• Bahrain approves one of Sinopharm’s coronavirus vaccine candidates, based on an 86% efficacy result from a trial in the UAE, where 100,000 people have already received it. The country plans to distribute it to citizens and residents over age 18 years free-of-charge. Information from late-stage trials of the vaccine has not yet been published. Sources 1,2
• Germany will institute a ‘hard lockdown’ on Wednesday, in the midst of a record-breaking surge of coronavirus cases; non-essential businesses will be closed, as public alcohol consumption and social gatherings are banned until 10 January. Source
