World Roundup: WHO changes rules on ‘pandemic’

• WHO changes rules on ‘pandemic’
• US to produce vaccine by year-end

The WHO said Thursday it was setting up a committee to consider changing the rules on declaring an international health emergency, following criticism of its COVID-19 pandemic response.

The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern or PHEIC over the new coronavirus on Jan. 30—at which time the respiratory disease had infected fewer than 100 people outside China, and claimed no lives beyond its borders.

But under the current International Health Regulations governing preparedness and response for health emergencies, there are no lower, intermediate levels of alarm beneath a full PHEIC, either on a global or regional scale.

Pledge to crush the pandemic

US President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged to “crush” the coronavirus pandemic with a vaccine by the end of the year, as he accepted the Republican nomination for a second term.

“We are marshaling America’s scientific genius to produce a vaccine in record time,” Trump said.

“We will have a safe and effective vaccine this year and together we will crush the virus.”

Trump will announce on Thursday a deal for 150-million rapid COVID-19 tests as he eyes a return to normal life ahead of the November’s elections, White House officials told AFP.

Japan to lift re-entry ban

Japan will lift a re-entry ban on foreigners from next month, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday, as the country looks to rebuild an economy hit by the coronavirus pandemic. 

“From September 1, we will allow foreigners with proper visas to re-enter after leaving the country, on condition that they take additional measures to prevent infection,” Abe said.

The policy will “allow those who are currently in countries on which Japan has imposed an entry ban to re-enter.”

Japan has faced criticism for a strict border policy over the coronavirus that has kept out most non-citizens, including those with long-term residency.

Blood plasma donated

Nearly 200 coronavirus survivors from a secretive South Korean sect blamed for the country’s early outbreak donated blood plasma Friday to help treatment research, as the group seeks to redeem itself.

Scientists have pointed to the potential for treatment using blood plasma containing antibodies to the virus from individuals who have recovered from Covid-19.

By far the South’s largest contingent of coronavirus survivors is from the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is often condemned as a cult.

It was at the heart of the country’s early outbreak and, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is linked to more than 5,000 virus cases in the country.