• US coronavirus cases exceed 27 million. Source
• A pre-print study predicts that US cases of the B/1.1.7 variant, which is a more infectious version of the coronavirus, will double every ten days. Source
• WHO announces that it will hold a meeting of its independent panel on vaccinations to discuss data on efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the B.1.351 variant which has become common in South Africa.
Oxford University Professor of Vaccinology Sarah Gilbert announces that work has begun on a new version of its coronavirus vaccine which is designed to prevent the B.1.351 variant; it will be ready in the fall. Source
• The deputy director-general of South Africa’s health department, Anban Pillay, announces that the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines shipped from India’s Serum Institute had an April expiry, which was only discovered upon their arrival. Source
