By Jan. 6, Portugal’s number of new daily COVID-19 cases surged past 10,000 for the first time. Portugal’s problems illustrate the risk of letting down pandemic guards when a new, fast-spreading variant is lurking unseen. Pfizer, which makes a similar COVID-19 vaccine, says its shot appears effective against the strain from Britain, although questions remain about the South Africa variant. Only on Saturday did the government, blaming the now-devastating COVID-19 surge on the variant, stop flights to and from the United Kingdom. In its fight against COVID-19, Portugal lifted restrictions on gatherings and movements for four days over Christmas so that people could spend the festive season with family and friends.

Source: Egypt Independent January 26, 2021 07:18 UTC