#covid-19
#covid-19

Coronavirus

A new Covid variant FLiRT has arrived in Ireland - how worried should we be?

The new Covid variant FLiRT is rapidly spreading in Ireland, accounting for a significant portion of cases, raising concerns of a potential summer surge. [ more ]

Cbsnews

Coronavirus

COVID "likely growing" in D.C. and 12 states, CDC estimates

COVID-19 infections are increasing in 12 states and D.C. after a spring slowdown, dominated by KP.2 and KP.1.1 "FLiRT" variants. [ more ]

Axios

Coronavirus

New COVID variants are a reminder of coronavirus reality

Amid record low hospitalizations, new COVID variants remind people the virus is still evolving, requiring continued vigilance. [ more ]

morevariants

#mental-health

Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

1 day ago

Health

PTSD diagnoses more than double among college students

Rates of PTSD among college students doubled from 2017-2022, with a significant increase during COVID-19 lockdowns. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Mental health

Touch can reduce pain, depression and anxiety, say researchers

Touch plays a crucial role in mental and physical well-being.

Various studies indicate the significant benefits of touch for both adults and newborns. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Health

We're exhausted': Bay Area mental health shortage deepens as need explodes

Mental health workers in the Bay Area are facing extreme burnout and struggling to cope with overwhelming demands.

The exodus of mental health care providers is deepening the shortage of essential professionals in the field. [ more ]

theconversation.com

Health

COVID-19 Leaves Its Mark on the Brain. Significant Drops in IQ Scores Are Noted.

Brain fog is a significant health condition post-COVID-19, affecting concentration and clarity.

COVID-19 can lead to various brain health issues like headaches, strokes, and mental health disorders. [ more ]

www.npr.org

Coronavirus

Wrestling with my husband's fear of getting COVID again

COVID's impact on mental health can be significant, even after physical symptoms fade.

Preventive measures against COVID are still crucial, especially for immunocompromised individuals. [ more ]

moremental-health

#immunity

www.nytimes.com

2 days ago

US news

Will California Have a Summer Covid Surge?

The new Covid variant KP.2 is becoming dominant in the US, potentially leading to a summer surge, though the risk of severe illness is lower due to immunity. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Coronavirus

Early signs of rising COVID in California as new FLiRT subvariants dominate

California faces an early summer COVID-19 season with rising sewage concentrations and FLiRT subvariants surpassing the winter strain nationally. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Coronavirus

Who's dying now? Here's how recent COVID deaths compare to the early months of the pandemic in California

COVID demographics in California have shifted over four years, with older and White individuals now more affected, demonstrating decreased deaths and increased immunity. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Coronavirus

Australia records lowest seven-day Covid death rate for more than two years

Australia recorded lowest Covid death rate in over two years, attributed to vaccines, immunity, and antivirals availability. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Coronavirus

Covid boosters are a gamechanger if they are free for everyone

Private Covid boosters are available outside of NHS eligibility criteria.

Boosters can help increase antibodies to prevent severe Covid infections. [ more ]

moreimmunity

#antibiotics

www.npr.org

3 days ago

Medicine

How the pandemic gave power to superbugs

Overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to concerns about breeding superbugs and antimicrobial resistance. [ more ]

www.scientificamerican.com

OMG science

Could This Common Antibiotic Gel Help You Avoid COVID?

Scientists do not encourage using Neosporin in the nose for COVID protection, but initial studies show potential in boosting the body's innate immune system. [ more ]

moreantibiotics

#virology

News Center

3 days ago

Coronavirus

Study Examines Surge in RSV Cases After the COVID-19 Pandemic - News Center

The surge in RSV cases post-COVID-19 may be due to increased testing and RSV genome changes. [ more ]

Nature

OMG science

Daily briefing: What scientists think of Netflix's 3 Body Problem

Zhang Yongzhen faced challenges relocating despite his earlier contributions in sharing the SARS-CoV-2 genome. [ more ]

morevirology

www.mercurynews.com

4 days ago

OMG science

Double lung transplants weren't typically recommended for lung cancer patients. But a new technique has been successful

A new technique developed during the COVID-19 pandemic has made double lung transplants viable for lung cancer patients with a 100% success rate. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

4 days ago

Coronavirus

Lady Gaga performed on stage with Covid. Did we learn nothing from the pandemic? | Arwa Mahdawi

Lady Gaga shared performing with Covid, sparking debate on ethics and responsibility in contagious situations. [ more ]

#vaccines

Los Angeles Times

4 days ago

Coronavirus

COVID is rising in California. Here's how to protect yourself from FLiRT subvariants

FLiRT subvariants, including KP.2, KP.3, and KP.1.1, are becoming more prevalent in California, potentially impacting COVID-19 transmission. [ more ]

PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news

Coronavirus

Aaron Rodgers claims AIDS was created by the government

Aaron Rodgers claims HIV/Aids pandemic was engineered by US government to drive vaccine sales. [ more ]

sfist.com

Coronavirus

COVID Hospitalizations Hit Historic Low In California

COVID-19 hospitalizations have significantly decreased in California since the peak in January 2021.

The prevalence of COVID-19 has waned on a significant scale, with hospitalizations decreasing across the nation. [ more ]

morevaccines

#tourism

Spectrumlocalnews

NYC politics

NYC tourism sector headed towards 'complete recovery,' comptroller report says

The tourism sector in New York City is on track for a full recovery post-COVID, with visitor spending exceeding pre-pandemic levels. [ more ]

New York Post

NYC politics

NYC tourism still lags pre-COVID era amid crime concerns: report

The number of tourists visiting New York City is still below pre-pandemic levels due to concerns about crime and high prices. [ more ]

moretourism

www.nytimes.com

Coronavirus

Is It Covid, Spring Allergies, or a Cold?

It can be challenging to differentiate between seasonal allergies, cold symptoms, and Covid-19, necessitating Covid testing for clarity. [ more ]

www.npr.org

US news

A concentrated dose of history: The class of 2024 looks back

High school and college students faced disruptions and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting their milestone events and college experience. [ more ]

#nursing-homes

www.dailyfreeman.com

Coronavirus

Nursing homes wield pandemic immunity laws to duck wrongful death suits

Lawsuits against nursing homes for COVID-related negligence face challenges due to immunity laws passed during the pandemic. [ more ]

Irish Independent

Coronavirus

Investigation demanded into death of man whose face was infested with maggots in nursing home, Dail told

Call for investigation into nursing home deaths during Covid-19. [ more ]

morenursing-homes

High Country News

Education

When school lunch is free - High Country News

Universal free school meals improve access and reduce stigma in cafeterias. [ more ]

Pinstripe Alley

New York Yankees

Yankees place Ian Hamilton on COVID-IL, select Clayton Andrews

The Yankees made roster changes due to COVID-19 and other player-related reasons before the game against the Mariners. [ more ]

#jerome-powell

Yahoo Finance

Coronavirus

Fed Chair Powell tests positive for COVID-19, working from home

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tested positive for COVID-19. [ more ]

Benzinga

Coronavirus

Fed Chair Jerome Powell Tests Positive For COVID-19, Working From Home

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tested positive for COVID-19, working from home with minimal market impact.

Powell's diagnosis coincides with concerns about new COVID variants and follows his commitment to maintaining current U.S. monetary policy stance. [ more ]

Newsday

Coronavirus

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell working from home after testing positive for COVID-19

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tested positive for COVID-19, experiencing symptoms, taking precautions, and adjusting public appearances. [ more ]

Newsmax

Coronavirus

Fed Chair Powell Tests Positive for COVID-19

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell tested positive for COVID-19 and is working from home. [ more ]

morejerome-powell

#public-health

BBC News

UK news

Covid inquiry: Bereaved families say fight for justice has just begun

The families of COVID-19 victims closely followed the UK Covid Inquiry in Belfast for three weeks, examining key decisions made by Northern Ireland politicians and advisors. [ more ]

Ars Technica

Coronavirus

It could soon be illegal to publicly wear a mask for health reasons in NC

Republican bill in NC Senate would ban public mask-wearing for health reasons, could impact immunocompromised individuals. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

California

Public health leaders push back against Gavin Newsom's budget cuts: 'We cannot go back'

Proposed cuts to California's state and local health departments are described as 'devastating' and 'a step backwards' by public health leaders. [ more ]

www.dw.com

Coronavirus

Brazil's Bolsonaro indicted over fake COVID certificate DW 03/19/2024

Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro accused of falsifying COVID-19 vaccination records

Brazil's Federal Police indicts Bolsonaro for tampering with public health database. [ more ]

New York Post

Coronavirus

Four years on, COVID damage remains while Fauci & Co. pay no price

Falling for early COVID narratives

Government response to COVID was destructive [ more ]

New York Post

Coronavirus

On Long COVID Awareness Day, remember this: Long COVID is fake!

The idea of 'long COVID' might not be accurate, according to a new Australian study.

Some symptoms associated with long COVID may not be specifically linked to COVID infection. [ more ]

morepublic-health

New York Post

Coronavirus

We now know the likely truth about COVID, and how scientists lied

COVID-19 is possibly a man-made virus that originated from a Chinese lab funded in part by the US government. [ more ]

#vaccination

New York Post

Coronavirus

Anti-Israel protesters aren't really scared of COVID - they're hiding shame of their prejudice

Young protestors at Columbia University are unnecessarily fearful of COVID, despite low risk of death, leading to continued masking. [ more ]

The Atlantic

Coronavirus

When the Experts Failed During COVID-19

Experts' errors fuel public hostility towards expertise during the pandemic.

Elected leaders' failures contribute to the decline of faith in experts and vaccination hesitancy. [ more ]

theconversation.com

Coronavirus

Why People Aged 65 and Older Should Get a Spring COVID Vaccine

Older adults are at higher risk for severe outcomes with COVID-19 infections.

CDC recommends an additional COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged 65 and older. [ more ]

morevaccination

www.cbc.ca

Health

Toronto's top doctor to step down after 8 years on the job | CBC News

Dr. Eileen de Villa will resign as Toronto's medical officer of health at the end of the year after eight years leading the public health unit. [ more ]

time.com

Health

TIME100 Health Honorees Toast to Survival, Solutions, and Health Workers in Conflict Zones

The TIME100 Health list highlights influential figures in health leading impactful changes, discussing issues from neglected tropical diseases like noma to pioneering research in COVID treatments. [ more ]

Bronx Times

NYC politics

Tenants file lawsuit against NYCHA, Disability Assistance office alleging rental discrimination during pandemic - Bronx Times

Discriminatory rental practices lawsuit against NYCHA and OTDA during COVID-19 pandemic. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Coronavirus

There's a new highly transmissible COVID-19 variant. Could FLiRT lead to a summer uptick?

Two new COVID-19 subvariants, FLiRT (KP.2 and KP.1.1), are 20% more transmissible than the previous JN.1 variant. FLiRT dominates infections, causing a possible summer uptick. [ more ]

#global-health

theconversation.com

OMG science

The Anthropology of Past Disease Outbreaks Can Help Prevent Future Ones

Emerging infectious diseases have been increasing in frequency since the turn of the century due to ancient human factors. [ more ]

time.com

Coronavirus

COVID-19 Radically' Changed the Leading Causes of Death

COVID-19 is the second leading cause of death globally after being declared a pandemic, displacing stroke as a top killer.

Global life expectancy increased by 6.2 years since 1990 due to reduced deaths from diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, stroke, and heart disease. [ more ]

Axios

Public health

Countries debate drugmaker requirements in final pandemic treaty talks

Hundreds of thousands of deaths could have been averted with better vaccine access.

Draft treaty aims to enhance pandemic response with equity as the goal. [ more ]

www.dw.com

Coronavirus

COVID-19: Why we're looking for the pandemic's origin DW 03/14/2024

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is a crucial question for understanding pandemics and preventing future ones.

Debates persist on whether the virus leaked from a lab or originated in nature, impacting health policy and global relations. [ more ]

time.com

Public health

COVID-19 Shows Why the World Needs a Pandemic Agreement

The decision to declare COVID-19 as a pandemic was serious and impactful.

The declaration of a public health emergency was made earlier, highlighting the significance of that date. [ more ]

moreglobal-health

#health

New York Daily News

8 months ago

Coronavirus

Whoopi Goldberg tests positive for COVID a third time, misses 'The View' Season 27 premiere

Whoopi Goldberg misses 'The View' due to third COVID diagnosis. [ more ]

Harvard Gazette

Mental health

How the already anxious avoided global spike in COVID anxiety - Harvard Gazette

Psychological tools like CBT and DBT appeared protective against pandemic-related anxiety.

Patients in treatment did not experience worsening symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. [ more ]

morehealth

#infectious-diseases

Harvard Gazette

Data science

So how do you track spread of disease? By the numbers. - Harvard Gazette

Ivan Specht, a Harvard student, used his love for math to develop a contract-tracing app during the pandemic, expanding his coursework and working on statistical modeling related to disease spread. [ more ]

Sun Sentinel

Miami

Some Miami airport travelers will be asked to swab. What to know about the health check

Travelers flying into select US airports are now being required to undergo nose swabs for COVID variant testing.

Miami International Airport has started implementing nose swab testing as part of the CDC's traveler-based genomic surveillance program. [ more ]

moreinfectious-diseases

London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

#world-health-organization

Business

Rise in small business confidence could signal end of recession

Small business confidence in positive territory for the first time in two years, significant rebound from late 2023 recession. [ more ]

www.scientificamerican.com

Coronavirus

A Fight About Viruses in the Air Is Finally Over. Now It's Time for Healthy Venting

Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can spread through the air, leading to a potential shift in research and indoor air cleaning practices. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

moreworld-health-organization

Coronavirus

W.H.O. Broadens Definition of Airborne Diseases

The World Health Organization acknowledged Covid-19 is airborne in late 2021, updating their guidelines for pathogen transmission, potentially impacting disease control policies worldwide. [ more ]

The Beer Thrillers

Beer

Lancaster Craft Beerfest Returns for 2024 - The Beer Thrillers

The Lancaster Craft Beerfest is set to return in August 2024, signaling a possible resurgence in brewfest activities post-COVID. [ more ]

Nature

Medicine

Pandemic lockdowns were less of a shock for people with fewer ties

Older adults already socially isolated experienced less decline in well-being during COVID-19 isolation. [ more ]

www.scientificamerican.com

Coronavirus

Longest-Ever COVID Infection Lasted More Than 600 Days

A man with a rare combination of health conditions had the longest consecutive COVID infection ever documented, with the virus accumulating over 50 new mutations during his 20-month illness. [ more ]

Boston.com

Boston food

Where do you grab a late-night bite in sleepy Greater Boston?

Boston has a reputation as a sleepy city, but there are still restaurants open late for those with late-night cravings. [ more ]

Poynter

Media industry

Shut Out: A guide to help the owner - the public - have access to open records - Poynter

The importance of holding sources accountable and using legal tools like FOIA to access crucial information. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Coronavirus

First scientist to publish Covid sequence in China evicted' from lab

The Chinese government pressures scientists to control information on the Covid-19 virus. [ more ]

The American Conservative

Coronavirus

Abortion and the American Seriousness Deficit

Many people avoid serious issues and focus on trivial matters instead. [ more ]

FlowingData

Social justice

Rise in prison death rates during the pandemic

The slowdown in prison admissions during the pandemic led to a decrease in younger incarcerated individuals, impacting the demographic composition within prisons and potentially affecting excess mortality rates. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

Left-wing politics

Don't Inject Bleach': Biden Mocks Trump on Anniversary of Covid Comments

President Biden highlights Trump's suggestion to inject disinfectant into the body, turning it into a focal point for political criticism. [ more ]

www.standard.co.uk

Education

London secondary school pupils 'unable to read or write' thanks to legacy of Covid, expert warns

The damaging effects of Covid on education will continue to impact students in England, affecting their academic achievement and widening socio-economic gaps. [ more ]

#cdc-guidelines

Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Coronavirus

Advocates Worry New COVID Guidelines Will Have a Disparate Impact on People with Disabilities - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

COVID-19 is the fourth leading cause of death in America. About 6.8% of Americans have long COVID, leading to more living with disabilities due to the virus. [ more ]

Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

Coronavirus

How Will New CDC COVID Guidelines Affect Workplaces? - Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly

The CDC's new guidelines recommend a 24-hour isolation period from when fever subsides.

The guidelines do not explicitly require recently infected individuals to wear masks in the workplace. [ more ]

www.bostonherald.com

Health

Health workers fear it's profits before protection as CDC revisits airborne transmission

Hospital leadership instructed health workers to forgo N95 masks early in the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to infections and deaths among frontline workers.

Research on airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was disregarded due to shortages and cost concerns around N95 masks, highlighting challenges in following scientific advice during emergencies. [ more ]

morecdc-guidelines

Poynter

Medicine

Fact-checking Aaron Rodgers, who repeated Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s false claims about HIV/AIDS - Poynter

Aaron Rodgers is gaining notoriety for peddling conspiracy theories, specifically targeting Dr. Anthony Fauci. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Coronavirus

Overwhelming' need for royal commission into Covid pandemic response in Australia, Senate committee finds

The Senate committee recommends a royal commission to examine Australia's Covid-19 response, focusing on key elements and lessons to be learned. [ more ]

Ars Technica

Coronavirus

The fungi in our guts can make cases of Covid worse

Fungi play a crucial role in the microbiome but can lead to severe infections when thrown out of balance, as seen in Covid patients. [ more ]

InForum

Education

Fargo Public Schools alone in metro in offering remote, out-of-state work

Employees of Fargo Public Schools, including upper administrators, utilize a remote work policy due to COVID-19. [ more ]

#long-covid

time.com

Coronavirus

COVID Patient's Infection Lasts Record 613 Daysand Accumulated Over 50 Mutations

A patient with a weakened immune system harbored a highly mutated Covid-19 strain for over 600 days, showcasing the risk of prolonged infections in immunocompromised individuals. [ more ]

Irish Independent

Public health

Long-Covid four years on 'Things have not got better - and I now have another disorder'

Long-Covid can persist for years after initial infection, impacting daily life.

Even after countries move on from the pandemic, individuals like Miriam Cullen continue to suffer from long-term effects of Covid. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Coronavirus

Hidden COVID virus found more than a year after infection

Pieces of the COVID virus can remain in blood and tissue, potentially leading to lingering post-infection issues.

Clinical trials are underway for therapies targeting the hidden virus in long COVID patients. [ more ]

morelong-covid

www.theguardian.com

Coronavirus

Incarcerated people died 3.5 times more frequently at Covid peak than those outside report

In 2020, incarcerated people faced a significantly higher mortality rate due to COVID-19, especially impacting older generations. [ more ]

Black & White & Read All Over

Juventus

Juventus to pay Ronaldo nearly 10M after arbitration case ruling comes in

Juventus must pay Ronaldo €10 million plus interest in deferred wages from 2019-20 due to salary delay during COVID-19. [ more ]

#city-governance

Eater Chicago

Chicago

Chicago's Pedestrianized Street Program Remains Trapped in Political Purgatory

Chicago pedestrianized streets for outdoor dining during COVID-19.

The outdoor dining program was supported by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot and urbanists. [ more ]

City & State NY

NYC politics

Editor's Note: Perception is NYC's greatest challenge - and it's Eric Adams' too

Mayor Eric Adams sends regular emails highlighting city accomplishments.

New Yorkers' perceptions of life post-COVID-19 are mixed, with concerns over safety and handling of issues. [ more ]

morecity-governance

Truthout

Coronavirus

Sentenced to Death by COVID - How US Prisons Became an Epicenter of the Pandemic

Ending the COVID-19 'public health emergency' had concrete negative effects like hindering access to free testing.

Policies could have been implemented to make the pandemic less deadly, such as prioritizing vulnerable populations and providing income for people to stay home. [ more ]

Los Angeles Times

Music

'Cowboy Carter': Country crossover artists laud second act of Beyonce's album trilogy

Beyoncé released 'Cowboy Carter,' an Americana country music album, as part of a trilogy during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The order of release for Beyoncé's albums was switched due to a desire for uplifting dance music amidst global heaviness. [ more ]

www.bostonherald.com

Coronavirus

COVID-19 can damage the heart, even without infecting it, study says

COVID-19 can damage the heart indirectly through systemic inflammation.

More than 50% of COVID-19 patients experience heart inflammation or damage. [ more ]

Digiday

Dining

Por que Riot Games esta replanteando su sueno de convertirse en "el proximo Disney"

Riot Games reduces ambitions and focuses on core gaming products

Riot Games experienced significant user growth in 2020 fueled by COVID-19 and Valorant launch [ more ]

Health Fitness Revolution

OMG science

Dr. Peter Hotez Announces New Book "Under Siege: The Anti-Science Forces That Threaten Humanity"

Prominent scientists Dr. Peter Hotez and Dr. Michael E. Mann are combating the anti-science movement with their forthcoming book.

Dr. Hotez's invaluable contributions to combating misinformation and promoting clear communication during the pandemic are highly regarded. [ more ]

Nature

Artificial intelligence

Google AI could soon use a person's cough to diagnose disease

Machine-learning tool detects health conditions from audio clips

Sound used as a biomarker for diseases like COVID-19 and tuberculosis [ more ]

The Mercury News

Health

Why COVID patients who could most benefit from Paxlovid still aren't getting it

Paxlovid's high cost is a barrier to access for many patients.

Awareness of Paxlovid's benefits and free access programs is low. [ more ]

Sacramento Bee

Health

Feeling sick in California? Here are 4 illnesses circulating in the state this spring

Flu detections slightly increasing in California

COVID-19 positive tests decreasing in the state

RSV cases trending downward [ more ]

TechCrunch

Privacy professionals

A bug in an Irish government website that exposed COVID-19 vaccination records took two years to publicly disclose | TechCrunch

Irish government fixed a vulnerability in its national COVID-19 vaccination portal two years ago

Security researcher Aaron Costello discovered the vulnerability in December 2021 [ more ]

News

Public health

Health care transformation in Africa highlighted at conference

Experts discussed lessons from COVID-19 pandemic

Event featured officials, ministers, professionals, and researchers in healthcare field [ more ]

Harvard Business Review

Business

Research Roundup: How the Pandemic Changed Management

The review focused on the impact of Covid-19 on employees, teams, leaders, organizations, and societies

Lessons from the pandemic can help manage future events of mass disruption [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Digital life

What's it like to be a refugee in the UK without internet access? Mostly impossible and often unbearable | Joel Mordi

Pride events can positively impact young people's perception of being LGBT+.

Lack of digital access can exacerbate challenges faced by vulnerable populations during Covid-19. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

East Bay (California)

Still recovering from COVID-19 shutdown, San Jose theater hit with burglary

Performing arts groups face challenges post-pandemic

Theaters in the Bay Area experience burglaries and setbacks [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

UK news

Covid bereaved accuse former Welsh health minister of incompetence

Bereaved families criticize Welsh health minister for losing WhatsApp messages

Allegations of incompetence and arrogance against former Welsh health minister [ more ]

Axios