Pfizer vaccine death in New Zealand
Wellington: New
Zealand has reported its first coronavirus vaccine death.
A health board that monitors vaccine safety said yesterday that a woman had died from myocarditis after being given the Pfizer jab.
The board said the woman probably developed the condition because of the vaccine, although she had other medical issues which may have contributed.
Director-general of health Ashley Bloomfield said myocarditis is a very rare side-effect and there is clear evidence that having a vaccination is much safer than being infected with Covid-19.
Health authorities have so far administered vaccines to more than two million New Zealanders.
The board declined to answer questions on the woman’s age and the date of her death, citing protocol because a coroner is investigating the case further.
Beijing: Universal
Studios is to open its first theme park in China in September.
The attraction will open in Beijing on September 20, according to a statement and video posted on Chinese social media site Weixin.
The theme park, which has been under construction since 2016, has received strong backing from Beijing authorities, including the extension of one of the city’s main subway lines to the site.
Along with rides, shows, restaurants and exhibits, the resort features a pair of hotels. The project will complement Universal’s other two Asian parks in Japan and Singapore.
The Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and Kung Fu Panda film franchises feature heavily, along with the Minions from the Despicable Me movies.
Paris: Some two million workers in restaurants and other service jobs in France must now show a health pass to go to work, as part of government virus-fighting efforts.
Members of the public are already required to show the pass to go to restaurants, tourist sites and many other venues.
From yesterday, all staff members must also show the pass, which requires proof of vaccination, a fresh negative test, or recovery from Covid-19. Those who do not risk suspension or other punishment, and businesses that do not comply face potential fines.
Nearly 72 per cent of French people have had at least one dose of a vaccine and more than 64% are fully vaccinated.
France recorded the second-highest number of infections in Europe over the past month, but its summer spike in cases has started to subside since the government imposed stricter vaccination and other virus rules.
Geretsried: A German woman has been arrested on suspicion of helping the Islamic State group by backing efforts to transfer money to militants.
The suspect, identified only as Denise S, was arrested in Geretsried, near Munich, and faces possible charges of supporting a foreign terrorist organisation.
She is accused of supporting Aymen A-J, an Iraqi man who was arrested in Germany this year.
Federal prosecutors said the woman’s main job was to establish contact with female IS members and keep them up to date on money transfers and to call for donations.