Volume 16 • No. 18 • September 16 - 30, 2020 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Kathryn Bernardo
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Philippines reduces social distancing
Undeterred by the objections of the country’s health experts, the Philippines has reduced the recommended distance between commuters on public transportation – by land, sea and
air – effective September 14, 2020. In spite of the Department of Health’s warning and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of physical distancing of at least 1 metre, the
Department. of Transportation (DOTr) proceeded with its plan to reduce physical distancing to 0.75 m between commuters on public vehicles. The new physical See PHILIPPINES p6
Science above politics
13 Super Tekla & Boobay
Drug companies resist pressure to rush coronavirus vaccine development The chief executives of nine drug companies signed a pledge on September 8 to “uphold the integrity of the scientific process as they work towards potential global regulatory filings and approvals of the first COVID-19 vaccines.” The companies hope their pledge “will help ensure public confidence in the rigorous scientific and regulatory process by which COVID-19 vaccines are evaluated and may ultimately be approved.” Public health officials, especially in the U.S., are concerned that many Americans might refuse to take a vaccine amid suspicions that its development may be rushed due to pressure from President Trump. “We, the undersigned biopharmaceutical companies, want to make clear our on-going commitment to developing and testing potential vaccines for COVID-19 in accordance with high See SCIENCE p6