Nurse Emily Enos loads the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine into a syringe outside the Los Angeles Mission, in Skid Row, Los Angeles, on February 10, 2021 as part of an immunisation drive for homeless seniors AFP
Nurse Emily Enos loads the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine into a syringe outside the Los Angeles Mission, in Skid Row, Los Angeles, on February 10, 2021 as part of an immunisation drive for homeless seniors AFP
Nurse Emily Enos loads the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine into a syringe outside the Los Angeles Mission, in Skid Row, Los Angeles, on February 10, 2021 as part of an immunisation drive for homeless seniors AFP
Nurse Emily Enos loads the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine into a syringe outside the Los Angeles Mission, in Skid Row, Los Angeles, on February 10, 2021 as part of an immunisation drive for homeless seniors

The Americas

Joe Biden criticises Donald Trump for slow start to Covid-19 vaccination programme

The US President nationalised vaccine production using emergency legislation passed during the Cold War

The National

February 21, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

US President Joe Biden criticised Donald Trump on Friday for failing to secure sufficient Covid-19 shots.

As he toured a Pfizer factory in Michigan, Mr Biden said his predecessor “failed to order enough vaccines. Failed to mobilise the effort to administer the shots. Failed to set up vaccine centres.”

Mr Biden sought to reassure the public that the shots are safe and described efforts by his administration to increase supplies and vaccination sites. He also tried to rally support for the $1.9 trillion economic stimulus plan he proposed in response to the pandemic.

He said variables will affect how long the virus will plague the US but that he believes the country will be approaching normality by the end of the year.

“And, God willing, this Christmas will be different than last. But I can’t make that commitment to you,” he said.

The plant, in Portage, on the outskirts of Kalamazoo in south-west Michigan, is Pfizer’s largest factory. There, the company’s Covid-19 vaccine is made and filled into vials before being shipped for distribution.

Mr Biden’s visit was only his second trip away from the East Coast since taking office last month.

On Tuesday, he appeared at a CNN question-and-answer session with the public in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Last week, he toured the National Institutes of Health headquarters in Maryland to learn about federal research on the virus.

Boxes containing the Moderna vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the McKesson distribution centre in Olive Branch, Mississippi, US. Efforts to vaccinate Americans against Covid-19 have been stymied by a series of winter storms. AP
Boxes containing the Moderna vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the McKesson distribution centre in Olive Branch, Mississippi, US. Efforts to vaccinate Americans against Covid-19 have been stymied by a series of winter storms. AP

Since taking office, Mr Biden has ordered an additional 100 million doses apiece of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, bringing the total to 600 million, enough for 300 million people. Both vaccines are administered in two doses.

The president said onTuesday that Pfizer agreed to speed up shipments after Mr Biden invoked the Defence Production Act, which enables the government to nationalise manufacturing in emergencies.

Modest changes

Despite the president’s criticism of Mr Trump, Mr Biden’s administration has made only modest changes to its predecessor’s vaccine plan. It is invoking agreements reached under Donald Trump to expand the US supply.

The Trump administration last year bought 200 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and obtained options for another 400 million. Mr Trump’s team also ordered 200 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine, with options for 300 million more.

On Friday, Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla spoke of Mr Biden as a “great ally” who helped obtain materials to expand capacity. Mr Bourla said his company would use more of its manufacturing capacity and work with new suppliers to step up production of the vaccine.

Kathi Carlsten, a Los Angeles Unified School District nurse, applies a dose of the Moderna vaccine to a LAUSD employee as LAUSD's first vaccination site opened at the Roybal Learning Center, in Los Angeles. Superintendent Austin Beutner was there in the morning to meet with the vaccination team and the first district employees to receive their vaccines at this site. AP Photo
Kathi Carlsten, a Los Angeles Unified School District nurse, applies a dose of the Moderna vaccine to a LAUSD employee as LAUSD's first vaccination site opened at the Roybal Learning Center, in Los Angeles. Superintendent Austin Beutner was there in the morning to meet with the vaccination team and the first district employees to receive their vaccines at this site. AP Photo
Medical transporter Adrian Parrilla transports a patient into a COVID-19 unit at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. AP Photo
Medical transporter Adrian Parrilla transports a patient into a COVID-19 unit at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, Calif. AP Photo
A health worker receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 at the Versalles Clinic, in Cali, Colombia, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. AFP
A health worker receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19 at the Versalles Clinic, in Cali, Colombia, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. AFP
A commuter wears a faces shield and mask across the street from a train station amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in Santa Monica, California. AP Photo
A commuter wears a faces shield and mask across the street from a train station amid the COVID-19 pandemic, in Santa Monica, California. AP Photo
Traffic cones line around the empty parking lot of Dodger Stadium, a mass COVID-19 vaccination in Los Angeles. California has closed some vaccination centers and delayed appointments following winter storms elsewhere in the country that hampered the shipment of doses. AP Photo
Traffic cones line around the empty parking lot of Dodger Stadium, a mass COVID-19 vaccination in Los Angeles. California has closed some vaccination centers and delayed appointments following winter storms elsewhere in the country that hampered the shipment of doses. AP Photo
Grace John, who works at a school in San Lorenzo, gets a COVID-19 shot at a mobile vaccination clinic run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state in Hayward, California. AP Photo
Grace John, who works at a school in San Lorenzo, gets a COVID-19 shot at a mobile vaccination clinic run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state in Hayward, California. AP Photo
U.S. President Joe Biden wears a protective mask while speaking as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, listens during a meeting with labor leaders on coronavirus relief in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. Biden said last night in a CNN town hall event that Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc. agreed to sell more doses of their coronavirus vaccine to the U.S. faster than planned after he invoked federal law that could force their production. Bloomberg
U.S. President Joe Biden wears a protective mask while speaking as U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, left, listens during a meeting with labor leaders on coronavirus relief in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. Biden said last night in a CNN town hall event that Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc. agreed to sell more doses of their coronavirus vaccine to the U.S. faster than planned after he invoked federal law that could force their production. Bloomberg
Boxes containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the McKesson distribution center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, U.S. Reuters
Boxes containing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the McKesson distribution center in Olive Branch, Mississippi, U.S. Reuters
After getting the Moderna vaccine, employees wait to be sure they don't have any reactions to the drug before leaving, as Los Angeles Unified School District's first vaccination site opened at the Roybal Learning Center, in Los Angeles. AP Photo
After getting the Moderna vaccine, employees wait to be sure they don't have any reactions to the drug before leaving, as Los Angeles Unified School District's first vaccination site opened at the Roybal Learning Center, in Los Angeles. AP Photo
The Walmart Mobile app is seen on a mobile phone at a Walmart pharmacy where the Moderna coronavirus disease vaccine is available as Walmart and other major U.S. pharmacies take part in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, to increase vaccinations in the U.S. in West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. Reuters
The Walmart Mobile app is seen on a mobile phone at a Walmart pharmacy where the Moderna coronavirus disease vaccine is available as Walmart and other major U.S. pharmacies take part in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, to increase vaccinations in the U.S. in West Haven, Connecticut, U.S. Reuters

Mr Biden has regularly touted his administration’s progress accelerating vaccinations, and encouraged any American with the opportunity to do so to have the shots.

“I can’t tell you a date when this crisis will end but I can tell you we’re doing everything possible to have that day come sooner rather than later,” he said.

Covax commitment

On Thursday, one day before the G7 Summit of seven powerful nations, White House officials said the US would immediately commit $2 billion to the international effort known as Covax, which aims to help lower-income countries with vaccines. Mr Biden will pledge an additional $2 billion through 2021 and 2022 on condition that other countries fulfil their commitments.

A third vaccine, from Johnson & Johnson, is administered in a single shot.

The administration said on Wednesday that its use would probably be authorised by the Food & Drug Administration within a few days of a meeting on February 26 to consider the company’s application and clinical data.

About 1.58 million shots per day were given in the US over the past week, according to the Bloomberg Vaccine Tracker, up from an average of roughly 900,000 per day in the week before Mr Biden took office.

Supply is increasing as manufacturers increase production.

Efforts led in part by the Biden administration to increase the number of people able to administer vaccines are also under way.

While you're here
Thank You for Banking with Us

Director: Laila Abbas

Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum

Rating: 4/5

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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More coverage from the Future Forum
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

World Mental Health Day
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

Plastic tipping points
TOURNAMENT INFO

Fixtures
Sunday January 5 - Oman v UAE
Monday January 6 - UAE v Namibia
Wednesday January 8 - Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid, Darius D’Silva, Karthik Meiyappan, Jonathan Figy, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Chirag Suri

While you're here
BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP

Group A

Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA

Group B

Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti

Group C

Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia

Group D

Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria

Results

6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.

7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

More on Quran memorisation:
Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.

Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.

The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.

School uniforms report
Results

2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)

3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar

3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar

4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash

4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash

5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy

Plastic tipping points
SERIE A FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
Roma v Udinese (5pm) 
SPAL v Napoli (8pm)
Juventus v Torino (10.45pm)

Sunday
Sampdoria v AC Milan (2.30pm)
Inter Milan v Genoa (5pm)
Crotone v Benevento (5pm)
Verona v Lazio (5pm)
Cagliari v Chievo (5pm)
Sassuolo v Bologna (8pm)
Fiorentina v Atalanta (10.45pm)

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EVarious%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nicola%20Coughlan%2C%20Luke%20Newton%2C%20Jonathan%20Bailey%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHakbah%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENaif%20AbuSaida%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaudi%20Arabia%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E22%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%24200%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Epre-Series%20A%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EGlobal%20Ventures%20and%20Aditum%20Investment%20Management%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Our commentary on Brexit
On Women's Day
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Short-term let permits explained

Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.

Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.

There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.

Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.

ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures

October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA

UAE currency

'Skin'

Dir: Guy Nattiv

Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Tomorrow 2021
Five ways to get fit like Craig David (we tried for seven but ran out of time)

Start the week as you mean to go on. So get your training on strong on a Monday.

Train hard, but don’t take it all so seriously that it gets to the point where you’re not having fun and enjoying your friends and your family and going out for nice meals and doing that stuff.

Think about what you’re training or eating a certain way for — don’t, for example, get a six-pack to impress somebody else or lose weight to conform to society’s norms. It’s all nonsense.

Get your priorities right.

And last but not least, you should always, always chill on Sundays.

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

MATCH INFO

Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')

Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')

Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

SCORES IN BRIEF

New Zealand 153 and 56 for 1 in 22.4 overs at close
Pakistan 227
(Babar 62, Asad 43, Boult 4-54, De Grandhomme 2-30, Patel 2-64)

Transgender report
While you're here
Meydan race card

6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m​​​​​​​
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m​​​​​​​
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m​​​​​​​
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m​​​​​​​
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m

While you're here
Dhadak

Director: Shashank Khaitan

Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana

Stars: 3

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

The Voice of Hind Rajab

Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees

Director: Kaouther Ben Hania

Rating: 4/5

Coronavirus