Overview: International COVID relate4d briefs

Factbox: Latest on the worldwide spread of the coronavirus Merck & Co applied for U.S. emergency use authorization for its drug to treat mild-to-moderate patients of COVID-19, putting it on course to become the first oral antiviral medication for the disease. Reuters Reuters

* The European Union's drugs regulator is evaluating a marketing authorisation for an antibody cocktail developed by Roche (ROG.S) and Regeneron (REGN.O) for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 in people above the age of 12. read more

* Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical (4519.T) said it has applied to regulators to expand the use of an antibody treatment for COVID-19 to also allow for preventative care. read more

* The World Health Organization recommended an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised people, citing the risk of breakthrough infections.

* Russia reported 957 coronavirus-related deaths on Monday, close to the all-time high of 968 reported two days earlier. Its capital Moscow said it was launching free "express" antibody-based tests at a number of locations including shopping malls in an attempt to avert a new wave of restrictions. read more 

* Canada's health and long-term care industries are bracing for staff shortages and layoffs, as deadlines for vaccine mandates loom across the country. read more

* Sydney's cafes, gyms and restaurants welcomed back fully vaccinated customers after nearly four months of lockdown, as Australia aims to begin living with the virus and gradually reopen with high rates of inoculation. read more

* New Zealand will require teachers and workers in the health and disability sectors to be fully vaccinated, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, as she extended restrictions in Auckland for another week. read more

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