• US-based scientists and public health experts voice serious concerns about lack of transparency in coronavirus vaccine trials, given the extraordinary circumstances of a global pandemic, and because billions of dollars in taxpayer money have been committed to vaccine development and advance purchases. AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer have not made their study protocols, including statistical analysis plans and criteria for stopping trials, available to the public- and AstraZeneca has only communicated with investors about the adverse event that triggered a pause in their vaccine trial. Sources 1,2
• Coronavirus cases surge in the UK, surpassing 3,000 for three consecutive days. Source
• Israel announces a three-week national lockdown which will start on the eve of the Jewish New Year. Source
• Ethiopia announces that BGI Health Ethiopia, a subsidiary of China’s BGI Group, will partner to produce coronavirus test kits for its national market and export, mainly to other African countries – and future plans for supplying HIV and TB test kits. Source