1st Feb 2022 https://nfind.uk/lockdown_exit/index.php/newsletter=589 lockdown_exit

Lockdown Exit

Bloomberg Thailand expects to welcome hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers a month with the kickoff of a quarantinefree visa program thats set to serve as a model for tourismreliant countries balancing safe border reopenings with economic revival. Starting Tuesday visitors of any nationality can apply for quarantinefree entry into Thailand provided they are fully vaccinated. The government expects between 200000 and 300000 travelers to take advantage of the socalled Test Go program in February alone with the numbers expected to swell in the following months. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/thailand-ready-for-rush-of-tourists-with-quarantine-free-visas 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Reuters U.S. inflationary pressures should ease in 2022 due to weaker demand for goods easing supply bottlenecks and a receding coronavirus pandemic the U.S. Treasurys top economist said on Monday. In a statement released alongside the Treasurys quarterly borrowing estimates Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy Ben Harris said he expects energy prices to stabilize in 2022 but geopolitical instability could push prices higher. Harris said the course of the pandemic remains a primary downside risk to the U.S. economic outlook along with supply chain disruptions high energy prices and housing costs. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-treasury-economist-sees-inflation-pressures-easing-if-pandemic-recedes-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Reuters British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced renewed calls to resign on Monday after a report found that alcoholfuelled events at his offices and residence when COVID19 lockdown rules were in force should never have taken place. The report by senior civil servant Sue Gray into the lockdown gatherings which occurred when Britons were all but banned from social mixing under coronavirus restrictions pointed to serious failures of leadership at the heart of the British government. She condemned some of the behaviour in government as being difficult to justify saying the excessive consumption of alcohol is not appropriate in a professional workplace at any time. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-pm-johnson-receives-report-into-potential-downing-street-lockdown-breaches-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Reuters The British government plans to revoke its decision to make COVID19 vaccination mandatory for health workers in England after warnings that an alreadystretched service could face serious staff shortages. The policy would have required employees in the staterun National Health Service and social care workers to be fully vaccinated by April 1. This means they would have to receive their first shot this week to meet that deadline. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-could-change-mandatory-covid-vaccination-nhs-staff-minister-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Al Jazeera English Bhutans success in avoiding coronavirus is almost unrivalled but a rare patient death just the kingdoms fourth shows more work was needed to fight the pandemic there its leader says. The remote Himalayan nation of around 800000 people sandwiched between China and India has recorded fewer COVID19 fatalities than almost anywhere else in the world. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/31/felt-like-bullet-bhutan-pm-mourns-rare-covid-death 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

The Associated Press Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized Monday after an inquiry found that Downing Street parties while Britain was in lockdown represented a serious failure to observe the standards expected of government or to heed the sacrifices made by millions of people during the pandemic. Johnson brushed off calls to quit over the partygate scandal promising to reform the way his office is run and insisting that he and his government can be trusted. But he faced criticism from some of his own Conservative colleagues who have the power to oust a leader some fear has become damaged goods. One Conservative lawmaker accused the prime minister of taking him for a fool. I get it and I will fix it Johnson said in Parliament after senior civil servant Sue Gray published interim findings on several gatherings in 2020 and 2021 while the U.K. was under governmentimposed restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus. https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-partygate-report-0cc714677ec8f8450568c872b12a9bdc 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

The Wall Street Journal The Omicron variant spreads so quickly and generally causes such a mild form of illness among vaccinated populations that countries are tolerating greater Covid19 outbreaks willingly letting infections balloon to levels that not long ago would have been treated as publichealth crises. From different starting points authorities in North America Europe and the AsiaPacific are moving in the same direction offering a glimpse into a future in which Covid19 becomes accepted as a fact of everyday life like seasonal flu. Health officials everywhere many for the first time are forgoing some of the sharpest tools they have to combat Omicroneven as infections soar. They are accepting the virus like never before to minimize disruptions to economies education and everyday life. https://www.wsj.com/articles/omicron-pushes-health-authorities-toward-learning-to-live-with-covid-19-11643537865 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

CNN Denmark has decided to lift all Covid19 restrictions within the country Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced Wednesday evening adding that Covid19 should no longer be categorized as a socially critical sickness. Denmark will be completely open from 1 February Frederiksen said. Tonight we can start lowering our shoulders and find our smiles again. The pandemic is still here but with what we know now we dare to believe that we are through the critical phase Frederiksen added highlighting the success of Denmarks vaccination program and booster shots. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/31/health/easing-covid-restrictions-pandemic-end-explainer/index.html 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

ABC News On the cusp of the third year of the COVID19 pandemic the United States is battling back the biggest surge of the virus yet with the omicron variant. Cases even while receding in some places are near record levels. And daily deaths while lower than the peak of last winter are still averaging more than 2000 nationwide. Despite pitched battles over masks and vaccines life appears somewhat normal in many respects kids are going to school people are going into work and large indoor gatherings and events are being held. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/experts-covid-19-emergency-end-year/story?id=82464470 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Indonesias holiday island of Bali will start welcoming back travellers from all countries from later this week officials said on Monday more than three months after announcing it was open to selected nationalities. Though Bali officially opened to visitors from China New Zealand and Japan among other countries in mid October there has since been no direct flights Tourism minister Sandiaga Uno told a briefing. The reopening follows similar announcements by Thailand and the Philippines which put quarantine waivers on hold in December over initial uncertainty about vaccine efficacy against the Omicron variant of COVID19. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-says-bali-reopen-foreign-travellers-again-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

Reuters Britains public spending chief on Monday urged fraudsters who swindled billions of dollars of COVID support money from the state to give the cash back. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Simon Clarke said the tax service known in Britain as HM Revenue Customs would pursue anyone who had taken money fraudulently. We will now pursue anybody who has taken this money fraudulently Clarke told LBC radio. And I would urge anyone whos taken that money and didnt really need it to make contact with HMRC. https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/give-back-money-uk-tells-covid-fraudsters-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Lockdown Exit

The Associated Press The Russian capital on Monday has started offering a domestically developed coronavirus vaccine to children in the 1217 age group amid the countrys biggest infection surge yet due to the spread of the highly contagious omicron variant. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-business-moscow-russia-f22fde3d7e8e3a8f42c3f3d32aa3a709 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg Chinas Winter Olympics may be more of a drag on Beijings regional economy than a boost as virus flareups and pollution curbs weigh on consumer and industrial activity. A ban on public spectators means there wont be the usual bump up in tourism and consumption that a city hopes to gain from hosting the international games. Tighter controls to contain the outbreaks of two virus variants are keeping holidaymakers away. And restrictions on polluting industries to ensure there are clear skies over the capital during the games means steel plants are curbing output https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/omicron-dashes-china-s-hopes-of-winter-olympics-boosting-economy 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Reuters The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC on Monday advised against travel to a dozen countries because of high rates of coronavirus infection including Mexico Brazil Singapore Ecuador Kosovo Philippines and Paraguay. The CDC now lists nearly 130 countries and territories with COVID19 cases as Level Four Very High. It also added Anguilla French Guiana Moldova and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to its highest level on Monday. The U.S. State Department also raised its travel advisory for Mexico and some of the other nations listed by the CDC to Level 4 Do Not Travel. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-cdc-warns-against-travel-mexico-brazil-singapore-over-covid-19-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Nursing Times The government is reportedly expected to perform a Uturn on its mandatory Covid19 vaccination policy for NHS and social care staff in England. It comes after the health and social care secretary announced last week that he was reflecting on the plans in wake of the implications of staff shortages from Omicron https://www.nursingtimes.net/news/coronavirus/mandatory-covid-19-vaccines-for-nhs-and-social-care-staff-could-be-scrapped-31-01-2022/ 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Sky News Boris Johnson has said the health secretary will be saying more later about mandatory coronavirus vaccinations for NHS staff and social care workers amid speculation the policy could be scrapped. Health workers in England were meant to be fully vaccinated against COVID19 by April but Sajid Javid has been under growing pressure to get rid of the rule. https://news.sky.com/story/covid-19-boris-johnson-says-health-secretary-will-provide-update-on-mandatory-jabs-for-health-workers-amid-u-turn-speculation-12529281 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Reuters Article reports that Taiwans gift of 150000 doses of its domestically developed Medigen COVID19 vaccine has arrived in Somalias breakaway Somaliland region the Taiwanese foreign ministry said on Monday part of the islands renewed pandemic diplomacy push. Taiwan has donated millions of face masks and other goods around the world in what the government has called the Taiwan can help Taiwan is helping programme to show the island is a responsible member of the international community despite being locked out of most global bodies because of Chinas objections. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-tries-hand-covid-diplomacy-again-with-somaliland-vaccine-gift-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

The Wall Street Journal The Food and Drug Administration on Monday gave its full approval to Moderna Inc.s Covid19 vaccine branded Spikevax for use in adults 18 and older making it the second fully approved Covid19 vaccine after one from Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE. The agency granted full approval to Modernas shot after conducting a more thorough review of the evidence for the vaccines safety and efficacy. Previously the FDA had granted what is known as an emergencyuse authorization for Modernas vaccine in December 2020 following a shorterthannormal review of the shot. The FDA may grant such authorizations during publichealth emergencies such as the continuing pandemic. https://www.wsj.com/articles/falling-u-s-hospitalizations-infections-bolster-hope-omicron-wave-is-waning-11643636428 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg Spain has included the cost of face masks in its list of articles to gauge inflation in the latest example of the farreaching impact of the pandemic. The consumer price index basket is revised periodically and updated to include new products whose consumption starts to be significant the national statistics institute said in a statement Monday. It also added online newspaper subscriptions while dropping DVDs and compact discs. Masks are widely worn in Spain and are mandatory in most indoor public spaces. In late December with the omicron variant surging Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reinstated a rule ordering masks to be used outdoors. The order is pending parliamentary approval. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/face-masks-are-now-part-of-spain-s-inflation-basket?srnd=premium-europe 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Bloomberg Formula One staff must be fully vaccinated against Covid19 under new FIA rules. The policy drawn up by the sports governing body will be written into the regulations for the new season and will apply to all drivers teams media and hospitality guests. It is expected that no exemptions will be granted. The sport hopes the rule will avoid a repeat of the Novak Djokovic fiasco which overshadowed the buildup to this months Australian Open. All of the grids current drivers are understood to be vaccinated. An F1 spokesperson said Formula One management will require all travelling personnel to be fully vaccinated and will not request exemptions. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/f1-to-mandate-covid-19-vaccines-for-all-staff 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Reuters The German government has failed to hit its goal of vaccinating 80 of the population against the coronavirus before the end of January roughly a month before lawmakers are expected to vote on a draft law on mandatory COVID19 vaccinations. As of Monday 75.8 of Germans have received at least one vaccine dose which places the country behind European peers such as Italy France and Spain according to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit did not name a new target date for the 80 goal but said the aim was to raise the vaccination rate going ahead. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-misses-80-covid-19-vaccination-rate-target-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Reuters Australias federal government will offer extra payments to aged care staff as over 1200 nursing homes deal with COVID19 outbreaks that have caused hundreds of deaths of elderly residents this year and staff shortages. There is growing concern over the impact of the Omicron variant outbreak on elderly Australians living in residential care homes as the pandemic in the wider community peaks. On Sunday 31 out of 52 deaths from the virus reported by New South Wales were aged care residents. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-offers-aged-care-labour-incentive-amid-covid-crisis-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Exit Strategies

Reuters Investigations into Chinas coldchain sector have led to several managers officials and business owners being punished for failing to meet COVID19 prevention standards the countrys corruption watchdog said in a notice. The Beijing branch of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection CCDI accused several people involved in the cold storage business of management and supervisory failures when it came to controlling COVID19. It accused one manager in an industrial park in southwest Beijing of poor leadership and nonstandard management that led to the spread of the epidemic. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-punishes-cold-chain-managers-obstructing-covid-prevention-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

Al Jazeera English Music streaming company Spotify says it will start guiding listeners of podcasts discussing COVID19 to facts about the pandemic after artists including Neil Young pulled their songs from the platform in anger at alleged misinformation. In a post on Sunday Spotify Chief Executive Daniel Ek laid out more transparent platform rules given the backlash stirred up by Young after the tech giant declined to get rid of episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience which has been criticised for spreading virus misinformation. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/31/spotify-to-link-covid-content-to-facts-after-misinformation-row 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

The Associated Press A top Hong Kong official resigned Monday for attending a birthday party with about 200 guests in early January as the city was battling a coronavirus surge. At least one guests later tested positive and Secretary of Home Affairs Caspar Tsui was among several officials and lawmakers ordered to quarantine after the party which was held for Witman Hung a delegate to Chinas legislature. Tsui said in a statement issued Monday afternoon that he had not set the best example during the recent outbreak. At the time Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and health officials had urged the public to avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the virus. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-china-hong-kong-1b20b1eb747285b89bb97e7f9f6fac61 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

Tatler A spokesperson for Prince Harry and Meghans Archewell organisation confirmed that the couple had expressed concerns to our partners at Spotify last April raising the issue of the all too real consequences of Covid19 misinformation on its platform. He said Archewell continued to voice concerns to Spotify to ensure changes to its platform are made to help address this public health crisis adding We look to Spotify to meet this moment and are committed to continuing our work together. https://www.tatler.com/article/spotify-tackle-covid-19-misinformation-harry-meghan-joe-rogan-neil-young 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

The Independent Laurence Fox has attempted to shut down a doctor who offered him professional medical advice after he contracted Covid19. The controversial actor and failed London mayoral candidate tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday 30 January just days after sharing a photo wearing a tshirt that read No vaccine needed. I have an immune system. Palliative care doctor and author Rachel Clarke shared a news story about Fox getting Covid and wished him a speedy recovery while warning that his chosen medication of Ivermectin was not recommended by medical experts. Its important to stress there is no clear evidence that Ivermectin a horse dewormer reduces the risks of catching Covid or its severity Clarke wrote adding before adding We do have excellent evidencebased Covid treatments though. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/laurence-fox-ivermectin-covid-rachel-clarke-b2004051.html 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

Reuters UK PM Johnson receives report into Downing Street lockdown parties By ReutersInvesting.com UKFactboxKey Findings From UK Lockdown Party ReportU.S. News World ReportUK PM Johnson receives report into potential Downing Street lockdown breachesNasdaqView Full coverage on Google News https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-pm-johnson-receives-report-into-potential-downing-street-lockdown-breaches-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

Bloomberg Joe Rogan pledged more balance and better research for his podcast in an apology aimed at quelling growing controversy about misleading coronavirus information that plunged Spotify Technology SA into controversy last week. If Ive ped you off Im sorry Rogan said in an Instagram video while also thanking listeners who have enjoyed his podcast. He said he would try harder to get people with differing opinions on right afterward and do my best to make sure I have researched these topics the controversial ones in particular and have all the pertinent facts at hand before I discuss them. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/joe-rogan-says-sorry-as-spotify-seeks-to-end-vaccine-controversy 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

Reuters Hong Kongs Secretary for Home Affairs resigned on Monday weeks after attending the birthday party of a delegate to Chinas legislature where two of some 200 guests tested positive for COVID19. Caspar Tsui was among 15 officials who went to the 53rd birthday of Witman Hung a city delegate to the national legislature before new COVID19 restrictions came into force but after Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam appealed to people to avoid big gatherings. Tsui brought the Hong Kong government into disrepute and did not meet the expectations of the general public Lam told a news conference. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hong-kong-home-affairs-chief-caspar-tsui-resigns-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

The Associated Press The head of Cyprus Orthodox Christian Church said Sunday that he will suspend a dozen priests from his diocese because they refused to heed his call to get vaccinated against COVID19. Archbishop Chrystostomos II told state broadcaster CyBC that most of the priests are also theologians who have swayed some of the faithful not to get vaccinated. The archbishop called the insubordination unheard of and warned that the suspensions could be extended to six months or lead to the priests being defrocked. He suggested that some of the unvaccinated priests may be emboldened to defy him because of his frail health. Archbishop Chrysostomos has been vocal in his support for vaccinations for all the faithful and the Churchs highest decision making body the Holy Synod has issued a clear appeal in favor of vaccination. https://apnews.com/d2277bcc5f9f749f854413a0681c7762 30th Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

The Associated Press Police in Canadas capital said Sunday they are investigating possible criminal charges after antivaccine protesters urinated on the National War Memorial danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and used the statue of Canadian hero Terry Fox to display an antivaccine statement. Thousands of protesters gathered in Ottawa Saturday to protest vaccine mandates masks and lockdowns. Some travelled in truck convoys and parked on the streets around Parliament Hill blocking traffic. Many remained on Sunday. Ottawa Police said officers are also investigating threatening behavior to police and others. Several criminal investigations are underway in relation the desecration of the National War MemorialTerry Fox statue Ottawa police said. https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-canada-ontario-ottawa-dfae7b60cf457204f48b3afe4417e5f6 30th Jan 2022

Partisan Exits

The Associated Press Spotify is pledging to combat the spread of COVID19 misinformation as part of a damagecontrol campaign sparked by musician Neil Young who called out the streaming services top podcaster for amplifying vaccine skepticism. Spotify said Sunday it will soon add a warning before all podcasts that discuss COVID19 directing listeners to factual uptodate information from scientists and public health experts. The company also sought to increase transparency about its publishing decisions by laying out the rules it uses to protect users safety. Young had his music removed from Spotify last week after the company declined to get rid of episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience which he criticized for spreading virus misinformation. https://apnews.com/article/spotify-joe-rogan-covid-advisories-435f6efc51f4d4c94587f1b4ffe5fbe3 30th Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

Daily Mail The Moderna Covid19 vaccine has received full FDA approval for use in all U.S. adults. It is the second vaccine to receive full approval for use in America joining Pfizers shot. Approval only applies to the first two shots and the booster dose remains only available under emergency use orders. Without this approval the jab would only be available under situations of emergency but now it can be used even beyond the pandemic https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-10460639/Modernas-COVID-19-vaccine-receives-FDA-approval-Americans-aged-18-older.html 31st Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Japanese trading and pharmaceuticals company Kowa Co Ltd said that antiparasite drug ivermectin showed an antiviral effect against Omicron and other coronavirus variants in joint nonclinical research. The company which has been working with Tokyos Kitasato University on testing the drug as a potential treatment for COVID19 did not provide further details. The original Reuters story misstated that ivermectin was effective against Omicron in Phase III clinical trials which are conducted in humans. Clinical trials are ongoing but promotion of ivermectin as a COVID19 treatment has generated controversy. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/japans-kowa-says-ivermectin-effective-against-omicron-phase-iii-trial-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

The Wall Street Journal Asthma. Unhealthy gut bacteria. The presence of autoantibodies usually associated with autoimmune conditions. These are among the risk factors identified in new studies as potentially making someone at greater risk of developing long Covid a condition in which wideranging symptoms such as fatigue brain fog and racing heart rate persist months after an initial Covid19 infection. The studies help advance scientists understanding of the biology behind long Covid and provide clues to potential treatments. Patients with autoantibodies for instance might get relief from existing treatments for lupus an autoimmune disease. The variety of reasons one person might get long Covid and another might not also reinforce scientists increasing belief that there wont be a single cause or treatment for the condition. https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-clues-about-who-will-develop-long-covid-11643625003 31st Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

Reuters Merck Cos new antiviral pill once touted as a potential game changer for treating COVID19 is the last choice among four available options for atrisk patients given its relatively low efficacy and potential safety issues U.S. doctors healthcare systems and pharmacies told Reuters. A rival oral treatment from Pfizer Inc Paxlovid is in high demand followed by an intravenous antibody therapy made by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology. With supplies of those products tight doctors facing a surge of cases caused by the Omicron variant are also turning to Gilead Sciences Incs remdesivir an antiviral that needs to be given as three daily infusions to help highrisk COVID patients avoid hospitalization. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/mercks-covid-pill-is-last-choice-us-patients-global-use-varies-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

The Associated Press More than a year after a bout with COVID19 Rebekah Hogan still suffers from severe brain fog pain and fatigue that leave her unable to do her nursing job or handle household activities. Long COVID has her questioning her worth as a wife and mother. Is this permanent Is this the new norm said the 41yearold Latham New York woman whose three children and husband also have signs of the condition. I want my life back. More than a third of COVID19 survivors by some estimates will develop such lingering problems. Now with omicron sweeping across the globe scientists are racing to pinpoint the cause of the bedeviling condition and find treatments before a potential explosion in long COVID cases. https://apnews.com/article/long-covid-omicron-research-45986f5b42e47e656d5b385bd51b2bb2 31st Jan 2022

Scientific Viewpoint

Bloomberg A South African woman suffering from inadequately treated HIV and who harbored Covid19 for nine months saw the respiratory virus develop at least 21 mutations while in her body according to a study. Once the 22yearold adhered to the antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV and her immune system strengthened she was able to overcome the Covid19 infection within six to nine weeks the study led by scientists from Stellenbosch and the University of KwaZuluNatal showed. The research has not been peer reviewed.The study adds to evidence that Covid19 may mutate rapidly when harbored by immunosuppressed individuals such as those not taking medication to treat HIV and this may lead to the development of new variants. The beta variant which the patient in the study was infected with was discovered in South Africa as was omicron. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-30/covid-infected-hiv-patient-developed-21-mutations-study-shows 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

ABC News Another three Queenslanders have died with COVID19 taking the total number of deaths in the state since the coronavirus pandemic began to 199. The state has recorded 7462 new cases in the latest reporting period. There are 744 people in hospital being treated for COVID. That includes 46 patients in hospital in intensive care. Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said of the three people who had died with COVID19 one was in their 60s one in their 80s and one in their 90s. Two had received two doses of COVID19 vaccine and one had also received a booster shot. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-01-31/queensland-coronavirus-covid19-deaths-cases/100790788 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters Russia reported a record daily number of COVID19 cases on Monday as the Omicron variant of coronavirus spread across the country authorities said. New daily cases jumped to 124070 up from 121228 a day earlier. The government coronavirus task force also reported 621 deaths in the last 24 hours. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-reports-fresh-record-daily-covid-cases-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

Bloomberg Beijing identified more than 100 coronavirus infections over the past three days among those in China for the Winter Olympics taking the cumulative number of cases to 248 with four days to go before the opening ceremony. At an average of 36 new cases a day the increase has more than doubled the threeday average for Jan. 2527 period. The total count already exceeds the number of infections Tokyo had in the runup to the summer games last year which were held before the more infectious omicron variant began to circulate. The Japanese capital tallied 121 Olympicrelated cases in the three weeks before its opening ceremony. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/beijing-olympics-covid-cases-mounting-at-faster-pace-than-tokyo 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

Bloomberg Hong Kong has never been closer to losing its CovidZero battle. As residents prepare for another Chinese New Year under Covid19 restrictions omicron seems to have gotten the better of the citys defenses with a record number of new and untraceable infections. Though the city has beaten back four previous waves of infection returning to no Covid cases will be much harder this time given its facing omicron the most infectious and immuneevasive of variants. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-01-31/hong-kong-s-covid-zero-disintegrates-under-omicron-s-onslaught 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters China has detected some 119 cases of COVID19 among athletes and personnel linked to the Beijing Winter Olympics with authorities imposing a closed loop bubble to keep participants staff and media separated from the public. https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-reports-37-new-covid-19-cases-among-olympics-personnel-jan-30-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

Coronavirus Resurgence

Reuters Australia reported its lowest daily COVID19 deaths in two weeks on Monday while cases continued to trend lower as authorities braced for staff shortages in schools due to likely outbreaks as thousands of students return after their summer break. Most states will go through a staggered school reopening exercise this week as Australia battles the worst outbreak of the pandemic with the fastmoving Omicron coronavirus variant spiralling cases to record levels. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/australia-reports-fewer-covid-19-deaths-infections-students-return-schools-2022-01-31/ 31st Jan 2022

New Lockdown

The Guardian Beijing officials have sealed off several residential communities north of the city centre after two cases of Covid19 were found as the Chinese capital prepares to host the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. Another 34 cases were confirmed among athletes and others who have come for the Games the organising committee said. In all 211 people have tested positive among more than 8000 who had arrived by the end of Saturday. They include a Swedish crosscountry skier and a snowboarder from Slovenia. Everyone coming for the Olympics is being isolated from the general public for the duration of their stay in China to try to prevent crossinfection. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/31/beijing-seals-off-several-communities-over-two-cases-of-covid-19 31st Jan 2022