Donald Trump says coronavirus vaccine possible before November election
- ‘We’re going to have vaccines very soon, we’re gonna have therapeutics very soon,’ the president told a radio programme
- Top government health officials have said corners would not be cut in the race to secure a Covid-19 vaccine
“Sooner than November 3?” he was asked.
“I think in some cases, yes possible before, but right around that time,” Trump said.
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Trump, who is seeking re-election to a second term amid a US economy crippled by coronavirus shutdowns, has pushed for schools to reopen and things to get “back to normal” as Coivd-19 deaths in the country average more than 1,000 per day.
Top government health officials have said corners would not be cut in the race to secure a vaccine against the virus.
Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US government infectious diseases official, offered a more conservative view on Wednesday, saying there might be an indication that at least one vaccine works and is safe by year end.
Moderna vaccine could be ready by end of year, US says
Trump was upbeat on the US economic recovery once a vaccine is available. “We’re going to have vaccines very soon, we’re gonna have therapeutics very soon,” he told the radio programme.
Asked if he believed China may have stolen a vaccine from the US, Trump said, “I can’t say that with certainty, but it’s possible.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief said the economic recovery around the world could comes faster if any Covid-19 vaccine is made available to all as a public good.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was speaking in an online panel discussion with members of the Aspen Security Forum in the US moderated by the NBC network.
WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan, asked about a proposed Russian vaccine, told the panel that what was needed now was to ensure any vaccines are safe and effective.
