1st Dec 2020 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=151 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

CNN That same day Chinese authorities reported 2478 new confirmed cases raising the total global number to more than 40000 with fewer than 400 cases occurring outside of mainland China. Yet CNN can now reveal how official documents circulated internally show that this was only part of the picture. In a report marked internal document please keep confidential local health authorities in the province of Hubei where the virus was first detected list a total of 5918 newly detected cases on February 10 more than double the official public number of confirmed cases breaking down the total into a variety of subcategories. This larger figure was never fully revealed at that time as Chinas accounting system seemed in the tumult of the early weeks of the pandemic to downplay the severity of the outbreak. The previously undisclosed figure is among a string of revelations contained within 117 pages of leaked documents from the Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention shared with and verified by CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/30/asia/wuhan-china-covid-intl/index.html 1st Dec 2020

Lockdown Exit

Barron's Italys government said Monday it had approved a new stimulus package to shore up businesses affected by the latest round of anticoronavirus restrictions in the eurozones thirdlargest economy. The aid package the fourth since the pandemic gripped the country in March is worth eight billion euros 9.6 billion and delays tax deadlines for companies in areas subject to harsh lockdown measures. It also offers a 1000euro lump sum to workers in tourism the arts sports and leisure as well as setting aside funds for the conventions sector and a boosted police presence to ensure anticoronavirus measures are respected. https://www.barrons.com/news/italy-green-lights-new-anti-covid-stimulus-package-01606729204 30th Nov 2020

Lockdown Exit

The Washington Post Suicide rates among young women have increased notably in Japan and South Korea raising possible links to the prolonged coronavirus pandemic as it amplifies stress levels worsens economic woes and aggravates feelings of loneliness and isolation. No comprehensive global studies are yet available on whether the pandemic has caused higher suicide numbers or how it may have affected different age groups and genders. But Japan and South Korea are among the few countries to issue current data on suicides with most nations taking a year or two to issue their numbers. Experts worry that the emerging trends in the two countries could be an early warning for the rest of the world as the pandemic and lockdowns take a toll on mental health. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/japan-suicides-pandemic-women/2020/11/28/0617e3a2-fdbd-11ea-b0e4-350e4e60cc91_story.html 30th Nov 2020

Lockdown Exit

9News.com.au As of midnight South Australia is rolling out a list of changes to COVID19 restrictions after the state recorded zero new cases yesterday. Since 12.01am the border with Victoria has finally been reopened allowing travel between the two states. Victorians entering South Australia are still required to fill in an online permit form to get preapproval. Masks are also mandatory for people in allied health and residential care and the state is rolling out its QR code mandatory checkin system for businesses and venues. But also standup drinking is returning to pubs and weddings and patron caps on businesses are now removed. https://www.9news.com.au/national/south-australia-records-zero-new-coronavirus-cases/d3ec8864-5e0a-40a7-969d-0762466c8972 30th Nov 2020

Lockdown Exit

NEWS.com.au The first international students to arrive in Australia since the start of the COVID19 pandemic have landed in Darwin signalling another change for the countrys lockeddown border. Students from China Hong Kong Japan Vietnam and Indonesia have arrived at Darwin International Airport on a charter SilkAir flight from Singapore as part of a pilot program to return international tourists to Australia. The 63 students who landed this morning were to be transferred straight to the Howard Springs Quarantine Facility east of Darwin for 14 days of quarantine the ABC reported. https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/international-students-arrive-in-australia-after-9-months-of-covid-lockdown/news-story/50edc6c87fb0feecf2977f307b0d7333 30th Nov 2020

Lockdown Exit

Reuters UK Want a cheap used car to nip around town without running the gauntlet of coronavirus on public transport Welcome to Pandemic Motors we have just what you need. Across Europe people are snapping up old bangers clunkers Klapperkasten tacots and catorci desperate to avoid buses and trains but wary of splashing out on a shiny new motor in uncertain economic times. Public transportation is terrific here but with the COVID and all that its better to avoid it said Robert Perez who recently moved to Spains capital Madrid from Argentina. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-autos-used-insight-idUKKBN28A0FV 30th Nov 2020

Lockdown Exit

AlJazeera The coronavirus pandemic has brought much of the worlds economies into a recession affecting every sector of the global population. But one demographic Generation Z those born between 1997 and 2012 may never recover. From a lack of socialisation to not being able to start their careers we are examining how Gen Zers from ages eight to 23 will have to manage these unprecedented challenges. https://www.aljazeera.com/podcasts/2020/11/30/how-the-covid-19-recession-will-forever-impact-gen-z/ 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Chemist+Druggist A limited number of pharmacies in England will be asked to offer COVID19 vaccinations from late December provided they can deliver 1000 doses a week NHSEI has said. NHS England and NHS Improvement NHSEI will commission a small number of pharmacy contractors to deliver the COVID19 vaccination programme as a local enhanced service LES it said in a letter to contractors last week November 27. The selected pharmacyled sites will need to comply with a list of requirements which NHSEI said it does not expect the majority of contractors sites will be able to meet. NHSEI regional teams will select suitable pharmacy sites following a designation process. Those successful will be required to administer a minimum of 1000 doses of vaccine over a sevenday period from each designated site from late December or early January but the exact date will depend on vaccine availability. A final LES agreement will be published as soon as details are clear NHSEI said in the letter which was signed by NHS chief commercial officer and senior responsible owner for the vaccine programme Emily Lawson director of primary care Ed Waller and chief pharmaceutical officer for England Dr Keith Ridge. https://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/news/limited-number-pharmacies-give-1000-covid-19-vax-week 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Sky News It is too early to say if another national lockdown will be needed after Christmas according to a senior minister. George Eustice said you cant rule anything out when asked by Sky News if the stay at home measures could come back into force to keep coronavirus under control. The environment secretary also admitted it may be as late as next summer until we can all start to get back to normal dependent on a vaccine. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-another-national-lockdown-after-christmas-not-ruled-out-by-minister-12146884 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Aberdeen Evening Express EasyJet is offering discounted coronavirus tests for passengers in a bid to boost demand for air travel. The Lutonbased airline said it has agreed a deal with two private testing firms to offer preferential rates to flyers. Testing has become a requirement for entry to a number of easyJets most popular destinations such as Germany Spain and Italy. https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/uk/easyjet-launches-cut-price-covid-19-tests-for-travellers/ 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday that Germany could face a third wave of coronavirus infections if citizens are careless in the coming weeks. Germanys number of new infections has stabilized at a high level since a partial lockdown was imposed on Nov 2. to contain a second wave of coronavirus infections. But officials have said that progress was still fragile. Well have to be very very careful during the winter Merkel said in a virtual panel discussion with police officers. Otherwise well end up directly in the next wave. Merkel also railed against plans of some regional governments to let hotels open for family visits over Christmas warning it risked worsening the coronavirus surge sweeping Germany participants in a party meeting said. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-germany-altmaier/merkel-slams-state-premiers-over-christmas-hotel-opening-plan-sources-idUSKBN28A0J5 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Reuters UK Russia has delivered the first known batch of Sputnik V vaccines for civilian use to a hospital just south of Moscow which said on Monday it began vaccinating the local population last week. Russia which is rushing to keep up with Western drugmakers in the race for a coronavirus shot has said interim trial results show its Sputnik V vaccine to be 92 effective at protecting people from COVID19. https://uk.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-russia-sputnik/russian-hospital-says-it-began-civilian-coronavirus-vaccinations-last-week-idUKL8N2IG43K 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

RTE Nonessential retailers around the country are finalising preparations ahead of reopening their doors for the first time in six weeks. Level 5 restrictions will begin to ease tomorrow with restaurants and gastro pubs following suit on Friday. The Government expects to see new cases of Covid19 increasing in two weeks time once restrictions are eased. But Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said there is no intention to reimpose tighter restrictions unless there is a huge rise in cases. https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1130/1181318-coronavirus-ireland/ 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

BBC Staff in the Belfast Health Trust are being asked whether or not they want to receive the Covid vaccine. The BBC has seen an email and questionnaire sent to all employees telling them workers will receive the Pfizer vaccine. Trade unions say they are encouraging frontline workers to get the vaccine but everyone should be given a choice. Another 10 Covidrelated deaths and 290 new cases were reported by Stormonts Department of Health on Monday. It brings the departments death toll which consists of deaths from any cause within 28 days of a positive test to 996. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-55125164 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Sky News People could be refused entry to a host of venues if they decline a coronavirus vaccine a minister has suggested. Nadhim Zahawi who is responsible for the rollout of vaccines against COVID19 said the jabs will not be compulsory. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-people-who-refuse-to-get-vaccine-could-be-denied-entry-to-venues-minister-suggests-12147306 30th Nov 2020

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg In cooled warehouses on the fringes of Frankfurt airport Deutsche Lufthansa AG is preparing its depleted fleet for the gargantuan task of airlifting millions of doses of the vaccines meant to end the global pandemic. Lufthansa one of the worlds biggest cargo carriers began planning in April in anticipation of the shots that Pfizer Inc. to Moderna Inc. and AstraZeneca Plc are developing in record time. A 20member task force is at work devising how to fit more of the crucial payload onto the airlines 15 Boeing Co. 777 and MD11 freighters along with hold space in a vast passenger fleet now flying at just 25 of capacity. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-29/airlines-face-mission-of-the-century-in-distributing-vaccines?sref=Yg3sQEZ2&ampcmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amputm_medium=social&amputm_content=business&amputm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amputm_source=twitter 29th Nov 2020

Partisan Exits

BBC Boris Johnson has agreed to publish the health economic and social data behind Englands new tier system later as he seeks to avert a Commons rebellion. MPs will vote on the measures on Tuesday and numerous Conservative MPs have demanded to see the evidence government is basing its new system on. Writing to a group of around 70 MPs who are sceptical of the new rules Mr Johnson called for unity and resolve. Labour is expected to support the PM but is yet to confirm its stance. If Labour does decide to get behind the new tier system the government should easily win the vote even if there is a sizeable revolt among Conservative MPs. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55125712 30th Nov 2020

Partisan Exits

Daily Mail New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy told Fox News Sunday that a statewide lockdown is still on the table. Its on the table in terms of a shutdown Murphy told Bret Baier on Fox News Sunday. I dont anticipate it and I sure as heck dont want to go that route. The comments came as antilockdown protesters swarmed the street where Murphy lives to voice their opposition to pandemicrelated restrictions The Democratic governor was also verbally confronted and filmed while having dinner out with his wife and four kids at a New Jersey restaurant. They called him a real d and told one of his sons to go f yourself. The confrontation where Murphy said nothing came after he urged New Jersey residents to limit their Thanksgiving celebrations to 10 people https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8998875/amp/Gov-Phil-Murphy-ignores-protesters-warns-New-Jersey-state-wide-lockdown-table.html 30th Nov 2020

Partisan Exits

Newsweek on MSN.com Crowds gathered outside the home of the Los Angeles Countys public health director on Sunday to protest against the latest round of Covid19 restrictions taking effect this week. Dr. Barbara Ferrers Echo Park home was surrounded by dozens of demonstrators carrying placards waving flags and chanting Open L.A. and No science. No data. No shutdown. Footage from the scene shows few people in the crowd were wearing face masks as they paced up and down the street. LAPD officers could be seen over looking the scene with a police vehicle parked in what appears to be Ferrers driveway. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/anti-lockdown-protesters-chant-open-l-a-outside-health-chief-s-home-before-new-covid-restrictions-begin/ar-BB1bucxx 30th Nov 2020

Partisan Exits

Financial Times In the imagination of extreme opponents of vaccination or antivaxxers every human inoculated against coronavirus will be turned into a chimera injected with nanoparticles that beam out their biometric data and commoditised with bar codes linked to cryptocurrency. In their view far from liberating us from the recurring nightmare of lockdowns vaccines in development in Europe and the US are secretly intended to enslave us to the system. However farfetched it may appear this kind of vision has been proliferating online alongside more prosaic forms of misinformation just as the mass roll out of Covid19 vaccines comes within sight. https://www.ft.com/content/f84746af-9a7f-4cc8-a3b5-434d4c08556e 30th Nov 2020

Partisan Exits

DW (English) Objectors of coronavirus curbs have converged on FrankfurtanderOder on Germanys border with Poland. Meanwhile at viral hot spot Hildburghausen in Thuringia state the local county chief is under police protection. https://www.dw.com/en/coronavirus-german-anti-lockdown-protests-shift-to-polish-border/a-55761550 28th Nov 2020

Continued Lockdown

CNBC Stephane Bancel CEO of Moderna joins Squawk Box to discuss data from its Covid19 vaccine trial that shows 100 protection from severe infection. https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/11/30/moderna-ceo-exciting-vaccine-data-protection-from-severe-covid-19.html 30th Nov 2020

Continued Lockdown

Reuters UK The share of companies in Germany using shorttime work schemes rose in November compared to the previous month economic institute Ifo said on Monday as a partial lockdown hit employment in tourism and restaurant industries. Ifo said a survey of around 7000 companies showed that the share of companies using the scheme rose to 28 in November from 24.8 in October. Shorttime work also known as Kurzarbeit allows employers to switch employees to working fewer hours or even none during an economic downturn. It aims to stop immediate shocks from leading into mass unemployment. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronarvirus-germany-employmen/germany-partial-lockdown-pushes-more-companies-into-short-time-work-ifo-idUKKBN28A0H5 30th Nov 2020

Continued Lockdown

Reuters UK Total shopper numbers across British retail destinations were down 56.9 in the week to Nov. 28 yearonyear reflecting the impact of a third full week of Englands national COVID19 lockdown market researcher Springboard said on Monday. It said that on a weekonweek basis shopper numbers or footfall rose by 4.8. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-retail-springboard/uk-shopper-numbers-down-569-as-english-lockdown-takes-toll-idUKKBN28A1EZ 30th Nov 2020

Continued Lockdown

ABC News The only contact Yuumi Matsuno has had with her mother since coronavirus reached Japan has been over the phone separated by a pane of glass. For 10 months the nursing home Hisako lives in has limited all visitors from the outside except staff in part to prevent any potential spread of COVID19. While it has largely been successful it has come at a cost. She my mum doesnt talk as much as before Ms Matsuno said. When you speak on the phone sometimes its hard to hear and perhaps she feels it is troublesome so she speaks less. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-29/how-a-third-wave-of-coronavirus-covid-19-hit-japan/12915838 28th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK A type of COVID19 test that can be taken without the need for a nose or throat swab has been found to be highly effective in identifying infectious cases including for people not showing symptoms the British government said on Tuesday. The RTLAMP tests made by privatelyheld British company OptiGene have been studied in a pilot programme in the southern English city of Southampton where they were used to test some health service staff as well as 55000 people connected to the local university. Weve shown through carefully conducted studies that the OptiGene LAMP test is fast reliable and easy to use and dependent on testing format can work directly with saliva samples as well as with swabs said Sue Hill chief scientific officer for England in the National Health Services Test and Trace programme. https://uk.reuters.com/article/instant-article/idUKKBN28B3AA 1st Dec 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Bloomberg FDA advisory panel to review data on Dec. 17 agency says Vaccine was 94.1 effective in final analysis of 196 cases. Moderna Inc. requested clearance for its coronavirus vaccine in the U.S. after a new analysis showed the vaccine was highly effective in preventing Covid19 with no serious safety problems. A Moderna spokesman said in a text message late afternoon Monday that its application for an emergency use authorization for its Covid shot had been delivered to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Earlier the company had said in a statement it would seek clearance on Monday in both the U.S. and Europe. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-11-30/moderna-plans-to-seek-u-s-eu-clearance-for-covid-19-vaccine 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

The Wall Street Journal Moderna said it would ask U.S. and European health regulators Monday to authorize use of its Covid19 vaccine after it was shown to be 94.1 effective in a full analysis of a pivotal study. The timing keeps the vaccine on track to become possibly the second to go into use in the U.S. by years endafter one already under regulatory review from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE with inoculation available to the general public likely in spring or summer. Moderna said some doses also could become available in Europe in December. In the 30000person trial 196 subjects developed Covid19 with symptoms after receiving either the vaccine or a placebo Moderna said. Of those 185 had taken a placebo while only 11 had gotten the vaccine indicating it protects against the disease. https://www.wsj.com/articles/moderna-to-ask-health-regulators-to-authorize-its-covid-19-vaccine-11606737602 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

CNBC CNBCs Meg Tirrell reports on the latest efficacy data from Modernas coronavirus vaccine. https://www.cnbc.com/video/2020/11/30/moderna-covid-19-vaccine-94-point-1-percent-effective.html 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

USA Today Biotech company Moderna applied Monday for an emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after receiving more good news about the safety and effectiveness of its candidate COVID19 vaccine. Moderna will be the second vaccine maker to request authorization from the federal government after similarly positive results for Pfizer and its German collaborator BioNTechs candidate vaccine. Modernas latest findings according to a company press release showed that of 196 people in the clinical trial who caught COVID19 185 of them had received the placebo while only 11 received the active vaccine. That works out to an effectiveness rate above 94. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/11/30/moderna-emergency-fda-authorization-covid-19-vaccine-pfizer/6376336002/ 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

ABC Moderna announced Monday it will ask the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization EUA for its COVID19 vaccine making it the second company after Pfizer to seek EUA for a COVID19 vaccine in the United States. Pfizers public FDA hearing a crucial step in the authorization process is scheduled for Dec. 10 and the FDA could make its official authorization decision shortly thereafter. In an early morning press release Moderna announced that its FDA hearing will be held a week later on Dec. 17. Moderna also announced its coronavirus vaccine is more than 94 effective according to the final analysis of its massive Phase 3 trial. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/moderna-seek-fda-emergency-authorization-covid-19-vaccine/story?id=74454936 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Record In a video message Professor James Chalmers said the virus is unpredictable in how it will affect people and so dangerous because it can change very very quickly. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/perthshire-professor-calls-public-treat-23091354 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Science Magazine In midNovember as the United States set records for newly diagnosed COVID19 cases day after day the hospital situation in one hardhit state Wisconsin looked concerning but not yet urgent by one crucial measure. The main pandemic data tracking system run by the Department of Health and Human Services HHS dubbed HHS Protect reported that on 16 November 71 of the states hospital beds were filled. Wisconsin officials who rely on the data to support and advise their increasingly strained hospitals might have concluded they had some margin left. Yet a different federal COVID19 data system painted a much more dire picture for the same day reporting 91 of Wisconsins hospital beds were filled. That day was no outlier. A Science examination of HHS Protect and confidential federal documents found the HHS data for three important values in Wisconsin hospitalsbeds filled intensive care unit ICU beds filled and inpatients with COVID19often diverge dramatically from those collected by the other federal source from statesupplied data and from the apparent reality on the ground. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/11/federal-system-tracking-hospital-beds-and-covid-19-patients-provides-questionable-data 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Norwich Evening News Researchers from Norwich have found a mass screening programme of more than 10 million people in the Chinese city of Wuhan identified 300 asymptomatic Covid19 cases but none were infectious. But the University of East Anglia scientists stressed the findings do not show people who have coronavirus but no symptoms cannot pass on the virus. Mass testing took place over two weeks at the end of May after the citys stringent lockdown was lifted in April. The study found no viable virus in the asymptomatic cases and their close contacts did not test positive. Prof Fujian Song from UEAs Norwich Medical School said The virus cultures indicated no viable virus in the identified asymptomatic cases. This means that these people were not likely to infect anyone else. https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/uea-study-hows-asymptomatic-covid-cases-in-wuhan-not-infectious-6569130 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Australia praised for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic by a top doctor. Dr Anthony Fauci applauded Australias use of lockdowns to suppress the spread. Dr Fauci raised fears that the worst may be yet to come in the United States. He said Australias uniform public health measures also helped control the virus https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8998935/Americas-doctor-Anthony-Fauci-heaps-praise-Aussies-handling-coronavirus-pandemic.html 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK Russia plans to begin mass trials of its second coronavirus vaccine EpiVacCorona on people aged over 18 on Monday the RIA news agency cited the consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor as saying. EpiVacCorona which is being developed by Siberias Vector Institute was authorised this month to carry out trials on 150 volunteers over 60 and 3000 volunteers over 18 the watchdog has said. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-russia-cases/russia-begins-mass-trials-of-second-coronavirus-vaccine-idUKKBN28A1FQ 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Science Magazine Continuing the spate of stunning news about COVID19 vaccines the biotech company Moderna announced the final results of the 30000person efficacy trial for its candidate in a press release today Only 11 people who received two doses of the vaccine developed COVID19 symptoms after being infected with the pandemic coronavirus versus 185 symptomatic cases in a placebo group. That is an efficacy of 94.1 the company says far above what many vaccine scientists were expecting just a few weeks ago. More impressive still Modernas candidate had 100 efficacy against severe disease. There were zero such COVID19 cases among those vaccinated but 30 in the placebo group. The company today plans to file a request for emergency use authorization EUA for its vaccine with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA and is also seeking a similar green light from the European Medicines Agency. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/11/absolutely-remarkable-no-one-who-got-modernas-vaccine-trial-developed-severe-covid-19 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters UK Moderna Inc said on Monday it has applied for U.S. emergency authorization for its COVID19 vaccine after full results from a latestage study showed it was 94.1 effective with no serious safety concerns. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said an advisory committee would meet to discuss the request on Dec. 17 making Modernas candidate the second highly effective vaccine likely to receive U.S. regulatory backing and a potential roll out this year. A shot developed by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE that was 95 effective in its pivotal trial is set to be reviewed by a panel of outside experts a week earlier. The FDA will decide on the emergency use authorizations EUAafter the advisers make their recommendations. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-vaccines-moderna/moderna-files-for-u-s-vaccine-authorization-will-seek-eu-nod-idUKKBN28A1HB 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Doctors are studying the impact of COVID19 on pregnant women and their unborn babies in Singapore where an infant delivered by an infected mother earlier this month had antibodies against the virus but did not carry the disease. The ongoing study among the citystates public hospitals adds to international efforts to better understand whether the infection or antibodies can be transferred during pregnancy and if the latter offers an effective shield against the virus. The World Health Organisation says while some pregnant women have an increased risk of developing severe COVID19 it is not yet known whether an infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-singapore-idUSKBN28A0HO?taid=5fc4a8de0de7dd00011e0746&amputm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&amputm_medium=trueAnthem&amputm_source=twitter 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Irish Independent The global pandemic has caused chronic loneliness and social isolation in young people. Adolescents are also reporting high levels of anxiety about their future in terms of the impact of Covid19 on their education careers and family life. A major new global UNESCO study on the toll Covid19 has had on young people is being spearheaded by NUI Galway Professor Pat Dolan. Professor Dolan Director of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at NUI Galway is leading the research project with over 100 countries taking part. It is among the first global studies to have adopted the Youth As Researchers model. https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/global-pandemic-has-led-to-chronic-loneliness-in-young-people-study-finds-39806945.html 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

Huffington Post UK And the recent flurry of positive news around vaccines has inevitably focused some of this misguided energy into the supposed harms and risks associated with inoculation once again fuelling the antivax movement that began in the 1990s. Most of the concerns raised are old and already debunked news repackaged for the social media age and propagated by nonexperts. So HuffPost UK asked an actual expert UCL medicine cell biologist Dr Jennifer Rohn to help debunk the 2020 version of a 1990s phenomenon... https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/vaccines-coronavirus-anti-vaxxers-coronavirus_uk_5fbcf15cc5b66bb88c615c22?z7i&ampguccounter=1 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

AP Moderna Inc. said Monday it was asking U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection intensifying the race to begin limited vaccinations as the coronavirus rampage worsens. Multiple vaccine candidates must succeed for the world to stamp out the pandemic which has been on the upswing in the U.S. and Europe. U.S. hospitals have been stretched to the limit as the nation has seen more than 160000 new cases per day and more than 1400 daily deaths. Since first emerging nearly a year ago in China the virus has killed more than 1.4 million people worldwide. https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d 30th Nov 2020

Scientific Viewpoint

AlJazeera The Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR is assisting an inquiry into an alleged adverse reaction during AstraZenecas COVID19 vaccine trial but has found no reason to recommend halting it a senior official at the regulator said. A 40yearold man said in a complaint seen by Reuters news agency that he had suffered serious neurological and psychological symptoms after receiving the vaccine in a trial being run by the British drugmakers partner the Serum Institute of India SII. There was no immediate cause of concern at this stage Samiran Panda head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the ICMR the research body involved in trials told Reuters. It doesnt mean that long term assessment will not happen it is still happening. I am aware of the activity Panda said. AstraZeneca did not respond to a request for comment. Law firm NGR Prasad R Rajaram Advocates sent the complaint by the unnamed volunteer who is seeking 50 million rupees 676288 in compensation and a suspension of testing manufacturing and distribution of the vaccine to ICMR SII AstraZeneca and the Drugs Controller General of India. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/30/india-probe-alleged-astrazeneca-shot-reaction-trial-continues 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Wall Street Journal About six weeks ago Erin Smith got the sinking feeling that a new surge of Covid19 infections had hit New York City. The Covid19 unit that she oversees at Manhattans Lenox Hill Hospital was full with very sick patients including some who died. It stayed that way for two to three weeks before almost emptying. Ms. Smith a 39yearold nurse manager said she estimates it will be full again the first week of December. The mood inside the hospital is anxious but hopeful she said but a potential repeat of the experience in March and April when Covid19 first ripped through the city is petrifying. It was a hella six months said Ms. Smith. Nobody wants to do it again. https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-city-nurse-braces-for-new-covid-19-surge-nobody-wants-to-do-it-again-11606738527?mod=hp_lead_pos10 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters The United Kingdom reported 12330 new cases of COVID19 on Monday up from 12155 a day earlier and taking the cumulative total since the start of the pandemic to 1629657 cases government data showed. A total of 205 new deaths from the disease were also reported down from 215 the previous day. The United Kingdom has the highest total death toll in Europe at 58448. https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-britain-cases-idUSKBN28A2B4 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

CBS News The United States reported more than 4 million coronavirus cases in November which is higher than the total number of cases seen all year by any country in the world except India and Brazil. Public health experts are warning that the U.S. will keep seeing recordbreaking numbers in the final month of 2020. Since the pandemic began the U.S. has seen more than 13.3 million confirmed cases and over 267000 deaths by far the highest numbers in the world according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The U.S. accounts for nearly 20 of the global death toll. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-cases-november-united-states/ 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Edinburgh Live Edinburghs Covid19 rate is encouraging according to Jason Leitch with the number of positive cases per 100000 people down 16 per cent in the last week. The National Clinical Director says the people of Edinburgh seem to be following the guidance in such a way that gets test positivity down. Leitch pointed to the fact the Covid cases per 100000 slowly dropped in the week leading up to 26 November. However he warned against getting too excited adding that the test positivity number is only down marginally. He said One of the challenges with this disease apart from the incubation period is the time it takes for the numbers to fall. Its much easier for the virus to rise than fall. Edinburgh city does look better in the last seven days. Its 16 per cent down in number of positives per 100000. It is only 0.8 down in test positivity so we shouldnt get too excited. https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edinburgh-covid-rate-latest-figures-19372107 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Belfast Live There have been 10 further deaths as a result of Covid19 in the past 24 hours according to the Department of Health. The departments daily dashboard shows that there have been 290 further positive tests with 2505 people being infected in the past seven days. The death toll in Northern Ireland from coronavirus now stands at 996 the Department of Health says. Belfast has had the highest number of new cases in the past 24 hours with 41 followed by Derry City and Strabane with 37 and Mid and East Antrim with 34. In the last seven days Belfast has also had the highest number of positive cases with 381 followed by Derry City and Strabane with 298. https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/health/covid-19-northern-ireland-10-19372373 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Guardian The United States passed four million cases of the coronavirus for November on Saturday more than double the record 1.9 million cases set in October. Now experts have warned Americans to expect that sharp rise in cases to continue due in part to the Thanksgiving holiday potentially worsening heading into the December holiday season. What we expect unfortunately as we go for the next couple of weeks into December is that we might see a surge superimposed on the surge we are already in Dr Anthony Fauci said in an interview on NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday. The governments leading infectious disease expert added officials tried to get the word out for people as difficult as it is to really not have large gatherings but ultimately the travel industry suggested many Americans didnt heed calls to stay home. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/29/us-hits-four-million-monthly-covid-19-cases-as-fauci-warns-of-holiday-surge 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Daily Mail Figures are positive sign that Englands second lockdown slowed infection rate Cases recorded today shaves more than third off 18662 reported last Sunday Official figures released today have also revealed 215 more coronavirus deaths https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8998365/Covid-hospital-deaths-drop-8-229-new-fatalities-reported.html 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

The i on MSN.com Covid19 cases have fallen by roughly a third in lockdown a new study has found. Infections in some of the worsthit areas dropped and while experts confirm lockdown restrictions were a success cases nationally remain high. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said while the drop in cases is encouraging the public must stick to the rules in the coming weeks. The findings come just days before England ends its fourweek lockdown when the country will go into tiered restrictions with a review set for 16 December. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/medical/covid-19-cases-uk-infections-have-fallen-by-30-in-lockdown-and-r-rate-has-dropped-to-0-88-study-says/ar-BB1bueuy?MSCC=1605820176 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

CNN Covid infections in England fall by 30 over lockdown React studyBBC NewsCovid infections in England down by nearly a third since second lockdownThe GuardianCOVID19 cases fell by a third in England during second lockdown study suggestsSky NewsCoronavirus infections down 30 in England and halved in North during lockdownMirror OnlineView Full coverage on Google News https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/30/uk/coronavirus-england-lockdown-uk-gbr-intl/index.html 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

India.com Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an allparty meeting on Friday to discuss the COVID19 situation. The second allparty meeting which comes amid a sudden spurt in COVID19 cases will be held virtually at 10.30 am. The meeting assumes significance as it is being held after the prime ministers visit to Zydus Cadila Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India SII to personally review coronavirus vaccine development work there. https://www.india.com/news/india/lockdown-news-lockdown-in-india-again-nationwide-lockdown-on-cards-pm-modi-all-party-meet-december-4-covid-19-lockdown-4233068/ 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

New Zealand Herald Sweden loses faith with its Covid expert as deaths rise. An epidemiologist who led the nolockdown strategy appears to have been sidelined by his government. The highprofile epidemiologist who led Swedens nolockdown strategy in the spring appears to be being sidelined by his countrys government after his prediction that greater immunity would mean a lighter second wave proved badly wrong. Anders Tegnells biweekly press conference was on Thursday pushed into the shade by an overlapping press conference fronted by Stefan Lofven Swedens prime minister where scenarios prepared by the Public Health Agency were announced. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/swedish-epidemiologist-sidelined-after-countrys-no-lockdown-rule-leads-to-rise-in-number-of-deaths/BIEL4I3UOZO7YD2PRQL3DPDD4I/ 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters COVID19 infections have fallen by 30 during Englands monthlong national lockdown and the virus is now in retreat a largescale study of more than 100000 volunteers showed on Monday. Emer McCarthy reports. https://uk.reuters.com/video/watch/englands-covid-infections-fell-30-in-loc-idOVD6RLJE3?chan=92jv7sln 30th Nov 2020

Coronavirus Resurgence

AlJazeera As newly reported cases of the coronavirus continued to spike across much of the United States breaking records for hospitalisations some local leaders are moving to enact more stringent restrictions. US officials had pleaded with Americans to avoid travel and limit social gatherings as the nation entered its winter holiday season. But many appear to have disregarded those pleas over the long Thanksgiving weekend as the Transportation Security Administration screened nearly 1.2 million airline passengers on Sunday the highest since midMarch. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/30/us-braces-for-continued-surge-in-covid-19-cases-hospitalisations 30th Nov 2020

New Lockdown

AlJazeera Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced a new round of tight restrictions in a bid to stem a surge in coronavirus infections extending curfews to weeknights and imposing a full lockdown during the weekend. After only reporting symptomatic cases for four months Turkey last week resumed reporting all positive COVID19 cases that saw logged daily infections jump to about 30000. On Monday the number of daily new cases reached a record high of 31219 while the COVID19 death toll hit a record high for an eighth consecutive day with 188 fatalities in the last 24 hours according to figures from the health ministry. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/30/turkish-president-erdogan-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions 1st Dec 2020

New Lockdown

Reuters Turkey is expected to tighten weekend curfews after a record rise in new coronavirus cases and fatalities two sources familiar with the matter said on Monday. The move is expected to be announced after a cabinet meeting on Monday said the sources who requested anonymity. They said that new measures adopted on Nov. 17 including nightly curfews at weekends had been insufficient. It is highly probable that the scope of the weekend curfew restriction will be expanded said one of the sources adding that a final decision would be made at the cabinet meeting chaired by President Tayyip Erdogan. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-turkey-idUSKBN28A1I3 30th Nov 2020

New Lockdown

Metro Wales will be placed back under harsh new coronavirus restrictions just three weeks after a firebreak lockdown ended the First Minister has confirmed. Mark Drakeford announced that there will be a total ban on alcohol sales with pubs bars and restaurants across the country told to shut by 6pm on Friday following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. He said that without action government modelling suggested 2200 people could be in hospital by January 12 with 1600 people also losing their lives over the winter period. Nonessential retail hairdressers gyms and leisure centres will remain open but cinemas bowling alleys and other indoor entertainment venues will be forced to shut in the run up to Christmas. https://metro.co.uk/2020/11/30/wales-to-be-plunged-into-strict-new-covid-rules-this-week-13676015/?ico=related-posts 30th Nov 2020

New Lockdown

CNN Kim Jong Un appears to have kicked North Koreas pandemic prevention plan into overdrive further tightening the countrys nearly impassible borders cutting off nearly all trade with China and even allegedly executing a customs official for failing to handle imported goods appropriately. Beijing exported just 253000 worth of goods to Pyongyang in October a drop of 99 from September to October according to data published by Chinas customs administration. For context thats less in terms of dollar value than China exported to Liechtenstein and Monaco during October. https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/29/asia/north-korea-covid-executions-trade-intl-hnk/index.html 30th Nov 2020