Peru has announced new lockdowns for 10 of its 25 regions, including the capital Lima, as Covid-19 cases rise and hospitals reach a breaking point. The lockdowns will start on January 31. [...]

EU vaccine delivery dates weren't guaranteed, says AstraZeneca CEO

AstraZeneca is pushing back strongly against criticism from EU officials over delayed deliveries of its Covid-19 vaccine. [...]

Dethroned prince under fire for Holocaust Remembrance Day apology

A letter from a descendent of Italy's wartime King, apologizing for his ancestor's role in enabling Mussolini's fascist policies during World War II, has been criticized by historians and Jewish groups after several decades of silence from members of the disbanded royal family. [...]

Covid-19: Dubai ramps up PCR testing for passengers

This is among the three new safety rules that Dubai announced on Wednesday. [...]

UAE Covid vaccine: 86,770 residents vaccinated in 24 hours

UAE's vaccination administration rate is the second highest globally. [...]

Coronavirus: UAE reports 3,939 Covid-19 cases

More than 24.8 million tests have been carried out across the country so far. [...]

AFP official ordered relieved over “erroneous” NPA list

(Eagle News)–Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered the relief of Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Major General Alex Luna over what he said was the publication of an erroneous list of alleged New People’s Army members killed by government troops. In a statement, Lorenzana said the publication by Luna’s 0J2 office of the wrong list was an “unforgiveable lapse.” “His negligence only shows a lackadaisical attitude towards his job resulting (in) confusion […] [...]

FDA grants emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine

(Eagle News) — The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration has approved the emergency use authorization for AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. FDA director-general Eric Domingo made the announcement in a Laging Handa press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 28. “The interim data, taken in its entirety, showed an efficacy rate of 70 percent after the first dose,” Domingo said. He said the rate increases after the second dose, depending on how long before that second dose is administered. […] [...]

Harris, 76ers hand Lakers first road defeat of NBA season

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Tobias Harris drove in the final dagger as the Philadelphia 76ers thwarted a late Los Angeles Lakers rally to hand the reigning NBA champions their first road defeat of the season — 107-106. In a bruising heavyweight clash, the Eastern Conference leading Sixers made a statement against the league-leading Lakers. Joel Embiid scored 28 points, Ben Simmons notched a triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists and […] [...]