Hugo de Jonge, health minister of The Netherlands, has indicated the country could be preparing another three coronavirus booster vaccines.
De Jonge wrote a letter to his country's parliament Wednesday suggesting the Netherlands should consider additional rounds of booster vaccines to fight new variants, with two of these in 2022 and another shot in 2023.
Read more at:
Netherlands Announces Plan To Give People Up to Six Doses of COVID Vaccine
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Covid Cases: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days - by Lisa Kim
As of Wednesday morning, the seven-day average of new infections totaled 282,117, eclipsing the previous record of around 250,000 on January 11, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Covid data tracker.
Comparing the U.S. seven-day average with other countries most affected by new Covid cases, the U.K. and France set new records this week, peaking at around 115,000 and some 88,000, respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Read more at: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days
Comparing the U.S. seven-day average with other countries most affected by new Covid cases, the U.K. and France set new records this week, peaking at around 115,000 and some 88,000, respectively, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Read more at: U.S. Shatters Prior Record Of New Covid Cases Over Past 7 Days
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
The Netherlands: Omicron now dominant in NL, new coronavirus cases fall 11% in a week
The Omicron variant of coronavirus is now dominant in the Netherlands, public health institute RIVM said on Tuesday. The variant now accounts for over than 50% of new cases, the RIVM said in its latest weekly update. The number of positive coronavirus cases reported to the RIVM fell 11% to 84,400 in the past week, but experts say this is likely to rise as Omicron spreads.
Read more at: Omicron now dominant in NL, new coronavirus cases fall 11% in a week - DutchNews.nl
Read more at: Omicron now dominant in NL, new coronavirus cases fall 11% in a week - DutchNews.nl
Monday, December 27, 2021
Coronavirus - isolation period: US cuts recommended isolation period
US health authorities on Monday announced that quarantine periods for asymptomatic coronavirus patients would be shortened from 10 to five days.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited evidence that those infected with the virus were most infectious during the two days before and then three days after symptoms developed.
Read more at: Coronavirus: US cuts recommended isolation period | News | DW | 27.12.2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited evidence that those infected with the virus were most infectious during the two days before and then three days after symptoms developed.
Read more at: Coronavirus: US cuts recommended isolation period | News | DW | 27.12.2021
Saturday, December 25, 2021
Aliens: The Alien Invasion is Finally Here. And It’s Invisible. - by Jean Pierre Isbouts, Dutt
Is it posible that we are today reliving past horror moves such as Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” (2005) in reality?
Read more at: The Alien Invasion is Finally Here. And It’s Invisible. - Fielding Graduate University
Read more at: The Alien Invasion is Finally Here. And It’s Invisible. - Fielding Graduate University
Friday, December 24, 2021
USA: Florida - COVID update: State breaks single-day case record - by Devoun Cetoute and Carli Teproff
Florida on Friday saw it’s largest single-day increase of newly reported COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began — and that was even before people gathered for Nochebuena and Christmas brunch.
“After the holidays I suspect we will have a very busy week,” said Randy Katz, associate district medical director of emergency services for Memorial Healthcare System. “I do think we have another week or two before we really peak and then see the numbers come down.”
There were 31,758 cases on Thursday, according to Miami Herald calculations of state data reported Friday to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The previous record was during the height of the delta wave in Florida with 27,584 cases reported on Aug. 27, according to Herald calculations.
Read more at: Florida COVID update: State breaks single-day case record | Miami Herald
“After the holidays I suspect we will have a very busy week,” said Randy Katz, associate district medical director of emergency services for Memorial Healthcare System. “I do think we have another week or two before we really peak and then see the numbers come down.”
There were 31,758 cases on Thursday, according to Miami Herald calculations of state data reported Friday to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The previous record was during the height of the delta wave in Florida with 27,584 cases reported on Aug. 27, according to Herald calculations.
Read more at: Florida COVID update: State breaks single-day case record | Miami Herald
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
A Blessed Christmas Story: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti
Captive missionaries in Haiti found freedom last week by making a daring overnight escape, eluding their kidnappers and walking for kilometres over difficult, moonlit terrain with an infant and other children in tow, officials with the agency they work for said Monday.
The group of 12 navigated by stars to reach safety after a two-month kidnapping ordeal, officials with the Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), the Ohio-based agency that the captive missionaries work for, said Monday at a news conference.
The detailed accounting of their journey to safety comes after news Thursday that the missionaries were free.
Read more at: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti | CBC News
The group of 12 navigated by stars to reach safety after a two-month kidnapping ordeal, officials with the Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), the Ohio-based agency that the captive missionaries work for, said Monday at a news conference.
The detailed accounting of their journey to safety comes after news Thursday that the missionaries were free.
Read more at: Church agency describes how missionaries escaped their captors after 2-month ordeal in Haiti | CBC News
Monday, December 20, 2021
USA: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month - by Zoe Strozewski
More than 3,800 members of the Army have refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine by this week's deadline, setting them up for a potential ouster from the military beginning in January.
Six soldiers resisting the mandate were fired from leadership roles and more than 2,700 others have already been issued written reprimands, according to Army data.
Read more at: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month
Six soldiers resisting the mandate were fired from leadership roles and more than 2,700 others have already been issued written reprimands, according to Army data.
Read more at: Army Has Over 3,800 Refuse to Get COVID Vaccine, Could Be Removed From Military Next Month
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Eye care: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red - By DAVID NIELD
A short burst of red light in the morning has been shown to improve declining eyesight, researchers report, potentially providing a simple, safe, and easy-to-use treatment for keeping our eyes sharper as we head into old age.
In tests on 20 participants exposed to three minutes of 670 nanometer deep red light in the morning between 8 am and 9 am eyesight improved by 17 percent and lasted (at a lower level) a week on average. In some of the volunteers, the improvement was as much as 20 percent.
This link between long wavelength red light and improving vision matches up with what scientists have seen in previous studies on animals, and the study follows on from a similar one carried out last year – but in this case, the red light was limited to a single, daily exposure that required less red light energy than previously.
Read more at: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red
In tests on 20 participants exposed to three minutes of 670 nanometer deep red light in the morning between 8 am and 9 am eyesight improved by 17 percent and lasted (at a lower level) a week on average. In some of the volunteers, the improvement was as much as 20 percent.
This link between long wavelength red light and improving vision matches up with what scientists have seen in previous studies on animals, and the study follows on from a similar one carried out last year – but in this case, the red light was limited to a single, daily exposure that required less red light energy than previously.
Read more at: Declining Eyesight Could Be Given a Boost by Short Morning Doses of Seeing Red
Friday, December 17, 2021
France: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
French President Emmanuel Macron Friday cancelled a trip to Mali to meet transitional leader Colonel Assimi Goita after France announced new measures to battle the pandemic.
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Macron was to meet Goita on Monday, for the first time since the Malian colonel was sworn into office in June after leading the country's second coup in less than a year.
Macron was also supposed to pay a Christmas visit to French troops stationed there to fight a jihadist insurgency in the country.
Read more at: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
Macron was to meet Goita on Monday, for the first time since the Malian colonel was sworn into office in June after leading the country's second coup in less than a year.
Macron was also supposed to pay a Christmas visit to French troops stationed there to fight a jihadist insurgency in the country.
Read more at: Macron cancels visit to Mali after new Covid-19 measures announced
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn
The growing demand for space exploration is increasing the chances of alien organisms invading Earth and of Earth-based organisms invading other planets, scientists have argued in a new paper.
The researchers point to humanity's record of moving species to new environments on Earth, where those organisms can become invasive and harm the native species; they say such behavior suggests the same could happen with alien life from another planet contaminating Earth and vice versa, according to the paper, published Nov. 17 in the journal BioScience.
"The search of life beyond our world is an exciting endeavour that could yield an enormous discovery in the not-too-distant future," lead author Anthony Ricciardi, a professor of invasion biology at McGill University in Montreal, told Live Science in an email. "However, in the face of increasing space missions (including those intended to return samples to Earth), it is crucial to reduce the risks of biological contamination in both directions."
Read more at: Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn | Live Science
The researchers point to humanity's record of moving species to new environments on Earth, where those organisms can become invasive and harm the native species; they say such behavior suggests the same could happen with alien life from another planet contaminating Earth and vice versa, according to the paper, published Nov. 17 in the journal BioScience.
"The search of life beyond our world is an exciting endeavour that could yield an enormous discovery in the not-too-distant future," lead author Anthony Ricciardi, a professor of invasion biology at McGill University in Montreal, told Live Science in an email. "However, in the face of increasing space missions (including those intended to return samples to Earth), it is crucial to reduce the risks of biological contamination in both directions."
Read more at: Alien organisms could hitch a ride on our spacecraft and contaminate Earth, scientists warn | Live Science
Monday, December 13, 2021
WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March 2022
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe remains “in the firm grip” of the coronavirus pandemic and the continent’s death toll could top 2.2 million this winter if current trends continue.
Another 700,000 Europeans could die by March 1, the WHO said on Tuesday, in addition to the 1.5 million who have already succumbed to the virus.
Read more at WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
Another 700,000 Europeans could die by March 1, the WHO said on Tuesday, in addition to the 1.5 million who have already succumbed to the virus.
Read more at WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March | Coronavirus pandemic News | Al Jazeera
Sunday, December 12, 2021
USA: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms
Dozens remained unaccounted for on Sunday as rescuers worked overnight searching for survivors after what could be the longest tornado in US history left a trail of destruction from Arkansas to Kentucky, part of a vast storm front that it is feared may have killed at least 100 people.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the path of devastation was about 227 miles (365km) long, which, if confirmed, would surpass the 218-mile Tri-State tornado in 1925, which killed at least 695 people and destroyed 15,000 homes across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Read more at: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms | Tornadoes | The Guardian
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the path of devastation was about 227 miles (365km) long, which, if confirmed, would surpass the 218-mile Tri-State tornado in 1925, which killed at least 695 people and destroyed 15,000 homes across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Read more at: Kentucky tornadoes: up to 100 feared dead in historic US storms | Tornadoes | The Guardian
Saturday, December 11, 2021
UK: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says
The Omicron variant could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England by the end of April if additional virus restrictions are not imposed, new modelling suggests.
Researchers said the new variant, which is expected to be more transmissible, could cause 24,000 deaths by 30 April 2022 in the most optimistic scenario and nearly 75,000 deaths in the most pessimistic scenario.
Read more at: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says | Euronews
Researchers said the new variant, which is expected to be more transmissible, could cause 24,000 deaths by 30 April 2022 in the most optimistic scenario and nearly 75,000 deaths in the most pessimistic scenario.
Read more at: Omicron could cause tens of thousands of deaths in England, study says | Euronews
Friday, December 10, 2021
The Netherlands,Polder Model,Covid,Ranking,Very low,
THE DUTCH are not used to being ranked among the worst in Europe. But that is where they stand in covid booster vaccinations: 4.1% of the population have had an extra jab, just behind Romania at 5%. They started on November 18th, months after other countries. “It is impossible to explain,” says Roel Coutinho, a former head of the national outbreak-management team. He blames the Dutch culture of governing via exhaustive negotiations and consensus—a system known as the “polder model”.
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
READ MORE AT: The Dutch style of government: good for dykes, bad for covid | The Economist
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
: EU: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread
The Netherlands confirmed 13 cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus on Sunday and Australia found two as the countries half a world apart became the latest to detect it in travelers arriving from southern Africa.
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
A raft of curbs being imposed by nations around the world as they scramble to slow the variant's spread also grew, with Israel deciding Sunday to bar entry to foreign nationals in the toughest move so far.
Confirmed or suspected cases of the new variant have already emerged in several European countries, in Israel and in Hong Kong, just days after it was identified by researchers in South Africa. The "act first, ask questions later" approach reflected growing alarm about the emergence of a potentially more contagious variant nearly two years into a pandemic that has killed more than 5 million people, upended lives and disrupted economies across the globe.
Read more at: The Netherlands and Australia find the omicron variant as curbs spread : NPR
Monday, December 6, 2021
USA: CEOs across economy agree on one 2022 prediction: No Covid end - USA: CEOs across economy agree on one 2022 prediction: No Covid end -
Chief executive officers of companies from sectors including healthcare, restaurants, packaged food, manufacturing, logistics and chip sector tell CNBC that any hope of a “return to normal” in 2022 is misguided and volatility will remain a primary business challenge.
CEOs see opportunity in the changes already made during Covid to become permanent competitive advantages, and for global economic growth to remain strong, but it won’t be without a high level of uncertainty and volatility.
Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/ceos-across-economy-agree-on-one-big-2022-prediction-more-volatility.html
Read more at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/02/ceos-across-economy-agree-on-one-big-2022-prediction-more-volatility.html
Sunday, December 5, 2021
COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes
COVID-19 cases are sweeping Europe once again — here is a breakdown of how each country has reacted to the surge.
Measures vary across the continent — from a national lockdown in Austria and moves towards mandatory vaccination in Germany, to the United Kingdom where only light restrictions are in place.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes | Euronews
Measures vary across the continent — from a national lockdown in Austria and moves towards mandatory vaccination in Germany, to the United Kingdom where only light restrictions are in place.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Denmark reports jump in Omicron cases as Belgium protest ends in clashes | Euronews
Saturday, December 4, 2021
Covid-19: First data points to Omicron re-infection risk - James Gallagher
The first real world data showing the coronavirus variant Omicron may evade some of our immunity has been reported by scientists in South Africa.
Scientists have detected a surge in the number of people catching Covid multiple times.
It is a rapid analysis and not definitive, but fits with concern about the mutations the variant possesses.
Scientists have detected a surge in the number of people catching Covid multiple times.
It is a rapid analysis and not definitive, but fits with concern about the mutations the variant possesses.
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Coronavirus: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - Perry Stein
The omicron variant had a foothold in multiple countries in Europe before travel restrictions were imposed, new genetic sequencing data has revealed.
Dutch officials said Tuesday that they had detected the variant, with its unusually high number of mutations, in a sample collected on Nov. 19 and another on Nov. 23 — well before Dutch authorities panicked over two flights from South Africa carrying infected passengers.
The earliest known cases are still from southern Africa. The first identified samples were collected Nov. 9, from a 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old man in Johannesburg, according to the GISAID global database. On Nov. 11, five
Read more at: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - The Washington Post
Dutch officials said Tuesday that they had detected the variant, with its unusually high number of mutations, in a sample collected on Nov. 19 and another on Nov. 23 — well before Dutch authorities panicked over two flights from South Africa carrying infected passengers.
The earliest known cases are still from southern Africa. The first identified samples were collected Nov. 9, from a 34-year-old man and a 23-year-old man in Johannesburg, according to the GISAID global database. On Nov. 11, five
Read more at: Omicron was in Netherlands before South Africa raised alarm about new coronavirus variant - The Washington Post
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Covid-19: WHO: Covid will mutate like the flu and is likely here to stay
Covid-19 is likely “here to stay with us” as the virus continues to mutate in unvaccinated countries across the world and previous hopes of eradicating it diminish, global health officials said Tuesday.
“I think this virus is here to stay with us and it will evolve like influenza pandemic viruses, it will evolve to become one of the other viruses that affects us,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Program, said at a press briefing.
Read more at: WHO: Covid will mutate like the flu and is likely here to stay
“I think this virus is here to stay with us and it will evolve like influenza pandemic viruses, it will evolve to become one of the other viruses that affects us,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Program, said at a press briefing.
Read more at: WHO: Covid will mutate like the flu and is likely here to stay
Sunday, November 28, 2021
COVID in Europe: Netherlands closes all non-essential businesses at 5pm
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in various parts of Europe as the cold weather has affected the spread of the virus.
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means - from a national lockdown in Austria, to limiting access to certain services elsewhere or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Around 60% of people in Western Europe are fully immunised against COVID-19, but only about half as many are vaccinated in Eastern Europe.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/26/covid-19-spike-felt-across-europe-as-vaccination-remains-stagnant
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means - from a national lockdown in Austria, to limiting access to certain services elsewhere or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Around 60% of people in Western Europe are fully immunised against COVID-19, but only about half as many are vaccinated in Eastern Europe.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/26/covid-19-spike-felt-across-europe-as-vaccination-remains-stagnant
Saturday, November 27, 2021
USA: Biden and Harris briefed as US braces for arrival of Omicron Covid variant - by Edward Helmore
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been briefed on the latest situation regarding the new Omicron coronavirus variant, the White House said on Saturday, as Britain, Germany and Italy reported detecting cases.
Read more at: Biden and Harris briefed as US braces for arrival of Omicron Covid variant | Coronavirus | The Guardian
Read more at: Biden and Harris briefed as US braces for arrival of Omicron Covid variant | Coronavirus | The Guardian
Friday, November 26, 2021
Coronavirus: Omicron classified 'variant of concern' by WHO - by M. James, C. Fernando, and J.Shannon:
A COVID-19 variant first discovered in South Africa was dubbed "omicron" and classified a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization on Friday, as the U.S. and other nations reacted to the newly discovered variant with travel restrictions.
Experts with the World Health Organization met Friday to assess the variant, which appears to have a high number of mutations in the virus’ spike protein, prompting worries about how easily it will spread. While good data on the risks of omicron is likely weeks away, the organization cited early evidence suggesting an increased risk of reinfection.
The U.S. said it will restrict travel from South Africa, as well as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, according to a statement from senior officials from the Biden administration.
Read more at: Omicron classified 'variant of concern' by WHO: COVID updates
Experts with the World Health Organization met Friday to assess the variant, which appears to have a high number of mutations in the virus’ spike protein, prompting worries about how easily it will spread. While good data on the risks of omicron is likely weeks away, the organization cited early evidence suggesting an increased risk of reinfection.
The U.S. said it will restrict travel from South Africa, as well as Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi, according to a statement from senior officials from the Biden administration.
Read more at: Omicron classified 'variant of concern' by WHO: COVID updates
Thursday, November 25, 2021
Coronavirus: Germany poised to pass 100,000 COVID-19 deaths
Germany is poised to pass the mark of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19 this week, a sombre milestone that several of its neighbours crossed months ago but which Western Europe's most populous nation had hoped to avoid.
Discipline, a robust health-care system and the rollout of multiple vaccines — one of them homegrown — were meant to stave off a winter surge of the kind that hit Germany last year.
Read more at: Germany poised to pass 100,000 COVID-19 deaths | CBC News
Discipline, a robust health-care system and the rollout of multiple vaccines — one of them homegrown — were meant to stave off a winter surge of the kind that hit Germany last year.
Read more at: Germany poised to pass 100,000 COVID-19 deaths | CBC News
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
EU-Coronavirus: Europe′s fight against the coronavirus
Up until this past weekend, the Dutch soccer club SC Cambuur Leeuwarden was making the kinds of headlines everyone wants. The team got off to an excellent start in the country's first league, and was about to host FC Utrecht for the week's top match. That's when unvaccinated supporters who were prohibited from entering the stadium because of coronavirus restrictions turned violent and stormed the field. The match was almost canceled after they stormed the pitch and launched fireworks.
And Leeuwarden wasn't an isolated case. There were also reports of violence and rioting against COVID-19 restrictions in Enschede, Groningen, The Hague and in Rotterdam for the third night in a row. Rioters threw stones at police, vandalized streets and set cars ablaze. According to local authorities, more than 140 people were arrested.
Read more at: Europe′s fight against the coronavirus | Europe | News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 24.11.2021
And Leeuwarden wasn't an isolated case. There were also reports of violence and rioting against COVID-19 restrictions in Enschede, Groningen, The Hague and in Rotterdam for the third night in a row. Rioters threw stones at police, vandalized streets and set cars ablaze. According to local authorities, more than 140 people were arrested.
Read more at: Europe′s fight against the coronavirus | Europe | News and current affairs from around the continent | DW | 24.11.2021
Tuesday, November 23, 2021
Netherlands: EU wants calm amid virus protests; rioters called 'idiots'
In the face of demonstrations across much of Europe protesting tough COVID-19 measures over the past days, authorities on Monday pleaded for patience, calm and a willingness to get a vaccine shot in the arm as infections spike upward again.
And for those who abused the protests to foment violence, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte just called them “idiots.”
Protest marches from Zagreb to Rome and from Vienna to Brussels and Rotterdam, bringing tens of thousands out, all had one message from a coronavirus-weary crowd — we’ve had enough!
“Not able to work where you want work, to be where you want to be. That’s not what we stand for, that’s not freedom,” said Eveline Denayer, who was at Sunday’s march in Brussels, which drew a crowd of over 35,000.
“We live in Western Europe and we just want to be free, how we were before,” she said.
Read more at: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-445b8e7e0b3c53081d6525c83dc4dbca
And for those who abused the protests to foment violence, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte just called them “idiots.”
Protest marches from Zagreb to Rome and from Vienna to Brussels and Rotterdam, bringing tens of thousands out, all had one message from a coronavirus-weary crowd — we’ve had enough!
“Not able to work where you want work, to be where you want to be. That’s not what we stand for, that’s not freedom,” said Eveline Denayer, who was at Sunday’s march in Brussels, which drew a crowd of over 35,000.
“We live in Western Europe and we just want to be free, how we were before,” she said.
Read more at: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-riots-netherlands-rotterdam-445b8e7e0b3c53081d6525c83dc4dbca
US: Covid is striking again: with Covid infections rising again as upper midwest sees biggest jump
America’s Covid-19 infections are climbing again, and could soon hit a weekly average of 100,000 cases a day as daily case reports increase more than 20% across the upper midwest.
The fresh worsening of the coronavirus pandemic in the US comes as temperatures cool during the approach of winter, forcing people indoors where the virus is believed to spread more readily and may presage another wave.
Read more at: US Covid infections rising again as upper midwest sees biggest jump | US news | The Guardian
The fresh worsening of the coronavirus pandemic in the US comes as temperatures cool during the approach of winter, forcing people indoors where the virus is believed to spread more readily and may presage another wave.
Read more at: US Covid infections rising again as upper midwest sees biggest jump | US news | The Guardian
Saturday, November 20, 2021
The Netherlands:Rotterdam police open fire as Covid protest turns into ‘orgy of violence’
In what the Dutch city’s mayor described as an “orgy of violence”, crowds of several hundred rioters orched cars, set off fireworks and threw rocks at police during the protests on Friday evening. Police responded with warning shots and water cannon.
Police said on Twitter on Saturday that 51 people had been arrested, about half of whom were under 18.
“Three rioters were wounded when they were hit by bullets, they remain in hospital,” police added, in an update after earlier reporting two wounded.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/19/the-netherlands-rotterdam-police-open-fire-as-covid-protest-turns-violent?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Police said on Twitter on Saturday that 51 people had been arrested, about half of whom were under 18.
“Three rioters were wounded when they were hit by bullets, they remain in hospital,” police added, in an update after earlier reporting two wounded.
Read more at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/19/the-netherlands-rotterdam-police-open-fire-as-covid-protest-turns-violent?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Friday, November 19, 2021
Covid-19: Mask-wearing cuts Covid incidence by 53%, says global study | Coronavirus-by Andrew Gregory
n England, the legal requirement to wear a mask ended in July, apart from in healthcare settings and care homes, unless exempt. In Wales, they are still legally required on public transport and in all public indoor areas apart from pubs and restaurants. In Scotland, masks must still be worn in shops and on public transport, and in pubs and restaurants when not seated. In Northern Ireland, masks must still be worn on public transport and in shops.
Results from more than 30 studies from around the world were analysed in detail, showing a statistically significant 53% reduction in the incidence of Covid with mask wearing and a 25% reduction with physical distancing.
Read more at: Mask-wearing cuts Covid incidence by 53%, says global study | Coronavirus | The Guardian
Results from more than 30 studies from around the world were analysed in detail, showing a statistically significant 53% reduction in the incidence of Covid with mask wearing and a 25% reduction with physical distancing.
Read more at: Mask-wearing cuts Covid incidence by 53%, says global study | Coronavirus | The Guardian
Thursday, November 18, 2021
COVID in Europe: Germany latest country to restrict unvaccinated - by A.Tidey, A.Brezar & A. Sandford •
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in various parts of Europe as the cold weather has affected the spread of the virus.
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means -- from introducing lockdowns for the unvaccinated to limiting access to certain services, or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Around 60% of people in Western Europe are fully immunised against COVID-19, but only about half as many are vaccinated in Eastern Europe.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/18/covid-19-spike-felt-across-europe-as-vaccination-remains-stagnant
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means -- from introducing lockdowns for the unvaccinated to limiting access to certain services, or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Around 60% of people in Western Europe are fully immunised against COVID-19, but only about half as many are vaccinated in Eastern Europe.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/18/covid-19-spike-felt-across-europe-as-vaccination-remains-stagnant
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
COVID in Europe: Sweden's new COVID pass as Slovakia targets unvaccinated - by Alice Tidey and Aleksandar Brezar
COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in various parts of Europe as the cold weather has affected the spread of the virus.
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means -- from introducing lockdowns for the unvaccinated to limiting access to certain services, or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Sweden's new COVID pass as Slovakia targets unvaccinated | Euronews
Countries on the Old Continent are attempting to curb the spike through various means -- from introducing lockdowns for the unvaccinated to limiting access to certain services, or pushing for an increase in vaccination rates.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Sweden's new COVID pass as Slovakia targets unvaccinated | Euronews
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Is COVID-19 here to stay? A team of biologists explains what it means for a virus to become endemic
Now that kids ages 5 to 11 are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and the number of fully vaccinated people in the U.S. is rising, many people may be wondering what the endgame is for COVID-19.
Early on in the pandemic, it wasn’t unreasonable to expect that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) might just go away, since historically some pandemic viruses have simply disappeared.
For instance, SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the first SARS pandemic in 2003, spread to 29 countries and regions, infecting more than 8,000 people from November 2002 to July 2003. But thanks to quick and effective public health interventions, SARS-CoV hasn’t been observed in humans in almost 20 years and is now considered extinct.
Read more at: Is COVID-19 here to stay? A team of biologists explains what it means for a virus to become endemic
Early on in the pandemic, it wasn’t unreasonable to expect that SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) might just go away, since historically some pandemic viruses have simply disappeared.
For instance, SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the first SARS pandemic in 2003, spread to 29 countries and regions, infecting more than 8,000 people from November 2002 to July 2003. But thanks to quick and effective public health interventions, SARS-CoV hasn’t been observed in humans in almost 20 years and is now considered extinct.
Read more at: Is COVID-19 here to stay? A team of biologists explains what it means for a virus to become endemic
Monday, November 15, 2021
COVID-19 will likely be with us forever. Here's how we'll live with it.
COVID-19 continues to run its course, the likeliest long-term outcome is that the virus SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic in large swaths of the world, constantly circulating among the human population but causing fewer cases of severe disease. Eventually—years or even decades in the future—COVID-19 could transition into a mild childhood illness, like the four endemic human coronaviruses that contribute to the common cold.
Read more at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/covid-19-will-likely-be-with-us-forever-heres-how-well-live-with-it
Read more at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/covid-19-will-likely-be-with-us-forever-heres-how-well-live-with-it
Thursday, November 11, 2021
Covid 19 medicines/vaccines: EU authorizes 2 medicines for people at risk of severe COVID-19
The European Medicines Agency has recommended the authorization of two new medicines against the coronavirus for people at risk of severe disease.
In a statement on Thursday, the EU drug regulator said it had concluded that the monoclonal antibody treatments -- a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab, and the drug regdanvimab -- have both been proven to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in patients vulnerable to serious COVID-19.
Read more at: EU authorizes 2 medicines for people at risk of severe COVID-19 | CTV News
In a statement on Thursday, the EU drug regulator said it had concluded that the monoclonal antibody treatments -- a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab, and the drug regdanvimab -- have both been proven to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death in patients vulnerable to serious COVID-19.
Read more at: EU authorizes 2 medicines for people at risk of severe COVID-19 | CTV News
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
The Netherlands: COVID-19: Dutch hospitals sound alarm as eastern Europe reports record daily deaths
Hospitals in the southern Dutch province of Limburg warned the government on Tuesday that they can no longer cope with new COVID-19 patients.
"We are heading straight for a healthcare blockage and the entire system is grinding to a standstill," five hospitals in the border province said.
"We are convinced that other parts of the Netherlands will soon follow," they added in a statement.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/09/covid-19-dutch-hospitals-sound-alarm-as-eastern-europe-reports-record-daily-deaths
"We are heading straight for a healthcare blockage and the entire system is grinding to a standstill," five hospitals in the border province said.
"We are convinced that other parts of the Netherlands will soon follow," they added in a statement.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/09/covid-19-dutch-hospitals-sound-alarm-as-eastern-europe-reports-record-daily-deaths
Monday, November 8, 2021
USA: CDC approves Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11 in the U.S.
.S. health officials on Tuesday gave final approval to Pfizer's kid-sized COVID-19 shot, a milestone that opens a major expansion of the nation's vaccination campaign to children as young as five.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already authorized the shots for children ages five to 11 — doses just one-third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) formally recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.
The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer's shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.
Read more at: CDC approves Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11 in the U.S. | CBC News
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already authorized the shots for children ages five to 11 — doses just one-third of the amount given to teens and adults. But the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) formally recommends who should receive FDA-cleared vaccines.
The announcement by CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky came only hours after an advisory panel unanimously decided Pfizer's shots should be opened to the 28 million youngsters in that age group.
Read more at: CDC approves Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5 to 11 in the U.S. | CBC News
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Saturday, November 6, 2021
The Netherlands: Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes on Saturday November 6
Masks will once again be compulsory in all public buildings where coronavirus passes are not required. This includes: Supermarkets and shops Libraries Government buildings and council offices Airports and railway stations Colleges and universities when moving between locations People in contact professions, such as hairdressers, will again have to wear masks, but not sex workers. Those who do not wear a mask can be fined €95. Masks remain compulsory in taxis and on public transport.
Read more at: Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes on Saturday - DutchNews.nl
Read more at: Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what changes on Saturday - DutchNews.nl
Friday, November 5, 2021
Germany: COVID: Germany to offer booster shots for all
All people in Germany will eventually be offered a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine six months after receiving their previous injection, Health Minister Jens Spahn said on Friday.
The measure had been agreed with regional health ministers, Spahn said.
"This should become the norm, not the exception," Spahn added.
Read more at: COVID: Germany to offer booster shots for all | News | DW | 05.11.2021
The measure had been agreed with regional health ministers, Spahn said.
"This should become the norm, not the exception," Spahn added.
Read more at: COVID: Germany to offer booster shots for all | News | DW | 05.11.2021
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Germany: COVID: Germany cases hit record daily high
Germany registered a record number of COVID-19 cases on Thursday, breaking a record set in December 2020. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the country's disease control agency, reported 33,949 new infections in a single day.
The news came a day after Health Minister Jens Spahn declared that Germany was living in a "pandemic of the unvaccinated" and that the fourth wave of the virus was "in full force" across the country.
Read more at: COVID: Germany cases hit record daily high | News | DW | 04.11.2021
The news came a day after Health Minister Jens Spahn declared that Germany was living in a "pandemic of the unvaccinated" and that the fourth wave of the virus was "in full force" across the country.
Read more at: COVID: Germany cases hit record daily high | News | DW | 04.11.2021
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
The Netherlands: Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules
Netherlands is bringing in new measures to control coronavirus in a bid to reverse the sharp rise in new cases, and tougher rules are also in the pipeline if there is no improvement. The new plans were outlined by ministers at a press conference on Tuesday evening, shortly after officials raised the risk level to ‘severe’ now that the average number of hospital admissions per day is above 100.
Although social distancing will not be compulsory, it is the government’s ‘urgent advice’, prime minister Mark Rutte told a press conference on Tuesday evening .
Read more at: Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules - DutchNews.nl
Although social distancing will not be compulsory, it is the government’s ‘urgent advice’, prime minister Mark Rutte told a press conference on Tuesday evening .
Read more at: Face masks are back, more working at home, as Dutch bring back anti-Covid rules - DutchNews.nl
Monday, November 1, 2021
Costa Rica: A climate success story - by Laurence Cuvillier and Matthieu Comin
In the space of just a few years, the small Central American nation of Costa Rica has become a global laboratory for decarbonisation. Costa Rica is the world's only tropical country that has managed to reverse the process of deforestation: forests now cover more than half its surface. It’s also one of the few countries to get almost all its electricity (99 percent) from renewable sources. Costa Rica's inspiring and bold example reflects badly on major world powers, which have considerably more resources available to achieve their climate goals.
Costa Rica abolished its army back in 1948, and 99 percent of its energy is renewable. The small country is an exception in Latin America. Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada sat down for an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24. Ahead of November's COP26 conference in Glasgow, he laid out several concrete proposals to fight climate change and sounded the alarm, saying: "The biggest challenge of this generation is decarbonisation and fighting climate change."
Read more at: Costa Rica: A climate success story - Reporters
Costa Rica abolished its army back in 1948, and 99 percent of its energy is renewable. The small country is an exception in Latin America. Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado Quesada sat down for an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24. Ahead of November's COP26 conference in Glasgow, he laid out several concrete proposals to fight climate change and sounded the alarm, saying: "The biggest challenge of this generation is decarbonisation and fighting climate change."
Read more at: Costa Rica: A climate success story - Reporters
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Covid-19 origin: Covid-19 origins may never be known, US intelligence agencies say
In an updated assessment of where the virus began, the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said an animal-to-human transmission and a lab leak were both plausible hypotheses for how it spread.
But there was not enough information to reach a definitive conclusion.
China has criticised the report.
Read more at: Covid-19 origins may never be known, US intelligence agencies say - BBC News
But there was not enough information to reach a definitive conclusion.
China has criticised the report.
Read more at: Covid-19 origins may never be known, US intelligence agencies say - BBC News
Saturday, October 30, 2021
The G20, the private sector and the vaccine, debt and climate crises – by Katie Gallogly-Swan and Rebecca Ray
In their recent communiqué, Group of 20 (G20) finance ministers admirably committed to using ‘all available tools for as long as required to address the adverse consequences of Covid-19’—in particular for those most affected.
Since the pandemic developed, governments around the world have taken extraordinary steps to support their economies, forcing the closure of ‘non-essential’ businesses, locking down borders and unleashing a wave of economic and health measures. While not all responses have been equally effective, one fundamental lesson has become clear: governments—particularly in wealthy countries—can marshal unprecedented interventions, at scale, when needed.
Eighteen months on though, critical weaknesses persist. Global vaccine inequity is perpetuating the pandemic. Economic instability and lack of fiscal space threaten another lost decade of development for many low- and middle-income countries. Despite escalating climate disasters, only 2 per cent of the total fiscal response to Covid-19 and the recovery from the ensuing economic crisis has gone into clean-energy measures. Progress on addressing the interlocking global crises of Covid-19, economic instability and climate change has effectively stalled.
Read more at The G20, the private sector and the vaccine, debt and climate crises – Katie Gallogly-Swan and Rebecca Ray
Since the pandemic developed, governments around the world have taken extraordinary steps to support their economies, forcing the closure of ‘non-essential’ businesses, locking down borders and unleashing a wave of economic and health measures. While not all responses have been equally effective, one fundamental lesson has become clear: governments—particularly in wealthy countries—can marshal unprecedented interventions, at scale, when needed.
Eighteen months on though, critical weaknesses persist. Global vaccine inequity is perpetuating the pandemic. Economic instability and lack of fiscal space threaten another lost decade of development for many low- and middle-income countries. Despite escalating climate disasters, only 2 per cent of the total fiscal response to Covid-19 and the recovery from the ensuing economic crisis has gone into clean-energy measures. Progress on addressing the interlocking global crises of Covid-19, economic instability and climate change has effectively stalled.
Read more at The G20, the private sector and the vaccine, debt and climate crises – Katie Gallogly-Swan and Rebecca Ray
Thursday, October 28, 2021
Russia: Moscow locks down as Russian COVID-19 deaths surge to new highs -by Tom Balmforth and Andrew Osborn
The Russian capital brought in its strictest COVID-19 related lockdown measures in more than a year on Thursday as nationwide one-day pandemic deaths and infections hit new highs amid slow vaccination take-up across the world's biggest country.
Read more at: Moscow locks down as Russian COVID-19 deaths surge to new highs | Reuters
Read more at: Moscow locks down as Russian COVID-19 deaths surge to new highs | Reuters
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
The Netherlands: Dutch government looking at reintroducing COVID-19 measures
The Dutch government is seeking advice from a panel of experts on whether it needs to reintroduce COVID-19 restrictions amid sharply rising infection rates, the health minister said Monday.
The Netherlands has one of the fastest-rising infection rates in Europe. The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases increased over the past two weeks from 13.43 new cases per 100,000 people to 29.27 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 24.
Read more at: Dutch government looking at reintroducing COVID-19 measures
The Netherlands has one of the fastest-rising infection rates in Europe. The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases increased over the past two weeks from 13.43 new cases per 100,000 people to 29.27 new cases per 100,000 people on Oct. 24.
Read more at: Dutch government looking at reintroducing COVID-19 measures
Monday, October 25, 2021
EASTERN EUROPE: COVID-19 cases recorded in eastern Europe hit 20 million - by R.Abraham, S. Ahluwalia, R.Biswas
The number of coronavirus infections recorded so far in eastern Europe surpassed 20 million on Sunday, according to a Reuters tally, as the region grapples with its worst outbreak since the pandemic started and inoculation efforts lag.
Countries in the region have the lowest vaccination rates in Europe, with less than half of the population having received a single dose.
Read more at: COVID-19 cases recorded in eastern Europe hit 20 million | Reuters
Countries in the region have the lowest vaccination rates in Europe, with less than half of the population having received a single dose.
Read more at: COVID-19 cases recorded in eastern Europe hit 20 million | Reuters
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Britain: Scientists urge UK to prep rapid return to COVID restrictions
The British government’s scientific advisers urged the government on Friday to ensure coronavirus restrictions can be introduced rapidly, as the rate of new infections continues to grow.
Britain has recorded an average of 47,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day in the past week, up 18 percent from the week before, according to figures released on Friday. There was an average of 135 deaths a day, a 16 percent rise from the previous week. Britain has recorded more than 139,000 coronavirus deaths during the pandemic, the highest toll in Europe after Russia.
Many scientists are urging the government to reintroduce some of the measures that it lifted three months ago when more than a year of restrictions ended, including mandatory mask-wearing indoors, social distancing and work-from-home advice.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/10/22/scientists-urge-uk-to-prep-rapid-return-of-covid-measures
Britain has recorded an average of 47,000 new cases of COVID-19 a day in the past week, up 18 percent from the week before, according to figures released on Friday. There was an average of 135 deaths a day, a 16 percent rise from the previous week. Britain has recorded more than 139,000 coronavirus deaths during the pandemic, the highest toll in Europe after Russia.
Many scientists are urging the government to reintroduce some of the measures that it lifted three months ago when more than a year of restrictions ended, including mandatory mask-wearing indoors, social distancing and work-from-home advice.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/2021/10/22/scientists-urge-uk-to-prep-rapid-return-of-covid-measures
Friday, October 22, 2021
The Netherlands: New Covid sub variant is in the Netherlands, but remains minor: RIVM
A new sub variant of the Delta coronavirus strain, currently being monitored in the UK, has been in the Netherlands for the past 10 weeks, public health institute RIVM has confirmed. The AY.4.2 sub strain accounts for 0.1% to 0.2% of cases, and the fact it has not increased since it was first identified is an indication that it is not a highly infectious variant, a spokesman told broadcaster NOS.
Read more at: New Covid sub variant is in the Netherlands, but remains minor: RIVM - DutchNews.nl
Read more at: New Covid sub variant is in the Netherlands, but remains minor: RIVM - DutchNews.nl
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Turkey: Double pandemic feared as COVID-19 cases rise in Turkey
As COVID-19 cases continue on an upward trend in Turkey, the pandemic may get even worse in the coming winter months amid the risk of a flu epidemic.
Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board member professor Serap Şimşek Yavuz warned that several respiratory viruses, such as the Rhinovirus, have been detected much earlier this year.
“With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the flu epidemic may well make a comeback. This is our biggest concern,” she said.
Read more at: Double pandemic feared as COVID-19 cases rise in Turkey | Daily Sabah
Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board member professor Serap Şimşek Yavuz warned that several respiratory viruses, such as the Rhinovirus, have been detected much earlier this year.
“With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the flu epidemic may well make a comeback. This is our biggest concern,” she said.
Read more at: Double pandemic feared as COVID-19 cases rise in Turkey | Daily Sabah
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Europe: Covid-19 surge: Morocco suspends flights from the UK over fears of Covid surge
Morocco is suspending until further notice all flights to and from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands amid rising coronavirus infections in those countries.
The new restriction will come into force just before midnight Wednesday, the North African kingdom's airports authority said.
In a tweet, national carrier Royal Air Maroc said the move was due to "the pandemic situation." It did not provide further detail.
Read more at: Morocco suspends flights from the UK over fears of Covid surge
The new restriction will come into force just before midnight Wednesday, the North African kingdom's airports authority said.
In a tweet, national carrier Royal Air Maroc said the move was due to "the pandemic situation." It did not provide further detail.
Read more at: Morocco suspends flights from the UK over fears of Covid surge
Monday, October 18, 2021
Covid-19: The best- and worst-case scenarios for Covid-19 this winter
Last December and January, the United States and much of the world experienced the deadliest surges of the pandemic. At one point, more than 3,000 Americans were dying every day of Covid-19. Nearly 250,000 people died in the United States over December, January, and February.
But this winter may be different, at least in America. Last year, almost nobody was vaccinated against Covid-19. As of October 7, 56 percent of the US population is fully vaccinated, according to the New York Times’s tracker. That includes 84 percent of people over 65, who are generally the most vulnerable to dying from the virus. The Food and Drug Administration will soon consider whether to authorize a vaccine for children as young as 5, which would push vaccination rates higher.
Read more at: The best- and worst-case scenarios for Covid-19 this winter
But this winter may be different, at least in America. Last year, almost nobody was vaccinated against Covid-19. As of October 7, 56 percent of the US population is fully vaccinated, according to the New York Times’s tracker. That includes 84 percent of people over 65, who are generally the most vulnerable to dying from the virus. The Food and Drug Administration will soon consider whether to authorize a vaccine for children as young as 5, which would push vaccination rates higher.
Read more at: The best- and worst-case scenarios for Covid-19 this winter
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Germany: Corona Vaccine: Booster Shot - Germany recommends booster shots for over 70s
Germany's vaccination authority, STIKO, recommended COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for people older than 70 on Thursday.
All residents of care homes, as well as workers who come into direct contact with them, should also be offered a third vaccine dose, the body said. The same was also recommended for medical workers in direct contact with patients.
Read more at: Germany recommends booster shots for over 70s | News | DW | 07.10.2021
All residents of care homes, as well as workers who come into direct contact with them, should also be offered a third vaccine dose, the body said. The same was also recommended for medical workers in direct contact with patients.
Read more at: Germany recommends booster shots for over 70s | News | DW | 07.10.2021
Thursday, October 14, 2021
The Netherlands - Coronavirus: Red-orange-red: the Netherlands’ warning level due to go up on the European coronavirus map
Throughout September, and pretty much for as long as we can remember actually, the whole of the Netherlands has been red. Last week, however, the Netherlands turned orange — we all love orange, don’t we? 🍊 It was even predicted that certain provinces could turn green — the lowest warning colour.
If that all felt a little too good to be true, that’s probably because it was. This week the RIVM’s official coronavirus figures showed a huge increase from last week, meaning that no provinces will be going green — wat jammer. In fact, if more than 4% of the tests taken this week are positive, the Netherlands will be going right back to red again, RTL Nieuws reports.
Read more at: https://dutchreview.com/news/red-orange-red-netherlands-warning-level-due-to-go-up-on-european-coronavirus-map/
If that all felt a little too good to be true, that’s probably because it was. This week the RIVM’s official coronavirus figures showed a huge increase from last week, meaning that no provinces will be going green — wat jammer. In fact, if more than 4% of the tests taken this week are positive, the Netherlands will be going right back to red again, RTL Nieuws reports.
Read more at: https://dutchreview.com/news/red-orange-red-netherlands-warning-level-due-to-go-up-on-european-coronavirus-map/
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
COVID in Europe: Romania's situation a 'catastrophe' as Russian death toll increases
COVID-19 cases continue to surge in some European countries while governments work to extend vaccination campaigns to prevent more deaths due to the virus.
Romania's president said the situation was now "a catastrophe" while Latvia entered a new state of emergency to encourage vaccination. Deaths due to COVID-19 in Russia, meanwhile, have been increasing.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Romania's situation a 'catastrophe' as Russian death toll increases | Euronews
Romania's president said the situation was now "a catastrophe" while Latvia entered a new state of emergency to encourage vaccination. Deaths due to COVID-19 in Russia, meanwhile, have been increasing.
Read more at: COVID in Europe: Romania's situation a 'catastrophe' as Russian death toll increases | Euronews
Monday, October 11, 2021
The Netherlands: Thousands in the Netherlands living in poverty as a result of COVID-19
According to figures from the aid organisation Red Cross, thousands of people up and down the country are living below the poverty line, relying on food banks and support to get by.
Figures show that single mothers, self-employed people, and low-income families have been hit the hardest by the pandemic, with thousands of vulnerable people being forced into a situation where they have to choose between buying food, paying rent, or buying other vital hygiene products.
“Vulnerable people often have no money for essential care products, such as sanitary towels, incontinence products, diapers, toothpaste or detergents,” explains Red Cross chief Marieke van Schaik. “If people cannot take good care of themselves and their household, it often makes it more difficult for them to get out of their predicament.”
Read more at: Thousands in the Netherlands living in poverty as a result of COVID-19
Figures show that single mothers, self-employed people, and low-income families have been hit the hardest by the pandemic, with thousands of vulnerable people being forced into a situation where they have to choose between buying food, paying rent, or buying other vital hygiene products.
“Vulnerable people often have no money for essential care products, such as sanitary towels, incontinence products, diapers, toothpaste or detergents,” explains Red Cross chief Marieke van Schaik. “If people cannot take good care of themselves and their household, it often makes it more difficult for them to get out of their predicament.”
Read more at: Thousands in the Netherlands living in poverty as a result of COVID-19
Sunday, October 10, 2021
The Netherlands: Coronavirus: Dutch court dismisses call to scrap 'corona pass' regulations
A Dutch court on Wednesday dismissed a call to scrap the ‘corona pass’ required to enter
The court in The Hague said the government had the right to demand proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to limit the spread of the coronavirus as most other social distancing measures were lifted last month.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Dutch court dismisses call to scrap 'corona pass' regulations | Cyprus Mail
The court in The Hague said the government had the right to demand proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test to limit the spread of the coronavirus as most other social distancing measures were lifted last month.
Read more at: Coronavirus: Dutch court dismisses call to scrap 'corona pass' regulations | Cyprus Mail
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Russia - Serbia relations Covid 19 vaccine: Russians flock to Serbia for Western-made COVID-19 vaccines
When Russian regulators approved the country's own coronavirus vaccine, it was a moment of national pride, and the Pavlov family was among those who rushed to take the injection. But international health authorities have not yet given their blessing to the Sputnik V shot.
So when the family from Rostov-on-Don wanted to visit the West, they looked for a vaccine that would allow them to travel freely — a quest that brought them to Serbia, where hundreds of Russian citizens have flocked in recent weeks to receive Western-approved COVID-19 shots.
Read more at: Russians flock to Serbia for Western-made COVID-19 vaccines | Euronews
So when the family from Rostov-on-Don wanted to visit the West, they looked for a vaccine that would allow them to travel freely — a quest that brought them to Serbia, where hundreds of Russian citizens have flocked in recent weeks to receive Western-approved COVID-19 shots.
Read more at: Russians flock to Serbia for Western-made COVID-19 vaccines | Euronews
Friday, October 8, 2021
USA - Coronavirus vaccine: Biden says vaccine mandates ′lifesaving′
US President Joe Biden on Thursday advocated for COVID-19 vaccine mandates to force roughly 67 million unvaccinated American adults to get the jab, even as he acknowledged that the requirements weren't his "first instinct.''
"There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,'' Biden said in Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.
Read more at: Coronavirus digest: Biden says vaccine mandates ′lifesaving′ | News | DW | 08.10.2021
"There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated,'' Biden said in Chicago at an event promoting the mandates.
Read more at: Coronavirus digest: Biden says vaccine mandates ′lifesaving′ | News | DW | 08.10.2021
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Clothing Manufacturers: Toxic clothing; YouTube cracks down on anti-vaccine content:
Marketplace bought clothing and accessories from AliExpress, Boohoo, Fashion Nova, Shein, Zulily and Zaful and asked researchers at the University of Toronto to test for toxic chemicals.
The investigation found that out of 38 samples of children's, adult's and maternity clothes and accessories, twenty per cent had elevated levels of chemicals — including lead, PFAS and phthalates — that experts found concerning.
Some products sold by AliExpress, Shein and Zaful were found to contain potentially harmful levels of chemicals.
Read more at: Toxic clothing; YouTube cracks down on anti-vaccine content: CBC's Marketplace cheat sheet | CBC News
The investigation found that out of 38 samples of children's, adult's and maternity clothes and accessories, twenty per cent had elevated levels of chemicals — including lead, PFAS and phthalates — that experts found concerning.
Some products sold by AliExpress, Shein and Zaful were found to contain potentially harmful levels of chemicals.
Read more at: Toxic clothing; YouTube cracks down on anti-vaccine content: CBC's Marketplace cheat sheet | CBC News
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
C0VID -19 pill: Merck says experimental drug molnupiravir cuts worst effects of COVID-19
Merck & Co. said Friday that its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half in people recently infected with the coronavirus and that it would soon ask health officials in the U.S. and around the world to authorize its use.
If cleared, Merck's drug would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19, a potentially major advance in efforts to fight the pandemic. All COVID-19 therapies now authorized in the U.S. require an IV or injection.
Read more at: Merck says experimental drug molnupiravir cuts worst effects of COVID-19 | CBC News
If cleared, Merck's drug would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19, a potentially major advance in efforts to fight the pandemic. All COVID-19 therapies now authorized in the U.S. require an IV or injection.
Read more at: Merck says experimental drug molnupiravir cuts worst effects of COVID-19 | CBC News
Saturday, October 2, 2021
USA: COVID-19 deaths eclipse 700,000 in US as delta variant rages across the country
The milestone is deeply frustrating to doctors, public health officials and the American public, who watched a pandemic that had been easing earlier in the summer take a dark turn. Tens of millions of Americans have refused to get vaccinated, allowing the highly contagious delta variant to tear through the country and send the death toll from 600,000 to 700,000 in 3 1/2 months.
Florida suffered by far the most death of any state during that period, with the virus killing about 17,000 residents since the middle of June. Texas was second with 13,000 deaths. The two states account for 15% of the country’s population, but more than 30% of the nation’s deaths since the nation crossed the 600,000 threshold.
Read more at: COVID-19 deaths eclipse 700,000 in US as delta variant rages across the country - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Florida suffered by far the most death of any state during that period, with the virus killing about 17,000 residents since the middle of June. Texas was second with 13,000 deaths. The two states account for 15% of the country’s population, but more than 30% of the nation’s deaths since the nation crossed the 600,000 threshold.
Read more at: COVID-19 deaths eclipse 700,000 in US as delta variant rages across the country - South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Friday, October 1, 2021
USA: Covid-19 medicine: Merck says antiviral COVID-19 pill halves death and hospitalizations
US pharmaceutical giant Merck announced on Friday the results of an internal study of its antiviral COVID-19 treatment pills. It said the results showed hospitalizations and deaths were reduced by half when taken by people recently infected with COVID-19, although academic peer review is not yet completed.
The company will soon ask health officials in the US and around the world to authorize the use of the drug, called molnupiravir. It would be the first antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 effectively, a potential turning point in the pandemic.
Read more at: Merck says antiviral COVID-19 pill halves death and hospitalizations | News | DW | 01.10.2021
The company will soon ask health officials in the US and around the world to authorize the use of the drug, called molnupiravir. It would be the first antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 effectively, a potential turning point in the pandemic.
Read more at: Merck says antiviral COVID-19 pill halves death and hospitalizations | News | DW | 01.10.2021
Thursday, September 30, 2021
The EU’s Digital Covid Certificate: Can American Travelers Get One?
This summer, the 27 nations of the European Union are finally reopening to tourists—including American ones—following lengthy closures of borders due to the pandemic.
To facilitate ease of movement while keeping citizens safe, member states are issuing EU Digital Covid Certificates (sometimes referred to as "Digital Green Certificates" or "Digital Green Passes") for travelers to use at borders. These digital certificates prove that the holder has been vaccinated against Covid-19, has received negative test results for the virus, or has recovered from it.
Although the certificates were devised for use by EU citizens, visitors from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and elsewhere may also be permitted to use the system, EU
Read more at: The EU’s Digital Covid Certificate: Can American Travelers Get One? | Frommer's
To facilitate ease of movement while keeping citizens safe, member states are issuing EU Digital Covid Certificates (sometimes referred to as "Digital Green Certificates" or "Digital Green Passes") for travelers to use at borders. These digital certificates prove that the holder has been vaccinated against Covid-19, has received negative test results for the virus, or has recovered from it.
Although the certificates were devised for use by EU citizens, visitors from the U.S., the United Kingdom, and elsewhere may also be permitted to use the system, EU
Read more at: The EU’s Digital Covid Certificate: Can American Travelers Get One? | Frommer's
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
China: WHO chief expects China collaboration in 2nd phase of studies into coronavirus origins
The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday that he expected all countries, including China, to collaborate in the second phase of a probe into the origins of the coronavirus after an initial mission to China, Reuters informs.
Read more at: https://artsakhpress.am/eng/news/151024/who-chief-expects-china-collaboration-in-2nd-phase-of-studies-into-coronavirus-origins.html
Read more at: https://artsakhpress.am/eng/news/151024/who-chief-expects-china-collaboration-in-2nd-phase-of-studies-into-coronavirus-origins.html
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Brazil: Brazilian president's daughter-in-law and granddaughter test positive for COVID-19
Heloisa Bolsonaro shared that her daughter, Georgia Bolsonaro, only experienced mild symptoms, including a fever and runny nose.
'On the first day we felt bad, now, thank God, we're fine,' she wrote. 'And thanks to a drug that I just took and I got better right away. Impressive.'
Read more at: Brazilian president's daughter-in-law and granddaughter test positive for COVID-19 | Daily Mail Online
'On the first day we felt bad, now, thank God, we're fine,' she wrote. 'And thanks to a drug that I just took and I got better right away. Impressive.'
Read more at: Brazilian president's daughter-in-law and granddaughter test positive for COVID-19 | Daily Mail Online
Sunday, September 26, 2021
USA: CDC overrides advisory panel to back Pfizer booster for Americans with high-risk jobs | US news
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has broken with advice from its own internal advisory panel to back a booster shot of the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for Americans aged 65 and older, adults with underlying medical conditions and adults in high-risk working and institutional settings.
The move came on Friday one day after an advisory panel to the agency did not recommend that people in high-risk jobs, such as teachers, and risky living conditions should get boosters. The panel had only recommended boosters for elderly and some people with underlying medical conditions.
Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said her agency had to make recommendations based on complex, often imperfect data.
Read more at: CDC overrides advisory panel to back Pfizer booster for Americans with high-risk jobs | US news | The Guardian
The move came on Friday one day after an advisory panel to the agency did not recommend that people in high-risk jobs, such as teachers, and risky living conditions should get boosters. The panel had only recommended boosters for elderly and some people with underlying medical conditions.
Rochelle Walensky, the CDC director, said her agency had to make recommendations based on complex, often imperfect data.
Read more at: CDC overrides advisory panel to back Pfizer booster for Americans with high-risk jobs | US news | The Guardian
Friday, September 24, 2021
USA: How America mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and why we aren't ready for the next crisis - by Lewis Brogd
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed this country in ways that will take decades to understand and address. A year and a half into this historic time, the world is exhausted and operating on reserves with no clear end date in sight.
Over the past year, I have been reflecting on two incisive quotes from staff writers at The Atlantic — George Packer and Ed Young. The first is short and to the point. Packer said, “The coronavirus has revealed a sick and unequal society incapable of self-government.”
As a scholar of Bible and religion, the idea of the pandemic acting as a catalyst, exposing the realities of our sick and unequal society, resonated with me. In scripture, God reveals and exposes truth about humanity in unorthodox ways. Throughout history, societies get locked into unhealthy and oppressive patterns and refuse to change. The Sovereign One reveals the true character of these nations. God uses nature, animals, disease, even corrupt neighboring nations to bring judgment.
Read more at: How America mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and why we aren't ready for the next crisis
Over the past year, I have been reflecting on two incisive quotes from staff writers at The Atlantic — George Packer and Ed Young. The first is short and to the point. Packer said, “The coronavirus has revealed a sick and unequal society incapable of self-government.”
As a scholar of Bible and religion, the idea of the pandemic acting as a catalyst, exposing the realities of our sick and unequal society, resonated with me. In scripture, God reveals and exposes truth about humanity in unorthodox ways. Throughout history, societies get locked into unhealthy and oppressive patterns and refuse to change. The Sovereign One reveals the true character of these nations. God uses nature, animals, disease, even corrupt neighboring nations to bring judgment.
Read more at: How America mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and why we aren't ready for the next crisis
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Corona Pandemic - Travel Restrictions: U.S. to Lift Pandemic Travel Restrictions, Easing Tension With Europe
The halt to the 18-month ban on travel from 33 countries, including members of the European Union, China, Iran, South Africa, Brazil and India, could help rejuvenate a U.S. tourism industry that has been crippled by the pandemic. The industry suffered a $500 billion loss in travel expenditures in 2020, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group that promotes travel to and within the United States.
Foreign travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test within three days of coming to the United States, Jeffrey D. Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said on Monday. Unvaccinated Americans who want to travel home from overseas will have to clear stricter testing requirements. They will need to test negative for the coronavirus one day before traveling to the United States and show proof that they have bought a test to take after arriving in the United States, Mr. Zients said.
Read more at: U.S. to Lift Pandemic Travel Restrictions, Easing Tension With Europe - The New York Times
Foreign travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative coronavirus test within three days of coming to the United States, Jeffrey D. Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said on Monday. Unvaccinated Americans who want to travel home from overseas will have to clear stricter testing requirements. They will need to test negative for the coronavirus one day before traveling to the United States and show proof that they have bought a test to take after arriving in the United States, Mr. Zients said.
Read more at: U.S. to Lift Pandemic Travel Restrictions, Easing Tension With Europe - The New York Times
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
USA: 45% of Republicans Support a Universal Vaccine Mandate: New Poll
45% of Republicans support a universal vaccine mandate, a new poll found.
Comparatively, 84% of Democrats support a universal mandate
A majority of Americans (64%) also supported such a mandate.
Read more at: 45% of Republicans Support a Universal Vaccine Mandate: New Poll
Read more at: 45% of Republicans Support a Universal Vaccine Mandate: New Poll
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Netherlands remains red on Europe's coronavirus map
As expected, the whole of the Netherlands will remain red on the European Union's coronavirus risk level map for seven more days. Over 4.6 percent of all coronavirus tests performed in the Netherlands over the past two weeks were positive, according to data submitted by the Ministry of Health to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Anything over 4 percent during a two-week period puts an entire country at the red level. Red is the second highest warning color on the map that the European health service ECDC produces every Thursday. All twelve provinces were also at red last week.
Flevoland is relatively the largest fire in the country. In the past two weeks, 281 out of every 100,000 inhabitants tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. That is considerably lower than last week's calculation. Friesland follows, but the number of positive tests there is almost 19 percent higher than with data used to produce last week's ECDC map. With 254 cases per capita, Friesland has overtaken Noord-Holland (244), Zuid-Holland (241) and Overijssel (227). The number of cases is also increasing in Utrecht.
Read more at: Netherlands remains red on Europe's coronavirus map | NL Times
Anything over 4 percent during a two-week period puts an entire country at the red level. Red is the second highest warning color on the map that the European health service ECDC produces every Thursday. All twelve provinces were also at red last week.
Flevoland is relatively the largest fire in the country. In the past two weeks, 281 out of every 100,000 inhabitants tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. That is considerably lower than last week's calculation. Friesland follows, but the number of positive tests there is almost 19 percent higher than with data used to produce last week's ECDC map. With 254 cases per capita, Friesland has overtaken Noord-Holland (244), Zuid-Holland (241) and Overijssel (227). The number of cases is also increasing in Utrecht.
Read more at: Netherlands remains red on Europe's coronavirus map | NL Times
Monday, September 20, 2021
Japan -Pfizer Vaccines: Contaminated Pfizer Vaccines Reported In Several Japanese Cities
Several cities in Japan have reported ‘white-colored floating substances’ in Vials of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine, according to Bloomberg.
The vials came from lot FF5357, where white contaminants were first reported by Kamakura City in Kanagawa prefecture. On Tuesday, two more cities – neighboring Sagamihara and Sakai City in Osaka prefecture reported contaminated vials, however there were no reports of adverse reactions. In Sagamihara, white substances were reported at three different vaccination sites on Sept. 11, 12 and 14.
Read more at: Contaminated Pfizer Vaccines Reported In Several Japanese Cities
The vials came from lot FF5357, where white contaminants were first reported by Kamakura City in Kanagawa prefecture. On Tuesday, two more cities – neighboring Sagamihara and Sakai City in Osaka prefecture reported contaminated vials, however there were no reports of adverse reactions. In Sagamihara, white substances were reported at three different vaccination sites on Sept. 11, 12 and 14.
Read more at: Contaminated Pfizer Vaccines Reported In Several Japanese Cities
Saturday, September 18, 2021
USA: FDA panel recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots only for people 65 and older or at high risk
There isn’t yet sufficient evidence to show boosters for people under 65 are necessary, said members of the Food and Drug Administration’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee.
Read more at: FDA panel recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots only for people 65 and older or at high risk
Read more at: FDA panel recommends Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots only for people 65 and older or at high risk
Friday, September 17, 2021
USA: FDA panel approves Pfizer COVID vaccine booster shots for 65 and over - but not for everyone
Eighty-four percent of vaccine advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted Friday against a measure that would support booster shots in those ages 16 years and older. However, the panel unanimously voted in support of boosters for those 65 and over and at high risk.
Read more at: https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/09/84-of-fda-vaccine-advisers-vote-no-on-pfizer-vaccine-boosters.html
Read more at: https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/09/84-of-fda-vaccine-advisers-vote-no-on-pfizer-vaccine-boosters.html
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
EU-September EU Travel Restrictions: Covid-19 Vaccination, Testing And Quarantine Rules By Country- by Alex Ledsom
The last hurrahs of summer are bringing more travel complications, as countries are increasingly deluged with rising daily infection rates of Covid-19 and specifically, the tricky Delta variant:
The U.S. has been removed from the EU’s safe list for non-essential travel because its daily infection rate is far higher than the 75 daily cases per 100,000 people needed over a 14-day period to stay on this list–Israel was also removed.
It was a move seen by some to be valid, not only because of rising rates in the U.S. but also because the EU is neck and neck with the U.S. on vaccination rates and because of the continued lack of reciprocity from the U.S. in rescinding the travel ban which has been place since March 2020–airlines now fear a November opening.
Read more at: September EU Travel Restrictions: Covid-19 Vaccination, Testing And Quarantine Rules By Country
The U.S. has been removed from the EU’s safe list for non-essential travel because its daily infection rate is far higher than the 75 daily cases per 100,000 people needed over a 14-day period to stay on this list–Israel was also removed.
It was a move seen by some to be valid, not only because of rising rates in the U.S. but also because the EU is neck and neck with the U.S. on vaccination rates and because of the continued lack of reciprocity from the U.S. in rescinding the travel ban which has been place since March 2020–airlines now fear a November opening.
Read more at: September EU Travel Restrictions: Covid-19 Vaccination, Testing And Quarantine Rules By Country
Monday, September 13, 2021
USA: 'Still in pandemic mode': COVID-19 nowhere near 'under control' in US, warns Anthony Fauci
COVID-19 is “nowhere near under control” in the United States and the cases have surged more than ten times higher than they need to be in order to end the pandemic, US top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday. His remarks follow the warnings about the upcoming coronavirus mutations that he stated could be even more contagious than the delta of the coronavirus lineage. The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) told Axios in an interview that the US has a mounting caseload of COVID-19 which is "not even modestly good control". "Until the cases dip to 10,000 a day, we are still in full ‘pandemic mode’," the infectious disease expert said.
Read more at: 'Still in pandemic mode': COVID-19 nowhere near 'under control' in US, warns Anthony Fauci
Read more at: 'Still in pandemic mode': COVID-19 nowhere near 'under control' in US, warns Anthony Fauci
Sunday, September 12, 2021
USA - Coronavirus- statistics: Florida Won't Release Number of COVID Deaths in Individual Counties Despite Surge in Cases
The exact number of COVID deaths in counties in Florida remains unconfirmed as the state reportedly will not reveal the data as cases surge amid the highly transmissible Delta variant.
Florida releases data related to COVID deaths on a state level, but hasn't been disclosing the number of deaths on a county level for three months, The Palm Beach Post reported.
Read more at: https://www.newsweek.com/florida-wont-release-number-covid-deaths-individual-counties-despite-surge-cases-1628067?utm_source=PushnamiMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=automatic&UTM=1631368618680&subscriberId=5ef650d523994a6b87f208b6
Florida releases data related to COVID deaths on a state level, but hasn't been disclosing the number of deaths on a county level for three months, The Palm Beach Post reported.
Read more at: https://www.newsweek.com/florida-wont-release-number-covid-deaths-individual-counties-despite-surge-cases-1628067?utm_source=PushnamiMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=automatic&UTM=1631368618680&subscriberId=5ef650d523994a6b87f208b6
Friday, September 10, 2021
Coronavirus - Booster Shot: A British Oxford expert says not everyone will need a booster jab
Not everyone vaccinated against coronavirus will need a booster jab, one of the leading figures in the development of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has said.
Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert said immunity is “lasting well” for most people and suggested extra doses should be directed to countries with a low rate of vaccination.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he expects a booster programme to start later in September but he is still awaiting advice from experts on the scale of any campaign to offer extra shots to people.
Read more at: Coronavirus LIVE updates as Oxford expert says not everyone will need a booster jab - Manchester Evening News
Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert said immunity is “lasting well” for most people and suggested extra doses should be directed to countries with a low rate of vaccination.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said he expects a booster programme to start later in September but he is still awaiting advice from experts on the scale of any campaign to offer extra shots to people.
Read more at: Coronavirus LIVE updates as Oxford expert says not everyone will need a booster jab - Manchester Evening News
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Canada: Despite a 4th wave, Canada will welcome fully vaccinated foreign travellers on Tuesday September 7
On Sept. 7, Canada will open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from across the globe, and let them skip the country's 14-day quarantine requirement.
The rule change is significant, as most non-essential foreign travellers have been barred from entering Canada since the start of the pandemic.
Read more at: Despite a 4th wave, Canada will welcome fully vaccinated foreign travellers on Tuesday | CBC News
The rule change is significant, as most non-essential foreign travellers have been barred from entering Canada since the start of the pandemic.
Read more at: Despite a 4th wave, Canada will welcome fully vaccinated foreign travellers on Tuesday | CBC News
Monday, September 6, 2021
USA: COVID-19 deaths surge across America as summer draws to a close; Fauci says boosters likely to start with Pfizer only
Coronavirus case counts are once again rising across the US, near and far. Health officials are scrambling to vaccinate as the Delta variant takes hold.
Read more at: COVID-19 deaths surge across America as summer draws to a close; Fauci says boosters likely to start with Pfizer only
Read more at: COVID-19 deaths surge across America as summer draws to a close; Fauci says boosters likely to start with Pfizer only
Friday, September 3, 2021
Coronavirus Cases: U.S. child COVID-19 cases continue to rise as kids return to school
Children represented over 20 percent of weekly COVID-19 cases in the United States by the end of August, according to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association.
A total of 203,962 child COVID-19 cases were reported in the week from Aug. 19 to Aug. 26, accounting for 22.4 percent of the weekly reported cases in the country, said the report.
Over two weeks from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26, there was a 9 percent increase in the cumulated number of child COVID-19 cases, it said.
Read more at: U.S. child COVID-19 cases continue to rise as kids return to school - Xinhua
A total of 203,962 child COVID-19 cases were reported in the week from Aug. 19 to Aug. 26, accounting for 22.4 percent of the weekly reported cases in the country, said the report.
Over two weeks from Aug. 12 to Aug. 26, there was a 9 percent increase in the cumulated number of child COVID-19 cases, it said.
Read more at: U.S. child COVID-19 cases continue to rise as kids return to school - Xinhua
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Corona Pandemic: Israel was down to a handful of daily COVID cases. Now it's around 11,000. What happened?
Just months ago, Israel was a world leader in vaccinating its population and appeared to be putting a stranglehold on the virus that causes COVID-19, wrestling down its daily case count to double digits — and at times, near zero.
But any potential celebration was short-lived, as the more contagious delta variant gained traction and spread quickly, to the point where Israel's most recent daily case count was around 11,000 — a level not seen since January.
Read more at: Israel was down to a handful of daily COVID cases. Now it's around 11,000. What happened? | CBC News
But any potential celebration was short-lived, as the more contagious delta variant gained traction and spread quickly, to the point where Israel's most recent daily case count was around 11,000 — a level not seen since January.
Read more at: Israel was down to a handful of daily COVID cases. Now it's around 11,000. What happened? | CBC News
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
EU removes US from safe travel list as COVID infections rise
The European Union has recommended that the US, along with four other countries, be removed from its list of countries exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel.
"Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and the United States of America were removed from the list," a statement from the European Council said.
Read more at: EU removes US from safe travel list as COVID infections rise | News | DW | 30.08.2021
"Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia and the United States of America were removed from the list," a statement from the European Council said.
Read more at: EU removes US from safe travel list as COVID infections rise | News | DW | 30.08.2021
Monday, August 30, 2021
USA-Florida: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy
For the last few months, Florida officials have been bringing COVID-19 vaccines to places where many people gather like concerts and malls to make it easier for someone to get a shot.
On Monday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted a pop-up at a location at an unusual venue that could put things into perspective: the funeral of 32-year-old Polk County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead. The father of five died from COVID-19 complications on Aug. 23 after being in the hospital for several weeks.
Read more at: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy | Miami Herald
On Monday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted a pop-up at a location at an unusual venue that could put things into perspective: the funeral of 32-year-old Polk County Deputy Sheriff Christopher Broadhead. The father of five died from COVID-19 complications on Aug. 23 after being in the hospital for several weeks.
Read more at: COVID vaccine pop-up held at funeral of fallen Florida deputy | Miami Herald
Sunday, August 29, 2021
The Netherlands: Dutch coronavirus average rises for the first time in four weeks; Positivity rate holds above 14%
The seven-day average for new coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by one percent to 2,373 on Monday. The average has fallen for 27 consecutive days from a peak of 10,160, though the rate of decrease showed signs of slowing over the past week.
The average was about nine percent lower compared to a week ago according to raw data from the RIVM. Some 16,418 coronavirus cases were registered over the past seven days according to a mix of raw and corrected data, which puts the average closer to 2,345.
The RIVM learned of 2,275 more positive coronavirus tests during the 24 hours leading up to 10 a.m. on Monday. That was still about one percent lower than the previous day, but it was nearly 10 percent higher than a week ago. The daily total has remained between two and three thousand for 11 straight days.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/16/dutch-coronavirus-average-rises-first-time-four-weeks-positivity-rate-holds-14
The average was about nine percent lower compared to a week ago according to raw data from the RIVM. Some 16,418 coronavirus cases were registered over the past seven days according to a mix of raw and corrected data, which puts the average closer to 2,345.
The RIVM learned of 2,275 more positive coronavirus tests during the 24 hours leading up to 10 a.m. on Monday. That was still about one percent lower than the previous day, but it was nearly 10 percent higher than a week ago. The daily total has remained between two and three thousand for 11 straight days.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/16/dutch-coronavirus-average-rises-first-time-four-weeks-positivity-rate-holds-14
Saturday, August 28, 2021
USA: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
On Thursday, Ana Amira Rivera celebrated her first birthday. But earlier this month, her mom worried her baby girl wouldn’t make it.
Ava woke up one night in early August with a fever and seizures. Estefani Lopez rushed her to the emergency room, where her daughter stopped breathing, going limp in her arms. The otherwise health baby was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more at: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
Ava woke up one night in early August with a fever and seizures. Estefani Lopez rushed her to the emergency room, where her daughter stopped breathing, going limp in her arms. The otherwise health baby was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Read more at: COVID and children: Doctors worry about disparities in kids of color
Friday, August 27, 2021
Covid -19: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't
A small-but-growing body of research suggests the highly contagious delta variant raises your risk of serious illness, but it's tough to know for sure if it's the root cause of more severe COVID-19, both researchers and outside experts say.
The latest findings out of Singapore, published this week in the peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, involve a comparison between 829 hospitalized patients infected with one of three variants of concern — including delta — and 846 patients admitted to hospitals with the original coronavirus strain in early 2020.
Read more at: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't | CBC News
The latest findings out of Singapore, published this week in the peer-reviewed medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, involve a comparison between 829 hospitalized patients infected with one of three variants of concern — including delta — and 846 patients admitted to hospitals with the original coronavirus strain in early 2020.
Read more at: Does delta cause more severe COVID-19? Here's what we know — and don't | CBC News
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 213 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 4.45 million and vaccinations soared to over 4.99 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University.
In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and vaccination tally stood at 213,098,413, 4,450,408 and 4,995,430,625, respectively.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 38,053,653 and 630,663, respectively, according to the CSSE.
Read more at: Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn - Netindia123.com
In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload, death toll and vaccination tally stood at 213,098,413, 4,450,408 and 4,995,430,625, respectively.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 38,053,653 and 630,663, respectively, according to the CSSE.
Read more at: Global Covid-19 caseload tops 213 mn - Netindia123.com
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Pfizer vaccine full approval FDA: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means - by Sara Berg
“Although the three widely available vaccines for COVID-19 have been shown safe and highly effective through intense study and research, the FDA’s announcement Monday should instill confidence in those who, until now, have been wary of the emergency use designation given to these vaccines,” said AMA President Gerald E. Harmon, MD. “The message could not be more clear: This vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19.”
This is the result of months of work, robust data evaluation and a thorough, comprehensive review process that has protected more than 100 million Americans from severe COVID-19 complications. It is a milestone and major step forward in the worldwide effort to end this pandemic.
Read more at: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means | American Medical Association
This is the result of months of work, robust data evaluation and a thorough, comprehensive review process that has protected more than 100 million Americans from severe COVID-19 complications. It is a milestone and major step forward in the worldwide effort to end this pandemic.
Read more at: What FDA’s full approval of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine means | American Medical Association
Monday, August 23, 2021
USA - vaccine booster shot: Some scientists say Biden jumped gun with vaccine booster plan - by Rachana Pradhan, Kaiser
The Biden administration’s plans to make COVID-19 booster shots available next month has drawn a collective scream of protest from the scientific community.
As some scientists see it, the announcement is rash and based on weak evidence, and they worry it could undercut confidence in vaccines with no clear benefit of controlling the pandemic. Meanwhile, more information is needed on potential side effects or adverse effects from a booster shot, they say.
Read more at: Some scientists say Biden jumped gun with vaccine booster plan
As some scientists see it, the announcement is rash and based on weak evidence, and they worry it could undercut confidence in vaccines with no clear benefit of controlling the pandemic. Meanwhile, more information is needed on potential side effects or adverse effects from a booster shot, they say.
Read more at: Some scientists say Biden jumped gun with vaccine booster plan
Sunday, August 22, 2021
The Netherlands: Dutch Covid hospitalizations down 6% this week; Coronavirus average up 5%
als in the Netherlands admitted 531 patients with Covid-19 this calendar week, five percent fewer compared to a week ago. Out of that group, 439 patients were admitted into regular care, and 92 were sent to intensive care units, based on data provided by patient monitor LCPS.
That means that 76 patients with the disease were admitted daily on average, including 63 nursing ward patients and 13 intensive care patients. A week earlier, hospitals sent 444 to regular care wards, an average of over 63 daily, and 114 to an ICU, or 16 on average.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/22/dutch-covid-hospitalizations-6-week-coronavirus-average-5
That means that 76 patients with the disease were admitted daily on average, including 63 nursing ward patients and 13 intensive care patients. A week earlier, hospitals sent 444 to regular care wards, an average of over 63 daily, and 114 to an ICU, or 16 on average.
Read more at: https://nltimes.nl/2021/08/22/dutch-covid-hospitalizations-6-week-coronavirus-average-5
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Covid-19 vaccination booster shot: Top scientists question the need for COVID-19 booster shots - by Julie Steenhuysen and Kate Kelland
COVID-19 vaccine developers are making ever bolder assertions that the world will need yearly booster shots, or new vaccines to tackle concerning coronavirus variants, but some scientists question when, or whether, such shots will be needed.
Read mopre at: Top scientists question the need for COVID-19 booster shots | Reuters
Read mopre at: Top scientists question the need for COVID-19 booster shots | Reuters
Thursday, August 19, 2021
The Netherlands: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
A survey carried out by the TV show EenVandaag among 27.000 panellists has found that 64 percent of people in the Netherlands believe it is a good idea to offer a third COVID-19 vaccination to vulnerable members of the population. Only 16 percent of respondents opposed the plan, while the remaining 20 percent were unsure, most of whom were unvaccinated themselves.
Those in favour of the plan felt booster shots were a promising idea if they offered vulnerable people additional protection against the Delta variant. Among this group, 86 percent who are already vaccinated said they would eventually like to receive an additional dose if it offered them extra protection against COVID-19. Interestingly, the survey found that even those in favour of a
Read more at: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
Those in favour of the plan felt booster shots were a promising idea if they offered vulnerable people additional protection against the Delta variant. Among this group, 86 percent who are already vaccinated said they would eventually like to receive an additional dose if it offered them extra protection against COVID-19. Interestingly, the survey found that even those in favour of a
Read more at: Significant support for booster shots in the Netherlands, government awaits advice
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
USA-Texas: Hospitals Overwhelmed by Another Surge of COVID-19 Patients, Financial Strain
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The latest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., driven by the delta variant of the virus that causes the disease, has pushed up the seven-day average of COVID-19 hospitalizations from 19,123 on June 15 to 80,664 on Aug. 15 — an increase of 322%.
The hospitalizations tend to be higher in states with low vaccination rates, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas tested positive for the coronavirus and said in a video uploaded to Twitter that he was “really not feeling any symptoms right now,” and has previously received the Covid-19 vaccine.
Read more at: Hospitals Overwhelmed by Another Surge of COVID-19 Patients, Financial Strain - Dallas Examiner
The latest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., driven by the delta variant of the virus that causes the disease, has pushed up the seven-day average of COVID-19 hospitalizations from 19,123 on June 15 to 80,664 on Aug. 15 — an increase of 322%.
The hospitalizations tend to be higher in states with low vaccination rates, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas tested positive for the coronavirus and said in a video uploaded to Twitter that he was “really not feeling any symptoms right now,” and has previously received the Covid-19 vaccine.
Read more at: Hospitals Overwhelmed by Another Surge of COVID-19 Patients, Financial Strain - Dallas Examiner
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Covid-19: America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world
For many decades, the United States of America has enjoyed the reputation of having one of the most advanced medical research systems and the best public health policies in the world. There are heated debates regarding the nature of the healthcare system financing model (public or private), but what we have seen so far since the pandemic is a mixture of defective health policies, bad decisions, denialism and a very weak healthcare system that didn't put people first. Although the American leaders like to brag about having "the strongest health system model" in the world, they turned out to be one of the weakest in fighting against COVID-19.
Read more at: America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world - CGTN
Read more at: America's handling of COVID-19 proved unpopular around the world - CGTN
Sunday, August 15, 2021
LOGIC VERSUS ECONOMICS: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say
Back in the spring, Canadian politicians spoke optimistically of a "two-dose summer," signalling that a robust COVID-19 vaccination rollout would enable people to fully enjoy the warmer weather.
As COVID-19 infection numbers eased in recent months, provinces have relaxed restrictions and encouraged people to spend again.
While this was meant to provide a collective boost in the middle of a stubborn pandemic, this summer has put on another horror show of extreme weather — including a deadly heat dome and rampant wildfires in British Columbia and northwestern Ontario and drought in the Prairies
READ MORE AT: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say | CBC News
As COVID-19 infection numbers eased in recent months, provinces have relaxed restrictions and encouraged people to spend again.
While this was meant to provide a collective boost in the middle of a stubborn pandemic, this summer has put on another horror show of extreme weather — including a deadly heat dome and rampant wildfires in British Columbia and northwestern Ontario and drought in the Prairies
READ MORE AT: Buying our way out of pandemic malaise is hurting the planet, experts say | CBC News
Friday, August 13, 2021
The Netherlands: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday said the government is considering lifting social distancing rules on Sept. 20 as COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands ease.
In the week ended Aug. 10, cases fell by 14% in the Netherlands to 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, the country's National Institute for Health (RIVM) found.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20 | World News | US News
In the week ended Aug. 10, cases fell by 14% in the Netherlands to 103 per 100,000 inhabitants, the country's National Institute for Health (RIVM) found.
Read more at: Dutch PM Rutte Hopes to Lift Social Distancing Rules Sept 20 | World News | US News
Thursday, August 12, 2021
USA-Covid-19: Texas, Florida accounting for nearly 40% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.
During a briefing Thursday, the White House COVID-19 Response Team said the percentage of new daily COVID-19 cases is up 24% from the previous week, which is about 113,000 new cases per day.
Hospitalizations are up 31% over the same time period, some 9,700 new admissions daily.
Texas is considered a problem area.
"Florida and Texas, alone, have accounted for nearly 40% of new hospitalizations across the country," White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients explained.
Read more at: Texas, Florida accounting for nearly 40% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.
Hospitalizations are up 31% over the same time period, some 9,700 new admissions daily.
Texas is considered a problem area.
"Florida and Texas, alone, have accounted for nearly 40% of new hospitalizations across the country," White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients explained.
Read more at: Texas, Florida accounting for nearly 40% of new COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S.
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show
According to a new Gallup survey, one of the main reasons Americans cite for not planning to get vaccinated is the belief that they're protected since they already had COVID-19.
From the beginning health authorities have urged survivors to get the broader protection vaccination promises. While the shots aren't perfect, they are providing strong protection against hospitalization and death even from the delta mutant.
Read moreat: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show | CBC News
From the beginning health authorities have urged survivors to get the broader protection vaccination promises. While the shots aren't perfect, they are providing strong protection against hospitalization and death even from the delta mutant.
Read moreat: Vaccines give COVID-19 survivors a big immune boost, studies show | CBC News
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Insurance industry: Climate change could make insurance too expensive for most people
Insurers have warned that climate change could make cover for ordinary people unaffordable after the world’s largest reinsurance firm blamed global warming for $24bn (£18bn) of losses in the Californian wildfires.
Ernst Rauch, Munich Re’s chief climatologist, told the Guardian that the costs could soon be widely felt, with premium rises already under discussion with clients holding asset concentrations in vulnerable parts of the state.
Read more at: Climate change could make insurance too expensive for most people – report | Climate change | The Guardian
Ernst Rauch, Munich Re’s chief climatologist, told the Guardian that the costs could soon be widely felt, with premium rises already under discussion with clients holding asset concentrations in vulnerable parts of the state.
Read more at: Climate change could make insurance too expensive for most people – report | Climate change | The Guardian
Monday, August 9, 2021
‘USA-Florida: Coming Here In Droves’: Broward Health Facing Double Surge Of Patients
The chief medical officer for Broward Health said his four hospitals are facing a double surge of patients and that has been particularly challenging.
It’s a spike in both unvaccinated COVID patients and others who put off surgeries during the pandemic.
Read more at: ‘Coming Here In Droves’: Broward Health Facing Double Surge Of Patients
It’s a spike in both unvaccinated COVID patients and others who put off surgeries during the pandemic.
Read more at: ‘Coming Here In Droves’: Broward Health Facing Double Surge Of Patients
Sunday, August 8, 2021
EU: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
Despite a sluggish start, the European Union’s COVID-19 vaccination drive has caught up to that of the United States, where the slowdown of the country’s once-vaunted campaign has contributed to the virus’s deadly comeback.
Now the EU has surpassed the U.S. by that same measure, with some 60% of the bloc’s residents receiving at least one dose, versus less than 58% of Americans.
Read more at: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
Now the EU has surpassed the U.S. by that same measure, with some 60% of the bloc’s residents receiving at least one dose, versus less than 58% of Americans.
Read more at: Once lagging, Europe catches up to the U.S. in COVID-19 vaccinations
Saturday, August 7, 2021
Covid-19 Booster Shot: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries
The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called on Wednesday for a moratorium on booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines so that those vaccines can be made available to countries that have only been able to inoculate a small proportion of their population.
Read more at: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries | Euronews
Read more at: WHO calls for COVID booster jab moratorium to accelerate vaccination in poorer countries | Euronews
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Coronavirus - it ain't over yet: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
The total number of recorded COVID-19 cases worldwide has hit 200 million on Wednesday, according to the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.
This milestone, which does not account for any cases that have gone unrecorded is disconcerting as the world grapples with a surging Delta variant. It is a record number that stands to prove how much the virus has affected the globe as the more infectious variant continues to threaten areas with low vaccination rates and puts immense strains on the world's healthcare systems.
Read more at: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
This milestone, which does not account for any cases that have gone unrecorded is disconcerting as the world grapples with a surging Delta variant. It is a record number that stands to prove how much the virus has affected the globe as the more infectious variant continues to threaten areas with low vaccination rates and puts immense strains on the world's healthcare systems.
Read more at: World Reaches Grim Milestone of 200 Million COVID Cases Globally, as Delta Variant Surges
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Global Warming: How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look
A motorist watches from a pullout on the Trans-Canada Highway as a wildfire burns on the side of a mountain in Lytton, B.C., on July 1. Wealthy countries such as Canada are joining poorer and more vulnerable nations on a growing list of extreme weather events that scientists say have some connection to human-caused climate change. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
As the world staggers through another summer of extreme weather, experts are noticing something different: 2021's onslaught is hitting harder and in places that have been spared global warming's wrath in the past.
Read more at How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look | CBC News
As the world staggers through another summer of extreme weather, experts are noticing something different: 2021's onslaught is hitting harder and in places that have been spared global warming's wrath in the past.
Read more at How extreme is this year's extreme weather? Here's a closer look | CBC News
Tuesday, August 3, 2021
EU Travel Restrictions: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week
The Netherlands will likely remain red on the European coronavirus map for one week longer, AD reported. This means that restrictions against travelers from the Netherlands will continue to apply in a number of countries, including Germany, France and Norway.
Read more at: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week | NL Times
Read more at: The Netherlands to stay red on European coronavirus risk map for one more week | NL Times
Saturday, July 31, 2021
The Netherlands: 11 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals
The hunt for a great, English-speaking job in the Netherlands isn’t always easy — but it’s a lot quicker if you know the right places to look.
So where should you be looking? At companies that hire expats, of course! Here are 11 of the biggest Dutch employers of internationals in the Netherlands so you can find the perfect job for you.
Read more at: 11 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals – DutchReview
So where should you be looking? At companies that hire expats, of course! Here are 11 of the biggest Dutch employers of internationals in the Netherlands so you can find the perfect job for you.
Read more at: 11 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals – DutchReview
Friday, July 30, 2021
USA: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases
Daily COVID-19 case rates across the country have risen in nearly all states since June as the highly contagious delta variant spreads, according to a new report from USAFacts.
Read more at: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases | Best States | US News
Read more at: 6 States See 400% Increase in COVID-19 Cases | Best States | US News
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Coronavirus lambda variant spreads across Latin America
lassified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 17, the lambda, or C.37, variant of the coronavirus has already been detected in some US states and at least 29 nations — many of them in Latin America.
In Peru, where it was identified in August 2020, the lambda variant accounted for more than 80% of new infections in June, and it is also spreading rapidly in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-lambda-variant-spreads-across-latin-america/a-58035249
In Peru, where it was identified in August 2020, the lambda variant accounted for more than 80% of new infections in June, and it is also spreading rapidly in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Mexico.
Read more at: https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-lambda-variant-spreads-across-latin-america/a-58035249
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good?
Amazingly, the Dutch rate their health care very highly. They must have low expectations. The Netherlands was number one on the Euro Health Consumer Index in 2015 for its health care system. It has also been listed in the top 3 European countries since 2005. It may be the best system in terms of economics. However, I’m not so certain it works well for everyday patients.
Dutch huisartsen (general practitioners) are notorious for sending you home from an office visit with advice to rest and take a paracetamol. Come back in 2 weeks if you’re not feeling better. This goes for everything from a sore throat to an amputated limb (ok, that may be a slight exaggeration). You have to have one foot in the grave for your huisarts to either prescribe an antibiotic or to send you to see a specialist. Now, I am not someone who believes in prescribing antibiotics for every minor illness, but for bacterial infections they are sometimes necessary. The same goes for pain meds and anesthetics. The Dutch seem to believe one needs to suffer for a while before doing anything proactive.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
Dutch huisartsen (general practitioners) are notorious for sending you home from an office visit with advice to rest and take a paracetamol. Come back in 2 weeks if you’re not feeling better. This goes for everything from a sore throat to an amputated limb (ok, that may be a slight exaggeration). You have to have one foot in the grave for your huisarts to either prescribe an antibiotic or to send you to see a specialist. Now, I am not someone who believes in prescribing antibiotics for every minor illness, but for bacterial infections they are sometimes necessary. The same goes for pain meds and anesthetics. The Dutch seem to believe one needs to suffer for a while before doing anything proactive.
Read more at: Healthcare in the Netherlands: Is it really that good? – DutchReview
Monday, July 26, 2021
US Travel Restrictions: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge- by Aamer Madhani
The United States will keep existing COVID-19 travel restrictions on international travel in place for now due to concerns about the surging infection rate because of the delta variant, according to a White House official.
President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was "in the process" of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.
Read more at: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge
President Joe Biden earlier this month said that his administration was "in the process" of considering how soon the U.S. could lift the ban on European travel bound for the U.S. after the issue was raised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to the White House.
The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said while the administration understands the importance of international travel, cases are rising in the U.S. — particularly among those who are unvaccinated and will likely continue to increase in the weeks ahead.
Read more at: US to keep international travel restrictions for now, citing virus surge
Sunday, July 25, 2021
The Netherlands: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising
New data from the RIVM showed that another 4,665 people tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection, a figure which has not below five thousand since July 7. That pushed the seven-day moving average down 11 percent in a day to 6,492.
Read more at: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising | NL Times
Read more at: Dutch coronavirus average hits two-week low, but Covid hospital total still rising | NL Times
Saturday, July 24, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses
No one disputes that the world is unfair. But no one expected a vaccine gap between the global rich and poor that was this bad, this far into the pandemic.
Inequity is everywhere: Inoculations go begging in the United States while Haiti, a short plane ride away, received its first delivery July 15 after months of promises - 500,000 doses for a population over 11 million. Canada has procured more than 10 doses for every resident; Sierra Leone's vaccination rate just cracked 1% on June 20.
It's like a famine in which “the richest guys grab the baker,” said Strive Masiyiwa, the African Union's envoy for vaccine acquisition.
In fact, European and American officials deeply involved in bankrolling and distributing the vaccines against coronavirus have told The Associated Press there was no thought of how to handle the situation globally. Instead, they jostled for their own domestic use.
For the complete detailed report go to: COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses | CP24.com
Inequity is everywhere: Inoculations go begging in the United States while Haiti, a short plane ride away, received its first delivery July 15 after months of promises - 500,000 doses for a population over 11 million. Canada has procured more than 10 doses for every resident; Sierra Leone's vaccination rate just cracked 1% on June 20.
It's like a famine in which “the richest guys grab the baker,” said Strive Masiyiwa, the African Union's envoy for vaccine acquisition.
In fact, European and American officials deeply involved in bankrolling and distributing the vaccines against coronavirus have told The Associated Press there was no thought of how to handle the situation globally. Instead, they jostled for their own domestic use.
For the complete detailed report go to: COVID-19 vaccine inequity: Inside the cutthroat race to secure doses | CP24.com
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Covid-19 not over yet: Surgeon General on Unvaccinated: 'I Am Worried About What Is to Come'
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said that he is "worried about what is come" and the COVID-19 "pandemic is not over" amid a surge in cases, particularly among individuals who have yet to get the vaccine.
"I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular," Murthy said on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, the Hill reported. "And while if you are vaccinated you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately, that is not true if you are not vaccinated."
Read more at: https://www.businessinsider.com/surgeon-general-on-unvaccinated-i-am-worried-about-what-come-2021-7?international=true&r=US&IR=T
"I am worried about what is to come because we are seeing increasing cases among the unvaccinated in particular," Murthy said on CNN's "State of the Union" Sunday, the Hill reported. "And while if you are vaccinated you are very well protected against hospitalization and death, unfortunately, that is not true if you are not vaccinated."
Read more at: https://www.businessinsider.com/surgeon-general-on-unvaccinated-i-am-worried-about-what-come-2021-7?international=true&r=US&IR=T
Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Covid-19 vaccines: Combatting the crooked global pharmaceutical industry: Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
apture by large companies, the system is often abused and high prices persist, granting to the privileged holders profits not justifiable by their contribution.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
Read the complete report at Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
The vaccine was expected to enter clinical testing by the end of the following month. At that point, it had already been almost entirely developed by the small German immunotherapy company. What Pfizer brought to the alliance was essentially funds for the clinical trials and commercial capabilities.
This is as socially inequitable as it is economically inefficient—its inadequacy dramatically exposed by the pandemic. Vaccines developed with substantial public contributions are generating hundreds of billions of dollars in sales for the pharmaceutical companies, while the coronavirus is still ravaging poorer nations which cannot afford immunisation.
Read the complete report at Fighting Covid-19 requires fewer patents and more state – Piergiuseppe Fortunato
Sunday, July 18, 2021
U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
The U.S. surgeon general said Sunday that he’s concerned about what lies ahead with cases of COVID-19 increasing in every state, millions still unvaccinated and a highly contagious virus variant spreading rapidly.
Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven’t received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.
Read more at: U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
Noting that nearly all coronavirus deaths now are among the tens of millions of people who haven’t received shots, despite widespread vaccine availability, Dr. Vivek Murthy painted an unsettling picture of what the future could hold.
Read more at: U.S. surgeon general ‘worried’ with COVID-19 cases sharply on the rise
Friday, July 16, 2021
EU _Floods: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe
More than 60 people have died and dozens were missing Thursday as severe flooding in Germany and Belgium turned deadly. Great damage was also done in the Netherlans and Switzerland
Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn’t absorb any more water.
Read more at: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe - National | Globalnews.ca
Recent storms across parts of western Europe made rivers and reservoirs burst their banks, triggering flash floods overnight after the saturated soil couldn’t absorb any more water.
Read more at: At least 60 dead, dozens missing as severe floods cause havoc across western Europe - National | Globalnews.ca
Tuesday, July 13, 2021
The Netherlands:Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week
The Netherlands reported more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, an eightfold increase when compared to last week after most restrictions were lifted despite the rise of the fast-spreading Delta variant.
The National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said 10,345 new cases were reported on Saturday, the biggest one-day increase since December 25. This compares to 1,146 new cases on the same day last week.
Read more at: Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week - BNO News
The National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said 10,345 new cases were reported on Saturday, the biggest one-day increase since December 25. This compares to 1,146 new cases on the same day last week.
Read more at: Coronavirus cases in the Netherlands surge more than 800% in one week - BNO News
Monday, July 12, 2021
USA: Connecticut: Daily coronavirus update: State positivity steady at 0.61%, hospitalizations increase by 10
Update on Coronavirus statistics Connecticut
Read more at: Daily coronavirus update: State positivity steady at 0.61%, hospitalizations increase by 10 - Hartford Courant
Read more at: Daily coronavirus update: State positivity steady at 0.61%, hospitalizations increase by 10 - Hartford Courant
Saturday, July 10, 2021
CUBA: COVID: Cuba approves emergency use of own Abdala vaccine
Cuba on Friday approved its homemade Abdala coronavirus vaccine for emergency use.
The communist country is the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to successfully develop a coronavirus vaccine.
The Cuban health regulator, CECMED, approved the shot after the manufacturers announced last month that their vaccine was more than 92% effective against COVID-19 infections when three doses were given.
Read more at: COVID: Cuba approves emergency use of own Abdala vaccine | News | DW | 09.07.2021
The communist country is the first country in Latin America and the Caribbean to successfully develop a coronavirus vaccine.
The Cuban health regulator, CECMED, approved the shot after the manufacturers announced last month that their vaccine was more than 92% effective against COVID-19 infections when three doses were given.
Read more at: COVID: Cuba approves emergency use of own Abdala vaccine | News | DW | 09.07.2021
Friday, July 9, 2021
Coronavirus Vaccine: Pfizer to ask permission to give booster shot; FDA, CDC say it’s not necessary
Pfizer announced Thursday it plans to seek Food and Drug Administration authorization for a booster shot to its two-dose vaccine that could further protect people from COVID-19 variants, the company announced Thursday.
However, a joint statement on Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA said, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."
Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-pfizer-wants-to-push-booster-shot-fda-and-cdc-say-its-not-necessary-at-this-time/ar-AALYAiU?ocid=BingNewsSearch
However, a joint statement on Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA said, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."
Read more at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/as-pfizer-wants-to-push-booster-shot-fda-and-cdc-say-its-not-necessary-at-this-time/ar-AALYAiU?ocid=BingNewsSearch
Thursday, July 8, 2021
EU -The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe
The EU has added the US among others to a list which recommends countries that may be able to travel to the continent.
Germany has lifted travel restrictions for visitors from UK and Portugal.
All land borders are now open.Also negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival is required for all foreign nationals.
Read more at: The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe | Euronews
Germany has lifted travel restrictions for visitors from UK and Portugal.
All land borders are now open.Also negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival is required for all foreign nationals.
Read more at: The travel restrictions in place in every country in Europe | Euronews
Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Insurers mourn missed chance of EU insurance agency
An EU development insurer could also use reinsurance to mobilise substantial amounts of non-development finance institutional capital from the private insurance market and from EU export credit agencies, Mudde said.
The problem, in his view, was that in the EU discussions about the European Financial Architecture for Development (EFAD) an insurance approach, like the World bank’s MIGA, had never been considered. “There is a lack of knowledge about the success of insurance products in mobilising capital for development. Public insurance providers are more successful in mobilising capital for development than development banks,” he said. Their operational costs are in general also much lower than those of development banks. So, also from an aid efficiency and aid effectiveness point of view an insurance approach would make sense. The importance of mobilizing capital has been debated for a decade and was picked by the G20’s Eminent Persons Group in 2018 and the “Building Bridges” report of the Islamic Development Bank in 2020, which clearly set out the benefits of an insurance approach to mobilise capital for development. Although neither G20 reports has so far gained traction, Mudde said it would make a substantial contribution to the Team Europe approach. “Insurance could be used to mobilise private capital from both international and domestic banks and institutional investors,” he said.
In addition, it could provide insurance to European development finance institutions (DFIs) that would contribute to a convergence of their operations, a more effective use of scarce economic development capital and reduce the competition between DFIs.
Read more at:Insurers mourn missed chance of EU insurance agency | GlobalCapital
The problem, in his view, was that in the EU discussions about the European Financial Architecture for Development (EFAD) an insurance approach, like the World bank’s MIGA, had never been considered. “There is a lack of knowledge about the success of insurance products in mobilising capital for development. Public insurance providers are more successful in mobilising capital for development than development banks,” he said. Their operational costs are in general also much lower than those of development banks. So, also from an aid efficiency and aid effectiveness point of view an insurance approach would make sense. The importance of mobilizing capital has been debated for a decade and was picked by the G20’s Eminent Persons Group in 2018 and the “Building Bridges” report of the Islamic Development Bank in 2020, which clearly set out the benefits of an insurance approach to mobilise capital for development. Although neither G20 reports has so far gained traction, Mudde said it would make a substantial contribution to the Team Europe approach. “Insurance could be used to mobilise private capital from both international and domestic banks and institutional investors,” he said.
Read more at:Insurers mourn missed chance of EU insurance agency | GlobalCapital
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
EU says it plans more COVID-19 vaccine donations as world faces two-track pandemic
John Ryan, a senior European Commission health official, told a briefing that the bloc hoped to donate a further 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to low and middle income countries by year-end, using the COVAX facility as the main channel.
Read more at: EU says it plans more COVID-19 vaccine donations as world faces two-track pandemic
Read more at: EU says it plans more COVID-19 vaccine donations as world faces two-track pandemic
Saturday, July 3, 2021
EU-approved COVID-19 vaccines protect against Delta variant, says official
Europe's drug regulator said on Thursday the COVID-19 vaccines approved in the European Union offered protection against all coronavirus variants, including Delta, but called for active monitoring by vaccine manufacturers to stay alert.
Read more at: EU-approved COVID-19 vaccines protect against Delta variant, says official | Reuters
Read more at: EU-approved COVID-19 vaccines protect against Delta variant, says official | Reuters
Friday, July 2, 2021
North Korea Covid-19: outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’
The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has sacked several senior party officials over a “grave” coronavirus incident that had threatened public safety, fuelling speculation that the coronavirus has breached the country’s defences.
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
“In neglecting important decisions by the party that called for organisational, material and science and technological measures to support prolonged anti-epidemic work in face of a global health crisis, the officials in charge have caused a grave incident that created a huge crisis for the safety of the country and its people,” the state-run KCNA news agency quoted Kim as telling a meeting of the ruling party’s politburo.
Read more at: North Korea Covid-19 outbreak fears after Kim Jong-un warns of ‘huge crisis’ in ‘antivirus fight’ | North Korea | The Guardian
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
Britain: UK Covid Booster Vaccine Shots for Vulnerable Groups May Start From September - by Katharine Gemmell
The country’s independent vaccination committee recommended that the government plan to offer boosters in a two-stage program alongside the annual flu vaccination drive. The rollout will depend on further data and the guidance could change, according to the Department of Health & Social Care.
“We want to be on the front foot for Covid-19 booster vaccination,” Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, said in a statement. The goal is to “keep the probability of loss of vaccine protection due to waning immunity or variants as low as possible, especially over the coming autumn and winter.”
The shots would first be made available to extremely vulnerable and immunosuppressed adults, those ages 70 or older, residents of elderly care homes and front-line health workers, the health department said. Those eligible in the second stage would include people over 50 and household contacts of the immunosuppressed.
The benefits of vaccinating other groups, including young adults who may not have had a second dose yet, will be evaluated at a later date.
Final recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization will be published before September, the statement said. It will consider data from a government-funded trial that is evaluating the effectiveness of different Covid-19 vaccines as booster shots, as well as any new information on the immunity levels from the current inoculation program.
Read more at: UK Covid Booster Vaccine Shots for Vulnerable Groups May Start From September - Bloomberg
“We want to be on the front foot for Covid-19 booster vaccination,” Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, said in a statement. The goal is to “keep the probability of loss of vaccine protection due to waning immunity or variants as low as possible, especially over the coming autumn and winter.”
The shots would first be made available to extremely vulnerable and immunosuppressed adults, those ages 70 or older, residents of elderly care homes and front-line health workers, the health department said. Those eligible in the second stage would include people over 50 and household contacts of the immunosuppressed.
The benefits of vaccinating other groups, including young adults who may not have had a second dose yet, will be evaluated at a later date.
Final recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization will be published before September, the statement said. It will consider data from a government-funded trial that is evaluating the effectiveness of different Covid-19 vaccines as booster shots, as well as any new information on the immunity levels from the current inoculation program.
Read more at: UK Covid Booster Vaccine Shots for Vulnerable Groups May Start From September - Bloomberg
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Italian US Relations -Tariffs: US duties on oil, wine and pasta put exports at risk
A bottle of prosecco that costs €5-6 a bottle in Italy can cost up to the equivalent of €10-15 at large retailers in the United States. With the application of 100% duty, that price would go up to €20-30. Prosecco exports
Read more at: US duties on oil, wine and pasta put exports at risk - Corriere.it
Read more at: US duties on oil, wine and pasta put exports at risk - Corriere.it
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