OVERVIEW: COVID drug purchases, European, South Korean developments

What you need to know about the coronavirus right now Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: Reuters Reuters

-- The United States has signed contracts worth about $1 billion for doses of the antibody-based COVID-19 treatment from Britain's GSK (GSK.L) and U.S.-based Vir Biotechnology (VIR.O), as countries seek to secure promising options beyond vaccines.

The drugmakers said on Wednesday the U.S. orders bring the total number of doses to be supplied to more than 750,000 globally, without specifying how many doses of the treatment, sotrovimab, the U.S. government had signed up for.

However, other public deals for the drug include 10,000 doses for Canada and up to 220,000 doses for the European Union. Values of those orders have not been disclosed. read more

--  Germany's coronavirus situation is dramatic, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday, calling for a push to distribute booster shots faster and appealing to those sceptical of vaccination to change their minds.

Germany reported 52,826 new infections on Wednesday - a jump of a third compared with a week ago and another daily record, and 294 people died, bringing the total to 98,274, as the pandemic's fourth wave tightened its grip on Europe....

 -- Austrian coronavirus infections hit a new daily record on Wednesday, the third day of a lockdown that is for those not fully vaccinated and is aimed at halting the surge.

Roughly 65% of Austria's population is fully vaccinated against the virus, one of the lowest rates in western Europe. Austria also has one of the highest infection rates in the region, with a seven-day incidence of 925 per 100,000 people.

 --Soaring infections across Europe as winter approaches are prompting governments to consider reintroducing unpopular lockdowns. In contrast to the Netherlands, which has ordered a partial lockdown that applies to all, Austria has sought to avoid placing extra restrictions on the fully vaccinated. read more

-- South Korea plans to cut to four months from six the gap for coronavirus booster doses given to senior citizens as it looks to dampen a spike in serious cases, authorities said on Wednesday. ...