22nd Dec 2021 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=564 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

Daily Mail Several mutations in the Omicron variant allow this coronavirus strain to bond with human cells more efficiently than past variants a new study finds. Researchers at the University of British Columbia studied the variant with a highly powerful microscopy technique examining its mutations. They found that Omicron has a much greater capacity to bind with human cell receptors than the original version of the coronavirus. The researchers also tested Omicron against antibodies finding that its more resistant to these immune system particles than other variants This study was posted as a preprint and has not yet been peerreviewed but it aligns with other recent research on Omicrons capacity to spread very fast https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-10333635/Many-mutations-Omicron-variant-allow-bond-human-cells-better-strains.html 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Daily Mail on MSN.com People who are unjabbed but previously had the Delta Covid variant may have very little protection against Omicron infection a lab study suggests. Austrian scientists tested the blood of those who had beat the older strain of the virus against the new supervariant to measure their antibody response. They found only one out of seven samples produced enough of the infectionfighting proteins to neutralise Omicron. It suggests that prior infection from Delta alone offers virtually no protection against catching Omicron but the jurys still out on severe illness. https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/medical/unjabbed-who-caught-delta-have-virtually-no-protection-against-omicron/ar-AAS1hxk 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Israel announced on Tuesday that it will offer a fourth dose of the COVID19 vaccine to people older than 60 amid concern about the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. A Health Ministry expert panel recommended the fourth shot a decision that was swiftly welcomed by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as great news that will help us overcome the Omicron wave that is spreading around the world. Although the decision is pending formal approval by senior health officials Bennett urged Israelis to get the dose as soon as possible saying My message is dont waste time go get vaccinated. The decision follows the first known death in Israel of a patient with the Omicron variant. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-offer-fourth-dose-covid-19-vaccine-people-over-60-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters AstraZeneca Plc said on Tuesday it is working with Oxford University to produce a vaccine for the Omicron coronavirus variant joining other vaccinemakers who are looking to develop the variantspecific vaccine. Together with Oxford University we have taken preliminary steps in producing an Omicron variant vaccine in case it is needed and will be informed by emerging data a spokesperson for the company said in a statement. Oxford did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/oxford-astrazeneca-launch-work-omicron-targeted-vaccine-ft-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

The Kathmandu Post Until a few months ago the proportion of the doses of Covid19 vaccine supplied to Nepal by COVAX the United Nations backed international vaccine sharing scheme was much lower compared to the doses purchased by the government. But at present the number of doses supplied by the facility is almost equal to the doses purchased by the government. According to data provided by the Ministry of Health and Population Nepal has so far received 38539367 doses of Covid19 vaccinesVero Cell Covishield AstraZeneca type AstraZeneca Moderna Janssen and Pfizer and BioNTech. The facility which had committed to supply sufficient doses for 20 percent of the Nepali population which will be around 13 million has already supplied over 15 million doses15977160 doses to Nepal. Yes we received more doses than what the facility had committed to provide us Dr Bibek Kumar Lal director at the Family Welfare Division told the Post. https://kathmandupost.com/health/2021/12/21/covax-delivers-15-977-160-doses-more-than-its-commitment 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Bloomberg A surge in emergency Covid19 funds contributed to the largest increase in federal grants to U.S. states since 2009 when Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Federal grants to states rose 37 in fiscal 2020 from the prior year outpacing the average annual increase of 4 in the prior halfdecade according to a report by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Relative to 2008 the grants climbed 93 accounting for inflation. The jump was mostly driven by pandemicrelated grants for needs such as coronavirus testing and housing assistance but Medicaid and other health spending also contributed and largely fueled the steady growth in funding to states for the past several years. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/covid-19-relief-drives-largest-federal-grant-increase-since-2009 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Bloomberg Despite vaccination rates that make other governments envious Spain and Portugal are facing the hard truth that with the new omicron variant running rampant these winter holidays wont be a time of unrestrained joy. Portugal on Tuesday announced a slew of new restrictions over Christmas and the New Year making working from home mandatory and shutting discotheques and bars beginning Saturday night. Also a negative test result must be shown to enter Portuguese cinemas theaters sports events weddings and baptisms until at least Jan. 9. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/spain-faces-new-restrictions-despite-high-vaccine-rates 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Thailand will reinstate its mandatory COVID19 quarantine for foreign visitors and scrap a quarantine waiver from Tuesday due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The decision to halt Thailands Test and Go waiver means visitors will have to undergo hotel quarantine which ranges between 7 to 10 days. Meanwhile a socalled sandbox programme which requires visitors to remain in a specific location but allows them free movement outside of their accommodation will also be suspended in all places except for the tourist resort island of Phuket. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-reinstates-mandatory-covid-19-quarantine-scraps-waiver-programme-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters The World Health Organizations European head on Tuesday warned countries to brace for a significant surge in COVID19 cases as Omicron spreads and advised the widespread use of boosters for protection. Since it emerged in late November Omicron has been detected in at least 38 of the 53 countries in the WHOs European region and is already dominant in several of them including Denmark Portugal and the United Kingdom Hans Kluge told a news conference in Vienna. https://www.reuters.com/world/significant-surge-european-cases-expected-omicron-spreads-who-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters The European Commission on Tuesday adopted rules that will make the European Union COVID19 certificate valid for travel nine months after the completion of the primary vaccination schedule. The proposal comes as several EU states introduce additional requirements on travellers in a bid to reduce the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant. EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders told Reuters the EU Commission was against additional requirements and was assessing the measures. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-sets-binding-9-month-validity-vaccinations-covid-19-travel-pass-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Countries across Europe considered new curbs on movement on Tuesday as U.S. President Joe Biden called on military medics to support hospitals and fight the Omicron variant that has swept the world days before the second Christmas of the pandemic. Omicron infections are multiplying across Europe the United States and Asia including in Japan where a single cluster of COVID19 cases at a military base has grown to at least 180. We can see another storm coming said Hans Kluge the World Health Organizations European head warning European countries to brace for a significant surge in COVID19. https://www.reuters.com/world/omicrons-global-spread-prompts-renewed-lockdowns-delayed-reopenings-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Lockdown Exit

Reuters China must be more forthcoming with data and information related to the origin of the SARSCoV2 coronavirus the head of the World Health Organization WHO said on Monday. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that there had been many failures during the COVID19 pandemic due to a lack of rules or obligations under the WHOs current 2005 International Health Regulations. https://www.reuters.com/world/china-must-share-more-data-virus-origins-who-chief-2021-12-20/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters Germanys STIKO vaccine authority on Tuesday shortened the recommended period between a second coronavirus shot and a booster to three months from six reflecting the increasing presence of the highly infectious Omicron variant. The authority said anyone over age 18 should have a booster using an mRNA vaccine three months after completing a twoshot course of COVID19 vaccines. STIKO previously recommended anyone fully vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine should wait six months after their last shot. For the oneshot Johnson Johnson vaccine that period remains four weeks. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/german-vaccine-committee-recommends-booster-after-three-months-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters The Philippines health ministry on Tuesday halved the wait time for a COVID19 vaccine booster to three months to help prevent the spread of the more infectious Omicron variant. A growing list of countries including South Korea the United Kingdom Thailand and Germany are shortening the interval for boosters to try to stave off a new surge in infections. Adults can receive a booster dose at least three months after the second shot of a twodose vaccine cutting the sixmonth gap. Recipients of a singledose vaccine can get a booster shot after two months the health ministry said. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/philippines-cuts-covid-19-booster-shot-interval-three-months-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday said public New Years Eve celebrations in Scotland would be cancelled as she set out plans for postChristmas restrictions on large scale events to try to slow the spread of the Omicron variant. Britain has reported record levels of COVID19 cases over the past week with officials and ministers warning that hospitalisations are also rising. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson under pressure from many in his own party not to introduce further curbs held off announcing new restrictions for England following a cabinet meeting on Monday but said they may yet be needed https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/scotland-sets-out-covid-restrictions-large-events-post-christmas-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

The Wall Street Journal As the Omicron variant spreads quickly across the world Israel has leaned more heavily than other countries on shutting down its borders to international travel wagering it would slow down a coming wave of infections and buy time to prepare. So far Israel has closed its borders to foreigners and has also banned its residents from traveling to dozens of countries including the U.S. and Canada the U.K. much of Europe and most of Africa. Our sole aim is to delay this massive local transmission Prof. Ran Balicer a senior adviser to the government on the pandemic said Monday while explaining the travel restrictions to journalists in a briefing organized by the Europe Israel Press Association. https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-bets-travel-restrictions-will-buy-it-time-to-fight-omicron-11640100113 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters Australia must move past the heavy hand of government and authorities must stop shutting down peoples lives with COVID19 lockdowns Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Tuesday as daily infections in the country shot up to a new pandemic high. COVID19 cases have been breaking records over the last several days the surge fuelled by the more transmissible Omicron variant but Morrison insisted that limiting the spread of the virus comes down to personal responsibility. We have got to get past the heavy hand of government and we have got to treat Australians like adults Morrison told reporters urging authorities to shift from a culture of mandates when it comes to masks and social distancing rules. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-rules-out-lockdowns-despite-omicron-surge-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

The Associated Press The NFLs decision to reduce COVID19 testing for asymptomatic vaccinated players could signal a trend for pro sports leagues and provide an example for society to follow heading into 2022. Despite a rising number of positive cases that forced three games to be rescheduled over the weekend the NFL in cooperation with the players union agreed on Saturday to scale back testing for vaccinated players. The move aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC recommends diagnostic testing only for symptomatic or closecontact vaccinated people and screening tests only for unvaccinated people. The NFL previously required vaccinated players to get tested weekly before amending the protocols. The NFLPA had advocated for daily testing for vaccinated players but eventually agreed to target testing. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-nfl-sports-health-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-eeb613166aa977d119a28349d5aa70f6 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

The Associated Press Fighting the omicron variant surging through the country President Joe Biden announced the government will provide 500 million free rapid hometesting kits increase support for hospitals under strain and redouble vaccination and boosting efforts. At the White House on Tuesday Biden detailed major changes to his COVID19 winter plan his hand forced by the fastspreading variant whose properties are not yet fully understood by scientists. Yet his message was clear that the winter holidays could be close to normal for the vaccinated while potentially dangerous for the unvaccinated. His pleas are not political he emphasized. He noted that former President Donald Trump has gotten his booster shot and he said its Americans patriotic duty to get vaccinated. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-jen-psaki-08ee41d8e7c0af1ad8b4dfb7b434ea61 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg France will require that people are fully vaccinated to enter bars restaurants and cultural venues starting in early January to help slow the spread of the omicron strain of Covid19. The vaccine pass will come into force from the first two weeks of the new year government spokesman Gabriel Attal said in a statement to reporters on Tuesday. Under the new system a negative test will no longer be an alternative to vaccination. Weve got no time to lose in the face of the omicron variant Attal said. The forecasts are worrying its true. Were entering an area of turbulence its certain. But we have the weapons to fight. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/france-pushing-to-bring-in-vaccine-pass-in-first-half-of-january 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg Edinburghs famous Hogmanay street celebrations at New Year were canceled again after a surge in cases of the omicron variant in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said. The government will also limit the number of fans at soccer matches to 500 from Dec. 26 for three weeks. More money will also be made available to support businesses after an increase in funding from the U.K. Treasury albeit falling short of what Scotland would like to spend she said. The omicron variant of Covid19 is currently ripping through the country and is more transmissible than previous strains. The priority is to deliver all booster vaccinations for adults and ensure that schools can reopen as normal after the winter break Sturgeon said. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/edinburgh-s-new-year-celebrations-scrapped-after-omicron-surge 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters As clocks struck 9 p.m. this week customers packed up and left restaurants and other eateries across South Korea as a reimposed curfew designed to help stem a surge in coronavirus infections sparks fears of economic disaster for some businesses. Last week authorities announced a series of social distancing measures lasting until at least Jan. 2. They include limiting gatherings to no more than four people and forcing restaurants cafes and bars to close by 9 p.m. 1200 GMT. The measures came just six weeks after highlyvaccinated South Korea eased many restrictions to try to live with COVID19. Since then daily cases and serious infections have hit record highs adding to strains on the countrys medical system. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/businesses-fret-south-korea-reimposes-covid-19-curfews-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters New Zealand on Tuesday postponed its phased border reopening plans until the end of February over concerns of the rapid global spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. The South Pacific nation had just started easing some of the worlds toughest pandemic measures and its international border restrictions were to progressively loosen from January with all foreign tourists allowed into the country from April. Nonquarantine travel which was to have opened for New Zealanders in Australia from Jan. 16 would be pushed back until the end of February COVID19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said at a press conference in Wellington. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-delays-re-opening-plans-over-omicron-concerns-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday the opening of more federal vaccination and testing sites to tackle a surge in COVID19 cases sparked by the Omicron variant and said some 500 million athome rapid tests will be available to Americans for free starting in January. Biden offered both a warning to the unvaccinated who he said have good reason to be concerned and reassurance that those who are inoculated can gather for the holidays despite the new variant sweeping the country. No this is not March of 2020 Biden told reporters at the White House. Two hundred million people are fully vaccinated were prepared we know more. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/omicron-surges-biden-expand-testing-warn-unvaccinated-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters U.S. health authorities are considering reducing the 10day recommended quarantine period for Americans who test positive for COVID19 as the Omicron variant tears across the country White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci said on Tuesday. A spike in COVID19 cases is alarming public health officials who fear an explosion of infections following social mingling over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Omicron now accounts for 73 of U.S. coronavirus infections the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. Breakthrough infections are rising among the fully vaccinated population including those who have had a third booster shot. However Omicron appears to be causing milder symptoms in those people some of whom have no symptoms at all. https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/us-mulls-reducing-covid-quarantine-time-amid-omicron-surge-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Exit Strategies

Reuters Countries across Europe considered new curbs on movement on Tuesday while U.S. President Joe Biden appealed to all Americans to get vaccinated to fight the Omicron variant sweeping the world days before the second Christmas of the pandemic. Omicron infections are multiplying across Europe the United States and Asia including in Japan where a single cluster of COVID19 cases at a military base has grown to at least 180. If youre not fully vaccinated you have good reason to be concerned Biden said at the White House where he unveiled plans to buy 500 million rapid COVID19 tests to be distributed for free to Americans who request them starting in January. https://www.reuters.com/world/omicrons-global-spread-prompts-renewed-lockdowns-delayed-reopenings-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

The Wall Street Journal Dr. Anthony Fauci the countrys top infectiousdisease expert said Sunday on ABC News that he doesnt anticipate the U.S. moving toward broad shutdowns even as some European countries have imposed new restrictions. He also said vaccinated Americans who have received booster shots can feel comfortable traveling this month to see family. The U.S. is now averaging more than 125000 new Covid19 cases a day according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The sevenday average for Covid19 hospital admissions fell 4.8 in the week ended Dec. 18 to 7501 a day but hospitalizations are up 49 from a recent low in early November CDC data show. Deaths increased to a sevenday average of 1182 a day as of Dec. 17 up 3.6 versus the previous week. https://www.wsj.com/articles/americas-mixed-response-to-the-omicron-variant-comes-down-to-geography-11640040779 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

Al Jazeera English An Indian man who went to court to complain about Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoting himself as the face of the nations COVID19 vaccination drive has walked away with a fine for wasting the judges time. Indias Hindu nationalist prime minister has been the focus of an enormous advertising blitz touting his governments triumphs in fighting the pandemic despite nearly 500000 Indians dying of COVID19 according to official data. Health experts fear the actual toll could be much higher. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/21/india-kerala-man-fined-modi-face-covid-vaccine-drive-poster 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

The Associated Press Britain announced 1 billion pounds 1.3 billion in grants and other aid to help the hospitality industry survive the onslaught of the omicron variant of COVID19 bowing to days of pressure from pubs restaurants and other businesses that complain public health warnings have torpedoed the vital Christmas season. Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for onetime grants of up to 6000 pounds 7954 each. An additional 100 million pounds 133 million will be given to local governments to support businesses in their areas hit by the sudden spike in COVID19 infections driven by the highly transmissible new variant. While industry groups welcomed the funding many said it was too narrowly focused and more assistance would be needed if the surge in infections continues or the government imposes more restrictions. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-public-health-518704a0a2cc3aa95b32284b52dac6bf 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

Bloomberg Robert Redfield spoke to Bloomberg News for more than an hour last month discussing his time running the CDC and how he thinks it should change. He was often criticized as too deferential to thenpresident Donald Trump as the U.S. struggled with consistent messaging during the first year of the pandemic. Now retired from government he says running the agency was a privilege but that it needs substantial changes to prepare for the future including deploying more people around the U.S. and the globe modernizing its data operations and abandoning a slowmoving culture. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/-we-haven-t-invested-in-public-health-trump-cdc-leader-speaks 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

Reuters Romanian protesters tried to force their way into parliament on Tuesday blocking traffic and vandalising some cars in the capital Bucharest in an attempt to prevent lawmakers from making a COVID19 health pass mandatory for workers. Riot police were caught off guard when hundreds of protesters poured in through a yard gate spray painting cars and forcing security staff to block the buildings entryways. The protesters later left. Police did not use force. While the ruling coalition of centrists and leftists is currently negotiating the terms of a health pass mandate no such bill is on parliaments legislative agenda at the moment. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-crowd-tries-storm-parliament-protest-covid-19-pass-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Partisan Exits

The Guardian Mr Johnsons behaviour and the suggestion that he is beholden to no one has provoked a crisis of government. Caught between the spread of a highly infectious Omicron variant and a Tory revolt the prime minister dithered and delayed. His own scientific advisers say that there are likely to be between 1000 and 2000 Covid hospital admissions a day in England by the end of the year. The case for more Covid restrictions they say is overwhelming. Yet cabinet ministers dismiss the modelling signalling to backbench rebels that they are with them. Others are perhaps afraid of being blamed for cancelling Christmas when people begin travelling around the country. Mr Johnson calculated that he was too weak in office to risk a Commons showdown with his party over new restrictions. Policy is being decided by Tory MPs many of whom have no plan beyond let Omicron rip. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/dec/20/the-guardian-view-on-boris-johnsons-covid-plan-decided-by-tory-rebels 21st Dec 2021

Continued Lockdown

Bloomberg Sweden will introduce a range of new measures to curb Covid19 transmission as hospitalizations increase and the Nordic country prepares for a surge of infections caused by the omicron variant. We have a new virus variant and the situation has changed Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said at a press conference Tuesday. We need to do what is needed and it will get tougher for a while. From Thursday new rules state that large events will have to require proof of vaccination for entry restaurants may only serve seated patrons and all events with more than 20 participants will need to take some form of precaution to lower the risk of virus transmission. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/sweden-introduces-new-covid-measures-as-transmission-accelerates 21st Dec 2021

Continued Lockdown

Bloomberg Iceland is taking stronger measures to quell a surge in Covid19 cases after daily infections reached a record. The North Atlantic islands government cut the number of people allowed at gatherings to 20 from the current 50 Health Minister Wilum Thor Thorsson said on Tuesday. When rapid tests are in use 200 people will be allowed to gather down from the current 500. The new rules take effect at midnight. We are very worried Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir told local media after a government meeting. Uncertainty over how effective vaccinations are against the new variant calls for the government to react. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/iceland-tightens-covid-curbs-amid-surge-in-cases?utm_source=google&amputm_medium=bd&ampcmpId=google 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail Dr Anthony Fauci the nations top infectious disease expert said Tuesday that the Omicron COVID19 variant is spreading at an unprecedented speed. The CDC revealed on Monday night that the new variant accounts for 73 of new cases in the U.S. and is now the nations dominant strain. It only accounted for 12 of cases last week. Fauci says that while cases of the variant are usually more mild the speed of which it spreads could still cause massive issues for the U.S. healthcare system. The first U.S. based Omicron COVID19 death was recorded on Monday in an unvaccinated Texas man between ages 50 and 60. More than 250000 COVID19 cases were recorded on Monday the first time since early September the mark was reached. In New York and New Jersey the Midwest the Southeast the Gulf Coast and the Northwest the Omicron variant now account for more than 90 percent of new cases https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-10332665/Dr-Fauci-says-Omicron-spreads-truly-unprecedented-speed-cases-DOUBLE-two-days.html 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters The European Unions drug regulator said early data shows a booster dose of a COVID19 vaccine helps restore some protection against the new Omicron variant although there is no evidence yet that tweaks to existing shots will be necessary. Data is showing that indeed there is a drop in the ability of the COVID19 vaccine to exert good neutralisation for Omicron said Marco Cavaleri head of biological health threats and vaccines strategy at the European Medicines Agency EMA. A booster dose is indeed able to restore quite a high level of protection from symptomatic disease he said later in the same briefing. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-drug-regulator-still-unclear-if-covid-19-shots-need-tweaking-omicron-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Belgian researchers on Tuesday issued a preholiday warning against overreliance on COVID19 rapid antigen tests saying they believed the breath of people infected with the disease had high levels of virus in the first two days after an infection a period when many antigen tests were negative. The organizations involved said they were communicating their findings in advance of a peerreviewed publication in the interests of public health as many families may be planning to use antigen tests as a way of screening for illness before family gatherings. A negative rapid antigen test just before a meeting offers no guarantee to protect others in particular when the person tested has recently been exposed to the virus said Emmanuel Andre a microbiologist at KU Leuven which conducted the research together with UZ Leuven a university hospital and IMEC a microelectronics thinktank. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/belgian-researchers-warn-against-holiday-reliance-covid-antigen-tests-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

The Wall Street Journal Ms. Morrison a 50yearold transplant coordinator at a New Orleans hospital says the sensations are among the symptoms she has experienced since testing positive for Covid19 in March 2020. Long Covid patientsestimated to be 10 to 30 of people who have had Covid19experience a range of symptoms including fatigue cognitive problems shortness of breath and sensory issues such as numbness and tingling. Internal vibrations and external tremors are less common and have received less attention. Yet a study this summer from the PatientLed Research Collaborative a group of long Covid patients that conduct research found that roughly 40 of patients reported experiencing tremors and 30 vibrating sensations. https://www.wsj.com/articles/long-covid-patients-report-vibrations-tremors-my-body-is-moving-inside-its-jolting-11640098486 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Al Jazeera English The emergence of the Omicron variant has changed the course of the pandemic once again. Just as many countries were beginning to enjoy easing of restrictions and many families were planning for Christmas the new variant arrived forcing governments to scramble over measures to help curb its spread. Although it is widely accepted the Omicron variant did not originate in South Africa because it had the technology and sense of responsibility to report the new variant it has unfairly had the most severe travel restrictions imposed upon it by other countries. South African doctors and politicians have been critical of the global response feeling it too harsh and disproportionate to the threat posed by the Omicron variant. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/12/20/omicron-is-more-transmissible-but-is-it-really-milder 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Bloomberg The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is poised to authorize a pair of pills from Pfizer Inc. and Merck Co. to treat Covid19 as soon as this week according to people familiar with the matter a milestone in the fight against the pandemic that will soon expand therapies for the ill. An announcement may come as early as Wednesday according to three of the people. They asked not to be identified ahead of the authorization and cautioned that the plan could change. Pfizers pill Paxlovid and Mercks molnupiravir are intended for higherrisk people who test positive for the coronavirus. The treatments in which patients take a series of pills at home over several days could ease the burden on stretched hospitals with infections poised to soar through the winter in the U.S. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/fda-expected-to-authorize-pfizer-merck-covid-pills-this-week 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Pardes Biosciences on Tuesday said early human testing of its experimental COVID19 antiviral pill supports its potential as a standalone treatment and announced plans to go public by merging with a special purpose acquisition company. If the drug PBI0451 proves effective in laterstage testing it could have an advantage over similar medicines that need to be taken with a second booster medication such as Pfizer Incs PFE.N twodrug antiviral regimen Paxlovid now under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Pardes said it expects to complete its current Phase I study in healthy volunteers early next year. It aims to begin by midyear a larger trial that could be used to seek regulatory approval for the COVID19 antiviral pill. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/exclusive-pardes-go-public-says-covid-19-antiviral-pill-does-not-need-booster-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Germany will introduce new measures to curb the spread of COVID19 before New Years Eve including limiting private gatherings for vaccinated people to a maximum of 10 people Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday. Stopping well short of a nationwide lockdown Scholz also agreed with the premiers of Germanys 16 states to close clubs and discos and to only allow big events including soccer matches without spectators. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germanys-rki-recommends-maximum-contact-restrictions-starting-once-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters COVID19 vaccine maker Moderna MRNA.O does not expect any problems in developing a booster shot to protect against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus and could begin work in a few weeks Chief Executive Stephane Bancel said in an interview. Moderna hopes to start clinical trials early next year on a vaccine to protect against the fastspreading Omicron variant but for now is focussing on a booster dose of its current mRNA1273 vaccine. It only needs minor adjustments for Omicron. I dont expect any problems Bancel said in an interview with the Swiss newspaper TagesAnzeiger published on Tuesday. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/moderna-could-be-ready-develop-omicron-booster-weeks-ceo-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Scientific Viewpoint

Sydney Morning Herald Surging Omicron infections will overwhelm the health system unless some restrictions return according to modelling prepared for national cabinet that also recommends bringing coronavirus vaccine boosters forward. The Doherty Institute modelling predicts that without lowtomedium restrictions such as density and visitor limits waning vaccine protection against the Omicron variant puts Australia on track to hit about 200000 cases a day by late January or early February. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/omicron-cases-could-hit-200-000-a-day-next-year-without-tougher-restrictions-doherty-modelling-warns-20211221-p59ja0.html 21st Dec 2021

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters A Chinese city next to Vietnam border postponed from Tuesday the clearing of travellers and cargos to pass through its port of entry on COVID19 concerns state media reported. Dongxing city in the autonomous Chinese region of Guangxi advised that exports and imports of urgent cargos should be planned to avoid loss from the waiting state broadcaster CCTV said in a report. The measure is part of the citys effort to cope with current COVID19 situation said CCTV without providing further details on the virus risk. It came after Dongxing detected one COVID19 infection during routine testing. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/chinese-city-delays-clearing-travellers-cargos-port-entry-after-one-covid-19-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters COVID19 cases surged in New York City and across the United States over the weekend dashing hopes for a more normal holiday season resurrecting restrictions and stretching the countrys testing infrastructure ahead of holiday travel and gatherings. The fastspreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus has become dominant in the United States with lightning speed and claimed the life on Monday of an unvaccinated man in Texas officials said. The spike in COVID19 cases is alarming public health officials who fear an explosion of infections after the Christmas and New Years holidays. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/omicron-fueled-covid-wave-crashes-into-new-york-days-before-christmas-2021-12-20/ 21st Dec 2021

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters Sweden will urge all employees to work from home if possible and impose tighter rules for social distancing the government said on Tuesday as it ratchets up restrictions to fight a surge in new infections and the Omicron variant of the COVID19 virus. The number of new virus cases in Sweden which sparked international attention last year for its rejection of hard lockdowns have shot up in recent weeks after a calm autumn when most restrictions were phased out. Hospitalizations and intensive care cases are still among the lowest per capita in Europe but have also begun rising. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/sweden-tightens-covid-restrictions-cases-mount-2021-12-21/ 21st Dec 2021

Coronavirus Resurgence

The Hill World Health Organization DirectorGeneral is urging people across the globe to consider cancelling their holiday gatherings. There can be no doubt that increased social mixing over the holiday period in many countries will lead to increased cases overwhelmed health systems and more deaths Tedros said. White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci on Tuesday reiterated his claim that vaccinated Americans can feel comfortable communing with other vaccinated individuals. https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/586733-who-urges-people-to-consider-canceling-holiday 21st Dec 2021

New Lockdown

Bloomberg German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pushed through tighter socialdistancing restrictions to stave off the threat of a massive surge of the omicron Covid19 variant just as families gather for the Christmas holidays. The latest measures which add to existing curbs that mainly affect the unvaccinated include limiting gatherings to 10 people starting Dec. 28. The restrictions which Scholz negotiated with regional leaders on Tuesday also apply to those who are inoculated or have recovered from the virus. We cant close our eyes to the next wave thats beginning to appear in front of us Scholz told reporters in Berlin after meeting the countrys 16 state premiers. The chancellor said Germans should celebrate Christmas but cautiously. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-21/germany-to-impose-tighter-curbs-as-nation-braces-for-omicron 21st Dec 2021