More studies needed

The head of British drug maker AstraZeneca says further research is needed on its vaccine after it showed an average 70-percent effectiveness.

That rate jumped to 90 percent if a half dose was given first scientists discovered after a mistake was made during the clinical trials. But US scientists say the higher success rate came only during tests in people under 55.

Africa readiness

The World Health Organization warns African countries are "far from ready" for mass immunisation.

Other experts say more research is needed to develop vaccines more suitable to the continent. The most promising vaccines discovered so far must be kept at -70 degrees Celsius -- all but impossible for most hospitals in Africa.

No jab for Jair

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says he will not take a vaccine even after it receives approval from his own government. Though Brazil -- the second worst hit country in the world -- plans to purchase vaccines, Bolsonaro says he is "sure" immunisation will not be made mandatory. 

India Sputnik launch

One of the developers of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine announces that India-based drugmaker Hetero will produce over 100 million doses of the shot. Apart from India, the RDIF says Sputnik V will also be produced in Brazil, China and South Korea. 

Germany cases top million

Germany on Friday sees more than 22,000 new daily cases, pushing the country's total beyond the one million mark.

More than 60.9 million people have been infected by Covid-19 around the world, and 1.4 million have died, according to an AFP tally from official sources compiled on Friday.

More than 10,859 people died in the previous 24 hours, with 561,041 new cases reported worldwide.

The US is the worst-affected country with 263,462 deaths, followed by Brazil with 171,460 deaths; India with 135,715; Mexico with 104,242; and the United Kingdom with 57,031. 

Arsenal fans win

Arsenal will be the first English Premier League club to welcome fans for a competitive match since March after confirming 2,000 spectators will be allowed in for their Europa League match against Rapid Vienna on December 3.

Risky Delhi marathon

Doctors warn elite runners including Kenya's Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopia's Andamlak Belihu that competing in Sunday's New Delhi half-marathon poses a health risk due to the pandemic as well as soaring air pollution.

Another Raven down

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson has tested positive, the fourth consecutive day a Ravens' player has been diagnosed.

One-way to immunity

Thousands of people are soon expected to start flocking to Berlin's defunct Tegel and Tempelhof airports once they have been refitted as a vaccination centres, with Tegel scheduled to open from mid-December.