Wednesday,  Aug. 5th, 2020

Early vaccine trial produces strong antibody response with minimal side effects  Maryland-based Novavax released released a preliminary study Tuesday showing all 130-some recipients of its coronavirus vaccine trial produced COVID-19 antibodies that could reduce their chance of infection. Of them, 56 produced a high level of antibodies without any dangerous side effects. More than 60 percent of recipients had minor side effects, and eight people had to be hospitalized, though not for life threatening reasons. John Moore, a virologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, said these were some of the most promising vaccine results he has seen yet. Bipartisan state attorneys general are meanwhile seeking to use a federal patent law to increase the supply of the drug remdesivir and lower its price, as it has proven to be a promising coronavirus treatment but is only made by the biopharmaceutical company Gilead. Source:  USA Today

Officials say deadly Beirut explosion caused by 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate  Lebanese officials believe Tuesday’s enormous explosion in Beirut’s port was likely caused by 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in a warehouse, and Prime Minister Hassan Diab vowed that those “responsible for this catastrophe will pay the price.” The blast killed at least 78 people and injured nearly 4,000, Lebanon’s health ministry said, with many people still missing. The explosion leveled buildings, flipped cars, and blew out windows, and was so strong that it registered as a 3.3 magnitude earthquake. Beirut’s hospitals, already under stress due to the coronavirus pandemic, are now overwhelmed by patients, and medical facilities are asking for blood donations and generators. The city’s governor, Marwan Abboud, told reporters he has “never in my life seen damage this enormous … this is a national catastrophe. This is a disaster for Lebanon.” Source: The Guardian

 

UK-based airline Virgin Atlantic declares itself bankrupt and files for Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Protection in New York amid a decline in international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. (The Guardian)

The Philippines posts a single-day Southeast Asian record, with 6,352 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, as well as 11 deaths. More than 66,000 people have recovered. (The Straits Times) 

Poland reports a single-day record of 680 new cases in the last 24 hours, as well as six deaths. More than a third are in the southern Silesia region, largely amongst coal miners. (Voice of America)

The Congress of the Republic of Peru votes 54–37 no confidence against Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano, forcing all 19 government ministers to resign. President Martín Vizcarra has 48 hours to form a new cabinet. (Reuters)

Newly leaked bodycam footage shows George Floyd pleading with police officers not to lock him up in a police vehicle, as well as saying that he is claustrophobic. (NBC News)

President Donald Trump vows to sue Nevada over legislation signed by Governor Steve Sisolak that, amid the coronavirus pandemic, requires election officials to send all active, registered voters a mail-in ballot ahead of the November election. This also would apply to any others that happen in the wake of a statewide emergency or disaster directive. (Reuters)

The End