Are we in for the world's first Covid-19 vaccine? If the claims made by a Russian university are anything to go by, a semblance of relieving news is very much here.

"We have successfully completed the clinical trials of the world’s first anti-Covid vaccine on volunteers," the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University said Sunday in an official statement. The clinical trials had begun on June 18.

The vaccine was found to be completely safe, reports say.

Russia is the first country in the world to complete human trials for an anti-Covid vaccine.

Hopes are high among many. Journalist Bryan MacDonald reported on July 11: "Now for some very good news: As Russia begins the final stage of its Covid-19 vaccine trial, volunteers are confirmed to have immunity – and no side effects (so far, anyway). Hopes are now high that mass nationwide immunisation can kick off in September."

If the vaccine is indeed available by September, it will be beyond heroic. But then, there are a lot of if's and but's.