GENEVA (AP) — The head of the World Health Organization said Monday the emergence of new COVID-19 variants has raised questions about whether or not existing vaccines will work, calling it “concerning news” that the vaccines developed so far may be less effective against the variant first detected in South Africa.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a media briefing that South Africa’s decision on Sunday to suspend its vaccination campaign using the AstraZeneca vaccine is “a reminder that we need to do everything we can to reduce circulation of the virus with proven public health measures.”
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MIDDLE EAST
Top Iranian diplomat says US 'should take first step' by returning to nuclear deal.
U.S. may weigh baby steps to revive Iran nuclear deal.
Saudi Arabia announces major legal reforms, paving the way for codified law.
Palestinian factions agree on ‘mechanisms’ for long-delayed polls.
UAE Mars probe successfully enters Red Planet orbit.
ASIA
Myanmar protests: Police use rubber bullets, water cannons.
Myanmar military raids Suu Kyi's party offices as UN slams 'unacceptable' violence.
UN report reveals North Korea maintained, developed nuclear weapons throughout 2020.
Kim Jong Un slams 'passive and self-protecting' economic agencies.
Xi: China open to ‘vaccine cooperation’ with Eastern Europe.
Hong Kong pro-democracy tycoon Jimmy Lai denied bail in national security case.
India disaster: Death toll rises as rescuers try to reach workers in tunnel.
AFRICA
Senegal army captures rebel bases with G.Bissau support.
Mozambique sees militia violence dwindle as military gains steam.
EU calls for withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray.
Ethnic clashes in Darfur could reignite Sudan’s old conflict.
South Africa in shock after AstraZeneca vaccine rollout halted.
UN Security Council urges Somalis to decide quickly on elections.
EUROPE
UK COVID-19 hotel quarantine rule-breakers face 10 years in jail, large fines.
Covid-19: France logs more than 18,800 new daily cases, deaths reach 80,000.
‘Not even in wartime’: French expats blast Covid ban on returning home.
In new tactic, Navalny supporters to rally in courtyards.
EU hints at new sanctions amid pressure from Navalny aides.
Merkel under fire for failing to choose sides between communist China and capitalist US.
Europe's oldest person survives Covid just before 117th birthday.
AMERICAS
Senators vote to proceed with Trump's impeachment trial, but conviction may be elusive.
Biden presses for 'big' stimulus in meeting with CEOs.
Donald Trump-appointed prosecutors to be asked to resign by Joe Biden's US Justice Department.
Haiti opposition names interim leader as political crisis deepens.
El Salvador opposition proposes president’s removal.
Bolivia healthcare workers launch strike in COVID-hit region.
'We're double-dipping': Trudeau pressured to speed vaccine distribution amid Covax backlash.
Computer hackers try to poison Florida town's water supply.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
UK targeted Isis drones and online servers in cyber attack.
Iran summons Belgium envoy over sentencing of diplomat.
High Court extends detention of terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika after his sentence.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Asian stocks make cautious gains after patchy Wall St. rally.
Bitcoin nears $50,000 as cryptocurrencies ride Tesla wave.
Cryptocurrencies rise in popularity in world's conflict zones.
Twitter wraps ‘extraordinary year’ with Q4 jump in users, revenue.
Fears over DNA privacy as 23andMe plans to go public in deal with Richard Branson.
