5 things you need to know this morning: April 12, 2021

Start your day off right with five things you need to know this morning.

Five things you need to know

1. Chinese official admits country's vaccines not highly effective

A senior Chinese health official has admitted China's COVID-19 vaccines are not very effective. In a rare moment of transparency in the communist country, disease control expert Gao Fu said officials are considering mixing vaccines to boost effectiveness. Trials showed some of the vaccines made in China are only 50% effective.

The efficacy of Chinese Covid-19 vaccines is "not high" and authorities are weighing options to bolster protection -- including mixing different shots, China's top disease control official has said. https://t.co/7D0iuo0sry

— CNN (@CNN) April 12, 2021

2. Pacific tribe that revered Prince Philip as godlike figure pays respects

A Pacific tribe that worshiped Prince Philip as a godlike figure is mourning his death. Two villages on the Vanuatuan island of Tanna had a special connection with the Queen's late husband, who they revered as a descendant of a powerful spirit.

The leader of a Pacific island in the Vanuatu archipelago that worships Prince Philip expressed 'regret' for the duke's death.

Read more here: https://t.co/nd9pm8VMjB pic.twitter.com/PCquLBF4Uw

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 12, 2021

3. Iran blames Israel for attack on nuclear facility

Islamic theocracy Iran has vowed revenge against Israel for an alleged attack on an underground nuclear facility in the country. Iranian officials said Israel had committed "nuclear terrorism" by attacking the Natunz uranium enrichment plant. Israel has made no comment about the supposed attack.

BREAKING: Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has blamed Israel for the sabotage attack at the underground Natanz nuclear facility, warning Iran would take revenge for the attack. https://t.co/AMOekZoXL3

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 12, 2021

4. Unrest near Minneapolis after man killed during traffic stop

There has been unrest in a city just outside Minneapolis after a young black man was killed during an encounter with police. Police said Daunte Wright, 20, died in Brooklyn Center on Sunday after an officer shot him when he attempted to flee during a traffic stop. It comes as former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is being tried for the murder of George Floyd.

Update: Relatives of Daunte Wright, 20, told a growing crowd in Brooklyn Center that he was shot by police in Plymouth on Sunday afternoon before getting back into his car and driving to Brooklyn Center, where he crashed the car and was pronounced dead. https://t.co/EqMlBIPeDB

— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) April 12, 2021

5. Sopranos actor dies at 64

American actor Joseph Siravo has died aged 64. He notably played Tony Soprano's father, Johnny, in flashbacks in acclaimed TV series The Sopranos. He also starred in stage musical Jersey Boys.

'Sopranos' star Joseph Siravo, who played Tony Soprano's father, has died at age 64 following a long battle with cancer, his manager says. https://t.co/mI0t9VWNfS

— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 12, 2021