Covid-19: Venezuela’s Pres Maduro receives first dose of Sputnik V vaccine

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro receives a dose of the Sputnik V coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine in Caracas CARACAS, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores have received their first dose of Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, Venezuelan state television reported, while the country received…

Covid-19: Nine apes at San Diego Zoo get vaccinations

 Leslie (left) and Imani, two of the gorillas expected to make a full recovery after testing positive for coronavirus at San Diego zoo SAN DIEGO (NNN-AGENCIES) — The San Diego Zoo has vaccinated nine great apes for the coronavirus after a troop of gorillas in its Safari Park became infected,…

Ebola infects 29 people, kills 13 in Guinea, DRC: Africa CDC

ADDIS ABABA, March 7 (NNN-Xinhua) — Two African countries of Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reported 29 Ebola virus cases and 13 deaths so far, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said. Africa CDC, the specialized healthcare agency of the 55-member…

Covid-19: 12 million doses to 17 African countries – COVAX vaccine deliveries so far

A joint WHO and UNICEF team welcome COVAX shipment in The Gambia ADDIS ABABA, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The COVAX equitable vaccine distribution program has so far delivered 12 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to a total of 17 African countries as of March 6.According to Matshidiso Moeti, head of…

Elections: Congo-Brazzaville readies for March 21 presidential vote amid main opposition boycott

Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso wants more after 36 years in charge BRAZZAVILLE, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso will face seven challengers in a March 21 election, the interior ministry said, though the main opposition has said it plans to boycott the vote.Sassou Nguesso,…

Elections: Ivory Coast votes in a parliamentary poll amid political turmoil

President Ouattara votes during 2020 presidential polls ABIDJAN, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Saturday’s voting in Ivory Coast’s legislative election has ended with President Alassane Ouattara’s allies facing a combined challenge from opposition parties led by two of his predecessors. Polls close at 18:00 GMT. The poll comes only months after…

Senegal protests after opposition leader Ousmane Sonko arrested

Police and protesters clashed in unrest across Senegal DAKAR, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Violent protests have hit Senegal for a third day as demonstrators burnt cars and clashed with police after the arrest of an opposition leader on Wednesday. Four people have died in the rare unrest, the interior minister…

Covid-19: Cyprus and Portugal want to welcome vaccinated UK tourists from May

 LONDON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) —Cyprus and Portugal say they hope to welcome vaccinated British tourists from May – the month when travel restrictions may be lifted in the UK. The Cypriot government said those who had two Covid jabs could travel, while Portugal said those who tested negative or were “immune” could…

Covid-19: Growing confidence in US in vaccine – survey

WASHINGTON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A growing number of Americans plan to get vaccinated against Covid-19 with confidence increasing particularly among African Americans, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Sixty-nine percent of the adults polled last month by Pew said they havealready been vaccinated or plan to get dosed,…

Covid-19: US Pres Biden’s $1.9 trillion rescue plan clears crucial Senate hurdle

WASHINGTON, March 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The US Senate voted to approve a $1.9 trillion relief package that President Joe Biden vows will revive the country’s pandemic-stricken economy, capping hours of debate, frenzied negotiations and a marathon overnight voting session. Passed by 50 votes to 49 in a party line vote,…