initiated a new batch of regulations. Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri reiterated the measures, stating that all passengers will be screened before boarding the ferry. Specific permits will be issued to those who work and require daily crossing, making screening easier and to avoid such queues.

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One-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine approved by EU

Mar 11 2021

The one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been approved by the European Medicines Agency, making it the fourth vaccine to be endorsed in the EU after the Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca-Oxford University and Moderna vaccines. The new vaccine is approved for those over 18-years of age. USA, Canada and Bahrain have also approved the new shot.

EMA’s executive director Emer Cooke stated that the EU now has another option to combat the pandemic and protect lives, along with being a vaccine that can be used in a single dose. The EU has secured 400 million doses of the vaccine.

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