Covid deaths could top 5.1mn by start of March: Forecast

GENEVA/BEIJING: As the global death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic crossed the two million mark on Friday, researchers from China expressed fears that the tally could reach 5.1 million by the beginning of March.

The worldwide count of infections could reach 110-170mn by that time, say experts from the Chinese CDC, other research institutes, and those affiliated with the Chinese military. The number of cases has already topped 93mn.

In Brazil, the city of Manaus scrambled to provide oxygen to Covid-19 patients as doctors were forced to choose which of them would breathe. There was added concern following the discovery of a new variant of the virus, which is suspected to be behind a nationwide spike.

In the US, President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9tn coronavirus plan to end what he called “a crisis of deep human suffering”. He proposed $1,400 cheques for most Americans, which on top of $600 provided in the most recent Covid-19 bill, would bring the total to $2,000.

China reported the highest daily tally of cases in 10 months as authorities urged citizens to cut down on non-essential travel. A total of 144 new cases were reported for January 14.

Norway warns of vaccine risks after 23 fatalities Norway said that Covid-19 vaccines may be too risky for the old and terminally ill after its medicines agency said 23 people died a short time after receiving their first dose. Of the deaths, 13 were autopsied, with results suggesting common side effects may have contributed to severe reactions in frail, elderly people.