#China reports 37 million Covid cases in a day: Report | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

newstfionline · 3 years

Text

Friday, July 23, 2021

Could a plant pandemic be next? (Fast Company) For decades before COVID-19, scientists warned that a pandemic was inevitable and urged preparation, but governments around the world did very little. When it arrived, COVID-19 laid bare the fragility of many of our systems—including global food supply chains. Across farms worldwide, there are now warning signs of a pandemic in food crops. More than 600 pest species have developed some form of resistance to pesticides, which causes $10 billion in losses in the United States alone each year. Climate volatility intensifies these threats, and many crops are already suffering—citrus blight and banana fungus wreak havoc for growers and supply chains. With global food supplies vulnerable and food prices at their highest in almost a decade, a plant pandemic could push more people into poverty and cause social unrest. The agricultural industry must harness the urgency with which scientists responded to COVID-19 to get ahead of a full-blown crop pandemic.

Biden splits from Trudeau, extending travel curbs at U.S.-Canada land border (Washington Post) The United States on Wednesday renewed its pandemic curbs on nonessential travel at the U.S.-Canada land border for at least a month, marking a split with its northern neighbor and close ally on the restrictions, and fueling rancor on both sides of the frontier. The Department of Homeland Security said in a tweet that the extension of the measures—which also apply at the U.S.-Mexico land border and are now set to expire Aug. 21—was motivated in part by a desire to decrease the spread of the highly transmissible delta coronavirus variant. The announcement comes several days after Canada said it would begin to open up its borders to some foreigners for discretionary travel, beginning with fully vaccinated U.S. citizens and permanent residents living in the United States on Aug. 9; and fully vaccinated people from elsewhere on Sept. 7. The measures have kept families apart, battered the tourism industry and altered life in close-knit border communities in ways big and small.

Debt limit dueling ahead (Bloomberg) In case Congress wasn’t preoccupied enough, the U.S. is at risk of a default in October or November unless it raises or suspends the debt limit, the Congressional Budget Office said. The debt ceiling—how much the government can borrow—is a favorite partisan grenade on Capitol Hill. Democratic senators have already rejected any attempt by Republicans to set conditions for increasing the federal debt limit.

How Mexico’s traditional political espionage went high-tech (Washington Post) In 2017, investigators discovered traces of Pegasus spyware on the phones of several Mexican journalists and civic activists. The government acknowledged it had used Pegasus—but only, officials said, to fight criminals. Amid the backlash, the Justice Ministry stopped using the surveillance tool. The Justice Ministry told a government watchdog agency in 2019 that it had uninstalled the spyware licensed by the Israeli-based NSO Group—but it had no records of how or when, or what happened to any data collected. A new investigation by The Washington Post and 16 media partners is raising further questions about the use of Pegasus in this young democracy. The investigation has found evidence of the spyware in attempted and successful hacks of 37 smartphones belonging to journalists, human rights activists and businesspeople around the world. Their numbers appear on a list of more than 50,000 numbers concentrated in countries known to have been clients of NSO. Nearly one-third of the numbers are in Mexico, all from 2016 and 2017. The team of journalists identified and verified more than 400 of them. They include phone contacts for dozens of people close to then-presidential candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador: top advisers, his wife, three of his sons, his brothers, his drivers—even his cardiologist. Scores of numbers for other top politicians appeared, as well as those for union representatives, journalists and civic activists. A person familiar with NSO’s operations in Mexico, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the company terminated Pegasus contracts with several Mexican clients at least two years ago, after seeing news reports of human-rights abuses and the phone-tapping of journalists.

Lithuania backs Taiwan (Foreign Policy) Taiwan has opened a de facto embassy under its own name in Vilnius, Lithuania, despite warnings from Beijing. Lithuania has taken a hard stance against China this year, pulling out of the 17+1 initiative between China and Central and Eastern European countries, and calling on others to abandon the group. That’s part of a general trend against Beijing in the Baltic states, which have relatively little trade with China and dislike its close ties with Russia; as small nations threatened by an expansionist neighbor, they also have a natural sympathy with Taiwan.

‘Pingdemic’ grips Britain as fears of food shortages grow (Reuters) Britain’s supermarkets, wholesalers and hauliers were struggling on Thursday to ensure stable food and fuel supplies after an official health app told hundreds of thousands of workers to isolate after contact with someone with COVID-19. British newspapers carried front page pictures of empty shelves in supermarkets. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s bet that he could reopen England’s economy because so many people have been vaccinated has been tarnished by the so-called “pingdemic” in which people have been told by the app to isolate for 10 days. The drastic reduction in staffing that has resulted has sown chaos through sectors as diverse as food supplies, haulage, supermarkets, hospitality, manufacturing and media. To avoid the chaos, many have simply deleted the app from their phones. Britain’s food supply chains are “right on the edge of failing” as absence related to COVID-19 has aggravated a critical shortage of labour, a meat industry body said on Wednesday. Supermarket group Iceland said it has closed a number of stores due to staff shortages.

Germany announces millions in immediate flood aid as multibillion dollar repair bill looms (Washington Post) The German government approved $470 million in immediate aid for flood victims on Wednesday as it assessed the mammoth task of rebuilding infrastructure torn apart by floodwaters last week. The initial assistance to help people rebuild their homes and businesses after the flooding that killed at least 171 people in Germany will be expanded as needed, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said. At least 200 people died across Europe, with neighboring Belgium also hit by the surging waters. For longer-term reconstruction efforts of roads, railways, hospitals, water and electricity networks the government is still working out how high the bill will run. The Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has estimated the damage to the rail networks alone to be $1.6 billion. A week after the worst flooding in living memory ripped through parts of western Germany, entire villages are still without power or the most basic of services. Highways are ripped to pieces, railway bridges lie twisted across rivers clogged with mounds of detritus including cars and caravans. Sewage, water and telecommunications networks have been obliterated.

Turkey pushes Cyprus plan (Foreign Policy) The United States and European Union have condemned a Turkish plan to reopen the abandoned town of Varosha on the divided island of Cyprus. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the move while visiting the island on the 47th anniversary of the Turkish invasion that seized the formerly Greek-dominated town. A former popular tourist destination, the town has since languished in a military zone. Erdogan’s plan is part of a push to create a two-state solution for Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the island, a proposal the European Union rejects.

Top Indian newspaper raided by tax authorities after months of critical coverage (Washington Post) Indian tax authorities on Thursday raided one of the country’s most prominent newspapers in what journalists and the political opposition denounced as retaliation for the outlet’s hard-nosed coverage of the government’s pandemic response. The Dainik Bhaskar Group, whose Hindi-language broadsheet boasts a combined circulation of more than 4 million, was raided simultaneously in at least four locations, including at its headquarters. The justification of tax evasion was panned by government critics, who pointed out that the Bhaksar has been persistently needling India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with its coverage, including as recently as this week. Under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who rose to power in 2014, several critical media outlets have found themselves in tax investigators’ cross-hairs, raising fears about the health of the independent press in the world’s largest democracy. Reporters without Borders, the advocacy group, recently placed India at 142nd place in its press freedom rankings, roughly on par with Myanmar and Mexico.

China evacuates tens of thousands as storms spread north (Reuters) Tens of thousands of people were being evacuated from flood-hit regions of central China on Thursday as officials raised the death toll from heavy rain that has deluged Henan province for almost a week to 33 people. More cities were inundated and crops destroyed as the severe weather spread northwards, with the official Xinhua news agency reporting direct economic losses of 1.22 billion yuan ($189 million). In Zhengzhou, where the bad weather reached a peak on Tuesday, the skies had cleared although floodwaters were still at waist height, or higher, with entire streets underwater in many areas.

Madagascar in the grip of drought and famine (Reliefweb) Severe hunger caused by climate change continues to affect southern Madagascar. People are living through the worst drought in 40 years, which has caused an almost total disappearance of food sources. In recent months, for the first time in the country, pockets of Phase 5, or ‘Catastrophe’ food insecurity on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, have been recorded. At least 1.14 million people in the Grand Sud need emergency food and nutrition assistance and have been suffering from hunger since the start of the lean season last September. The World Food Programme (WFP) is sounding the alarm: if we don’t act now, the number of people in Catastrophe will double by October.

#headlines #news

1 note · View note

shirlleycoyle · 4 years

Text

If Swine Flu Happens During COVID-19, Are We Screwed?

It feels like 2020 can't get any worse, but it always does. Genetic testing of pigs in China from 2011 to 2018 leads us to consider a truly dire possibility: What if we weren't just dealing with one historic and deadly pandemic, but two? Could it even happen?

There’s an outbreak of H1N1, or the “swine flu", running through China’s pig farms right now. According to a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, recent genetic testing of pigs in Chinese farms show genes “similar to [swine flu ‘09] virus,” and has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus.”

So, how worried should one be about a second pandemic-within-a-pandemic?

As it so happens, the flu is more infectious than even COVID-19, but the world is also better prepared to battle it. It’s been doing so for more than 100 years, after the 1918 pandemic ravaged a world that hadn't yet discovered flu viruses. And the world, if not the U.S., is already at heightened alert for infectious disease. It’d be hard, but not impossible, for two pandemics to run through the world’s population at the same time.

Early warning signals are working

Despite what you may have heard, COVID-19 is not the flu. And the fact that we even know about the possibility of a swine flu outbreak is because experts know all about influenza and take it incredibly seriously. That we are discussing a possible pathogen as it is being reported in academic journals is a good sign. In many ways, health experts are playing catch-up when it comes to Covid-19.

“So what we're seeing a little bit is what public health is constantly doing,” Theresa MacPhail,a medical anthropologist andAssistant Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, told Motherboard over the phone. MacPhail was in Hong Kong in 2009 during a previous outbreak of H1N1 and worked with the CDC to contain it.

The World Health Organization runs the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. (GISRS) Established in 1952, GISRS constantly monitors influenza hotspots and coordinates with healthcare providers and world governments to keep things in check.

“In China, [government officials] regularly sample birds on duck and chicken farms and pigs on pig farms and all the workers who work there for this reason: to see what strains are in circulation to see if there are any potential problems," MacPhail said. "So that's what you're seeing is this particular strain has been in circulation for a while.”

According to MacPhail, there’s good cause to worry, but not to panic, yet. China’s experts sounding the alarm this early is a sign that the system is working as intended. She also said these kinds of alerts and alarms happen all the time. “Most of the time that stuff is ignored by the public,” she said. “You don't know that this is normal.”

Katherine Mason, a medical anthropologist and an assistant professor at Brown University, said that the world is prepared for the flu in a way it wasn’t for the coronavirus. “Everyone always thought the next pandemic was going to be an influenza pandemic,” she told VICE on the phone. “Every year you get news of some new strain of flu … [scientists] have spent a lot of time and resources trying to be able to anticipate the flu, which is partly why Covid-19 caught people off guard.”

Nidia Trovao, a virologist at the National Institute of Health, said she’s watching the new H1N1 strain but isn’t particularly worried about it. “I think the probability of having two pandemics simultaneously is really really low,” she told VICE over the phone. She said that the virus has made the jump from human to pig, but only in the workers in close proximity to the swine. It has yet to move from human to human. “The big evolutionary hurdle is for the virus to gain the capacity for human to human transmission.”

Flu is watched so closely because, in the past, it’s been devastating. The 1918 flu pandemic was a predecessor of H1N1. While it’s often called “the Spanish Flu,” epidemiologists traced its origins to pig farms in Kansas, where it spread through U.S. Army bases and into the wider world. Epidemiologist and historians estimate that the flu killed more than 50 million people worldwide. It was devastating, but scientists learned a lot about how to fight a global influenza pandemic.

The concept of social distancing and wearing masks to prevent the spread of infection were lessons learned during the 1918 pandemic. One of the reasons that the flu spread so fast was because of the close quarters assigned to troops in the U.S. military. Much of the world’s modern health system and America’s modern mliitary’s sanitation practices are direct results of what we learned during the 1918 pandemic.

“This is actually a system that's working that's been in place for a long time,” MacPhail said. “And scientists are relatively on top of it.”

Health measures are already in place

According to MacPhail, the world is better positioned to deal with a flu outbreak than any other infectious disease, even Covid-19. “In some ways, this is the best possible time that's ever been for a new dangerous flu, and this one isn't even that dangerous. It looks like the cases in people are pretty mild,” she said.

She acknowledged that the flu mutates all the time. What seems mild one day may yet turn deadly. But the world is already at least familiar with the measures it needs to take to avoid mass infection. They look a lot like what the world (except much of America) is already doing: masks, shutdowns, social distancing.

“But, say we do have something terrible,” MacPhail said. “We’re already wearing masks…we’re more prepared than we’ve ever been for something like this.”

The GISRS meets twice a year in Geneva to create the seasonal flu vaccines. “This works by having more than 100 laboratires around the world that get samples from these patients with influenza-like illness, then they test for flu using different methods,” Trovao said. “The good thing here is that countries in the Southern hemisphere are currently facing their flu season so we can learn a lot from their experience. We’re seeing lower levels than we usually observe this time of the year. Of more than 2,000 sample tests, only 37 were positive for flu. Those are good results.”

But Trovao those good results should be interpreted with caution. “The pandemic crisis forced us into isolation which will naturally curb transmission,” she said. She also noted that there have been some reports of people getting both the flu and Covid-19 at the same time. “Clinicians should be alert that the positive test for either virus does not rule out the possibility for the other.”

Flu is more transmissible and it evolves more quickly, but the period between contracting the virus and showing symptoms is much lower than Covid-19. We also have vaccines for the flu and systems in place to develop new ones quickly when a new strain appears. According to MacPhail, a new flu vaccine takes roughly 9 months after experts identify a strain. More than 130 separate Covid-19 vaccines are in development currently. The world is spending billions to rush one to market and best estimates say it won’t be available until early next year.

“We were not prepared for Coronavirus in the same way,” MacPhail said. “We weren't really surveying Coronavirus the way that we do flu and we don't have the vaccine technology in place already for something like Coronavirus. So that's what we're seeing right now and why this is so bad.”

H1N1 isn’t the only influenza strain on the watchlist. Experts are constantly tracking outbreaks across the globe. “Every day there’s something,” MacPhail said. “Normal people don’t know that there’s a botulism outbreak in cheese in Ireland right now.”

There’s also an ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, cases of bubonic plague in Mongolia, and yellow fever in Ethiopia.

The point is: the world is filled with disease. A new one popping up isn't cause for panic, especially when it's being so closely watched, but it is an opportunity to be vigilant.

But what if it's bad?

These assurances are good reminders of the world’s robust public health system, but they’re cold comfort in the U.S. where COVID-19 infections and deaths rise daily.

In America, and to a lesser extent elsewhere, COVID-19 isn’t just a public health issue, it’s a fiercely political one. State and local officials push back against CDC recommendations, citing economic concerns. Anti-maskers make public scenes that are quickly posted online and go viral. In my own neighborhood message board here in South Carolina, anti-maskers are boasting that they won’t wear a mask under any circumstances. A U.S. passport, once the key to unlocking a world of travel, is now a scarlet letter. So many countries are turning Americans away that it’s easier to list the countries Americans can still travel to than those that block them.

MacPhail initially didn’t think COVID-19 would be that bad, but told VICE after it became a pandemic that she’d been wrong. According to MacPhail, she failed to predict that the U.S. Government would do such a horrible job containing it.

It’s possible, and even likely, that a new round of restrictions based on a new outbreak wouldn’t be enough to convince people to change their opinions on masks and social distancing. They might even double down, at least at first.

Mason said she worries that fighting a second pandemic would be hard, in part, because the flu and COVID-19 have such similar symptoms. “If Covid continues to rage the way it has been here in the states, it’s gonna be very difficult to separate out the appearance of a new flu strain. That’s what I’m worried about.”

Winter is coming, and winter always brings the flu and other respiratory diseases. “I have two kids,” Mason said. “My kids, in the winter, pretty much always have a virus for like four or five months. So it’s going to be hard to differentiate a new one from the one we already have. That’s number one. Number two is the capacity to deal with it which is non existent in the United States at the moment. If the flu started going around, I would be surprised if it made things better rather than worse.”

According to Trovao, the scientific community is already worrying about the flu season. “By itself it already causes high morbidity and mortality,” she said. “I think this is the year where we encourage people even more strongly to get the flu shot, because it lessens the burden on the healthcare system so those beds and capabilities can be directed towards the pandemic.”

“What we are doing to curtail Covid-19, might also curtail the spread of other viruses and reduce transmission of both viruses,” Trovao said. “That’s where we need to focus—keeping people wearing masks and continuing to physically distance and getting the vaccine that we produce every year.”

Anyone can catch COVID-19, but the rates of infection and death are highest among the people at the margins of American society—the elderly and members of racial and ethnic minority groups in particular. This may make it easy for the powerful and privileged to ignore it, and even demand that others risk their lives to provide them with goods and services. A flu with a higher death rate than even Covid-19 (which doctors now believe may cause extensive and life-altering complications even after recovery) would not be so easily mentally sidelined even with the buffers of wealth, power, and even youth.

"I just keep thinking, ‘Thank god [the death rate is] only between one and two percent,’” McPhail said. “But that’s shitty, because that allows us to ignore it for longer. I guarantee you, if a bunch of 20 and 30 year olds were dying right now we would be taking this much more seriously. And if it was killing kids, we’d be on top of this.” (Younger people and children do catch Covid-19 and die, but at rates much lower than older people with underlying conditions.)

“The flu strikes children pretty hard usually,” Mason said. She stressed that every flu strain is different, and affects different groups in different ways. “But if it follows the same pattern as most flu outbreaks, we would be seeing a lot more children dying.”

In particular, Mason pointed to people's reluctance to get flu shots as a reason for its annual death toll. Concerningly, anti-vaccine conspiracies have already begun to circulate regarding a possible Covid-19 vaccine.

“Covid is worse, don’t get me wrong, but the flu is still a big killer every year,” she said. “Part of the reason is people don’t get flu shots even though we have them because they don’t take the flu seriously enough. The flu just spreads like wildfire. If we think Covid spreads easily, if we’re hit with a really serious and deadly flu pandemic it’s going to be even worse.”

According to McPhail, a deadly flu pandemic on top of COVID-19 would be nothing short of a national "reckoning."

“Coronavirus is playing into our worse national traits whereas flu would make us have a reckoning,” MacPhail said. “This is why, traditionally, we’ve been more afraid of the flu. Because it kills indiscriminately across age groups.”

Mason pointed out that even if there’s not a strain of H1N1, seasonal flu on top of the Covid-19 pandemic in the winter, when people get more respiratory diseases, is still concerning.. “[Winter] is going to be really bad. I’m very very concerned about it. If we throw the flu on top of it, even just seasonal flu… nature doesn’t care whether you’ve had enough. It’s gonna do what it’s gonna do. It can get a lot worse.”

Which is why, thankfully, the world's health experts and governments do all they can to contain swine flu. The 2009 H1N1 epidemic began in Central Mexico and spread out of control before global health measures, including a vaccine, brought it under control. The newest outbreak is in China, a country taking active measures to contain and control the virus’s spread.

The pandemics of 1918 and 2020 have taught us a valuable lesson, though: the world's virus response is only as strong as its weakest link, and now as in the past, that weak link is the U.S.

If Swine Flu Happens During COVID-19, Are We Screwed? syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/

3 notes · View notes

alexsmitposts · 4 years

Photo

When the Criminal Liars Shout, “Conspiracy Theory!” You Should Stick to the Facts Do you know who coined the curse, “conspiracy theory” or accusation, “you are conspiracy theorist!” – It was nobody less than the CIA in the 1950s, to silence those who saw through the lie of the Cold War against the Soviet Union. This was a complete lie by US war strategists, to install fear in the population in general and in Europeans in particular and to boost the American Military Industrial complex – and presenting a constant threat to the communist Soviet Union. A complementary phrase developed in the last years is “fake news” — people who are saying well-founded truths, are being accused of spreading “false news” – and that by the very media that spread the real false news and lies in the first place. A dystopian world indeed, and most of the public doesn’t capture it. The fear factor is always a crucial element in dividing people, and in corralling them into chambers of fear – which allows anything outside to happen – building up armament, faking an arms race – when there was none. The Soviet Union came out of WWII – where they lost between 25 and 30 million people to safe Europe and the world from fascism. But western history books have it, that it was the United States and her European allies, who foremost defeated Hitler. This false news is continuingly being propagated, last by the recent WWII Victory Celebration on 9 May 2020 – without any consideration of the key role of the Soviet Union – today’s Russia – in defeating the Hitler Nazis. After this enormous sacrifice, the Soviet Union had no intention nor the resources to build up an army to defeat the west – as was being propagated by the US and then being aped by Europe, hence justifying 40 years of a Cold War, based on FEAR. The Cold War destroyed the natural relationship (trade, diplomatic, cultural) between Europe and today’s Russia. Today, however, anybody who dares to remind the western media, politicians and friends of the real conqueror of Hitler, namely the Soviet Union – is a “conspiracy theorist” – or someone who spreads “false news”. The Corona Crisis The latest example of conspiracy galore, is the corona crisis. What is playing out in front of our eyes, a worldwide lockdown of everything, followed almost by every government of this globe with similar severity, quarantine, confinement at home for almost everyone under the “pretext” of protecting you – the people – from an invisible enemy – a corona virus. And every government KNOWS it is a disaster for the national and world economy – it is social suicide. Yet they go along – with the orders of whom? As most of us who look for our own sources of information, outside the mainstream dominated, government dictated or supported lies, data collection and statistics on COVID-19 infections, as well as death rates, are vastly inflated and willingly falsified, to increase the fear factor and prolong the all destructive lockdown. This horrendous cheat is not just actively practiced in the US, but also in Europe. A point in case is Italy Unless solid proof is presented, like by the Italian Member of Parliament and a number of medical doctors, virologists and microbiologists from Italy and other European countries, as well as the US, anybody who refers to the fakeness and unreliability of the statistic is called a conspiracy theorist — a liar. And in some countries people who tell the truth are even liable to fines and legal pursuit. These threats and conspiracy accusations should shut us up. But they don’t and won’t. We want the truth to come out and be known to the entire world. The World Economic Crisis We already now realize the damage of unheard proportions. In the first four months of this so-called, WHO-denominated pandemic, we see a global disaster of proportions far exceeding those of 1929-33 and 2008-09. Never in recorded human history has so much misery been created. Bankruptcies abound, the stock market plunged so far by more than 30% (with some ups and down – called “quick profit taking” by the rich and powerful on the back of the small investors), a meltdown of productive assets, easy prey to be bought by large corporations – unemployment soaring to heights never experienced before by modern humanity, currently at least 37 million Americans out of a job.This does not account for those having given up looking for a job or claiming unemployment. According to Fox Business News, up to 40% may never get back to work. The FED predicts unemployment may reach 50% by the end of the year (in the worst 1929 recession period unemployment attained 25%). These are only US statistics. The situation in more chaotic Europe may be even worse. The International Labor Office (ILO) announced that within months worldwide unemployment may hit 1.6 billion people, half the globes work force. Many of these people, especially in the Global South have already been at the verge of poverty or under the poverty line, living from day to day, with no savings. Now they are condemned to begging – and many, maybe hundreds of millions, to die from famine, according to the World Food Program (WFP). Many if not most of them have no access to health services, no shelter, or any other form of social safety nets, because the COVID-caused economic collapse has wiped out even flimsy social safety structures poor countries may have set up. Misery no end. And this is only the tiny tip of the iceberg. The worst is still to come – when in a few weeks or months a clearer picture of what industries will live or die will emerge – and more people will be relegated to economic paupers. The Real Conspiracy Taking a few steps back – it is clear, it is no coincidence that the entire world is stricken by the same virus. That does not happen naturally – but can happen, as it did, when the virus is artificially implanted in every country – and that at the same time. So, there is a diabolical plan behind this so-called corona-crisis which does not even have to be a crisis, if we look at real disease and death rates – not the inflated, fear-inspiring ones. So, who is behind this all? – Well, without naming names and leaving that guessing up to you, there are several reports and events that have “predicted” such a pandemic. One of the most prominent ones, is the 2010 Rockefeller report – that described in surprising detail what is happening now, and calls it the “Lock Step” scenario. According to the report it should get worse and the current pandemic might be followed by a stronger wave later this year or in 2021. Strangely, the IMF’s economic projections for a “post-Covid economy, foresees 3 scenarios, two of which consider another outbreak in the second half of 2020, or in 2021. Event 201 on 18 October 2019 in NYC, simulating among other atrocities a corona pandemic that would leave 65 million dead within 18 months. This was the final stroke before the planned outbreak. Let’s just say that the evil masterminds behind this monstrous crisis are a few very rich, power-thirsty psychopaths and their families and cronies. They are planning a One World Government, also called the New World Order, or the One World Order – that has been under preparation since the latter part of the last century. It requires total control over the population and- a sizable population reduction. That’s where the eugenics come in. Many of the Rockefeller club, the “Bilderberg Society” members have been advocating population reduction for decades, including Bill Gates. He even bragged about it when in a 2010 TED talk in Southern California, “Innovating to Zero”, he said, “when we do a real god job vaccinating, we may reduce world population by 10% to 15%.” . He wants to eliminate poverty, literally. However, talking about it, and connecting the dots of what we are living today – is Conspiracy Theory. Why are Bill Gates’ new corona vaccines possibly killer vaccines? – Here is how it works. The Gates Foundation first created the pharmaceutical company “Moderna” in Seattle, Washington State, not far from his Microsoft empire, basically to produce tailor-made vaccines for the Gates Foundation. Then the foundation gave US$ 20 million to Moderna for the development of a COVID vaccine. A few days ago, Moncef Slaoas resigned from Moderna’s Board to become White House Director of Operation Warp Speed, a plan to fast-track a COVID vaccine. Nobody seems to bother about the flagrant conflict of interest – let alone the health risk that poses. But it gets even better. The Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), a little-known agency that is hardly in the news, had, according to Whitney Webb (Last American Vagabond) knowledge of the pandemic outbreak at least since last November, possibly earlier. This means that President Trump knew about it, but didn’t do anything about it, rather let it happen. His blaming China today for mishandling the corona crisis is a sheer lie and a propaganda bluff to denigrate China’s reputation and her rising economy and solid currency, the yuan – which may soon take over from the dollar as a key world reserve currency. DARPA is also financially supported by the Bill Gates Foundation. They have been working on new vaccine technologies for several years. The COVID-19 outbreak brought this research work to prominence. DARPA is closely collaborating with Bill Gates in applying this new technology to the vaccine, Bill Gates wants to develop and impose on the world population. According to Whitney Webb, DARPA and its partners agencies are planning to “produce DNA and RNA vaccines, classes of vaccine that has never been approved for human use in the US and involve injecting foreign genetic material into the human body. Notably, it is this very class of vaccine, now being produced by DARPA-partnered companies, that billionaire and global health “philanthropist” Bill Gates recently asserted has him “most excited”, relative to other Covid-19 vaccine candidates.”. This is not conspiracy theory; this is real conspiracy. This sounds like the kind of medical trials Hitler’s medical team has carried out. The perpetrators were condemned at Nuremberg. In our dystopian world, nobody will be punished, even if thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands will die from the Gates WHO-supported rush with an untested vaccine. Though, it would match the eugenics agenda. *** The so called (by WHO) COVID-19 “is the biggest scam ever perpetrated on the human race.” It is a multi-generational lie that has become a ‘false normal’, says Dr. Sherry Tenpenny, founder of the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center. And as a piece of reference enhancing her reputation, she has 20 years of vaccine research experience and her articles are translated in 12 languages and she appears frequently on radio and TV to educate parents. “By putting vaccines into our bodies, we are inserting foreign matter, toxins, into our cells, like mercury and aluminum.” In legal terms vaccines are “unavoidably unsafe”. Through pharma lobbying, in 1986 Congress has passed the National Childhood Vaccine Children Act, a law whereby pharmaceutical companies cannot be sued for any damage their vaccines cause, including death. Vaccines have enormous side effects, especially in small children, causing various lasting diseases, like peanut allergies, asthma, eczema and – yes – autism. Particularly harmful vaccines are western-made MMR (measles), polio and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Russian made vaccines have different compositions and have helped prevent millions from polio and other debilitating, crippling or killing diseases. Since 2002, when revenues from vaccines for US pharma companies amounted to about US$ 8 billion, revenues and profits have skyrocketed to more than 60 billion per year by 2020. Every new vaccine is worth about a billion dollars. Anybody who speaks out against vaccination, irrespective of the evidence given, is labeled a conspiracy theorist by the media, and often by the pharma-coopted medical society. People start understanding that Bill Gates and his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) call the shots on public health around the world, especially on vaccination – vaccination against the corona virus. The sinister new vaccine that Bill Gates in tandem with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), one of 27 agencies of the National Institute of Health (NIH), and supported by CDC and WHO – and in cooperation with DARPA – are described above. All Gates promoted vaccines are made by wester pharma-corporations. You should know, that the Bill Gates Foundation also generously funds NIAID, NIH and CDC. Both CDC and NIH own several hundred if not thousands of vaccine patents. So, they have a vested interest in promoting vaccination, no matter how much harm they cause to the population. But this cannot be questioned, let alone criticized – else you will be denigrated as a conspiracy theorist. In fact, western Governments hire psychologists, sociologist and medical doctors to give interviews and talk to the media, on conspiracy theories – in a last-ditch effort to dissuade people from thinking. And many still fall for the lie, but evermore stick to their own investigated information – and demonstrate and protest, often with civil disobedience, against harsh government measure of police -and often military crackdowns. They call out against Bill Gates and WHO, a corrupted organization that receives half to three quarters of its annual budget from private donors, mostly the pharma industry, Bill Gates, but also telecom-industries (that’s why WHO has been silent on the potentially nefarious effects of 5G). Bill Gates is the biggest single donor of WHO. Conflict of interest is never discussed in the media. Those who know the truth and don’t hesitate calling it out, are silenced by being called conspirators, liars by the media and – of course, by much of the medical community. In fact, Bill Gates literally calls the shots on matters of public health that affects the entire world. People – be aware! Also speaking out against vaccines and the lab produced viruses from which eventually vaccines are derived, is Dr. Judy Mikovits, a long-time NIAID micro-biologist, who has been severely punished by Dr. Fauci for defending her research results which Fauci wanted to hide. Her book, “Plague of Corruption” is currently Amazon’s number one Bestseller. That in itself tells a story of a public awakening. Referring to her and her numerous interviews, peer-reviewed scientific articles and her book, is called a conspiracy, because even her own outspokenness is called conspiracy – all in an effort to shut up critics of the current system, of the current new-normal that will soon require universal vaccination (Bill Gates with a sly smile wants to vaccinate 7 billion people in the next ten years). Will it be compulsory? Against most countries Constitutional and Democratic Rights? We don’t know. Seveb billion is a slight exaggeration, because Russia and China will certainly not vaccinate their people with vaccines produced under Bill Gates funding and supervision. But even if it is not compulsory, there may be so many “legal” hindrances put in place by western governments that most people eventually will roll over and accept the possibly killer vaccine that Bill Gates and his association of pharmaceuticals (GAVI) supported by WHO, will impose on humanity. For example, you may not be able to receive or renew your driver’s license, going to concerts, to the movies, to sports events, to fly – and so on. That’s all been talked about and is part of the 2010 Rockefeller Report’s ”Lock Step” scenario , in which we are currently hopelessly navigating – under lockdown and with social distancing’ – so nobody can get together and possibly organize a plot against these draconian inhuman measures. *** Robert F. Kennedy Jr., JFK’s, nephew, founder of “Children’s Health Defense” an NGO advocacy organization has this to say: “Bill Gates is the world’s largest vaccine producer and the single largest donor to WHO and the CDC Foundation. Those agencies are now marketing-arms for his vaccine empire. In January 2019, Gates had WHO declare “vaccine hesitancy” the top “global health threat” (with Ebola, cancer, war, and drug-resistant pathogens), signaling a worldwide Pharma Gold Rush to mandate vaccines to all people. Gates maxed-out in donations to Intelligence Committee Chair Adam Schiff’s Political Action Committee (PAC). In February 2019, Schiff wrote to Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Pinterest, demanding they censor “vaccine misinformation, “a term meaning all skepticism toward government and industry pronouncements about vaccine safety or efficacy––whether true or not. – “Vaccines are both effective and safe,” Schiff wrote. “There is no evidence to suggest that vaccines cause life-threatening or disabling disease.” This was misinformation. A year earlier, Schiff pushed a bill to hike the Vaccine Court admin budget to $11,200,000 to reduce vaccine injury backlogs. The court had already paid out $4 billion for vaccine deaths and disabilities. Facebook and Pinterest said that they will rely on Gates’s WHO and CDC to say which on-line statements are “misinformation or hoaxes.” Facebook and Google hired “FactChecker” (Politifact) to censor vaccine misinformation. The Gates Foundation is “FactChecker’s” largest funder. In his article, “Fact Checker, a Propaganda Device,” investigative journalist Jeremy Hammond concludes, “Facebook is guilty of misinforming its users about vaccine safety… They have no problem with lies about vaccine safety and effectiveness, as long as it’s intended to persuade parents to vaccinate their children.” On May 4, 2017, FactChecker declared as false, Del Bigtree’s statement, “Vaccines include aluminum and mercury, which are neurotoxins, and vaccines cause encephalopathy.” FactChecker explained, “Current data show vaccines are safe and do not cause toxicity or encephalopathy.” [However], manufacturer’s inserts reveal that many vaccines contain aluminum and mercury, and cause encephalopathy. – Finally, massive gifts to NPR & PBS buy Gates biased vaccine coverage. This statement is from public media Highwire. “I’m (Robert Kennedy) not anti-vaccine. I’m against dangerous, shoddily tested, zero liability vaccines with toxic ingredients. If someone came up with a thoroughly tested vaccine that was completely safe and efficient, one that performed as promised, one that made people healthier rather than sicker, I’d be for it. – Indeed, only an idiot would oppose it. But under no condition, would I support mandatory vaccination. Government has no right to force citizens to take unwanted medicines or to submit to involuntary medical interventions.” And he adds: “Google is a vaccine company. It has a $760 million partnership with Glaxo-the world’s largest vaccine maker and similar deals with Sanofi and Merck to mine your medical information. Googles mother company, Alphabet, has 4 vaccines developers working on flu, and other, vaccines.” Google and Youtube are removing videos from highly experienced doctors, epidemiologists, biologists and virologists – censuring is also the new normal – but they are promoting a billionaire software developer and a 16 year old climate change “expert” about viruses and vaccines — what does that say for the media, for the governments that support and finance the media. The Strategy behind shouting Conspiracy – Conspiracy Theorist There is a lot of psychology behind the strategy – leading people to a state of cognitive dissonance, of believing a narrative they know is a fiction, meaning, you know there is something not quite right, but you don’t’ dare questioning it. Why? Because of being called a conspiracy theorist. And why does that matter? Because it is a demeaning term, robbing the accused of his credibility (well thought-out by the CIA in the 1950s). Somebody stamped as a conspiracy theorist, believing in conspiracy theories – in fake news, makes you a lesser person in your friends’ eyes. So, they may avoid you – and if you stick to your opinion, you may gradually move into isolation. Being isolated, no friends, is fear-provoking. So, better believe the official narrative. The silver lining around this dark cloud is ever more visible and ever brighter. Be self-assured. Don’t cave in. Stick to your own research, to your opinion, regardless of being insulted as a conspiracy theorist. Stand up for what you believe – and do it with passion. Other people also have doubts, and when they see people defending their believes with passion, they may join you. And so, a critical mass grows. And the conspiracy theory strategy loses rapidly power – and fades away. Fading is already visible throughout European and US cities, where tens of thousands take to the streets, defending their civil and human and Constitutional Rights. These are encouraging signs. Hope never fades – until “we shall overcome.”

2 notes · View notes

drarindamchaudhuri · 4 years

Text

Why are we testing people for COVID-19?

Here's why it's a meaningless exercise.

Disclaimer: This article was written the day India touched 20k cases!

India is in a hilarious state. We get an update every evening, today we have 20k cases and we did 30k tests and added 1350 new cases and we are doubling every 10 days instead of 7 days till last week.

What we don't tell people is, when we were doing 2k tests also we were getting 4.5% new cases. And now at 30k tests a day also we are finding 4.5% new cases. Then why are we lying that we are doubling every 10 days.

It's in our hands to decide to announce how many days we are doubling in. If we do 60k tests, we will get 2700 new cases and that would amount to doubling every 5 days. If we do 6 lacs tests then in one day we will add 27k new cases and double every 18 hours!

Yes that's the fact.

Today New York Governor referred to the following research and said he believes that the cases are far far more in reality in New York.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-new-york-coronavirus-antibody-survey20200423-4mulrpltbvflrpmq6miw7yhzlq-story.html

What this basically means is more than 20% of New York population have already got the virus... That's 1.6 million plus in New York alone.

In India I don't even want to say 4.5% already have though our daily results suggest that. In case 4.5% have then in India alone we have 65 million cases - more than 25 times the globally declared numbers. At 1% we have 14 million cases, more than 5 times the globally declared numbers.

What are we really trying to do by testing? Keeping ourselves busy??

India has a population of 138 crores, even if we do 1 lac COVID tests a day we will take 37 years to reach the last man- that too without taking into consideration the rate of growth of our population.

When we know that most of us get mild symptoms and that in 18 months most likely we will all get it. All we need to focus upon is on having emergency health facilities for those who show symptoms and come to the hospitals. We must now forget about keeping track of numbers. It’s a totally stupid and a fake exercise. As I just showed India itself might be having far far more than the no of cases reported in the world till now. Who knows it actually has.

After all we have 750 districts. Even if 10 extra deaths happen in each district daily we wouldn't come to know… that's 7.5k deaths a day. Poor in India just die. They have no clue why they die. In Indore there were suddenly 5 times more dead bodies coming every day in a graveyard. They found out they weren't Covid victims. Obviously. They never went and tested.

We need to only focus on awareness. Awareness that we need to home quarantine

>>>our elders, maybe 55+

>>>those with multiple heath issues

>>>and those who are obese

These are the only the high-risk categories.

Out of the rest many probably already have as found out in New York that 14-20% people already have antibodies. Similar will be the case with us soon. I believe 2-4% might already have.

The good news is, as I have been saying from before the lockdown, India might escape being severely affected because coronaviruses break down at a temperature of 26-28 degrees and viruses are less effective in humid conditions. And that probably is what will happen soon as a research has actually established:

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/sunlight-destroys-coronavirus-quickly-say-us-scientists2217319

But till the time we reap the benefits of the Indian heat and humidity, we need to do the right things.

We also need to realize and spread awareness that those who have developed immunity and have antibodies already can still spread the virus.. Not for a few weeks but upto even two years... That's how viruses work. That's how Ebola came back again. And as this article says

https://www.livescience.com/59996-ebola-virus-stays-in-semen-for-years.html

So developing immunity means nothing, you can still be passing on.

So till we have a vaccine, I repeat, we need to keep all those who are 60+, all those with multiple health conditions and all those who are obese; Pretty much quarantined and away from the rest of the population.

Rest of us will get it and probably recover and carry antibodies.

What we need to focus upon is emergency medical facilities in every district to take care of those who get critical, to avoid a global famine, and a massive economic pandemic that's staring at us.

And I again request our PM to get his teamwork on an Economic Stimulus Package and Emergency Health Facilities as outlined in my previous recombination below, as soon as possible.

https://www.facebook.com/76429890015/posts/as-india-becomes-becomes-the-country-withthe-highest-day-on-day-growth-rate-of-/10158560632110016/

Oh yes, one last point on the economic front.

If we really need to make sure that Chinese investments don't take over our assets then the current measures won't help at all. Any investor would know countries like China and its Fortune 500 companies such as Alibaba and the likes invest globally through multiple level trusts incorporated in regions like Cayman Islands. It is almost impossible for the Indian government to even have a whiff of what's going to happen. Even the SEBI Takeover Code (that prohibits any kind of an undisclosed share purchase of a publicly listed company by any private body, domestic or foreign, beyond 5% each financial year) can be easily gamed by bringing in multiple investment firms that quickly each lap up 5% and take over the target company.

Just as an example. HSBC India is owned by HSBC Group in London, which has a significant investment from Fisher Management registered in Washington (which has its investments into Alibaba, Taiwan Semiconductor Company, Alphabet etc routed through various entities in Cayman). I believe HSBC is fully owned by the Chinese government. Look at the amount of money and the number of Mutual Funds they operate in India (https://www.moneycontrol.com/mf/mfinfo/amc_sch_listing.php?ffid=HS). How can anyone control those investments?

So what the government has done is a good beginning.

Now that Trump has openly said America has been attacked, I believe many countries will soon evoke an enemy country act and maybe nationalize everything that's directly or indirectly linked to China. And if say Europe, US and India were to do it together then most likely all their investments would be revealed and ruined.

The Chinese have been through the entire 2019-20 accumulating gold reserves, perhaps anticipating - like Russia under Putin did long back - that keeping money stored in dollars is not that safe after all. So the sale of gold to China must also be regulated simultaneously.

All in all, one needs to do much more in that front too. And yes not just stop China from buying up our companies cheap, maybe even global giants from other countries also from doing the same.

1 note · View note

brajeshupadhyay · 4 years

Quote

08:52 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha confirms 177 COVID-19 cases with two deaths With more person testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Odisha, the total number of confirmed cases in the state climbed to 177 on Wednesday. The health department also said one fresh COVID-19 fatality was reported, taking the toll to two. Of the total confirmed cases, there are 115 active cases. The recovery rate stood at 33.9 percent after 60 COVID-19 patients were discharged. 08:42 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates In Images: Industrial units in Kathua open today Jammu & Kashmir: Industrial units in Kathua open today amid #CoronavirusLockdown, following the revised guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. pic.twitter.com/fnKAsCGrFu — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2020 08:24 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Aarogya Setu team says 'no data at risk' after French hacker raises concerns over security issue The official handle of Aarogya Setu contact-tracing app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, asserted late on Tuesday that "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk". The reply from the team came in response to a tweet by Elliot Alderson, a French security researcher, earlier in the day, who claimed: "Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards. PS: Rahul Gandhi was right." Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards, PS: @RahulGandhi was right — Elliot Alderson (@fs0c131y) May 5, 2020 08:13 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Aarogya Setu team issues statement on data security of app Statement from Team #AarogyaSetu on data security of the App. pic.twitter.com/JS9ow82Hom — Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) May 5, 2020 08:06 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates 64K flights to airlift stranded Indians from 12 countries from Thursday An airlift operation will commence on Thursday with 64 flights bringing back close to 15,000 Indian nationals from 12 countries in the first week of the ambitious exercise to repatriate lakhs of people. The operation, as foreign minister S Jaishankar said in a tweet, is titled 'Vande Bharat Mission'. Commenced preparations for Vande Bharat Mission. Planning underway for stranded Indian nationals to return home starting 7th May. Urge them to keep in regular touch with their Embassies. pic.twitter.com/uFtNijO3DO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) May 5, 2020 07:50 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates Security concerns pointed out by legal experts in Aarogya Setu app A clause limiting the government's liability to user data for its Aarogya Setu contact tracing app has made some legal experts question whether, in case of unauthorised access to the information, a legal recourse would be the only option available, especially since the app has been made mandatory for a significant section of citizens. According to the app's terms and conditions, the user "agrees and acknowledges that the Government of India will not be liable for…any unauthorized access to your information or modification thereof." 07:41 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates In Photos: Special train carrying 1,200 migrants depart from Punjab for UP Punjab: A Shramik special train, carrying around 1200 people, left from Jalandhar last night for Uttar Pradesh, last night amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/d94vacB7GD — ANI (@ANI) May 6, 2020 07:37 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates Lockdown extension in Telangana till 29 May Telangana has said it will continue the lockdown in the state to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus till 29 May - ten days after it is scheduled to end in the rest of the country. "People want lockdown extended. I have informed the prime minister about our decision," said Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao after a 7- hour cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. The state has six districts in the red zone, 18 in orange and nine in the green zone. 07:31 (IST) Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Sec 144 extended in Ghaziabad till 31 May The Ghaziabad administration on Tuesday extended the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in the district till 31 May. However, district magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey clarified restrictions on movement and opening of establishments will remain applicable only till the lockdown is in place. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The official handle of Aarogya Setu contact-tracing app, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, asserted late on Tuesday that "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk". The reply from the team came in response to a tweet by Elliot Alderson, a French security researcher, earlier in the day, who claimed: "Hi @SetuAarogya, A security issue has been found in your app. The privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake. Can you contact me in private? Regards. PS: Rahul Gandhi was right." A clause limiting the government's liability to user data for its Aarogya Setu contact tracing app has made some legal experts question whether, in case of unauthorised access to the information, a legal recourse would be the only option available, especially since the app has been made mandatory for a significant section of citizens. According to the app's terms and conditions, the user "agrees and acknowledges that the Government of India will not be liable for…any unauthorized access to your information or modification thereof." The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases rose by a record 3,900 on Tuesday while deaths from the deadly coronavirus topped the 1,500-mark with nearly 200 more fatalities, even as the Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said "fighting coronavirus is no rocket science" and that "people may remember this pandemic as a blessing in disguise if they imbibe good hygiene practices". Vardhan told PTI that India has been able to stave off community transmission of COVID-19 and hoped that the "behavioural changes" brought about by the infection could become the "new normal" for a healthy society after the pandemic abates. In its 5 pm official update on the COVID-19 situation in India, the Health Ministry said the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 1,583 with 194 fatalities reported since Monday evening, while the number of cases saw a big jump of 3,875 to reach 46,711. However, a PTI tally of numbers reported by different states and Union territories till 6.30 pm showed more than 47,000 people testing positive for the virus so far, while it put the death toll at over 1,500. It also showed nearly 13,000 COVID-19 patients having recovered. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat report huge spike in COVID-19 cases Tamil Nadu reported 508 new cases on Tuesday, which took its tally past 4,000, while in Gujarat too, 441 more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking its total to more than 6,200. Several other states also reported rising numbers. Experts, however, said the peak of this deadly virus outbreak was yet to come and may be witnessed in India over the next 4-6 weeks, while another spurt might be seen later during the winter season. The numbers suggested that more than one-third of the total confirmed cases across the country have been detected in the past one week, with only a few urban centres in a handful of states including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi accounting for a bulk of it. Govt to bring back Indians stranded abroad Fears also emerged that India's tally may increase further with the government announcing plans to bring back a large number of Indians from various countries, beginning on Wednesday. PTI quoted sources as saying that over three lakh people have registered for the evacuation from the Gulf region itself. While the absolute number of cases and the toll in India is lower than many others, with more than 2.5 lakh people having lost their lives and over 35 lakh having been infected worldwide ever since the emergence of this virus in China last December, the lockdown restrictions have been lifted in several countries and many of them are now reporting few or zero cases. Government officials, however, maintained that India has managed to stave off a community transmission risk and the country remains in a "comfortable" position in terms of managing the COVID-19 crisis, though they cautioned against any laxity at the field level. Meanwhile, scores of migrant workers, desperate to travel back to their native states amidst the coronavirus-induced lockdown, on Tuesday came out on streets in Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat, officials said. While more than 1,000 migrant workers carrying luggage gathered in Nikol area in Ahmedabad following a rumour that buses would be run for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, several others came on streets in Varachha area of Surat city. According to PTI, Gujarat has seen the maximum movement of migrant workers to their home states in about 35 shramik special trains, followed by Kerala from where 13 such trains have left. Among the receiving states, Bihar has accepted 13 trains, with 11 more currently on the journey and six in the pipeline, the data shows. Neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has received 10 such trains and five more are on their way, with 12 in the pipeline, the data shows. The West Bengal government has, however, given clearance to only two trains -- one each from Rajasthan and Kerala -- and they are on their journeys to the state, the data shows. Highest single-day jump in toll and cases The Health Ministry said the country recorded a record single-day increase of 195 deaths and 3,900 cases between Monday 8 am and Tuesday 8 am. These included fatalities reported from West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, among other places. At the same time, the recovery rate has improved to 28.17 percent, health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal said during a press briefing on the COVID-19 situation. "We are very comfortable in terms of managing COVID-19 as of now, but any laxity at the field level or any lack of cooperation may have its consequences,” he warned. Agarwal also said that the delay in reporting of COVID-19 cases by certain states has led to the sudden spurt in figures. The country's top medical institute AIIMS' Director Randeep Guleria, however, claimed that the COVID-19 curve has remained relatively flat so far, but cautioned that the continued rise in the number of cases at a steady rate is a cause of concern. Different modelling experts have predicted that a peak in the number of cases of COVID-19 may occur in the next four to six weeks — that is by the end of May or the middle of June, Guleria said, while stressing on the need to remain extra vigilant and to make efforts to reduce the number of cases in the hotspots. "However, the number of cases continue to rise at a steady rate and this is a cause of concern. Every citizen should understand his responsibility and sincerely follow the principles of lockdown and social distancing, especially if they are in hotspots or containment areas," Guleria, a pulmonologist, said. He also said that the country may see a rise in COVID-19 cases during the winter again. Must do 'balancing act' between health, economy: Harsh Vardhan The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) said in a report that India's unemployment rate has soared to 27.11 percent amid the COVID-19 crisis, from below 7 percent in mid-March. The Mumbai-based think tank said the rate of unemployment was the highest in the urban areas, which constitute the most number of the red zones due to the COVID-19 cases, at 29.22 percent, as against 26.69 percent for the rural areas. Separately, Vardhan also underlined the importance of the nationwide lockdown, imposed since 24 March and scheduled to remain in place till 17 May, and said health should be on the radar just as much as the economy. “The government has to do a balancing act,” Vardhan said on the need to focus on the health of people as well as on the economy. He also said the nation, in a post-coronavirus future, could well look back on the pandemic period as a “blessing in disguise” if Indians imbibe hand, respiratory and environmental hygiene and practise it daily. "By now we know that fighting coronavirus is no rocket science. If behavioural changes such as hand, environmental and respiratory hygiene, which are being practiced more rigorously during this period, get imbibed in society it will become the new normal," Vardhan said. Other than smallpox and polio, no other viral infection has been completely eradicated from this country. Other diseases keep recurring, the minister said, indicating that COVID-19 might be here for the long haul. In the meantime, new cases that were detected on Tuesday included the serving and retired armed forces personnel in the Army's Research and Referral hospital in the National Capital. Authorities also sealed a floor of Shastri Bhavan, which houses several important ministries, after a senior official of the Law Ministry tested positive for the coronavirus. This was the second incident of a government building being partially cordoned off in the Lutyen's Delhi within a week, after the NITI Aayog building in the high-security zone was sealed on 28 April for 48 hours after a director-level officer tested positive for the virus. Before that, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, which houses the Civil Aviation Ministry, was sealed for sanitisation. In other such incidents, the CRPF headquarters and a portion of the BSF headquarters were also sealed recently. These buildings are in CGO Complex in the national capital. UK's COVID-19 toll crosses Italy's casualties Britain on Tuesday became the first country in Europe to confirm more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths, and infections rose sharply again in Russia, even as other nations made great strides in containing the scourge. China marked its third week with no new reported deaths, while South Korea restarted its baseball season. China and South Korea together reported only four cases on Tuesday, while Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand were among the countries having reported no cases for two consecutive days. Also, focus seems to have shifted globally towards developing a vaccine with several world leaders committing more than $8 billion since Monday for this purpose. In the US, some states took continued steps to lift the lockdown restrictions that have thrown millions out of work, even as the country recorded thousands of new infections and deaths every day. Underscoring the stakes, New York state reported 1,700 more people died in nursing homes than it had previously counted. The British government said about 28,700 people with COVID-19 had died in hospitals, nursing homes and other settings, while Italy reported close to 29,100 fatalities. Both figures are almost certainly underestimates because they include only people who tested positive, and testing was not widespread in Italian and British nursing homes until recently. With inputs from agencies

http://sansaartimes.blogspot.com/2020/05/coronavirus-outbreak-live-updates_73.html

#SEO #Local SEO training #daily news paper #daily news india #daily news newspaper #technology news a

1 note · View note

go-redgirl · 5 years

Photo

Deroy Murdock

Trump Has Kept US From Becoming Italy With Four Time Zones

Mar 28, 2020

Trump Has Kept US From Becoming Italy With Four Time Zones

Military personnel disinfect a trolley outside the church of San Giuseppe in Seriate, Italy on March 28, 2020, as coffins of people deceased from the Coronavirus are carried to be blessed inside the church. (Piero Cruciatti/AFP Photo by Piero via Getty Images)

By Deroy Murdock Saturday, 28 March 2020 05:32 AM

"The most incompetent and uninformed president in history has led the federal government into the worst emergency response to a pandemic that we have ever seen in this country," MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell ranted March 12. "More people are sick in America tonight, because Donald Trump is president. More people are dead and dying in America tonight because Donald Trump is president."

According to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. (socialist), "the current administration is largely incompetent, and its incompetence and recklessness has [sic] threatened the lives of many people."

Time magazine snarled, "Faced with the most dangerous threat to American life since at least the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the 45th President made matters worse."

As of Thursday, March 26 at 5:37 p.m., Johns Hopkins University reported 82,404 COVID-19 cases in America as well as 1,178 deaths. These rapidly changing data are grim. But how do they compare with those overseas? How is a nation with 332 million people managing against, say, China, from whence COVID-19 crawled, population: 1.4 billion?

Social scientists would gauge these disparate figures as they would evaluate nations along other key metrics, such as GDP: on a per-capita basis. Using Johns Hopkins’ priceless and highly televised COVID-19 website and the CIA World Factbook’s population forecasts for July 2020, one easily can judge America’s relative international performance against this invisible enemy.

Among the top 20 nations that Johns Hopkins ranked by total cases, America now is No. 13, with 248 cases per million inhabitants. The top three countries, by this criterion, are Switzerland, with 1,405 per million, Italy (1,291), and Spain (1,127).

Concerning fatalities, among these top 20, America is now No. 12, with 3.5 deaths per million. This grim yardstick measured three leading countries: Italy, with 132 per million, Spain (83), and France (27). COVID-19 deaths skew older and male. These data, alas, do not address these variables.

These comparisons suggest that President Trump’s leadership of America’s COVID-19 response is not the immaculate CDC clean room that his fans envision. But it’s neither the festering Petri dish nor the Death Row of which Trump’s foes scream.

Weighing COVID-19 cases, these data identify modern, prosperous, non-MAGA Switzerland, Italy, and Spain, and liberal favorites Belgium (No. 7), Netherlands (9), and Sweden (12) as nations with less attractive results than America’s (13). Conversely, the UK (No. 14), South Korea (15), Canada (17), and even China (18) enjoy better scores than America’s.

Among fatalities, the UK — home of the National Health Service (No. 8), Sweden (9), and Portugal (10) have endured more deaths than the U.S. has (12). But Norway (No. 14), Australia (19), and Brazil (20) are less toxic.

President Trump’s response resembles neither Dr. Jonas Salk nor The Grim Reaper. America has steered clear of the top 10 in terms of COVID-19 cases and deaths.

These data indicate that President Trump has worked tirelessly and creatively with a diligent team, all confronting an unseen and unexpected enemy. Their results have left Americans healthier than the citizens of numerous major nations.

Furthermore, the left’s "Trump blew it" narrative would ring true if the rest of the planet were healthy, open for business, and shocked at how badly the ailing, dying Yanks botched it, while everybody else aced it.

Instead, country after country has called in sick, closed its doors, and commenced prayer. If Trump got anything wrong, so did most nations and leaders, including some whom the Left adores.

Has President Trump’s response been perfect? Has anyone’s?

While Democrats conducted Trump’s Senate impeachment trial, he chaired a White House meeting of his Coronavirus Task Force and made his most important decision in this crisis: He barred aliens who had been in China within 14 days of attempted arrival. Trump did this on January 31, one day after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic.

This courageous action surely kept America from becoming Italy with four time zones.

Bucknell University’s Michael Malarkey contributed research to this opinion piece.

1 note · View note

covid19updater · 5 years

Text

COVID19 Updates: 03/20/2020

Italy: At least 14 Italian doctors have lost their lives in the battle against #COVID19 as of Thursday, local media reported. More than 2,600 Italian health workers have contracted the #coronavirus, accounting for 8.3% of the country's total.

Germany: BREAKING - Bavaria (Germany) imposes quasi **curfew** to contain the #COVID19 outbreak in the federal state. Effective tonight for two weeks. Police will enforce, high penalties for violation threatened. Other federal states in Germany will follow.

Brazil: BRAZIL PRESIDENT BOLSONARO SAYS JUNE LIKELY TO BE THE MOST CRITICAL MONTH FOR CORONAVIRUS

Germany: BREAKING - Several automotive suppliers in Bavaria are switching production to protective equipment, disinfectants, and respirator masks amid #COVID19. Production output is expected as high as several tens of thousands of masks per day by next week.

India: 'India must prepare for a tsunami of coronavirus cases' Dr Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy has warned that India could soon be dealing with a "tsunami" of coronavirus cases.

UK: An exhausted nurse has urged panic-buyers to think about other people after finding supermarket shelves empty.

India: Number of coronavirus positive cases in India rise to 223: Health Ministry

Italy: ITALY'S LOMBARDY REGIONAL HEAD SAYS GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO USE ARMY TO IMPOSE LOCKDOWN IN HIS REGION

Italy: ITALY'S LOMBARDY REGIONAL HEAD FONTANA SAYS LATEST DATA SHOWS NO SIGN OF SLOWDOWN OF CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC IN HIS REGION

UK: Coronavirus self-isolation needs to go on for 12 months, UK’s scientific advice says

Italy: Inside Italy’s hardest hit hospital. Link

Belgium: Belgium reports 462 new cases and 16 new coronavirus deaths, raising the country's total to 2,572 cases with 37 confirmed deaths.

Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh first responders won’t be notified of Coronavirus exposures. Link

RUMINT (UK): “The hospitals in London are overwhelmed.” “The public and media are not aware that today we no longer live in a city with a properly functioning western healthcare system.” Patients with suspected COVID-19 are being mixed with non-COVID-19 patients.

NYC: NBC News audio person dies from COVID19. Link

Morocco: Morocco government yesterday announced a state of emergency in the country to take effect at 17GMT today, locking down cities and restricting unnecessary movement to curb the spread of the #COVID19

Pakistan: Grim warning from doctors at PIMS Isb(Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences) about the looming #covid19 disaster. "Impose a curfew if you must. We simply do not have resources to deal with this. There are a total of 10 beds & 2 ventilators in the isolation ward. Nothing else has been provided."

Russia: #BREAKING: 54 new coronavirus cases discovered in Russia in past 24 hours bringing the total now up to 253 Total #coronavirus cases in Russia. March 20: 253. March 19: 199. March 18: 147. March 17: 114

NIH: The #coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, can be caught through breathing infected air or after touching contaminated objects, according to a new report by National Institutes of Health (NIH), CDC, UCLA, and Princeton University scientists.

US: The U.S. Government Is Preparing For An 18 Month Pandemic And "Critical Shortages" Link

RUMINT (Indiana): Indianapolis en route control center (ZID) a front-line supervisor has caught the China Virus and ZID is in the process of going atc zero. The FAA is calling in people for overtime in surrounding facilities to cover ZID airspace. Expect delays across the center of USA.

NY: @NYGovCuomo #BREAKING: I will sign an Executive Order mandating that 100% of workforce must stay home, excluding essential services.This order excludes pharmacies, grocery stores, and others.

NY: 1,939 new cases overnight in New York City. 2,950 new cases in New York State overnight,

Canada: Canada to ramp up production of medical supplies, shut border to asylum seekers to fight COVID-19 and talks are underway with airlines for repatriation flights to bring Canadians home

UK: UK: Hospital ICU at a London hospital Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow at capacity. Cases being transferred to other hospitals. Declared 'Critical Incident' Source Sky News live (UPDATE: Link)

Germany: GERMANY: INFECTED: 18,588 (+3,268 cases since yesterday)

UK: Changing of the guard at royal palaces canceled until further notice. LINK

RUMINT (Texas): Just so people know the real truth. My county of over 50,000 just told me they only have 4 test kits...And all these people went to Galveston Mardi Gras and cruises

NYC: Manhattan lawyer abruptly dies from COVID19, 2 days after saying he felt much better. LINK

RUMINT (New Jersey): NEW JERSEY DRIVE-THROUGH CORONAVIRUS TEST SITE HAS 1,000 CARS WAITING

Spain: Coronavirus Update: Spain Overtakes Iran On Virus With 20k Confirmed Cases

Trump: "I'm probably more of a fan of that than maybe anybody," says @POTUS of chloroquine after Dr. Fauci cautions there's only anecdotal evidence that the malaria drug is effective in helping #COVID19 patients.

Georgia: #BREAKING NEWS: The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Georgia is now 420, with 13 deaths.

US: *SCHUMER SAYS HOSPITALS WILL BE IN DEEP TROUBLE IN A FEW WEEKS

IItaly : 5986 new cases and 627 new deaths in Italy

Massachusetts: Massachusetts just had their first confirmed death from the Corona Virus.

NYC: 743 MORE cases in New York City since morning update That means 2,682 new cases in NYC since last night. 5,151 total & 29 deaths

Illinois: Governor to issue ‘shelter in place’ order. LINK

France: 12610 total cases in France. 450 dead. 1297 in serious condition. 50% in serious condition are less than 60 years old

RUMINT (China): Latest figures released by China Mobile show that they have lost 8.116 million users in Jan and Feb. Where are these users now? Switched to other carriers? Or, they couldn't carry their phone to the nether world?

New York: #UPDATE "We're all in quarantine now," said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, warning of fines and mandatory closures for anyone violating the order, as the total of deaths linked to the novel #coronavirus more than doubled in three days

Nigeria: Lagos hospitals now receiving patients suffering from Chloroquine poisoning just one day after President Trump announced that the US has approved the anti-malarial drug for use as a treatment against #COVID19.

California: 1,006 Positive #COVID19 Cases in CA: 24 Federal Repatriation Flight Cases; 982 Cases not related to those flights; 86 Travel Associated; 108 Person-to-person; 266 Community Acquired; 522 Under Investigation

RUMINT : I got in and out right before the grocery store got absolutely packed. People were pretty good about separating, except at checkout...lots of idiots pressed right up on each other. I picked a line where everyone was wearing gloves and standing a minimum of a cart length apart and keeping their mouths shut so their freaky germs didn't fly everywhere. Hit the liquor store, amazingly was empty, for a couple more things. Not going out again, that was twice in last week, but I could FEEL the corona in that store or coming shortly. It was the most fucked thing ever, and I could tell some others sensed it too.

Illinois: BREAKING: Sources tell me CPD officers will be posted in the following areas: hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores, City Hall, libraries, hardware supply stores and designated retail stores after Governor Pritzker announces ‘shelter in place’ for Illinois residents. @cbschicago

Poland: VIRUS TRAGEDY Healthy new mum, 27, dies from coronavirus days after giving birth in Poland becoming one of world’s youngest victims

Michigan: Detroit police chief: 5 officers diagnosed with COVID-19, 152 quarantined

New Jersey: GovMurphy says New Jersey will enact stronger measures to prevent the spread of the virus: "I'm going to have a significant announcement probably tomorrow morning to make, a whole series of new steps that will take effect tomorrow night. We have no choice." #MTPDaily

1 note · View note

behealthy99 · 3 years

Text

Coronavirus live updates | WHO chief warns against talk of 'endgame' in pandemic

New Post has been published on https://behealthy99.com/coronavirus-live-updates-who-chief-warns-against-talk-of-endgame-in-pandemic/

Coronavirus live updates | WHO chief warns against talk of 'endgame' in pandemic

On Monday, 397 deaths were recorded, considerably higher than the average levels recorded in the last week.

The number of recorded fatalities has reached 4,89,903.

Tamil Nadu reported the most deaths (46) followed by Punjab (39) and West Bengal (37).

On Sunday, 14.7 lakh tests were conducted (the results of which were made available on Monday). The test positivity rate (the number of cases detected per 100 tests) was 15.9%.

Editorial | Not mild for all: On community transmission of Omicron

Read | Tackling the Omicron wave, getting future-ready

You can track coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and State levels here. A list of State Helpline numbers is available as well.

Here are the updates:

COVID cases reported on Australian aid vessel sailing to virus-free Tonga

About two dozen cases of COVID-19 have been recorded among the crew of an Australian warship on its way to deliver humanitarian aid to virus-free Tonga, authorities said on Tuesday.

Authorities in Tonga, hit by a massive volcanic eruption and a tsunami on Jan. 15, have asked for aid to be delivered without human contact amid concerns a COVID outbreak would be devastating for the tiny Pacific island nation.

The HMAS Adelaide which left from Brisbane carrying large quantities of supplies, helicopters, water purification equipment, additional humanitarian aid, and also an Australian Army engineer contingent, is due to arrive in Tonga in a few days. – Reuters

Assam

Assam government tightens COVID restrictions, non-vaccinated people banned from visiting public places

The Assam government on Monday issued an order tightening restrictions to contain spread of COVID-19 in the state and banning entry of non-vaccinated people to public places, except hospitals.

It also directed authorities to shut schools for up to class 8 students.

The government asked citizens to carry proof of vaccination while going to public places.

These restrictions will come into effect from 6 a.m. of January 25, the order said. – PTI

China

China tests two million in Beijing, lifts COVID lockdown in Xi’an

Less than two weeks before the opening of the Winter Olympics, a few dozen COVID-19 cases in Beijing have prompted authorities to test millions of people in the capital and extend that to anyone buying cold medicine.

The tough new measures came even as the city of Xi’an, a major tourist destination that is the home of the Terracotta Warrior statue army, lifted a lockdown Monday that had isolated its 13 million people for a month.

More than 3,000 people have arrived for the Games since Jan. 4, including over 300 athletes and team officials, plus media and other participants, organizers said Monday. So far, 78 people have tested positive, including one who was an athlete or team official. – AP

United Kingdom

U.K. to lift travel test requirements for the vaccinated

The British government announced Monday that it is scrapping coronavirus travel testing requirements for the vaccinated, news hailed by the travel industry as a big step back to normality.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that “to show that this country is open for business, open for travelers, you will see changes so that people arriving no longer have to take tests if they have been vaccinated, if they have been double vaccinated.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the change would take effect Feb. 11, coinciding with a midterm holiday break for many schoolchildren. – AP

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Raj Bhawan cancels Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception as Covid cases spike

The Raj Bhawan on Monday night decided to cancel this year’s Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception in view of the spike in coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir.

Liutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged the people of the Union Territory to follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and safety protocols issued by the health officials, a Raj Bhawan spokesman said.

Jammu and Kashmir on Monday recorded 5,394 fresh cases of coronavirus taking the infection count to 4,02,596 while eight deaths due to the virus were reported in the past 24 hours, officials said. – PTI

USA

U.S. CDC warns against travel to Peru, Kuwait, UAE over COVID

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday advised against travel to 15 countries and territories because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases.

The CDC elevated its travel recommendation to “Level Four: Very High” for Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Jamaica, Guadeloupe, Kuwait, Mongolia, Niger, Peru, Romania, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates.

The CDC now recommends against travel to about 115 countries and territories worldwide. – Reuters

Germany

Germany extends COVID curbs as infections threaten infrastructure

Germany on Monday extended its current pandemic measures as the experts panel appointed by the government has warned the fast spreading Omicron coronavirus variant could bring critical infrastructure in Europe’s biggest economy to a breaking point.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he had agreed with the heads of the federal states to extend restrictions such as limiting private gatherings to 10 ten people and requiring proof of booster vaccination or a negative test at restaurants.

“Now it’s time to stay on course,” said Mr. Scholz after a meeting on Monday. – Reuters

USA

U.S. COVID peak may be over but not the pain as deaths rise

Even as COVID-19 cases drop and hospitalizations show signs of plateauing in hard-hit pockets of the United States, the still-rising death toll from the Omicron variant highlights the trail of loss that follows every virus surge.

Coronavirus deaths hit an 11-month high on Sunday, climbing 11% in the past week when compared to the prior week, according to a Reuters analysis.

COVID-19 fatalities are a lagging indicator, meaning their numbers usually rise a few weeks after new cases and hospitalizations. – Reuters

India

India’s total case tally reaches 3.95 crore

The country recorded 2,34,650 new COVID-19 cases on Monday.

The total number of infections has reached 3.95 crore and the active cases have crossed the 22.4-lakh mark.

The figures are based on the State bulletins released until 10 p.m. on Monday.

However, Ladakh, Haryana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Lakshadweep had not yet released data for the day.

Karnataka recorded 46,426 infections followed by Tamil Nadu (30,215) and Maharashtra (28,286).

India

COVID 3.0 drags activity lower by 20% in less than a month

The onset of the third COVID-19 wave in the country has dragged down economic activity by about 20% in less than a month, as per a Nomura index tracking resumption of business operations since the pandemic started.

The Nomura India Business Resumption Index fell to 100.5 for the week ended January 23, from 102.2 in the preceding week, only approximately 0.5% above pre-pandemic levels, the firm said in a note on Monday.

A reading of 100 on the index indicates activity levels before the pandemic hit the economy in early 2020. This is the fourth successive week of moderation in the index, which had peaked at 120.2 in the week ended December 26, and signals a slowdown in the economy in tandem with the rise in COVID-19 cases ahead of the Union Budget for 2022-23 to be presented next week. Nomura recently cut its India GDP growth forecast for 2021-22 to 8.7% from 9.2%. “We expect the upcoming Budget… to prioritise growth, with directional fiscal consolidation to 6.4% of GDP in 2022—23 from 6.8% of GDP expected in 2021-22,” Nomura research analysts Sonal Varma and Aurodeep Nandi noted.

Tamil Nadu

Protest staged against compulsory COVID vaccination in Madurai

People’s Federation against Compulsory Vaccination staged a demonstration here on Monday protesting against the government forcing people to compulsorily get COVID vaccine.

Citing the affidavit filed by the Centre in the Supreme Court which said that the government was not forcing anyone to get themselves compulsorily vaccinated, the federation said that the union government should give up its present policy on vaccination which was against the Constitution of India.

World

WHO chief warns against talk of ‘endgame’ in pandemic

The head of the World Health Organisation is warning that conditions remain ideal for more coronavirus variants to emerge and says it’s dangerous to assume omicron is the last one or that “we are in the endgame”, while saying the acute phase of the pandemic could still end this year — if some key targets are met.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director-general, laid out Monday an array of achievements and concerns in global health over issues like reducing tobacco use, fighting resistance to anti-microbial treatments, and risks of climate change on human health. But he said “ending the acute phase of the pandemic must remain our collective priority”.

“There are different scenarios for how the pandemic could play out and how the acute phase could end. But it’s dangerous to assume that omicron will be the last variant or that we are in the endgame,” Tedros told the start of a WHO executive board meeting this week. “On the contrary, globally, the conditions are ideal for more variants to emerge.” But he insisted that “we can end COVID-19 as a global health emergency, and we can do it this year,” by reaching goals like WHO’s target to vaccinate 70% of the population of each country by the middle of this year, with a focus on people who are at the highest risk of COVID-19, and improving testing and sequencing rates to track the virus and its emerging variants more closely. – PTI

Breakthrough COVID-19 infections generate strong antibody response: Study

People vaccinated three times or immunised after an earlier COVID-19 infection have comparable neutralising antibody response to those with a breakthrough infection, according to a study.

A breakthrough infection is a case of illness in which a fully vaccinated individual becomes infected.

The study, published in the journal Cell, looked at the strength, durability and breadth of neutralising antibody response generated by breakthrough infections in individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV2. – PTI

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu reports 30,215 fresh COVID-19 infections

A total of 30,215 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu on Monday, taking the overall tally to 31,64,205. As on date 2,06,484 patients are under treatment. Except Mayiladuthurai, which reported 88 new infections, all other districts had a high caseload.

In Chennai, the number of new infections continued to fall, with 6,296 people testing positive on Monday. The district also recorded 17 deaths. A total of 6,98,616 people have tested positive till date, and 52,742 are under treatment either at home or in healthcare facilities.

Several districts reported fresh cases in their thousands. In Coimbatore, 3,786 new infections were reported, while in Chengalpattu, 1,742 people tested positive. Erode, Kanniyakumari, Salem, Thanjavur and Tiruppur also reported over 1,000 fresh cases each.

Delhi

For Delhi health volunteers, the fight is twofold: virus and its stigma

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 may be relatively milder than its more devastating predecessors but the efforts to tackle its spread have by no means been easier.

It’s not just the high transmissibility of the virus that bothers the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and the civil defence volunteers (CDVs), who are at the front lines of the city’s fight against the virus. The volunteers say they have to face “rudeness and hostility” of patients as well as their family members in most cases.

The work of the ASHAs and CDVs has become more important given their role in forming home isolation teams that help in creating strict micro-containment zones, which is the most effective weapon in the administration’s arsenal against Omicron. “Micro-containment and strict perimeter control are of utmost importance given the transmissibility of the Omicron variant,” a senior government official said. “While more and more containment zones have been chalked out, deployment of teams on the ground has also been increased to ensure stricter perimeter control,” the official said.

#News

0 notes

amitshinde7793 · 3 years

Text

Significant Impact of COVID-19 on Food Authenticity Testing in Food & Beverages Market

COVID-19 Impact on Food Authenticity Testing in Food and Beverages Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the whole planet with its major impacts on the economy and businesses across the globe. The COVID-19 spread worldwide in unprecedented ways due to its high infectious and contagious nature and lack of availability of its vaccine. Though the emergence of the virus can be traced back to Asia, several European countries along with the U.S. have also been struck massively by the pandemic. The virus has spread across all regions ranging from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa up to South America. The COVID-19 has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its increased spread across the globe. After the declaration of the pandemic, various countries including India, China, and other Asian countries announced complete lockdown to decrease its spread. According to the situation report of 7th June 2021 by WHO, 174 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported globally and 3.7 million patients are dead due to the coronavirus. On a slightly positive note, a total of 157 million people have recovered and a total of 1.9 million vaccine doses have been administered as well.

According to a report from the Food Authenticity Network COVID-19, the pandemic is causing a rise in global food fraud.

For instance,

· According to the report, there was a 37% rise in food fraud cases when comparing the first half of 2020 to the same period in 2019. The worst-hit categories were spirits, wine, and honey. Moreover, adulteration cases rose by 30% and counterfeit incidents by 47%.

With the increase in the global food trade and the expansion of manufacturing units for processed food products, the growers are focusing on ensuring the safety and quality of their food products. This will further fuel the growth of the market.

Impact on Demand

Although the tension of COVID-19 has been noticed in the sector, there were a couple of points that acted as a light at the end of the tunnel. Post the first wave of COVID-19, the global food authenticity testing market is growing as people are getting aware of food safety. People these days highly prefer certified and premium products to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, several governments and food organizations of various countries are taking precautionary measures on food safety and its quality:

For instance,

· According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), The Italian Development Cooperation has made an additional contribution of Euro 14 million to the FAO trust fund for food safety and food security

· In July 2020, U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) launched a new era of smarter food safety initiatives and released a blueprint and pilot study. The blueprint will outline the path forward that builds on the work the FDA has done through the implementation of FSMA (FDA Food Safety Modernization Act). FSMA helps to ensure food safety and prevent foodborne diseases via the use of science and risk-based assessment.

· In March 2021, FDA partnered with Mexico’s regulators to strengthen food safety.

· According to Hindustan Times, the Indian government is taking initiatives to improve food safety, hygiene in its canteen by giving training through FSSAI to 80 staff members of the canteen from various government canteens to oversee food hygiene

In this COVID-19 situation, the rising number of initiatives taken by the governmental authorities to promote food safety coupled with rising awareness among consumers will propel the growth of the market. With the rising demand of consumers for food safety, the demand for food authenticity and testing for food to ensure whether the food is safe for consumption is expected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing market.

Impact on Supply Chain

The lockdown restrictions implemented by the government across the globe in 2020 and the continuing restrictions in 2021 have been disrupting the supply chain. This is expected to pose huge challenges for food product manufactures and could negatively impact the growth of the food authenticity testing market.

However, the complex supply chains increase the chances of food contamination due to improper handling, not following HACCP guidelines. Therefore, there is increased demand for food authenticity testing among retailers, manufacturers, and growers, which offers benefits to the food supply chain as it manages safety risks, offers preventive and corrective measures to food safety management, and reduces or eliminates the risk of food recalls.

Strategic Initiatives Taken by Manufacturers

COVID-19 outbreak has affected every sector in the market, which also includes the food authenticity testing market. The industry has been severely affected due to the disrupted supply and demand in some cases. Several companies are losing their key revenue sources as food services outlets are closed or have been noticing reduced sales. Some companies have closed their production facilities to mitigate potential risks from COVID-19. Many food authenticity testing companies are taking initiatives during COVID-19.

For instance,

· “Global standard for food safety has been developed to specify the food safety, quality, and operational criteria required to be in place within a food manufacturing organization to fulfill obligations about legal compliance and protection of the consumer. Food businesses, that are certified to the standard must have a full understanding of the products it produces, manufactures and distributes, and have systems in place to identify and control significant product safety hazards. The standard has two key components; senior management commitment and a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) based system, which provides a step-by-step approach to managing food safety risks. With all this in mind, businesses that are used to the standard are well-positioned to identify, assess and act on the new risks associated with COVID-19”

- Jessica Burke, GFSI

· “Eurofins is offering testing for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in a growing number of countries around the world. Global capacity is increasing daily as Eurofins teams are working round the clock to deliver results in very short turnaround times and often within 12 to 24 hours. In each geographical region, Eurofins laboratories are working closely with public health authorities and following their priorities to support hospitals and medical professionals fighting this unprecedented health crisis.”

Gilles Martin, CEO, Eurofins Scientific

· “ALS provides routine analysis services to test critical environmental surfaces for the presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Test results are intended to help monitor and strengthen the effectiveness of disinfection and sanitation measures, particularly after outbreaks or positive tests in a business, care home, or public facility.”

ALS Limited

These initiatives could help restore the food authenticity testing market.

Conclusion

The pandemic has taken a toll on every aspect of life including the global economy. With the significant downfalls in various sectors, a collaborative effort of government, industry players, and consumers can win the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 outbreak has affected every sector in the market including the food authenticity testing market. Some companies have closed their production facilities to mitigate potential risks from COVID-19 which has hampered the market growth. However, increasing demand for certified food products is expected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing market in the forecast period.

Increasing awareness among consumers regarding a healthy and safe diet free from contaminants, allergies, and adulteration is projected to boost the growth of the global food authenticity testing the market for a long period due to changes in consumer buying behavior and changes in dietary habits. Hence, the global food authenticity testing market is growing as people are more inclined to buy certified food products.

Thus, the impact of COVID-19 is positive for the food authenticity testing market in several nations, and hence the growth is expected to increase during the coming years.

#Food Authenticity Testing Market Forecast #Food Authenticity Testing Market by Type #Food Authenticity Testing Market Analysis

0 notes

patriotsnet · 3 years

Text

Who Raises Taxes More Republicans Or Democrats

New Post has been published on https://www.patriotsnet.com/who-raises-taxes-more-republicans-or-democrats/

Who Raises Taxes More Republicans Or Democrats

Republicans Vs Democrats On Taxes: An Overview

Republicans Threaten To Cut Taxes Again If Democrats Raise Them To Pay For Infrastructure

We often boil down the tax policy of our major political parties to its simplest form: Democrats raise taxes to fund social programs, and Republicans lower taxes to benefit big businesses and the wealthy.;Both ideas oversimplify the policy of each party, yet both ideas are essentially true.

Whether you agree with more government spending or tax breaks for corporations, each party’s agenda will affect your taxes.

Which Party Is The Party Of The 1 Percent

First, both parties receive substantial support. Much of it comes from registered voters who make $100K+ annually. However, Democrats actually come out ahead when it comes to fundraising for campaigns. In many cases, Democrats have been able to raise twice as much in private political contributions. But what about outside of politicians? Does that mean Democrats are the wealthier party? Which American families are wealthier? Republicans or Democrats?

Honestly, it is probably Republicans. When it comes down to it, the richest families in America tend to donate to Republican candidates. Forbes reported out of the 50 richest families in the United States, 28 donate to Republican candidates. Another seven donate to Democrats. Additionally, 15 of the richest families in the U.S. donate to both parties.

Republicans Are Setting A Tax Trap For Biden

Republicans in Congress want to raise the federal gas tax. Yes, the same Republicans who oppose tax hikes most of the rest of the time.

You wont hear them say, lets raise the gas tax, exactly. Theres a code phrase: user fees. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for instance, says Republicans will support $600 billion in infrastructure spending, as long as user fees cover the cost. Were happy to look for traditional infrastructure pay-fors, which means the users participate, McConnell said in Louisville on May 3.

The conventional wisdom on infrastructure is that its one rare area of bipartisan agreement, since everybody wants better transportation and a more efficient economy. But theres not really bipartisanship, because of the clash over how to pay for it. Its like a husband and wife saying they agree on the importance of money, except he wants to spend it while she wants to save it.

You May Like: Republicans Are Stupid Donald Trump Quote

The Salt Cap Has Yet To Be Addressed

Democrats from high-tax cities and states have agitated for months to address a limit on how much taxpayers can deduct in state and local taxes, after the 2017 Republican tax changes imposed a cap of $10,000 for single filers and $20,000 for married couples filing jointly.

None of the tax proposals so far have formally addressed a partial or full repeal of that limit, although it has support in both chambers and Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent in charge of the Budget Committee, has signaled openness to a partial repeal of the cap.

And while it was left out of the legislation released on Monday, Mr. Neal and two Democratic advocates for the proposal, Representatives Bill Pascrell of New Jersey and Tom Suozzi of New York, issued a statement pledging that we are committed to enacting a law that will include meaningful SALT relief that is so essential to our middle-class communities.

Mr. Suozzi, who has stood behind a mantra of No SALT, no deal, issued his own statement expressing confidence that a change to the limit would ultimately be included in the package. Some liberal Democrats, however, have pushed back against its inclusion because of its cost and because it could counter some of their tax increases on the wealthy.

What The House Democrats Are Proposing

The 10-year spending plan is the latest step in Democrats campaign to expand education, health care and child care support, tackle the climate crisis, and make further investments in infrastructure.

Party leaders are hoping to use the annual budget process to push forward several measures in Bidens jobs and families proposals that have been blocked by the Republican opposition.

It includes a number of provisions to combat climate change and to invest in infrastructure and jobs.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Don’t Miss: Republican Shutdown

‘we’re The Party Of Lower Taxes’

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he “would not be surprised” if Republicans move to undo Biden’s tax hikes the next time they control Washington.

“They’re the party of big government. We’re the party of lower taxes and more freedom,” he said. “That’s kind of the problem with doing business this way on a purely partisan basis.”

Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who is up for re-election next year, said avoiding sharp swings in policy is “a reason not to” govern on a party-line basis.

“We ought to avoid the ups and downs, the uncertainty that comes with a change after every election,” he said.

Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said it’s “absolutely crucial” for Democrats to emphasize the need for economic investments to voters and to make the case for tax “fairness” on top earners to set up a safety net that can stand the test of time.

“I say this to everyone: If you’re a nurse in Medford, Oregon, treating Covid patients, you pay taxes with every single paycheck no tax havens for you. If you’re somebody who’s a well-connected billionaire, it’s very different. It’s to a great extent optional,” he said. “People have never heard that. They say that’s not right. Everybody should have to pay their fair share.”

Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., said Democrats should ignore GOP warnings about taxes, arguing that they would seek to cut social programs and lower taxes on the wealthy no matter what Biden does.

The Income Tax Arrives

19011902190419061907 1908 190919101913A hand from Washington will be stretched out and placed upon every mans business; the eye of the Federal inspector will be in every mans counting house . . . The law will of necessity have inquisitorial features, it will provide penalties, it will create complicated machinery. Under it men will be hailed into courts distant from their homes. Heavy fines imposed by distant and unfamiliar tribunals will constantly menace the tax payer. An army of Federal inspectors, spies and detectives will descend upon the state . . . Who of us who have had knowledge of the doings of the Federal officials in the Internal Revenue service can be blind to what will follow? I do not hesitate to say that the adoption of this amendment will be such a surrender to imperialism that has not been since the Northern states in their blindness forced the fourteenth and fifteenth amendments upon the entire sisterhood of the Commonwealth.1914-19151916 19171918-1919Audio clip: McAdoo on the need for tax reduction, probably 1919.1920 Audio clip: George White, on Republican tax promises 1921 Andrew Mellon19241926against 19281929-1932whether

Read Also: How Did Republicans Gain Control Of Southern Governments

Of The Founder Of The South Korean Megachurch Died At The Age Of

The draft proposal, which may still change before it is officially released on Monday, calls for raising the top marginal rate on individuals to 39.6%, up from the 37% rate set by Republicans 2017 tax cut law. . Plans aired Sunday and obtained by CNN.

This rate will apply to individuals whose taxable income exceeds $400,000 per year and married couples who jointly earn more than $450,000 annually.

The top capital gains rate will increase from 20% to 25%.

In addition, lawmakers would impose an additional 3% tax on individuals with an adjusted gross income of more than $5 million.

And it would broaden the net investment income tax to cover net income received in the ordinary course of a business or business for single taxpayers, joint filers with more than $400,000 in taxable income, or joint filers with more than $500,000 in income.

Currently, as part of the Affordable Care Act, some high-income Americans are subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on certain investment income and a 0.9% Medicare surcharge on wages.

The proposal also calls for raising the top corporate tax rate to 26.5%, up from the current 21% set by Republicans 2017 tax cut legislation. This would only apply to businesses with incomes in excess of $5 million.

And the House resolution would increase the minimum tax on foreign income of US companies to 16.5 percent from the current 10.5%. Biden had suggested increasing it to 21%.

The Biden Tax Proposal Is Still In Its Early Days

Rep. Malinowski: Some Republicans are willing to raise taxes for infrastructure

Bidens follow-up recovery plan is still taking shape, as are plans to accompany it with taxes. The White House wants to be deliberate in how it goes forward not just in addressing the immediate issues, but also in making strategic decisions about whats on the horizon.

What Bidens trying to do is to make some long-term structural changes for this economy and the investments that we need to be competitive with China and to really bet on American workers and to pay for some of that, Bianchi said.

But there are obstacles. For one thing, the US economy is hardly firing on all cylinders: The US economy is still hamstrung by the Covid-19 pandemic, and millions of jobs still arent back. There is increasing optimism that between the stimulus package and vaccines, the economy is about to bounce back fast, but that doesnt make the politics of the issue a walk in the park.

Were still in the midst of a recession, and it would be pretty easy to make the argument that this isnt a great time to be talking about tax increases, said Leonard Burman, co-founder of the Tax Policy Center and a Syracuse University economist. If the economy comes roaring back, then it would be the appropriate time to be talking about tax increases.

Policymakers could have some levers here perhaps phasing in tax increases, or making sure theyre not put in place until unemployment hits a certain level but its still a tricky situation. After all, 2022 is an election year.

Read Also: Why Did Republicans Lose The Election

Hearings This Week Could Also Expose Divisions Within Party

Top Democrats argue voters would prefer tax increases on a small group of wealthy individuals and corporations to pay for infrastructure spending over broad-based user fees that would take a bigger chunk out of lower-income voters wallets.

Thats despite Senate Republicans putting transportation fees on the table as well as new taxes on electric vehicle drivers who dont currently pay into the Highway Trust Fund.;But President Joe Biden pledged not to raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000, and Democratic leaders are anxious to protect vulnerable members facing tough midterm challenges.

Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., said his constituents werent troubled by Bidens proposals to raise taxes on the top 1 percent of households and corporations, which would be an easier sell than increasing gasoline or other user fees.

If the feedback back home is any indication, it sure is, said Kind, a member of Democrats Frontline program for top House GOP targets. He won reelection last year by the closest margin of his career in a district Donald Trump carried twice.

A Morning Consult poll conducted April 21-25 supports Kinds assessment. The survey found that 51 percent support raising the corporate tax rate to 28 percent, versus 31 percent support for a gas tax increase and 29 percent for a vehicle-miles-traveled tax to finance infrastructure.

Stock Market Performance Under A Democratic Or Republican President

Updated: by Financial Samurai

Let us take a look at the historical stock market performance under a Democratic or a Republican President. The annualized S&P 500 return by President is quit consistent over history.

Before finding out the answer, Id like you to guess under what party do you think the S&P 500 has performed the best? From there, we can compare the reality with your beliefs.

After all, one of the keys to being a good stock investor is to remove as much bias from your investing process as possible. It is suboptimal to invest on emotion.

For example, I know several people who decided to sell a majority of their stock holdings in 2016 once Donald Trump won the election. They hated Donald Trump. As a result, they missed out on over 50% in S&P 500 gains.

You May Like: How Many Seats Did The Republicans Win In Senate

Republicans To Increase Taxes For More Than 5 Million Older Americans

Republicans are trying to force a vote on their tax bill before people know whats in it, because they know how unpopular their proposals are. But what we already know is damaging enough, including that more than 5 million older Americans would pay higher taxes, while big corporations and the top 1% get massive tax giveaways.

More than 5 million older Americans could pay higher taxes, and more than 10 million would not receive any tax cut under the Republican tax bill.

AARP: As a result of sunsetting the SFCs middle-class tax cuts, the projected number of taxpayers 65+ experiencing a tax hike would jump more than four times in eight years from 1.2 million in 2019 to 5.2 million in 2027. Add the 5.6 million older Americans who would see no tax change in 2027, and the total number of taxpayers 65+ not receiving a tax cut rises to 10.8 million.

Experts and CEOs continue to oppose the Republican tax plan, calling it a grand deception.

Reagan Tax Cut Architect: What they have here is a big tax cut for the rich paid for with random increases in taxes for various constituencies. Its ridiculous. And its telling that they are ramming this through without any debate. All of the empirical evidence goes against the tax cut.

Former CEO of Stride Rite: This tax bill is a grand deception. It hurts the most vulnerable, and hurts health care and education, which are essential for a healthy economy.

Favoring The Biden Strategy

Lamont and Republicans both say the timing is bad for tax increases as the states finances are finally stabilizing allowing for the first Wall Street bond rating increase in the past 20 years. The state is projecting a budget surplus of nearly $250 million in the current fiscal year, and the rainy day fund for fiscal emergencies is projected to rise to $3.8 billion later this year. Those numbers have continued to increase due to a record-setting pace on Wall Street as Fairfield County millionaires and billionaires pay hundreds of millions of dollars in capital gains that are paid through the personal income tax.

After the Twin Towers fell, many raced to help or went back to work. Now, for those suffering with cancer or lung disease, 9/11 did not end on 9/11. »

In addition, the major federal stimulus package that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden will send $6.2 billion to Connecticut for state and local government over the next three years, including $1.75 billion directly into the state budget over the next two years.

Lamont, though, doubled down on his views about the timing and against capital gains taxes. Instead, he said in an interview that President Joe Biden should set the tone on tax increases at the national level so that taxpayers in all states are treated the same.

Connecticut honors, mourns the fallen on the 20th anniversary of 9/11 attacks »

You May Like: Did Donald Trump Say Republicans Were Dumb

User Fees Would Force Biden’s Hand

If Republicans controlled Congress, its extremely unlikely theyd raise user fees or impose new ones to pay for an infrastructure plan. The federal gasoline tax, which is supposed to cover the costs of the national highway system, is a classic user fee because people who buy gasdriverspay into the fund that maintains the roads they drive on. But the gas tax has been stuck at 18.4 center per gallon since 1993, and its now too low to cover all the costs its supposed to. President Trump supposedly wanted a big infrastructure plan, and his fellow Republicans controlled Congress during the first two years of his presidency. Yet they never mounted a serious infrastructure plan, let alone new user fees to pay for it.

So why do Republicans favor user fees now? Because they would force Biden to break a core campaign promise, damaging him politically. Biden pledged not to raise taxes on households earning less than $400,000 per year, and any user fee applied broadly to the public would violate that pledge. User fees are actually a sensible and proven way to pay for big projects, yet Biden, for better or worse, has effectively ruled them out as a funding source for his ambitious plans.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including “Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: . You can also , and click here to get Ricks stories by email.

The Trump Tax Reform Conspicuously Targeted High

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has always been more reluctant than other Empire State Democrats to soak the richjust last summer he warned that raising taxes on the states billionaires would mean theyd . But last week he agreed to a budget deal that boosts state income tax rates on millionaires and would leave New York Citys richest paying the highest combined state and local income tax rate in the nation14.8% on income above $25 million. New York hadnt held that dubious title since 2012, when California voters hit millionaires with a 13.3% rate.;

Cynics might suggest that Cuomo caved now because hes been politically weakened by allegations he sexually harassed subordinates and misled the public about the number of Covid-19 deaths among nursing home residents. But the Governor himself offered another explanation for his change of heart: taxes for the richest New Yorkers will actually go down. Huh?;

While attention has focused on Bidens plan to raise federal taxes on and earning more than $400,000, another tax war has been raging around the countryand is itself affecting Washington maneuvering. According to data collected by the Urban Institute, between April and December of 2020, a majority of states collected less tax revenue than in the year before, even as the pandemic put increased demands on their budgets. The five hardest hit statesAlaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, Nevada and Floridaare heavily dependent on tax revenue from either oil or tourism.

Read Also: Which 10 Republicans Voted To Impeach

0 notes

newstfionline · 4 years

Text

Thursday, February 18, 2021

Climate Change Means Trouble for Power Grids (NYT) Huge winter storms plunged large parts of the central and southern United States into an energy crisis this week, with frigid blasts of Arctic weather crippling electric grids and leaving millions of Americans without power amid dangerously cold temperatures. The grid failures were most severe in Texas, where more than four million people woke up Tuesday morning to rolling blackouts. Separate regional grids in the Southwest and Midwest also faced serious strain. As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 23 people nationwide had died in the storm or its aftermath. Analysts have begun to identify key factors behind the grid failures in Texas. Record-breaking cold weather spurred residents to crank up their electric heaters and pushed power demand beyond the worst-case scenarios that grid operators had planned for. At the same time, a large fraction of the state’s gas-fired power plants were knocked offline amid icy conditions, with some plants suffering fuel shortages as natural gas demand spiked. Many of Texas’ wind turbines also froze and stopped working. The crisis sounded an alarm for power systems throughout the country. Electric grids can be engineered to handle a wide range of severe conditions—as long as grid operators can reliably predict the dangers ahead. But as climate change accelerates, many electric grids will face extreme weather events that go far beyond the historical conditions those systems were designed for, putting them at risk of catastrophic failure.

‘A complete bungle’: Texas’ energy pride goes out with cold (AP) Anger over Texas’ power grid failing in the face of a record winter freeze mounted Tuesday as millions of residents in the energy capital of the U.S. remained shivering with no assurances that their electricity and heat—out for 36 hours or longer in many homes—would return soon or stay on once it finally does. “I know people are angry and frustrated,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who woke up to more than 1 million people still without power in his city. “So am I.” In all, between 2 and 3 million customers in Texas still had no power nearly two full days after historic snowfall and single-digit temperatures created a surge in demand for electricity to warm up homes unaccustomed to such extreme lows, buckling the state’s power grid and causing widespread blackouts. More bad weather, including freezing rain, began arriving Tuesday night. Making matters worse, expectations that the outages would be a shared sacrifice by the state’s 30 million residents quickly gave way to a cold reality, as pockets in some of America’s largest cities, including San Antonio, Dallas and Austin, were left to shoulder the lasting brunt of a catastrophic power failure, and in subfreezing conditions that Texas’ grid operators had known was coming.

Military recruitment (Foreign Policy) A meager job market has given military recruitment a boost around the world, the Wall Street Journal reports. In Canada, applications to join the armed services surged 37 percent over the last nine months of 2020 compared to the previous year. Australia reported a 9.9 percent annual increase in applications. The United Kingdom met its military recruitment targets for the first time in seven years and in the United States, 92 percent of eligible personnel re-enlisted, compared to just 83 percent the previous year.

Volunteer paramedics patrol streets of Venezuela’s capital (AP) Venezuela’s deepening crisis has gutted emergency ambulance services, so a group of volunteer paramedics has stepped into the void to offer life-saving help on the tough streets of Caracas. Calling themselves Angels of the Road, the volunteer corps relies on donated medical supplies and funding from international organizations. Despite receiving no paychecks, its roughly 40 paramedics are ready at a moment’s notice to jump onto motorcycles and fire up their single ambulance and race into the streets. Jonathan Quantip, 44, said he and co-founder Zuly Rodiz launched the project two years ago after watching their native Venezuela precipitously decline over years of political and social crisis. “We Venezuelans have to solve our own country’s problems,” Quantip said. “We have to use the skills we’re each good at.” The group works on a shoestring budget with nothing left over for wages, so each paramedic relies on another source of income. Some donate their off-time after working in hospitals and firehouses. Others flip burgers in fast-food restaurants.

‘We are like captives’: life in Britain’s quarantine hotels (Reuters) Mohamed Noor faces 10 days in COVID-19 quarantine in a hotel room near London’s Heathrow Airport after falling foul of new border controls because of a flight delay. “I don’t have a book. I don’t have a Koran. I don’t have nothing here,” Noor, a 55-year-old Muslim, said by phone after his arrival on Monday, a day later than planned, landed him with a 1,750-pound ($2,400) bill. In another hotel nearby, 61-year-old Sole, who declined to give her surname, said she realised too late that the new rules would kick in before she returned from visiting friends in Chile. “We are like captives in these rooms,” she said. Britain says the measures, effective since Monday, are needed to protect its COVID-19 vaccination programme and guard against new coronavirus variants. People returning from any of 33 “high-risk” countries where travel to Britain is banned must pay 1,750 pounds for a 10-day quarantine hotel package. After being taken by bus to government-contracted hotels, they must spend most of the time in their rooms and have meals delivered to their door.

Toothless travel restrictions (Foreign Policy) Irish holidaymakers have suddenly shown a keen interest in dental hygiene as they attempt to shirk strict lockdown measures to escape the bleak North Atlantic winter. Traveling for “essential medical, health or dental services” is allowed under Ireland’s coronavirus restrictions, leading to a surge in dental surgery appointments in Spain’s Canary Islands. Roberta Beccaris, a receptionist at a dental surgeon’s office on the island of Tenerife, reported taking multiple calls from prospective Irish clients, who have demanded e-mail confirmations of the bookings. Police can issue fines to rule-breaking travelers of roughly $600, although they are powerless to stop those with proof of a medical appointment. “Obviously as they are not turning up, we now understand it is just an excuse for a holiday,” she told RTÉ radio.

Spain betting on vaccine passports to revive summer tourism (Reuters) Spain hopes the introduction of vaccination passports combined with pre-travel COVID-19 testing will allow British tourists to return to Spanish destinations this summer, a tourism ministry source told Reuters on Tuesday. The government has no plans to introduce quarantines on foreign visitors, and was also counting on a wider agreement to be hammered out between Europe and Britain to remove restrictions on non-essential travel, the official added. Over 2020, as global travel was dramatically curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, foreign tourism to Spain—one of the world’s most visited countries—fell 80% to just 19 million visitors, a level not seen since 1969.

China steps up online controls with new rule for bloggers (AP) Ma Xiaolin frequently wrote about current affairs on one of China’s leading microblogging sites, where he has 2 million followers. But recently, he said in a post, the Weibo site called and asked him not to post original content on topics ranging from politics to economic and military issues. “As an international affairs researcher and a columnist, it looks like I can only go the route of entertainment, food and beverage now,” the international relations professor wrote on Jan. 31. Ma, who often posted on developments in the Mideast, is one of many popular influencers working within the constraints of China’s heavily censored web who is finding that their space to speak is shrinking even further with the latest policy changes and a clean-up campaign run by the country’s powerful censors. Beginning next week, the Cyberspace Administration of China will require bloggers and influencers to have a government-approved credential before they can publish on a wide range of subjects. Some fear that only state media and official propaganda accounts will get permission. The latest move is in line with ever more restrictive regulations under President Xi Jinping that constrict an already narrow space for discourse. The Chinese leader has made “digital sovereignty” a central concept of his rule, under which authorities have set limits and increased control of the digital realm.

Japan’s ruling party wants more women at meetings—unless they talk (Reuters) After a sexism row sparked by Tokyo Olympics chief’s saying women talked too much at meetings, Japan’s ruling party wants women at key meetings—but only if they don’t talk. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has proposed a new plan that allows five female lawmakers to join the party’s key meetings as observers. Toshihiro Nikai, the party’s 82-year-old secretary general, said on Tuesday that he heard criticism that the party’s board is male-dominated, but added that the board members are elected. But it is important for the party’s female members to “look” at the party’s decision-making process, he said. Those female observers can’t speak during the meetings, but can submit opinions separately to the secretariat office, the daily newspaper Nikkei reported. Requiring female observers at meetings to remain quiet has drawn criticism that the party is out of touch.

Big protests across Myanmar as UN expert fears violence (AP) Demonstrators in Myanmar gathered Wednesday in their largest numbers so far to protest the military’s seizure of power, as a U.N. human rights expert warned that troops being brought to Yangon and elsewhere could signal the prospect for major violence. U.N. rapporteur Tom Andrews said he was alarmed by reports of soldiers being transported into Yangon, the biggest city. “In the past, such troop movements preceded killings, disappearances, and detentions on a mass scale,” he said in a statement issued late Tuesday by the U.N. Human Rights office in Geneva. “I am terrified that given the confluence of these two developments—planned mass protests and troops converging—we could be on the precipice of the military committing even greater crimes against the people of Myanmar.” Wednesday’s turnout in Yangon appeared to be one of the biggest so far in the city. Protesters have adopted a tactic of blocking off streets from security forces by parking vehicles in groups with their hoods up and the excuse of having engine trouble.

Anti-Chinese Sentiment in Myanmar (Foreign Policy) Widespread protests against the Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar have taken on an increasingly anti-Chinese tone, with rallies held outside the Chinese Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar and calls growing for boycotts of Chinese goods and services. Misinformation is spreading, including rumors that Chinese soldiers have infiltrated Myanmar and that Chinese software will be used to set up a Great Firewall. On balance, it seems unlikely that China supported the coup, especially given its relatively good relationship with the National League for Democracy. Anti-Chinese sentiment has a long history in Myanmar, both on the national level and at the local level, due to conflicts among ethnic Chinese communities and others. Chinese investment projects have been major flash points, especially the Myitsone Dam, which was suspended in 2011 following the move toward democracy. Locals have decried the environmental impacts and forced relocations associated with such projects, while Beijing has been keen to get them restarted. There is also growing anti-Chinese feeling across Southeast Asia. Many young people see parallels between the 2019 Hong Kong protests and their own resistance against local authoritarianism. China’s tactless authoritarianism and resentment toward outsiders contributes to that solidarity, but the main driver is the willingness of local autocrats and the uber-rich to suck up to China for their own ends. That can mean, as in Myanmar’s case, that China is blamed even when it hasn’t actually done much.

Sidelining MBS (Foreign Policy) The United States will downgrade its engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the Biden administration’s drive to “recalibrate” relations with the kingdom, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday. President Joe Biden will instead conduct diplomacy through Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, dealing a blow to the crown prince’s standing in Washington.

Gunmen kidnap at least 20 boys from Nigerian boarding school (Washington Post) Gunmen stormed a north-central Nigerian boarding school early Wednesday, kidnapping at least 20 teenage boys, the local governor said—the second mass abduction of children to shake the country in three months. The attackers raided the Government Science Secondary School in the town of Kagara before sunrise and dragged the classmates into the dense woods. Three teachers and 12 family members also vanished into the night, Abubakar Sani Bello, the governor of Niger state, said on television. Schools in the region have been shuttered. Helicopters hovered over the treetops as security forces continued their search and, by midmorning, authorities were still counting the missing.

#headlines #news

1 note · View note