The number of deaths from coronavirus in the world has exceeded 4 million. At the same time, the situation in Ukraine remains stable. Moreover, the whole country is in the "green" zone and meets the conditions of a safe region according to the EU criteria.
However, the fight against coronavirus continues and scientists are still trying to find a cure for COVID-19. Coronavirus vaccinations are being carried out around the world. In Ukraine, for example, a record number of people were vaccinated on June 17 and 18. 
has compiled the most interesting news about the coronavirus for the week from 14 to 20 June.
New antibody-based coronavirus drug
Scientists from the UK tested a new drug against coronavirus. The drug was named REGEN-COV. The medicine contains a mixture of two antibodies and is administered intravenously to patients. Such treatment should help those people who do not have antibodies to coronavirus.
Almost 10,000 people took part in the tests. The study found that among British patients admitted to hospital with severe COVID-19, about a third did not respond to natural antibodies.
The new drug contains monoclonal antibodies—casirivimab and imdevimab that bind to different regions of the coronavirus protein, preventing cell infection.
According to the study, patients who did not have antibodies but received the drug had one-fifth less chance of dying within 28 days compared to those who received usual treatment.
According to the test results, it turned out that after the drug was administered, the following indicators decrease:
- the risk of death;
- the length of hospital stay on average by 4 days;
- the likelihood that artificial ventilation is required.
The number of deaths from coronavirus exceeded 4 million
According to Reuters estimates, the number of deaths from the coronavirus has exceeded 4 million. At the same time, according to the WHO and Johns Hopkins University, 3.8 million people died.
In the first year of the pandemic, the number of deaths from coronavirus reached 2 million, but the next 2 million deaths were recorded in the last 166 days.
Most of the deaths were recorded in:
- USA;
- Brazil;
- India;
- Russia;
- Mexico.
It is these countries that account for 50% of deaths.
At the same time, the largest number of deaths with high percentages of recovery are registered in:
- Peru;
- Hungary;
- Bosnia;
- Czech Republic;
- Gibraltar.
US to spend $3.2 billion on antiviral drugs
The administration of US President Joe Biden announced that the United States has invested $3.2 billion in the development of antiviral drugs to treat coronavirus and other viruses.
The new program, dubbed the Antiviral Program for Pandemics, is a whole-of-government effort to expedite clinical trials of promising drug candidates and develop treatments for the next generation of coronavirus and other viruses that could cause future pandemics.
The National Institutes of Health will prioritize, evaluate and advance antiviral candidates, conduct phase two clinical trials, and develop drugs.
The Biden administration’s plan provides more than $300 million for research and lab support, nearly $1 billion for preclinical and clinical evaluation, and nearly $700 million for development and manufacturing of drugs by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.
In addition, the plan allocates up to $1.2 billion to support the creation of drug discovery groups that will target coronaviruses and potentially other viruses.
Germany will open borders for vaccinated Ukrainians
From June 25, Germany will open borders for Ukrainians who have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
However, it will be possible to enter Germany only with those vaccines that are listed on the website of the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after full vaccination.
So far, persons can enter the country only after vaccination with drugs that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Subsequently, the list of vaccines will be expanded to include drugs with similar protective standards.
Four vaccines have now been approved in the EU:
- AstraZeneca;
- Pfizer/BioNTech;
- Moderna;
- Johnson&Johnson..
Recall that Ukrainians are vaccinated with the following vaccines:
- AstraZeneca produced in various countries;
- Chinese Sinovac (CoronaVac);
- American-German Pfizer/BioNTech.
Vaccination certificates in Italy and Japan
Italy has joined the EU vaccination certificate scheme. Due to this, those who have had coronavirus or have been fully vaccinated will be able to travel freely throughout the European Union.
In addition, the country plans to abolish the requirement for wearing masks outside.
Japan also plans to issue its own vaccination certificates. They should appear in the country from mid to late July.
At first, the certificates will be issued in hard copy, but later digital copies may appear.
Japanese authorities plan to request other countries to accept such vaccination certificates and allow the Japanese to travel.
In Ukraine, vaccination certificates should appear in July.
Mistake in the text? Please select it and press: Ctrl + Enter
