https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1421/

Japan's hospitals facing medical glove shortage


Frontline medical workers in Japan are worried they're running out of an essential piece of protective equipment. They're facing a critical shortfall of medical rubber gloves at the same time as coronavirus infections rise to record levels.

The clinic's deputy director, Doi Yoshiyasu, says it's getting difficult to source the item, and the price has doubled. He urges authorities to prioritize resource allocation to the people who need it most.

A recent survey of medical staff involved in the fight against COVID-19 found the shortage is becoming a serious issue nationwide.

Some facilities have resorted to using gloves that are not medical grade, but Professor Sugawara Erisa, an infection control expert at Tokyo Healthcare University, says that's putting people at risk.

"Sending frontline workers in without medical-grade gloves is like sending them to war without ammunition," she says.

One reason for the shortage is that Japan, like many countries, relies heavily on imports.

Malaysia produces two-thirds of the world's rubber gloves. Supramaniam Shanmugam, head of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, says global demand far exceeds supply. "We will be trying to catch up with demand for the next couple of years," he says.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/netherlands-bans-uk-flights-until-january-1-after-new-mutant-coronavirus-spreads-rapidly-2341207

Mutant Coronavirus Strain "Out Of Control", Says UK Amid Flights Ban


European countries started banning flights coming from the UK on Sunday as government in London warned that a potent new strain of the virus was "out of control".

The moves come as around a third of England's population entered a Christmas lockdown and UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of virus was "out of control".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said the day before that millions of Britons would have to cancel their Christmas plans and stay home because the new strain was spreading far more quickly.

Speaking on Sky News, Hancock said the situation was "deadly serious."

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/netherlands-bans-uk-flights-until-january-1-after-new-mutant-coronavirus-spreads-rapidly-2341207

Mutant Coronavirus Strain "Out Of Control", Says UK Amid Flights Ban


European countries started banning flights coming from the UK on Sunday as government in London warned that a potent new strain of the virus was "out of control".

The moves come as around a third of England's population entered a Christmas lockdown and UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of virus was "out of control".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said the day before that millions of Britons would have to cancel their Christmas plans and stay home because the new strain was spreading far more quickly.

Speaking on Sky News, Hancock said the situation was "deadly serious."

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1421/

Japan's hospitals facing medical glove shortage


Frontline medical workers in Japan are worried they're running out of an essential piece of protective equipment. They're facing a critical shortfall of medical rubber gloves at the same time as coronavirus infections rise to record levels.

The clinic's deputy director, Doi Yoshiyasu, says it's getting difficult to source the item, and the price has doubled. He urges authorities to prioritize resource allocation to the people who need it most.

A recent survey of medical staff involved in the fight against COVID-19 found the shortage is becoming a serious issue nationwide.

Some facilities have resorted to using gloves that are not medical grade, but Professor Sugawara Erisa, an infection control expert at Tokyo Healthcare University, says that's putting people at risk.

"Sending frontline workers in without medical-grade gloves is like sending them to war without ammunition," she says.

One reason for the shortage is that Japan, like many countries, relies heavily on imports.

Malaysia produces two-thirds of the world's rubber gloves. Supramaniam Shanmugam, head of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, says global demand far exceeds supply. "We will be trying to catch up with demand for the next couple of years," he says.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1421/

Japan's hospitals facing medical glove shortage


Frontline medical workers in Japan are worried they're running out of an essential piece of protective equipment. They're facing a critical shortfall of medical rubber gloves at the same time as coronavirus infections rise to record levels.

The clinic's deputy director, Doi Yoshiyasu, says it's getting difficult to source the item, and the price has doubled. He urges authorities to prioritize resource allocation to the people who need it most.

A recent survey of medical staff involved in the fight against COVID-19 found the shortage is becoming a serious issue nationwide.

Some facilities have resorted to using gloves that are not medical grade, but Professor Sugawara Erisa, an infection control expert at Tokyo Healthcare University, says that's putting people at risk.

"Sending frontline workers in without medical-grade gloves is like sending them to war without ammunition," she says.

One reason for the shortage is that Japan, like many countries, relies heavily on imports.

Malaysia produces two-thirds of the world's rubber gloves. Supramaniam Shanmugam, head of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association, says global demand far exceeds supply. "We will be trying to catch up with demand for the next couple of years," he says.

https://tokentimes.io/uncategorized/129585/latest-news-2020-surgical-operation-gloves-market-by-coronavirus-covid19-impact-analysis-with-top-manufacturers-analysis-top-players-ansell-healthcare-top-glove-medline-industries-cardinal-heal/

Latest News 2020: Surgical Operation Gloves Market by Coronavirus-COVID19 Impact Analysis With Top Manufacturers Analysis | Top Players: Ansell Healthcare, Top Glove, Medline Industries, Cardinal Health, Molnlycke Health Care, etc. | InForGrowth

https://tokentimes.io/uncategorized/129585/latest-news-2020-surgical-operation-gloves-market-by-coronavirus-covid19-impact-analysis-with-top-manufacturers-analysis-top-players-ansell-healthcare-top-glove-medline-industries-cardinal-heal/

Latest News 2020: Surgical Operation Gloves Market by Coronavirus-COVID19 Impact Analysis With Top Manufacturers Analysis | Top Players: Ansell Healthcare, Top Glove, Medline Industries, Cardinal Health, Molnlycke Health Care, etc. | InForGrowth

https://www.register-herald.com/health/w-va-spent-little-on-masks-gloves-in-early-pandemic/article_2226813c-9c6f-56e4-b174-bef83aa93c71.html

W.Va. spent little on masks, gloves in early pandemic


West Virginia, the last state to report a coronavirus case, spent sparsely on medical gear in the early months of the pandemic; buying masks, gloves and other protective equipment.

https://www.register-herald.com/health/w-va-spent-little-on-masks-gloves-in-early-pandemic/article_2226813c-9c6f-56e4-b174-bef83aa93c71.html

W.Va. spent little on masks, gloves in early pandemic


West Virginia, the last state to report a coronavirus case, spent sparsely on medical gear in the early months of the pandemic; buying masks, gloves and other protective equipment.

https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/coronavirus/ap-states-spent-over-7b-competing-for-early-virus-supplies/article_e30ab71f-55c0-5bd6-ab2e-9bb03dbd4385.html

AP: States spent over $7B competing for early PPE supplies

The AP tallied more than $7 billion in purchases by states this spring for personal protective equipment, or PPE; Masks. Gowns. Gloves. Goggles. Sanitizer. Coveralls.

The data, obtained through open-records requests, is the most comprehensive accounting to date of how much states were buying, what they were spending and whom they were paying during a chaotic spring when inadequate national stockpiles left state governments scrambling for hard-to-get supplies.

"Usually, if you found inventory with some of your suppliers, you had to make a purchase right then and there. You couldn't wait," he said, "because within an hour, it would be gone."

States competed with each other, hospital systems, the federal government and even other countries to find and buy medical gear as the virus began spreading.

https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/coronavirus/ap-states-spent-over-7b-competing-for-early-virus-supplies/article_e30ab71f-55c0-5bd6-ab2e-9bb03dbd4385.html

AP: States spent over $7B competing for early PPE supplies

The AP tallied more than $7 billion in purchases by states this spring for personal protective equipment, or PPE; Masks. Gowns. Gloves. Goggles. Sanitizer. Coveralls.

The data, obtained through open-records requests, is the most comprehensive accounting to date of how much states were buying, what they were spending and whom they were paying during a chaotic spring when inadequate national stockpiles left state governments scrambling for hard-to-get supplies.

"Usually, if you found inventory with some of your suppliers, you had to make a purchase right then and there. You couldn't wait," he said, "because within an hour, it would be gone."

States competed with each other, hospital systems, the federal government and even other countries to find and buy medical gear as the virus began spreading.

https://lmtribune.com/northwest/quest-for-ppe-took-idaho-to-far-away-places/article_9b3aa437-64ac-5c79-b670-27f3a69683bc.html

Quest for PPE took Idaho to far away places


A public records request by the Associated Press showed just how far and wide the state ranged and what odd partnerships formed as officials scrambled to obtain personal protective equipment for medical workers as the coronavirus began spreading across the U.S.

State buyers were left scrambling.

“I think the biggest downfall of the whole system was the Strategic National Stockpile,” said Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “There just wasn’t much to it.”

Like many governors, Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a stay-at-home order early in the pandemic, which was intended to slow the spread of the virus and give the state extra time to find supplies.

State buyers often turned to Amazon, placing orders and spending mainly on GLOVES but also disinfectant wipes, gowns and goggles.

https://lmtribune.com/northwest/quest-for-ppe-took-idaho-to-far-away-places/article_9b3aa437-64ac-5c79-b670-27f3a69683bc.html

Quest for PPE took Idaho to far away places


A public records request by the Associated Press showed just how far and wide the state ranged and what odd partnerships formed as officials scrambled to obtain personal protective equipment for medical workers as the coronavirus began spreading across the U.S.

State buyers were left scrambling.

“I think the biggest downfall of the whole system was the Strategic National Stockpile,” said Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management. “There just wasn’t much to it.”

Like many governors, Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a stay-at-home order early in the pandemic, which was intended to slow the spread of the virus and give the state extra time to find supplies.

State buyers often turned to Amazon, placing orders and spending mainly on GLOVES but also disinfectant wipes, gowns and goggles.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/netherlands-bans-uk-flights-until-january-1-after-new-mutant-coronavirus-spreads-rapidly-2341207

Mutant Coronavirus Strain "Out Of Control", Says UK Amid Flights Ban


European countries started banning flights coming from the UK on Sunday as government in London warned that a potent new strain of the virus was "out of control".

The moves come as around a third of England's population entered a Christmas lockdown and UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of virus was "out of control".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said the day before that millions of Britons would have to cancel their Christmas plans and stay home because the new strain was spreading far more quickly.

Speaking on Sky News, Hancock said the situation was "deadly serious."

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/netherlands-bans-uk-flights-until-january-1-after-new-mutant-coronavirus-spreads-rapidly-2341207

Mutant Coronavirus Strain "Out Of Control", Says UK Amid Flights Ban


European countries started banning flights coming from the UK on Sunday as government in London warned that a potent new strain of the virus was "out of control".

The moves come as around a third of England's population entered a Christmas lockdown and UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that the new strain of virus was "out of control".

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said the day before that millions of Britons would have to cancel their Christmas plans and stay home because the new strain was spreading far more quickly.

Speaking on Sky News, Hancock said the situation was "deadly serious."

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/19/world/covid-19-coronavirus#as-vaccines-arrive-the-virus-continues-to-ravage-the-us-and-europe

Virus Overwhelms U.S. and Europe Even as Vaccines Roll Out


As the coronavirus continues its surge across the United States and Europe, where vaccinations recently began, total infections around the world have now topped 75 million.

The United States, the world’s largest coronavirus hot spot with more than 17.6 million people who have been infected over all, on Friday reported its first single-day caseload of more than 250,000 new infections.

Over 15 million total cases have been reported in Europe, with the continent’s boundaries defined by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. India has reported more than 10 million infections, the second most of any country, followed by Brazil with more than seven million.

More than 1.6 million people around the world have died from Covid-19, according to a New York Times database. In the U.S. alone, more than 315,000 people have died — 3,611 of them on Wednesday, shattering the previous single-day record.

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/12/19/world/covid-19-coronavirus#as-vaccines-arrive-the-virus-continues-to-ravage-the-us-and-europe

Virus Overwhelms U.S. and Europe Even as Vaccines Roll Out


As the coronavirus continues its surge across the United States and Europe, where vaccinations recently began, total infections around the world have now topped 75 million.

The United States, the world’s largest coronavirus hot spot with more than 17.6 million people who have been infected over all, on Friday reported its first single-day caseload of more than 250,000 new infections.

Over 15 million total cases have been reported in Europe, with the continent’s boundaries defined by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. India has reported more than 10 million infections, the second most of any country, followed by Brazil with more than seven million.

More than 1.6 million people around the world have died from Covid-19, according to a New York Times database. In the U.S. alone, more than 315,000 people have died — 3,611 of them on Wednesday, shattering the previous single-day record.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3114570/coronavirus-vaccines-will-save-2021-not-so-fast-heres

Coronavirus vaccines will save 2021? Not so fast, here’s what the experts think


Massive efforts to develop a vaccine have culminated in the announcements of four (or five) vaccines that prevent Covid-19 infection. More will follow in the next two months.

But vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and perhaps Sinopharm, with two months’ worth of efficacy and safety data, are just weapons in the war against the disease.

They now need to be made in massive quantities and delivered to sites where an army of vaccinators can use them as part of a comprehensive strategy of Covid-19 control.

Prove it, make it, use it – with the proof of concept that vaccines can prevent Covid-19, we are faced with the next two labours, equally daunting, if our ultimate goal is protection of the 8 billion inhabitants of our planet.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) estimates that global manufacturing capacity for Covid-19 vaccines is between 2 billion and 4 billion doses per year.

It might be 2023-2024 before we can make enough vaccines.

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3114570/coronavirus-vaccines-will-save-2021-not-so-fast-heres

Coronavirus vaccines will save 2021? Not so fast, here’s what the experts think


Massive efforts to develop a vaccine have culminated in the announcements of four (or five) vaccines that prevent Covid-19 infection. More will follow in the next two months.

But vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer, Gamaleya, AstraZeneca, and perhaps Sinopharm, with two months’ worth of efficacy and safety data, are just weapons in the war against the disease.

They now need to be made in massive quantities and delivered to sites where an army of vaccinators can use them as part of a comprehensive strategy of Covid-19 control.

Prove it, make it, use it – with the proof of concept that vaccines can prevent Covid-19, we are faced with the next two labours, equally daunting, if our ultimate goal is protection of the 8 billion inhabitants of our planet.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) estimates that global manufacturing capacity for Covid-19 vaccines is between 2 billion and 4 billion doses per year.

It might be 2023-2024 before we can make enough vaccines.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7532645/coronavirus-pfizer-vaccine-us-allergic/

U.S. investigating 5 allergic reactions to Pfizer coronavirus vaccine


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating around five allergic reactions that happened after people were administered Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE’s COVID-19 vaccine in the United States this week, a top FDA official said late on Friday.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said at a press conference that the allergic reactions had been reported in more than one state, including in Alaska.

Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not be given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

On Friday, the FDA said the Moderna vaccine should not be given to individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reactions to any components of the shot.

The regulator is also requiring that appropriate medical treatments for immediate allergic reactions must be available when the shot is administered in case of an anaphylactic reaction.

https://globalnews.ca/news/7532645/coronavirus-pfizer-vaccine-us-allergic/

U.S. investigating 5 allergic reactions to Pfizer coronavirus vaccine


The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is investigating around five allergic reactions that happened after people were administered Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE’s COVID-19 vaccine in the United States this week, a top FDA official said late on Friday.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said at a press conference that the allergic reactions had been reported in more than one state, including in Alaska.

Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to a medicine or food, should not be given the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

On Friday, the FDA said the Moderna vaccine should not be given to individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reactions to any components of the shot.

The regulator is also requiring that appropriate medical treatments for immediate allergic reactions must be available when the shot is administered in case of an anaphylactic reaction.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-covid-19-vaccine-can-turn-people-into-crocodiles-2340736

COVID-19 Vaccine Can Turn People Into "Crocodiles": Brazilian President


Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has launched an attack on coronavirus vaccines, even suggesting that the one developed by Pfizer-BioNTech could turn people into crocodiles or bearded ladies.

The far-right leader has been sceptical of the coronavirus since it first emerged late last year. This week he insisted he would not be vaccinated, even while launching the country's mass inoculation program.

"In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-covid-19-vaccine-can-turn-people-into-crocodiles-2340736

COVID-19 Vaccine Can Turn People Into "Crocodiles": Brazilian President


Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has launched an attack on coronavirus vaccines, even suggesting that the one developed by Pfizer-BioNTech could turn people into crocodiles or bearded ladies.

The far-right leader has been sceptical of the coronavirus since it first emerged late last year. This week he insisted he would not be vaccinated, even while launching the country's mass inoculation program.

"In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," Bolsonaro said on Thursday.

"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he said, referring to the drug manufacturers.

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2020/1218/1185398-south-africa-covid/

South Africa reports 'severe' new variant of Covid-19


Known as the 501.V2 Variant, it was identified by South African researchers and details have been sent to the World Health Organization.

South African doctors have remarked that more patients are younger, and do not always have other conditions that amplify the virus' effect, but are nonetheless suffering from more severe forms of Covid-19.

That "strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant," Mr Mkhize concluded.

The research team, led by Tulio de Oliveira, has shared its findings with the scientific community and alerted authorities in Britain, who have "studied their own samples and found that a similar mutation ... was the variant that was driving their resurgence in London," he said.

https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2020/1218/1185398-south-africa-covid/

South Africa reports 'severe' new variant of Covid-19


Known as the 501.V2 Variant, it was identified by South African researchers and details have been sent to the World Health Organization.

South African doctors have remarked that more patients are younger, and do not always have other conditions that amplify the virus' effect, but are nonetheless suffering from more severe forms of Covid-19.

That "strongly suggests that the current second wave we are experiencing is being driven by this new variant," Mr Mkhize concluded.

The research team, led by Tulio de Oliveira, has shared its findings with the scientific community and alerted authorities in Britain, who have "studied their own samples and found that a similar mutation ... was the variant that was driving their resurgence in London," he said.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-18/we-are-getting-crushed-covid-19-is-hammering-l-a-countys-healthcare-system-as-deaths-soar-statewide

L.A. County on verge of becoming COVID-19 epicenter: ‘We are getting crushed’


Los Angeles County is on the verge of becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, a health official said Friday — a dire declaration that comes as Californians are dying from COVID-19 in numbers never seen before.

While the worst wave of the coronavirus has walloped the entire state, the effects have been particularly pronounced in the nation’s most-populous county, where officials warned the healthcare system is already being pushed to its breaking point.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat this: We are getting crushed,” said Dr. Brad Spellberg, chief medical officer at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-18/we-are-getting-crushed-covid-19-is-hammering-l-a-countys-healthcare-system-as-deaths-soar-statewide

L.A. County on verge of becoming COVID-19 epicenter: ‘We are getting crushed’


Los Angeles County is on the verge of becoming the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, a health official said Friday — a dire declaration that comes as Californians are dying from COVID-19 in numbers never seen before.

While the worst wave of the coronavirus has walloped the entire state, the effects have been particularly pronounced in the nation’s most-populous county, where officials warned the healthcare system is already being pushed to its breaking point.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat this: We are getting crushed,” said Dr. Brad Spellberg, chief medical officer at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/19/new-coronavirus-strain-in-south-east-england-prompts-fears-of-third-lockdown

New coronavirus strain in south-east England prompts fears of third lockdown


Jeremy Farrar, the head of the Wellcome Trust, said news of a new strain was a “very major concern”. Farrar said early evidence indicated the strain would lead to a greater number of infections, and that “acting urgently now is critical”.

Dr Ewan Birney, the deputy director general of the European Molecular Biological Laboratory, said while viruses mutated regularly, the recent strain was alarming scientists.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/19/new-coronavirus-strain-in-south-east-england-prompts-fears-of-third-lockdown

New coronavirus strain in south-east England prompts fears of third lockdown


Jeremy Farrar, the head of the Wellcome Trust, said news of a new strain was a “very major concern”. Farrar said early evidence indicated the strain would lead to a greater number of infections, and that “acting urgently now is critical”.

Dr Ewan Birney, the deputy director general of the European Molecular Biological Laboratory, said while viruses mutated regularly, the recent strain was alarming scientists.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-17/fears-prompt-some-medical-workers-to-balk-at-getting-the-vaccine

Fears Prompt Some Medical Workers to Balk at Getting the Vaccine


Some medical workers have expressed reluctance to take the new coronavirus vaccine. For months, surveys showed widespread skepticism about the vaccine.

This week’s launch of vaccinations made it clear that some health-care workers and first responders remain unwilling to get the shot.

A national survey by the American Nurses Foundation in October found nurses almost evenly split when asked if they’d voluntarily be vaccinated against the virus, with 36% saying no, 34% saying yes, and 31% unsure.

In many cases, health-care workers cheered the arrival of the first doses of vaccine to combat a virus that has killed more than 308,000 Americans. And the first shots are being given as the U.S. continues to set death records -- more than 3,000 a day.

Still, some younger medical workers are reluctant because of possible side effects.

Others are skittish about the historic speed of the vaccine’s arrival. Vaccine development typically takes much more time -- licensing can often take 10 years or longer, according to the CDC.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-17/fears-prompt-some-medical-workers-to-balk-at-getting-the-vaccine

Fears Prompt Some Medical Workers to Balk at Getting the Vaccine


Some medical workers have expressed reluctance to take the new coronavirus vaccine. For months, surveys showed widespread skepticism about the vaccine.

This week’s launch of vaccinations made it clear that some health-care workers and first responders remain unwilling to get the shot.

A national survey by the American Nurses Foundation in October found nurses almost evenly split when asked if they’d voluntarily be vaccinated against the virus, with 36% saying no, 34% saying yes, and 31% unsure.

In many cases, health-care workers cheered the arrival of the first doses of vaccine to combat a virus that has killed more than 308,000 Americans. And the first shots are being given as the U.S. continues to set death records -- more than 3,000 a day.

Still, some younger medical workers are reluctant because of possible side effects.

Others are skittish about the historic speed of the vaccine’s arrival. Vaccine development typically takes much more time -- licensing can often take 10 years or longer, according to the CDC.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/12/18/emergency-use-authorization-covid-19-vaccine-hinders-global-access/

Emergency use authorization of Covid-19 vaccines could hinder global access to them


It will likely take far longer for this vaccine to be available in sub-Saharan Africa, partly because its use was approved with emergency use authorizations instead of the developers pursing full licenses.

An emergency use authorization allows a vaccine or treatment to be rolled out quickly during a health crisis, as it requires a lower standard of evidence regarding effectiveness and, in some instances, even safety.

Expediting approvals, including emergency use authorizations, may be an option for wealthier countries, but they are not something poorer countries can emulate.

In low- and middle-income countries, the timelines for approval of new vaccines tend to be significantly longer. A recent study found a delay of four to seven years between the first regulatory submission for any type of treatment or health technology, usually in a high-income country, and the final approval in sub-Saharan Africa.

This delay occurs because approvals for drugs and vaccines in the region tend to follow a three-step process. Initial approval in a high-income country, such as the U.S., is followed by pre-qualification by the World Health Organization, and finally approval by a country’s own regulator.

https://www.statnews.com/2020/12/18/emergency-use-authorization-covid-19-vaccine-hinders-global-access/

Emergency use authorization of Covid-19 vaccines could hinder global access to them


It will likely take far longer for this vaccine to be available in sub-Saharan Africa, partly because its use was approved with emergency use authorizations instead of the developers pursing full licenses.

An emergency use authorization allows a vaccine or treatment to be rolled out quickly during a health crisis, as it requires a lower standard of evidence regarding effectiveness and, in some instances, even safety.

Expediting approvals, including emergency use authorizations, may be an option for wealthier countries, but they are not something poorer countries can emulate.

In low- and middle-income countries, the timelines for approval of new vaccines tend to be significantly longer. A recent study found a delay of four to seven years between the first regulatory submission for any type of treatment or health technology, usually in a high-income country, and the final approval in sub-Saharan Africa.

This delay occurs because approvals for drugs and vaccines in the region tend to follow a three-step process. Initial approval in a high-income country, such as the U.S., is followed by pre-qualification by the World Health Organization, and finally approval by a country’s own regulator.

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/12/18/covid-19-food-insecurity-2050/

How the Effects of COVID-19 Could Cause Food Insecurity Until 2050

as the pandemic plunged the global economy into the worst recession since World War II, the World Bank reported that COVID-19 is estimated to push 150 million people around the world into extreme poverty by 2021. Hunger is rising in many regions, and the effects may be long-term.

“The poverty effects of COVID-19 are projected to continue for decades or even up to 2050,”

https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2020/12/18/covid-19-food-insecurity-2050/

How the Effects of COVID-19 Could Cause Food Insecurity Until 2050

as the pandemic plunged the global economy into the worst recession since World War II, the World Bank reported that COVID-19 is estimated to push 150 million people around the world into extreme poverty by 2021. Hunger is rising in many regions, and the effects may be long-term.

“The poverty effects of COVID-19 are projected to continue for decades or even up to 2050,”

http://www.msn.com/en-my/news/politics/1-in-5-prisoners-in-the-us-has-had-covid-19-1700-have-died/ar-BB1c2ugA?ocid=ientp

1 in 5 prisoners in the US has had COVID-19

One in every five state and federal prisoners in the United States has tested positive for the coronavirus, a rate more than four times higher than the general population. In some states, more than half of prisoners have been infected, according to data collected by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project.

http://www.msn.com/en-my/news/politics/1-in-5-prisoners-in-the-us-has-had-covid-19-1700-have-died/ar-BB1c2ugA?ocid=ientp

1 in 5 prisoners in the US has had COVID-19

One in every five state and federal prisoners in the United States has tested positive for the coronavirus, a rate more than four times higher than the general population. In some states, more than half of prisoners have been infected, according to data collected by The Associated Press and The Marshall Project.

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/coronavirus-may-sometimes-slip-its-genetic-material-human-chromosomes-what-does-mean

The coronavirus may sometimes slip its genetic material into human chromosomes—but what does that mean?


People who recover from COVID-19 sometimes later test positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting their immune systems could not ward off a second attack by the coronavirus or that they have a lingering infection.

A study now hints at a different explanation in which the virus hides in an unexpected place. The work, only reported in a preprint, suggests the pandemic pathogen takes a page from HIV and other retroviruses and integrates its genetic code—but, importantly, just parts of it—into people’s chromosomes.

The phenomenon, if true and frequent, could have profound implications that range from false signals of active infection to misleading results from COVID-19 treatment studies.

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/coronavirus-may-sometimes-slip-its-genetic-material-human-chromosomes-what-does-mean

The coronavirus may sometimes slip its genetic material into human chromosomes—but what does that mean?


People who recover from COVID-19 sometimes later test positive for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting their immune systems could not ward off a second attack by the coronavirus or that they have a lingering infection.

A study now hints at a different explanation in which the virus hides in an unexpected place. The work, only reported in a preprint, suggests the pandemic pathogen takes a page from HIV and other retroviruses and integrates its genetic code—but, importantly, just parts of it—into people’s chromosomes.

The phenomenon, if true and frequent, could have profound implications that range from false signals of active infection to misleading results from COVID-19 treatment studies.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-westafrica/second-covid-19-wave-hits-west-central-africa-as-weather-cools-idUSKBN28R2ZZ

Second COVID-19 wave hits West & Central Africa as weather cools

A second wave of coronavirus infections is hitting West and Central Africa, and experts are warning it could be worse than the first as cooler weather descends on a region where most countries cannot afford a vaccine.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-westafrica/second-covid-19-wave-hits-west-central-africa-as-weather-cools-idUSKBN28R2ZZ

Second COVID-19 wave hits West & Central Africa as weather cools

A second wave of coronavirus infections is hitting West and Central Africa, and experts are warning it could be worse than the first as cooler weather descends on a region where most countries cannot afford a vaccine.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/H9GyqoPMvfRa/

https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/doctors-around-the-world-issue-dire-warning-do-not-get-the-covid-vaccine/

Doctors Around the World Issue Dire WARNING: DO NOT GET THE COVID VACCINE!!


In an effort to combat Big Pharma Corporate Media and Big Tech censorship, doctors around the world are frantically trying to warn the masses of the devastating effects of the experimental COVID vaccines about to be mass injected into the unsuspecting public assisted by military forces around the world.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/coronavirus-tally-us-death-toll-climbs-by-more-than-3600-in-a-day-jhu-data-show-2020-12-17?mod=coronavirus

Coronavirus tally: U.S. death toll climbs by more than 3,600 in a day

The global tally for confirmed cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 rose to 74.3 million early Thursday, up from 73.6 million at around the same time the day before, according to data aggregated by Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll climbed to 1.65 million from 1.64 million.

The U.S. led the world, as the case tally climbed to 16.98 million from 16.73 million and a death toll that rose to 307,512 from 303,867. There were 113,090 COVID-19 patients in U.S. hospitals on Wednesday, according to the COVID Tracking Project, up from 112,816 on Tuesday, as hospitalizations reached a record for an 11th-straight day.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/coronavirus-tally-us-death-toll-climbs-by-more-than-3600-in-a-day-jhu-data-show-2020-12-17?mod=coronavirus

Coronavirus tally: U.S. death toll climbs by more than 3,600 in a day

The global tally for confirmed cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 rose to 74.3 million early Thursday, up from 73.6 million at around the same time the day before, according to data aggregated by Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll climbed to 1.65 million from 1.64 million.

The U.S. led the world, as the case tally climbed to 16.98 million from 16.73 million and a death toll that rose to 307,512 from 303,867. There were 113,090 COVID-19 patients in U.S. hospitals on Wednesday, according to the COVID Tracking Project, up from 112,816 on Tuesday, as hospitalizations reached a record for an 11th-straight day.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/sweden-s-king-says--we-have-failed--over-covid-19--as-deaths-mount-13792440

Sweden's king says 'we have failed' over COVID-19, as deaths mount

Sweden's king said his country had failed in its handling of COVID-19. Sweden has stood out from most countries by shunning lockdowns and face masks, leaving schools, restaurants and businesses largely open.

"I believe we have failed," the king said. "We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible"

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/sweden-s-king-says--we-have-failed--over-covid-19--as-deaths-mount-13792440

Sweden's king says 'we have failed' over COVID-19, as deaths mount

Sweden's king said his country had failed in its handling of COVID-19. Sweden has stood out from most countries by shunning lockdowns and face masks, leaving schools, restaurants and businesses largely open.

"I believe we have failed," the king said. "We have had a large number of deaths and that is terrible"

https://www.theautomaticearth.com/2020/12/95-vaccine-efficacy-not-so-fast/

95% Vaccine Efficacy? Not So Fast

A look at how vaccine maker Pfizer get to claim a 95% efficacy for their vaccine product.

What they do, let’s take the Pfizer report, is they have 20,000 volunteers who get a vaccine, in this case 8 are infected, and that gives a result of -well- over 90% efficacy. But that is largely meaningless, because it appears to assume that all remaining 19,992 volunteers would have gotten infected if not for the vaccine.

To give this meaning, the world of science has long insisted on control groups (placebo groups), in this case also 20,000 strong, who don’t get a vaccine. If you know how many in that group are infected, you know -much better- how effective the vaccine is. Turns out, in the control group 86 out of 20,000 were infected. More than 8, but much less than 20,000. 19,914 unvaccinated people never got infected.

The 90%-95% numbers “measure” relative risk reduction. The absolute risk reduction is completely different. In the Pfizer case, 99.57% of the unvaccinated people did not become infected, while 99.96% of the vaccinated people did not become infected. Therefore, the absolute risk reduction is 99.96% – 99.57% = 0.39%. While there remain many questions swirling around the mid- to long term effects of taking the vaccine.

First, a relative risk reduction is being reported, not absolute risk reduction, which appears to be less than 1%.

Second, these results refer to the trials’ primary endpoint of covid-19 of essentially any severity, and importantly not the vaccine’s ability to save lives, nor the ability to prevent infection, nor the efficacy in important subgroups (e.g. frail elderly). Those still remain unknown.

Third, these results reflect a time point relatively soon after vaccination, and we know nothing about vaccine performance at 3, 6, or 12 months, so cannot compare these efficacy numbers against other vaccines like influenza vaccines (which are judged over a season).

Fourth, children, adolescents, and immunocompromised individuals were largely excluded from the trials, so we still lack any data on these important populations.

For example, if a non-vaccinated person has a 50% chance of becoming infected with a disease, and a vaccinated person has a 10% chance, then the “absolute risk reduction” would be 40%. The absolute risk reductions for the Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer are estimated to be less than 1% !

To me, these are the more relevant numbers coming out of that Pfizer trial:

99.57% of the unvaccinated people did not become infected.

99.96% of the vaccinated people did not become infected.

Absolute risk reduction = 99.96% – 99.57% = 0.39%

Ergo, to reduce our risk of getting infected by 0.4% or 0.6%, we will now all have to be vaccinated even as the Pfizer CEO himself admitted the company has no idea whether being vaccinated provides us with any protection from infecting others.

https://www.theautomaticearth.com/2020/12/95-vaccine-efficacy-not-so-fast/

95% Vaccine Efficacy? Not So Fast

A look at how vaccine maker Pfizer get to claim a 95% efficacy for their vaccine product.

What they do, let’s take the Pfizer report, is they have 20,000 volunteers who get a vaccine, in this case 8 are infected, and that gives a result of -well- over 90% efficacy. But that is largely meaningless, because it appears to assume that all remaining 19,992 volunteers would have gotten infected if not for the vaccine.

To give this meaning, the world of science has long insisted on control groups (placebo groups), in this case also 20,000 strong, who don’t get a vaccine. If you know how many in that group are infected, you know -much better- how effective the vaccine is. Turns out, in the control group 86 out of 20,000 were infected. More than 8, but much less than 20,000. 19,914 unvaccinated people never got infected.

The 90%-95% numbers “measure” relative risk reduction. The absolute risk reduction is completely different. In the Pfizer case, 99.57% of the unvaccinated people did not become infected, while 99.96% of the vaccinated people did not become infected. Therefore, the absolute risk reduction is 99.96% – 99.57% = 0.39%. While there remain many questions swirling around the mid- to long term effects of taking the vaccine.

First, a relative risk reduction is being reported, not absolute risk reduction, which appears to be less than 1%.

Second, these results refer to the trials’ primary endpoint of covid-19 of essentially any severity, and importantly not the vaccine’s ability to save lives, nor the ability to prevent infection, nor the efficacy in important subgroups (e.g. frail elderly). Those still remain unknown.

Third, these results reflect a time point relatively soon after vaccination, and we know nothing about vaccine performance at 3, 6, or 12 months, so cannot compare these efficacy numbers against other vaccines like influenza vaccines (which are judged over a season).

Fourth, children, adolescents, and immunocompromised individuals were largely excluded from the trials, so we still lack any data on these important populations.

For example, if a non-vaccinated person has a 50% chance of becoming infected with a disease, and a vaccinated person has a 10% chance, then the “absolute risk reduction” would be 40%. The absolute risk reductions for the Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer are estimated to be less than 1% !

To me, these are the more relevant numbers coming out of that Pfizer trial:

99.57% of the unvaccinated people did not become infected.

99.96% of the vaccinated people did not become infected.

Absolute risk reduction = 99.96% – 99.57% = 0.39%

Ergo, to reduce our risk of getting infected by 0.4% or 0.6%, we will now all have to be vaccinated even as the Pfizer CEO himself admitted the company has no idea whether being vaccinated provides us with any protection from infecting others.

The point to highlight is that although the vaccine is crucial against Covid-19 but need to realised that it is a not silver bullet as stated many times by WHO