Sputnik V rejected in Brazil

BRASILIA/MOSCOW: The Brazilian health regulator Anvisa on Monday rejected importing the Russian-made Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine requested by state governors battling a deadly second wave of the coronavirus that is battering Latin America’s largest nation.

Anvisa’s five-strong board voted unanimously not to approve the Russian vaccine after technical staff had highlighted “inherent risks” and “serious” defects, citing a lack of information guaranteeing its safety, quality and effectiveness.

Ana Carolina Moreira Marino Araujo, general manager for health monitoring, said data acquired at in-person inspections and information from other regulators, “inherent risks” were too great.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the Sputnik V vaccine abroad, rejected Anvisa’s comments, saying the shot’s safety and efficacy had been assessed by regulators in 61 countries which approved it for use.

“Anvisa’s decision to delay the registration of Sputnik V may have been politically motivated,” RDIF said in a statement. “RDIF regrets the numerous attempts by some countries to oppose the Russian vaccine.”

Japan’s Olympic host towns start pulling out

Hundreds of Japanese towns and cities are rethinking plans to host Olympic teams because the coronavirus will prevent public appearances and require costly safety measures. The Games are slated for July 23 to August 8.

People all over Turkey, meanwhile, will be required to stay at home under a nationwide “full lockdown” starting on Thursday and lasting until May 17 to curb a surge in coronavirus infections and deaths, President Tayyip Erdogan has announced.