Stories for December 31st 2020

Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:50 UTC
Argentina's regulator approves the AstraZeneca and Oxford University Covid-19 vaccine

Argentina's regulator on Wednesday approved the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University for emergency use, AstraZeneca said in a statement.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:40 UTC
Bolsonaro criticizes Argentina for legalizing abortion and erects as a leader of the pro-life movement

Brazil’s far-right President Jair Bolsonaro criticized a decision by Argentina’s Senate on Wednesday that gave women the right to decide on abortion. In a post on Twitter, the evangelical head of government said he “deeply regrets the lives of Argentine children,” saying they are now ”exposed to being cut from their mothers’ wombs with the consent of the State.”
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:35 UTC
Brazil dispute with Pfizer vaccine; pledges emergency use for AstraZeneca's shots probably by mid January

Brazil will soon weigh emergency-use approval for AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine after Britain gave the green light on Wednesday, as Latin America's largest country rushes to catch up with immunization programs under way around the hard-hit region.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:30 UTC
Argentina suspends corn export sales until March; farmers' surprised and furious

Argentina will suspend sales of corn for export until Feb. 28, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday, announcing the surprise move as part of the government's effort to ensure ample domestic food supplies.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:23 UTC
Brazilian medical suppliers in conflict with government over syringe and needle prices

Brazilian syringe and needle makers warned on Wednesday the country's coronavirus vaccination program was at risk after the government set auction prices too low and failed to draw bids for enough syringes to meet its requirements.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:22 UTC
An emotional Merkel admits 2020 has been her most difficult of her 15-year leadership

Angela Merkel said in her last New Year's address to the nation as German chancellor that 2020 was by far the most difficult of her 15-year leadership, yet the start of vaccinations against COVID-19 made 2021 a year of hope.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:20 UTC
US “will likely authorize” the AstraZeneca Oxford University vaccine next April

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by British drug maker AstraZeneca Plc and Oxford University will likely be authorized for emergency use in the United States in April, the chief adviser for the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine program said on Wednesday.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:11 UTC
British parliament approves UK/EU deal; “Brexit is not the end but a beginning” says Johnson

British lawmakers approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson's post Brexit deal with the European Union on Wednesday, as both sides looked to begin a new chapter of relations just days before their divorce becomes a reality.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:07 UTC
Brussels and Beijing agreement to open the Chinese market to EU investors

The European Union and China on Wednesday announced the political approval of a long-sought agreement to open the Chinese market further to EU investors, marking an economic victory for both sides.
Thursday, December 31st 2020 - 08:01 UTC
Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan had most probably ten times more cases, China public health report

The scale of the Covid-19 outbreak in Wuhan early this year may have been nearly 10 times the recorded tally, a study conducted by China's public health authorities indicates, leaving the city where the coronavirus first took hold still well short of the immunity required to protect against a potential resurgence.