On COVID-19 pandemic   

WHO-related   

 WHO insisted that there was still hope of conquering the COVID-19 pandemic despite
the suffering behind the landmarks of 20 million cases and over 735,000 deaths, AFP,
The Guardian and Anadolu Agency reported.  

Epidemiology-related   

 A simple blood test may predict which COVID-19 patients are likely to get worse and die,
a new study suggested, UPI reported.  

NCDs 

 A large study of strokes associated with COVID-19 found that many strokes occur in
relatively young people without risk factors, Reuters reported.  

Measures taken by countries   

 The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control urged countries seeing an
increase in cases of COVID-19 to reinstate some curbs, warning of a resurgence of cases
in parts of Europe, AFP reported.  
 As European countries struggle to manage spikes in COVID-19 cases, concern is
mounting about a “second wave” of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe
that threatens the free movement of goods and people, AP reported.  
 The French health ministry reported the first significant rise in the number of people in
hospital due COVID-19 since the end of the country’s lockdown, Reuters wrote.  
 Finland will introduce mandatory COVID-19 tests and quarantines for travellers from
certain high-risk countries, Reuters reported.  
 The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block US
citizens and permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being
infected with the new coronavirus, Reuters reported.  
 Australia's Northern Territory will be closed to visitors from virus hotspots for a further
18 months to protect its large and vulnerable Aboriginal population, AFP reported.  
 Papua New Guinea will lift lockdown despite a surge in COVID-19 cases, Reuters
reported.  
 Bhutan ordered its first nationwide lockdown, Reuters reported.  
 The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum warned that beyond the health and
economic crises of COVID-19, the pandemic has the potential to cause political
instability and undermine state security across the Pacific, The Guardian reported. 
 Health officials in South Sudan warned that non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive
measures could derail efforts to fight the virus, Xinhua reported.  
 Vaccines, Medicines & Tests  

 Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte lauded Russia’s efforts to develop a COVID-19

vaccine and is willing to participate in trials, Reuters reported.  
 Gilead filed an application with the US Food and Drug Administration seeking full
approval for remdesivir, its experimental COVID-19 drug currently used under
emergency authorization, Reuters reported.  
 The United Kingdom’s COVID-19 Test and Trace scheme is to become more locally
targeted, after data suggested it was not reaching as many contacts of infected people
as needed to avoid a second wave of infections, Reuters reported.  
 Hong Kong SAR China expects 5 million people to take part in a massive voluntary novel
coronavirus testing programme, the city’s health minister said, South China Morning
Post reported. 

 
Misinformation  

 Nearly 82% of COVID-19 information posted on news sites, global health organizations

and social media platforms between late December and early April were rumors or
conspiracy theories, according to a study in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine
and Hygiene, UPI reported.  

Anadolu Agency: WHO urges action to contain virus as cases near 20M  
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/who-urges-action-to-contain-virus-as-cases-near-20m/1937381  
Behind the rising numbers of registered novel coronavirus cases and deaths -- both expected this week
to reach 20 million and 750,000, respectively -- is "a great deal of pain and suffering," and leaders need
to embrace new measures to turn the outbreak around, the top official of the World Health
Organization (WHO) said Monday.  
  
AFP via The Khaleej Times: WHO sees hope despite 20 million global cases  
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/who-sees-hope-despite-20-million-global-cases  
The World Health Organisation insisted on Monday there was still hope of conquering the coronavirus
pandemic despite the suffering behind the landmarks of 20 million cases and over 735,000 deaths.  
 
AFP via NDTV: "Never Too Late To Turn Outbreak Around": WHO On 20 Million Covid Cases 
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/coronavirus-world-crosses-20-million-cases-who-chief-tedros-
adhanom-ghebreyesus-says-never-too-late-to-turn-outbreak-around-2277445 
The coronavirus pandemic chalked up another horrific milestone Monday as the world surpassed 20
million recorded cases of infection from the tiny killer that has upended life just about everywhere. 
 
The Guardian: Global report: coronavirus cases pass 20m as WHO points to 'green shoots of hope' 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/11/global-report-coronavirus-cases-pass-20m-as-who-
points-to-green-shoots-of-hope 
Nearly five months to the day since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic, Covid-19
infections have passed 20 million cases. In acknowledging the milestone, the health body’s chief warned
against despair, saying if the virus could be suppressed effectively, “we can safely open up societies”. 
 
The Hill: WHO: Coronavirus unaffected by seasonal changes 
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/511387-who-coronavirus-unaffected-by-
seasonal-changes 
The novel coronavirus does not appear to wax and wane with the passing of the seasons, experts at the
World Health Organization said Monday. 
“In the absence of control measures, very often, viruses can show seasonal patterns. We’ve certainly
seen that with influenza. This virus has demonstrated no seasonal pattern as such, so far,” said Mike
Ryan, who heads the WHO’s emergencies program. “What it has clearly demonstrated is, you take the
pressure off the virus, the virus bounces back.” 
 
Newshub: Coronavirus: New Zealand mentioned as 'global exemplar' in fighting COVID-19 by World
Health Organization 
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2020/08/coronavirus-new-zealand-mentioned-as-
global-exemplar-in-fighting-covid-19-by-world-health-organization.html 
New Zealand's success in fighting COVID-19 and suppressing the virus early is being heralded by the
world's top health agency. 
Aotearoa currently has 21 active cases of the respiratory illness, but all are located in managed isolation
or quarantine facilities and it's been about 101 days since the last case of community transmission. 
 
CGTN Africa: Rwanda’s progress in COVID-19 fight is down to “strong leadership”; WHO chief  
https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/08/10/rwandas-progress-in-covid-19-fight-is-down-to-strong-leadership-
who-chief/  
Rwanda’s success so far in the fight against COVID-19 has been made possible by the country’s “strong
leadership”, according to the World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom.  
  
CNN: 'If we suppress the virus, we can safely open up societies,' WHO head says  
https://cnnphilippines.com/world/2020/8/10/-If-we-suppress-the-virus--we-can-safely-open-up-
societies---WHO-head-says.html  
As the global COVID-19 case count approaches 20 million and deaths approach 750,000, Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said the virus must be
suppressed to safely reopen societies  
 
The Indian Express: Covid-19 vaccine tracker, August 10: WHO renews call for countries to join its
COVAX platform 
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/covid-19-vaccine-tracker-updates-august-10-6548138/ 
The World Health Organisation has renewed its invite to countries to join its COVAX facility, an
international alliance aimed at accelerating the development and manufacture of
novel Coronavirus vaccines, and ensuring equitable access to all.  The COVAX facility, launched in the last
week of April, is stitching together agreements with developers and manufacturers of vaccine
candidates it thinks are most likely to succeed. 
 
CGTN Africa: COVID-19 case zero might not come from Wuhan: WHO 
https://africa.cgtn.com/2020/08/10/covid-19-case-zero-might-not-come-from-wuhan-who/ 
Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Emergencies
Programme, called for an open mind on Monday when speculating on the source of the global COVID-19
pandemic as case zero might not be from Wuhan. 
In a regular briefing of the WHO, Ryan pointed out that the first cluster of COVID-19 were picked up in
Wuhan, yet case zero is not always where the first cluster is, but it’s usually before in time, and might be
in another place. Ryan made the remarks citing his 25 years of professional experience. 
 
Daily Sabah: Top WHO official praises Turkey for fight, vaccine development against COVID-19  
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/top-who-official-praises-turkey-for-fight-vaccine-development-
against-covid-19/news 
Irshad Ali Shaikh, interim WHO director for the health body’s Turkey office, says Turkey has done a good
job in managing COVID-19 outbreak and praises the country’s accomplishment in a bid to develop a
vaccine  
 
Reuters: England COVID test and trace scheme changes tack after mixed results 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-britain-trace/england-covid-test-and-trace-
scheme-changes-tack-after-mixed-results-idUSKCN2561KP 
England’s COVID-19 Test and Trace scheme is to become more locally targeted, the government said on
Monday, after data suggested it was not reaching as many contacts of infected people as needed to
avoid a second wave of infections. 
 
AP via ABC News: Virus-linked border moves raise fears on free travel in EU 
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/virus-linked-border-moves-raise-fears-free-travel-
72281252 
As European countries struggle to manage spikes in coronavirus cases, concern is mounting about a
“second wave” of uncoordinated border restrictions within Europe that threatens the free movement of
goods and people — a foundation that the world’s biggest trading bloc is built on. 
 
Reuters: French hospitals see first rise in COVID-19 patients since end of lockdown 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-casualties/french-hospitals-see-first-rise-
in-covid-19-patients-since-end-of-lockdown-idUSKCN25627W 
The French health ministry on Monday reported the first significant rise in the number of people in
hospital due to the new coronavirus since the end of the country’s lockdown, reversing a trend seen
since mid-April. 
 
Reuters: Scared by Skopje flight, Finland to mandate COVID-19 tests for travellers 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-finland-travel/scared-by-skopje-flight-finland-
to-mandate-covid-19-tests-for-travellers-idUSKCN256296¨ 
 Finland will introduce mandatory coronavirus tests and quarantines for travellers from certain high-risk
countries, the minister in charge said on Monday, after 24 of 157 passengers arriving from Skopje in
North Macedonia tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
AFP via The Jakarta Post: EU seeks reinstated curbs due to virus 'resurgence' 
https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/08/11/eu-seeks-reinstated-curbs-due-to-virus-
resurgence.html 
The EU's health agency Monday urged countries seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19 to reinstate
some curbs, warning of a resurgence of cases in parts of Europe. 
In its latest risk assessment, (ECDC) said there was evidence that the novel coronavirus was picking up
speed. 
 
Reuters: U.S. COVID-19 deaths drop for first time in four weeks 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-trends/us-covid-19-deaths-drop-for-first-
time-in-four-weeks-idUSKCN2562I7 
The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 fell 16% to about 7,200 people last week, the first decline in deaths
after four weeks of increases, according to a Reuters tally of state and county reports. 
 
Reuters: Trump weighs blocking U.S. citizens coming home if coronavirus infection feared 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-immigration/trump-weighs-blocking-u-s-
citizens-coming-home-if-coronavirus-infection-feared-idUSKCN2562QP 
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering a measure to block U.S. citizens and
permanent residents from returning home if they are suspected of being infected with the new
coronavirus, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Reuters. 
 
CNBC News: Trump urges Americans to stop politicizing the coronavirus, blames China 
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/10/trump-urges-americans-to-stop-politicizing-the-coronavirus-
blames-china.html 
President Donald Trump on Monday urged Americans to stop politicizing the coronavirus, only to blame
the outbreak in the United States on China moments later. 
“We must stop politicizing the virus, but instead must be united in our condemnation of how this virus
came to America, how this virus came to the world,” Trump said during a White House press briefing on
the coronavirus pandemic. “And we’re going to figure it out and we’re going to find out and we’re very
angry about it.” 
 
Daily Mail: Dr. Fauci fears the ‘convergence’ of COVID-19 and the flu this fall could be a ‘very difficult
time’ for Americans as he calls for ‘universal wearing of mask' at schools 
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8614293/Dr-Fauci-fears-convergence-COVID-19-flu-fall-
difficult-time.html 
Dr. Anthony Fauci cautioned Americans that a 'difficult time' could overtake the U.S. come fall if the
COVID-19 outbreak and flu season strike the country in tandem.  
He also called for a 'universal wearing of masks' at schools because it could slow the virus' spread and
mitigate infections. 
 
AFP via Yahoo: Australia's northern region to face virus measures until 2022 
https://news.yahoo.com/australias-northern-region-face-virus-040901347.html 
Australia's Northern Territory will be closed to visitors from virus hotspots for a further 18 months to
protect its large and vulnerable Aboriginal population, authorities said Tuesday. 
The sparsely populated northern region is home to roughly 250,000 people -- 30 percent of whom are
Aboriginal -- according to government figures. 
 
Reuters: Lawyers in New Zealand report surge in separations as a result of Covid lockdown 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/11/lawyers-in-new-zealand-report-surge-in-
separations-as-a-result-of-covid-lockdown 
Some New Zealand family lawyers have been overwhelmed with enquiries - and are even turning
prospective clients away – because of an increase in newly-separated couples seeking legal advice after
they split during the country’s strict Covid-19 lockdown. 
 
Reuters: New Zealand retirement home in lockdown to test for COVID-19 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-newzealand/new-zealand-retirement-home-in-
lockdown-to-test-for-covid-19-idUSKCN2570C8 
 
Reuters: Philippines' Duterte has 'huge trust' in Russia vaccine, volunteers for trial 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-philippines-russia/philippines-duterte-has-
huge-trust-in-russia-vaccine-volunteers-for-trial-idUSKCN2570HS 
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has lauded Russia’s efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine and is
willing to participate in trials, as he welcomed a supply offer from Moscow that he expects will be free of
charge. 
 
The Guardian: Pacific states face instability, hunger and slow road to Covid recovery: Dame Meg
Taylor 
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/11/pacific-states-face-instability-hunger-and-slow-
road-to-covid-recovery-dame-meg-taylor 
Beyond the health and economic crises of Covid-19, the global pandemic has the potential to cause
political instability and undermine state security across the Pacific, the region’s chief diplomat has
warned. 
 
South China Morning Post: Hong Kong third wave: 5 million city residents to be tested for Covid-19,
health minister says 
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3096713/hong-kong-third-wave-
5-million-city-residents-be 
Hong Kong expects 5 million people to take part in a massive voluntary coronavirus testing programme,
the city’s health minister has said. 
While details for the testing have yet to be finalised, those wishing to take part will have to register,
Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan Siu-chee said. 
 
Reuters: Papua New Guinea to lift lockdown despite surge in COVID-19 cases 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-papua/papua-new-guinea-to-lift-lockdown-
despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-idUSKCN2570B6 
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape is pressing ahead with plans to lift lockdown measures
in the Pacific nation this week, even as a recent sharp spike in coronavirus infections worries health
officials. 
 
Reuters: Bhutan orders first coronavirus lockdown as cases hit 113 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-bhutan/bhutan-orders-first-coronavirus-
lockdown-as-cases-hit-113-idUSKCN2570U0 
Bhutan ordered its first nationwide lockdown on Tuesday after a returning resident tested positive for
coronavirus after being discharged from quarantine and coming into close contact with people in the
capital Thimphu. 
 
Reuters: Pakistan rolls back social distancing restrictions as virus counts drop 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pakistan/pakistan-rolls-back-social-distancing-
restrictions-as-virus-counts-drop-idUSKCN2562GJ 
 
Xinhua: Laxity in COVID-19 preventive measures may further spread virus in South Sudan: official 
http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/africa/2020-08/10/c_139280118.htm 
Health officials in South Sudan on Monday warned that non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive
measures could derail efforts to fight the virus and fuel the spread of the pandemic in the east African
country. 
 
Reuters: A cheaper saliva test seeks FDA approval; stroke risks in younger patients 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-science/a-cheaper-saliva-test-seeks-fda-
approval-stroke-risks-in-younger-patients-idUSKCN2562IL 
The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to
find treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus. 
COVID-19 strokes hitting younger, low-risk patients 
A large study of strokes associated with COVID-19 found that many strokes occur in relatively young
people without risk factors, the Multinational COVID-19 Stroke Study Group reported on Friday ahead of
peer review. 
 
Reuters: Gilead seeks U.S. approval for COVID-19 treatment remdesivir 
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-gilead-sciences-re/gilead-seeks-u-s-approval-
for-covid-19-treatment-remdesivir-idUSKCN2561WY 
Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O) has filed an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking
full approval for remdesivir, its experimental COVID-19 drug currently used under emergency
authorization, the drugmaker said on Monday. 
 
UPI: Blood test may spot most dangerous COVID-19 cases 
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2020/08/10/Blood-test-may-spot-most-dangerous-COVID-19-
cases/6601597066292/ 
A simple blood test may predict which COVID-19 patients are likely to get worse and die, a new study
suggests. 
"When we first started treating COVID-19 patients, we watched them get better or get worse, but we
didn't know why," said researcher Dr. Juan Reyes. He's an assistant professor of medicine at the George
Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in Washington, D.C. 
 
Medical Express: Scientists identify unique molecular signature in blood that can tell if you'll get
severe COVID-19 infection or not 
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-08-scientists-unique-molecular-signature-blood.html 
Identification of healthy people at high risk for severe COVID-19 is a global health priority. Scientists at
Nightingale Health investigated whether blood biomarkers measured by high-throughput metabolomics
could be predictive of severe pneumonia and COVID-19 hospitalization years after the blood sampling. 
 
UPI: 82% of early online COVID-19 posts were rumors, conspiracy theories 
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2020/08/10/82-of-early-online-COVID-19-posts-were-rumors-
conspiracy-theories/1261597088377/ 
Nearly 82% of COVID-19 information posted on news sites, global health organizations and social media
platforms between late December and early April were rumors or conspiracy theories, a study published
Monday by the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene found.