A new wave of coronavirus infections has swept across Europe in recent days, dashing hopes of return to normalcy with major member states announcing plans to reimpose full lockdowns and make vaccinations mandatory.

The pharmaceutical giant has said it would begin deliveries of the drug as soon as this year if it is authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Germany has hit a record high in coronavirus infections as the country continues to struggle to convince unvaccinated residents to get their jabs.