MEDST

‘Tomorrow will be better’: Shanghai inches towards COVID re-opening

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SHANGHAI, May 28 (Reuters) – The Chinese metropolis of Shanghai inched further towards a gradual reopening from two months of grinding COVID-19 lockdown, while the capital Beijing maintained curbs that have drastically curtailed movement even as case numbers decline. Shanghai aims essentially to end its lockdown from Wednesday. More people have been allowed out of … Read more

First steps in reforming global health emergency rules agreed at WHO meeting

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GENEVA, May 27 (Reuters) – Countries have agreed to an initial US-led push to reform of the rules around disease outbreaks, known as the International Health Regulations, after early opposition from Africa and others was overcome this week, sources told Reuters on Friday. The amendments, once confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) assembly, are … Read more

EU in talks for common purchase of vaccine, antiviral against monkeypox

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STOCKHOLM, May 27 (Reuters) – The European Union is working on a common purchasing agreement for vaccines and antiviralsagainst monkeypox, as cases of the viral disease usually endemic to Africa gather steam in Europe and beyond. A broad consensus was reached in principle with member states for the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) … Read more

Africa CDC warns on vaccine hoarding amid monkeypox outbreak

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JOHANNESBURG, May 26 (Reuters) – The acting director of Africa’s top public health agency said on Thursday that he hoped vaccine hoarding, as seen by wealthier nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, would not be repeated with the current monkeypox outbreak. Monkeypox, a usually mild viral infection, is endemic in the African countries of Cameroon, Central … Read more

Monkeypox can be contained if we act now, WHO says

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No need for mass vaccination currently, body says More data sharing needed on vaccine stockpiles Some 300 cases reported outside Africa so far GENEVA, May 27 (Reuters) – Countries should take quick steps to contain the spread of monkeypox and share data about their vaccine stockpiles, a senior World Health Organization official said on Friday. … Read more

North Korea stockpiled Chinese masks, vaccines before reporting COVID outbreak

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People wearing protective face masks commute amid concerns about the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Pyongyang, North Korea March 30, 2020, in this photo released by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register BEIJING/SEOUL, May 27 (Reuters) – In the months before it acknowledged its first official COVID-19 … Read more

US confirms 9 monkeypox cases in 7 states

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Test tubes labeled “Monkeypox virus positive and negative” are seen in this illustration taken May 23, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday said it had identified nine monkeypox cases in seven states, some in individuals who did not have … Read more

Shanghai takes baby steps towards ending COVID lockdown

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Electricity consumption in Shanghai at 83% 2021 levels Some Shanghai bus routes reopening Profits at China’s industrial firms fall sharply in April SHANGHAI/BEIJING, May 27 (Reuters) – Shanghai took more gradual steps on Friday towards lifting its COVID-19 lockdown while Beijing was investigating cases where its strict curbs were affecting other medical treatments as China … Read more

China strategy is about rules-based order, not ‘new Cold War,’ Blinken says

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Blinken calls China the most serious challenge to global order In response, China says both stand to gain from cooperation WASHINGTON, May 26 (Reuters) – The United States will not block China from growing its economy, but wants it to adhere to international rules, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday in a long-awaited … Read more

Hong Kong seeks to revive global banking status with major summit

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A general view of Two International Finance Center (IFC), HSBC headquarters and Bank of China in Hong Kong, China July 13, 2021. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register HONG KONG, May 27 (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s central bank plans to hold a major conference in November it hopes will … Read more