Inside a Chinese iPhone plant, Foxconn grapples with Covid chaos

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that a system has been set up to schedule HIV tests online. Specialist Doctor Nimali Jayasuriya says that this online method can be used instead of going to clinics. Accordingly she further sais that bookings for HIV tests can be made at the website www.know4sure.lk News 1st is now on Whatsapp, Viber, LinkedIN and Telegram. Don't miss out on all the latest developments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government says that from next week, every public servant should report to duty in official attire based on the respective institution's policies.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura says that the relevant circular will be issued next week.He said the government aims to encourage all public servants to return to the pre-COVID pandemic dress code. During the pandemic, a circular was issued relaxing the rules imposed on those working in the public sector.

Will Smith has gone viral, but not in a good way. The actor, 54, was planning on surprising an audience who had just watched his film, Emancipation, but ended up testing positive for Covid, sharing a video to show how he took a Covid test prior to the appearance. Will seemed to take the news well, writing a lighthearted 'I went viral' next to the video on social media.  Viral: Will Smith used a lighthearted play on words saying 'I went viral' as the actor revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 Participants at screenings are often required to show negative results before they can attend an event. The action star showed no signs of illness, but bellowed out exaggerated screams of pain as swirled the test swab around his nasal passages, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result. Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.  Surprise: The actor was hoping to surprise an audience who had just watched his new film, Emancipation, but was unable to attend  No signs: The action star showed no signs of illness, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result Zoom: Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.

It’s a damning statistic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commissioner General of Examinations L. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

KYM Marsh has shared an update after it was revealed she won't take part in Strictly this weekend after testing positive for Covid. A statement from hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing said "all being well", ex-Corrie actress Kym Marsh, 46, will return with pro partner Graziano Di Prima, 28, next weekend. But her pro-dance partner shared an update to his Instagram account - hinting that despite the setback, the pair are still focused on the competition.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya says that the consumption of alcohol in the country has decreased by 30%.The state minister said the production of legal liquor has increased by 11%.He further said that the flooding of illegal alcohol in the market has decreased.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

Covid-19 update: The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala. India has reported 389 coronavirus infections, taking the cumulative Covid-19 tally to 4,46,71,219 on Saturday, while active cases declined to 5,395, according to the Union Health Ministry data.  The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala, according to the ministry data.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership has won three awards of national trophies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that electricity tariffs will be increased, again."No matter who becomes, President, Finance Minister, or Government we cannot avoid another hike in tariffs.," he told Parliament on Friday (25) adding that Sri Lanka will not receive rainfall in 2023 as it did in 2022.Therefore, according to the Minister it costs Rs. 56.90 to generate a unit for the CEB to deliver around clock electricity."We charge Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On the 26th and 27th of November, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Sri Lanka will host the Bohra Business Exposition 2022 at the Havelock City Hall, from 10am- 9pm.For generations, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka has played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka's business sphere and continually has had an impact on the lives of million employed and engaged with their sectors. Subsequent to their entry into Sri Lanka's business community in 1830, the Bohra entrepreneurs infiltrated the business community as traders and merchants.

With a steady decline in covid cases, several state governments have eased travel norms and mandatory wearing of masks NEW DELHI: India reported 365 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pulling down active cases to 5,516, according to an update by the Union health ministry on Friday. Total reported cases in the country since the pandemic hit in 2020 now stands at 4,46,70,830, and death toll at 530,604. Active cases account for 0.01% of total reported infections, while the recovery rate stands at 98.80%, according to the health ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government of China has donated 10.6 Million liters of Diesel to Sri Lanka for farmers and fisheries in Sri Lanka.The "Super Eastern" vessel carrying diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country form Singapore to the Port of Colombo tomorrow (26).The embassy earlier tweeted that China will donate 10.6 million liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka, to upgrade livelihood in the most affected sectors of agriculture & fishery. The shipments are scheduled between November and December, and will be distributed to the needed asap.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special commemoration speech to mark the 55th death anniversary of the late D.A. Rajapaksa was held yesterday (24) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Nawarangahala in Colombo.This ceremony was organised by the Rajapakse Memorial Educational, Cultural and Social Services Foundation, and was presided over by the Venerable Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Head of the Minuwangoda Patthaduvana Bhikshu Training Institute Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero.Professor Samitha Hettige of the University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “The Belt – Road: Lessons for Sustainable Development”.The book containing the Commemoration speech was also presented to the President.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laid a floral tribute at the statue of the Late D.

Council finance chiefs are proposing to use Covid-19 response cash to ease cost of living pressures in the region.

Police in northeastern China said that seven people have been arrested following a clash between residents and authorities enforcing COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. The violence comes as China reports new cases nationwide, with 2,230 cases reported Tuesday in the southern manufacturing and technology hub of Guangzhou.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said 8.34 kg of heroin was discovered hidden inside a house in Ambepitiya, Beruwala on Tuesday (8).One suspect was arrested in a joint raid carried out by the Police Narcotic Bureau and the Sri Lanka Navy.Sri Lanka Police said the value of the seized heroin is over Rs.

Covid-19: The country's infection tally has climbed to 4,46,62,141, while the active cases have declined to 14,021, the ministry data updated at 8 am stated. India saw a single-day rise of 625 fresh Covid-19 cases, the lowest since April 9, 2020, while no death was reported in a span of 24 hours in first such instance since March 2020, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday. The country's infection tally has climbed to 4,46,62,141, while the active cases have declined to 14,021, the ministry data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight Sri Lankan sailors, who are part of a 26 member crew of MT Heroic Idun, an oil vessel, have been "illegally" detained by Equatorial Guinea since 14 August.Apart from the Sri Lankan sailors, the crew also includes 6 Indian sailors and a national each of Poland and Philippines.As per the crew, their vessel was arrested by an Equatorial Guinea naval ship on international waters on 12th August and brought to Luba port under naval escort and threat of legal action.The vessel was arrested based on a request made by Nigeria.The Nigerian Navy says it is conducting an investigation into the activities of MT HEROIC IDUN, a supertanker, arrested by Equatorial Guinea forces over alleged crude oil theft in Nigeria.The vessel and its crew were arrested on August 7th by the Central African country after it fled from Nigeria’s AKPO oilfield when its alleged activities were uncovered by operatives of the Nigerian Navy.Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, confirmed that the vessel is on it way back to Nigeria for further investigations.He said after the investigation is complete, the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) will determine whether or not the vessel and its crew will be prosecuted by the federal government.The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in September said it loses $700 million every month as a result of oil theft and vandalism at terminals.The Incident: The Heroic Idun ship was supposed to load cargo of crude oil in Nigeria’s AKPO terminal on 8 August, but as per terminal instructions the loading operation was delayed and the ship never made any operations in Nigeria.The same evening, the ship was approached by an unidentified craft claiming

Doctors were able to cure the man with a mix of neutralising antibodies known to be effective against early coronavirus variants A Covid patient who testest for 411 days has finally been cured. This is the longest phase a patient has suffered from the infection anywhere in the world.  As per reports, 59-year-old British man patient first tested positive in December 2020 and he continued to test positive for Covid until January 2022.

He said: "I have Poland Syndrome, so I only have one pec that was brought to the attention of a lot of people so I'm glad that the Poland Syndrome [was brought to people's attention].”"I remember sitting down and tears falling out of my eyes watching the Olympics - it was given a name and it hadn't been given a name."A Poland Syndrome charity said they'd never had so much publicity and an 85-year-old man said he didn't know what it was called until he read the piece.“Because people look at you and it's like, 'what's going on', you feel like a weirdo and now I feel like I am who I am."According to the NHS, Poland Syndrome is a very rare condition that is characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle.Following his stint on Strictly, Matt spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about his time on the show as he promotes his upcoming Christmas single, The Beautiful Unknown.Matt explained that the criticism he received for not "smiling enough" was down to "stuff" going on in his life, hinting at personal woes he wanted to keep away from the dancefloor.Express.co.uk asked the Bros singer if he paid attention to any of the critiques on social media or from the judges.Matt said: "Apparently I wasn't smiling enough on Strictly and I'm sure you know there's stuff going on in my life that had to take precedence and I had to resolve that."I didn't want to reveal either because it was painful and I just, you know, had to hold on and I wanted to put my best foot forward, no pun intended.So I didn't feel the need to share that on social media."Matt recently moved back to the UK after living in the US for 25 years, as his return sadly took place without his mother and sister around to support him. In 2019,

up by double digits since July when optimism was waning amid rising cases.With weekly COVID-19 cases now lower than in July, the 65% of U.S. adults who believe the pandemic is improving is up 24 percentage points and on par with readings in February and April. In addition, 24% of Americans say the situation is staying about the same and 11% think it is getting worse.Gallup began measuring public perceptions of the coronavirus situation once per quarter this year after tracking it monthly in 2021 and weekly for much of 2020.Though markedly improved, the current assessment, from an Oct.

Covid-19 update: The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. With 1,216 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,46,58,365, while the active cases declined to 15,705, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Qatar Fund for Development sent 4.7 tons of urgent medical aid to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The Aid was received by Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour, Ambassador of the State of Qatar and Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health in Sri Lanka and in the presence of the Diplomats in the Mission and the senior officials of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka including  Janaka Chandraguptha, Secretary – Ministry of Health, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Journalist Tharidu Jayawardena had filed a private complaint against ASP Nalin Dilruk, and SSP Roshan Dias for alleged obstruction caused during a protest on the 10th of October 2022 in Colombo.The Attorney General on Tuesday (1) had filed an ex-parte motion to call for the matter, and on Wednesday (2) counsel appearing for the complainant expressed their objections over this move.Appearing for the complainant President's Counsel Saliya Peiris told the court that the Attorney General is not a person with special privileges.The President's Counsel pointed out that the Attorney General was not a party to the private plaint filed against two police officers, and noted that summoning the case via an ex-parte motion to obtain orders sets a negative precedent.He added that if the Attorney General wanted to call for the case via a motion, the Attorney General must inform the complainant or his counsel.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that Senior State Counsel Saminda Wickrama appearing for the Attorney General had concealed the fact that he did not inform the complainant or the counsel from the Magistrate, and presented facts over the matter.He informed the court that he was only made aware that the case was called up via a motion on Tuesday (1) following media reports on the matter, and that the counsel for the state had told the court that the complainant had made false submissions to the court.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that the complainant or the counsel have never produced any false fact to the country, and had never misled the court.He pointed out that the submissions made by the Attorney General's Department were published in the media, and though the Attorney General had

Hong Kong’s attempts to welcome back global investors with a flagship summit were overshadowed by the controversial handling of a top local official’s Covid-19 test result, a typhoon and a lack of debate over how coronavirus restrictions have weakened investors’ confidence in both Hong Kong and mainland China.

The best way to deal with the new COVID variant is to keep the immunity quotient high throughout the year Even after nearly 3 years, COVID remains a threat to us mostly because the virus is still mutating. The latest variant of Omicron continues to be a threat to us as it is said to spreading faster than its predecessors and has immune escape properties. So even if you are vaccinated and also boosted, you still need to be careful.

Humza Yousaf has admitted it could take five years for the NHS in Scotland to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The SNP health secretary spoke candidly today about the huge pressures facing the country's hospitals ahead of a challenging winter period.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine so far, ever since the covid vaccination for the age group 1ṁ2-14 years started on 16 March 2022 New Delhi: India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219 crore as per the provisional data till Sunday morning, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Covid vaccination for the age group 12-14 years started on 16 March 2022 and so far, over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine. The precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years started from 10 April 2022.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed. With 1,604 more people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Co-19 cases has gone up to 4,46,52,266 while that of active cases has declined to 18,317, according to Union Health Ministry data on Sunday. The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Val Chmerkovskiy will miss Monday's (31. 10. 22) 'Dancing with the Stars' after testing positive for COVID-19.

In the last 24 hours, more than 2,161 patients recovered from the infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4,41,02,852 people have recovered from the disease. New Delhi: India reported 1,574 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

A special award was gifted to all NHS Tayside staff at this year’s STAR Awards for their incredible work saving numerous lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health officials have warned about two mutant strains of coronavirus that have emerged in the UK.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798, while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far New Delhi: India reported 2,208 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the union health ministry data on Friday. The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798 while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far. The death toll has increased to 5,28,999 so far with 12 fatalities reported in a day.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport by Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Friday (28) morning.Airport Immigration and Emigration said the former politician was turned away based on a court order barring overseas travel.Ranjan Ramanayake speaking to News 1st said that an overseas travel ban was imposed on him with regard to case filed over the distribution rice during the COVID-19 pandemic era.Ramanayake said the case was concluded and the overseas travel ban was lifted, however the relevant agencies had not been informed of the matter.He said that action will be taken on Friday (28) to resolve the matter, adding that he was to fly to the United States of America to attend an event.

Selena Gomez has COVID.The Calm Down singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby.In her caption, the 30-year-old Wizards Of Waverly Place vet told her followers that they need to take COVID seriously because it is still out there. Ill at home: Selena Gomez has COVID. The singer shared the news on her Instagram stories on Wednesday morning as she was seen laying on a sofa with a fur blanket over her as her dogs rested nearby'I'm not going to be on Fallon tonight,' her noted began.'I ended up getting covid but am resting and feeling ok.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health is preparing to establish a database by spending almost a billion rupees, however no progress has been made with regard to the infamour #DataScam.The approval of the National Medicnes Regulatory Authority is essential for every medicine and medical device imported to Sri Lanka.With the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these activities take place online, and an advertisement published by the NMRA on October 15th, 2020 confirmed this.The functions of the NMRA were carried out online using the Lanka Government Cloud for uploading important data related to medicinesand medical devices.However, the data belonging to the NMRA which was available on the Lanka Government Cloud suddenly went missing, and later it was revealed that it was deliberate deletion.A complaint on data going missing from the NMRA Cloud was filed with the CID on July 23rd, 2021.A software engineer attached to the private company that managed the NMRA system was accused of deleting the data.However, the database did not even have the minimum security measure or a backup facility.The issue went to the Courts on 6th October 2021 where the gravity of the missing data was disclosed.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris revealed at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that medicine racketeer made undue advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic that was spreading across Sri Lanka at the time.In court it was revealed that the systems operator from the private company that managed the NMRA cloud had deleted data for a period of seven long hours.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris emphasized that all those involved in this crime should be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice as they are

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The guides who accompanied a group in a fleet of vehicles who operated recklessly inside the Yala National Park, and the Park Rangers who failed to control the situation have been interdicted, said Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park and doing doughnuts inside the park premises harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture in a statement said that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed to immediately take action against against those involved in the incident.In addition, the Minister had requested the Inspector General of Police to arrest them irrespective of their status and position.The Minister added that steps will be taken to blackslist such individuals and vehicles from entering the Yala National Park.On Monday (24), The Department of Wildlife said that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who cause harm or harassment to the wild animals inside the Yala National Park.Director General of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara told News 1st that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has given clear instructions to institute immediate legal action against all individuals who had caused harm to wild animals using vehicles inside the Yala National Park.He said the Department of Wildlife is in possession of the information regarding such people, and the necessary evidence to take action against them.

Active cases in the country has reached to 22,594 across the country taking the total tally of covid cases to more than 4.46 crore New Delhi: India has reported 826 new covid case in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry said on Tuesday. Active cases in the country has reached to 22,594 across the country taking the total tally of covid cases to more than 4.46 crore. Total death figure has reached 528,980 in the last two years.

But what exactly is brain fog, and is it limited to COVID? It is what it sounds like Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis, but rather the description patients tend to use for their symptoms. Brain fog is what doctors refer to as “cognitive dysfunction". This describes problems with closely linked tasks such as concentration, information processing, memory, thinking and reasoning, and making sense of language.

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed thousands of Sri Lankan lives, and News 1st revealed questionable transactions that took place during the height of the pandemic.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire on Monday, 31st of October 2022.The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health repeatedly requested the people of Sri Lanka to obtain the vaccine doses before delay.Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire, and if it does the value of those vaccines as per the current market rate would be astronomical.While vaccine stocks are about to expire leading to another colossal waste, Sri Lanka also lost a large sum of money when it delayed placing orders for the vaccine.In February 2020, Sri Lanka recorded its first even COVID-19 infection and it didn't take long for the coronavirus to spread across the country.What did Sri Lanka do when other countries devoted their resources to developing a vaccine?Sri Lankan MPs and Minister dropped pots into rivers, and the so-called miracle tonic Dhammika Paniya was promoted widely – while there was absolutely no interest in procuring the vaccines.Experts in the field of medicine repeatedly called for the government to procure vaccines, however as Sri Lankan authorities opted to myth over science, the procurement of much-needed vaccines was delayed.On the 30th of December 2020, the UK granted approval for the emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine prompting many other countries to place immediate orders for the vaccines.As it was also produced by the