Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) should be a priority objective for monitoring activities at mink farms in the European Union, a new report recommends. The report, compiled by EFSA and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), proposes options for monitoring strategies that will help to prevent and control spread of the disease. It concludes […]
EMA receives application for conditional marketing authorisation of COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen
EMA has received an application for conditional marketing authorisation (CMA) for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Janssen-Cilag International N.V. EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) will assess the vaccine, known as COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen, under an accelerated timetable. The Committee could issue an opinion by the middle of March 2021, provided the company’s data on the vaccine’s efficacy, safety […]
HERA Incubator to anticipate the threat of COVID-19 variants
Von der Leyen announces the start of HERA Incubator to anticipate the threat of coronavirus variants To prepare Europe for an increased threat of coronavirus variants, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of European bio-defence preparedness plan called “HERA Incubator”. The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) Incubator will […]
Fresh air, shut screens beat lockdown blues, study says
Going outdoors and switching off screens lead to more happiness during the COVID-19 crisis. Mental health continues to be a focal topic with many European countries tightening measures, imposing further restrictions and reimposing lockdowns as the coronavirus pandemic surges to begin 2021. New research published in the ‘Journal of Happiness Studies’ reveals that spending time […]
Brussels demands confinement of Spain
Commission proposes update to coordinated approach on free movement restrictions. An update to the agreed colour code for the mapping of risk areas would be necessary to control the virus, in addition to stricter measures applied to travellers from higher-risk areas. Today @EU_Commission proposes: ☑️to add a new dark red colour to @ECDC_EU‘s weekly map […]
New plan to support green and digital transition and EU recovery
The European Commission adopted a Communication on a new European Research Area for Research and Innovation. Based on excellence, competitive, open and talent-driven, the new European Research Area will improve Europe’s research and innovation landscape, accelerate the EU’s transition towards climate neutrality and digital leadership, support its recovery from the societal and economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, and […]
Countries led by women coped better with COVID-19
Women world leaders have handled the coronavirus pandemic more effectively than their male counterparts. Countries with women at the helm like German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Ministers Mette Frederiksen and Sanna Marin of Denmark and Finland, respectively, have received worldwide praise for their success in handling the COVID-19 crisis. That’s not to say that […]
Remdesivir: European Commission guarantees access
On 28th July the European Commission signed a contract with the pharmaceutical company Gilead to guarantee treatment doses of Veklury, which is the trade name of remdesivir. Veklury was the first drug authorised on an EU level for the treatment of COVID-19. From early August, batches of Veklury will be made available to Member States […]
Coronavirus: EU Humanitarian Airlift to Iraq and New Funding
Iraq is suffering from the coronavirus pandemic. Through its humanitarian partners, the EU is supporting medical facilities and health professionals in the country, as well as the implementation of public health measures in camps and places of detention, and raising awareness of how to mitigate the risks. The last in a series of EU humanitarian […]