Covid-19. March 18

Over the past day, 552 new cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed – 18 fewer than a day before. More deaths were diagnosed as a result of the virus – 10 people lost to COVID-19.

In the last two weeks, out of 100,000 inhabitants, the incidence is 234.6.

The percentage of positive diagnostic tests in the last seven days is 6.9%.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 207,469 people have been diagnosed in Lithuania.

Statistically, 192,922 people recovered. (declared: over 149 thousand).

The statistical number of active cases – 7,054 (declared: nearly 51,000).

It is considered to allow anyone who wishes to vaccinate AstraZeneca COVID-19 to do so without waiting for their turn in terms of age, said Health Minister Arūnas Dulkys.

The minister told LRT radio on Thursday that he expected a “positive decision by the European Medicines Agency,” but admitted that European countries, including Lithuania, had given it a “strong reputational blow” by halting vaccination with the drug.

“Since our vaccination strategy and logistics were based solely on priority group vaccinations, we will probably change this solution and possibly only allow vaccination with the vaccines to those who want it. But final decision has yet to be made,” said Dulkys, when asked how he could try to restore the vaccine’s reputation.

According to him, the reputation of this vaccine “has already been tarnished and we should have finally addressed this issue.”

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said Thursday it analysed the information available and concluded that AstraZeneca, a UK and Swedish company, supplies a “safe and effective” vaccine against COVID-19, despite reports of blood clots in some people who have been vaccinated.

“The committee has come to a clear scientific conclusion: this vaccine is safe and effective,” said Emer Cooke, head of the EMA, at a press conference, citing a study conducted by the agency’s vaccine safety committee.

“The committee also concluded that the vaccine was not associated with an increased overall risk of thrombosis with embolism or blood clots,” she added.