Coronavirus live: Italy toughens curbs in more regions as cases increase; WHO warns against hastily easing measures
Italy warns of rapid spread of new cases; WHO chief warns of third and fourth surges if curbs eased too fast
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12.08am GMT
More than 28 million Americans fully vaccinated against coronavirus will have to keep waiting for guidance from federal health officials for what they should and shouldn't do.
The Associated Press reports:
The Biden administration said Friday it's focused on getting the guidance right and accommodating emerging science, but the delays add to the uncertainty around bringing about an end to the pandemic as the nation's virus fatigue grows.
These are complex issues and the science is rapidly evolving," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Friday. We are making sure and taking time to get this right and we will be releasing this guidance soon."
11.44pm GMT
Paraguay's minister of public health, Julio Mazzoleni, resigned on Friday after lawmakers the previous day urged him to step down as a record-breaking surge in coronavirus cases left medication in short supply and the country's hospitals near collapse.
Reuters reports:
Mazzoleni is the latest of several top health officials forced from their jobs in recent weeks amid increasing anger across Latin America over the handling of the pandemic and slow rollout of vaccinations.
The embattled minister initially rebuked the Senate's non-binding declaration asking him to leave, but hours later conceded following a meeting with President Mario Abdo.