Study: Pfizer, Moderna jabs can tackle variants

The Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines should remain highly effective against two coronavirus variants that were first identified in India - B.1.617 and B.1.618 according to research carried out by US scientists.

The lab-based study was carried out by the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and NYU Langone Center, and is considered preliminary because it has not yet been published in a peerreviewed journal.

Most of Britain, meanwhile, took a big step towards normalcy on Monday as Covid-19 curbs were eased, despite concerns over the spread of the B.1.617 variant of the virus.

Across England, Wales and most of Scotland, indoor hospitality in pubs, restaurants and cafes returned; and cinemas, theatres and sports venues were to open their doors. But easing will not come until May 24 for Northern Ireland.

PM Boris Johnson tweeted, “Please be cautious about the risks to your loved ones. Remember that close contact, such as hugging is a direct way of transmitting this disease.”

Singapore, meanwhile, will close schools from Wednesday as authorities warned new variants such as the one first detected in India were affecting more children.

China said it supports appeals made by developing countries for waiving IP rights on Covid-19 vaccines. Foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said China supports the appeal to waive intellectual property rights as long as it is conducive to the inoculation needs of developing countries.