Faced with numerous questions from EU lawmakers on Monday (10 October), pharmaceutical giant Pfizer remained vague about the opacity of its vaccine purchase contracts and the text messages exchanged with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Russia’s COVID-19 case tally rose by 15,640 over the past day to 21,248,603, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Wednesday.

Japan’s drastic easing of COVID-19 border controls may bode well for the pandemic-hit domestic tourism sector, but it could raise fears that the first inflow of visa-free foreign travelers in more than two years could spread infections at home further.

Japan on Wednesday reported 45,505 new coronavirus cases, up 32,382 from Tuesday.

Restrictions are not expected to be reintroduced this winter despite Ireland and Europe seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters Tuesday.

Telemedicine exploded in popularity after COVID-19 hit, but limits are returning for care delivered across state lines.

Russia’s COVID-19 case tally rose by 13,970 over the past day to 21,232,963, the anti-coronavirus crisis center reported on Tuesday.

…London’s Heathrow airport has warned of slowing demand for flights over the winter, as a predicted rebound in Covid – 19 and the cost of living crisis loom over the travel sector….

Japan on Tuesday reported 13,123 new coronavirus cases, up 85 from Monday.

…A portion of this money may be allocated to the development of a broadly protective coronavirus vaccine candidate as part of the coalition’s $200mn programme….