A team of researchers at a German research hospital found that four common cold coronaviruses that infect humans through the same peak protein mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2 bypass the immune system just like the flu virus.
But researchers say a good sign for COVID-19 is that coronaviruses have evolved about four times slower than influenza viruses.
However, SARS-CoV-2 moves at a faster rate than the coronaviruses in the study and will probably not slow down until the rate of infections worldwide drops dramatically.
So, vaccine manufacturers like Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are already working on recalls to make their vaccines more effective against variants.
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NY, CT among 22 states with an increase of over 10% in new cases
New York and Connecticut are among 22 states that have seen a 10 percent increase in new cases week-on-week, according to new data from the Department of Health and Human Services. Meanwhile, New York and Connecticut are joined by New Jersey on the list of states with the highest case rates nationwide (7-day daily average: 310, 225 and 321 per 100,000 population, respectively). Of these states, New Jersey had the highest positivity on the RT-PCR test in the last seven days (8.8%).
Growing cases in Connecticut
The Connecticut State Department of Public Health reminds residents to remain vigilant against COVID-19, as case rates have risen in the past two weeks.
DPH has moved several Connecticut cities that have seen low or stable rates of COVID-19 cases back to the Red Alert state, as the average daily case rate for COVID-19 has risen statewide to 25 cases / 100,000 residents a day.
Over 90% of Connecticut’s population lives in a city with an average daily case rate of over 15 cases per 100,000 population. It is estimated that 40% of these new cases are variant B.1.1.7.
Fauci sets out the scenario for when experts could weaken the recommendations on the face mask
If a new study shows that vaccinations prevent COVID-19 transmission, inoculated Americans could be “much freer” to decide whether or not to wear a face mask, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top infectious disease expert in COVID-19. US.
But he also said he cannot begin recommending the removal of facial masks until daily COVID infections are drastically reduced.
NJ Transit vaccinating bus drivers, workers in transit
New Jersey bus drivers and transit workers will receive COVID-19 vaccinations on Saturday. All state public transport workers became eligible for the first time on March 15. At least 21 NJ Transit employees have died from coronavirus complications – including 11 bus drivers and a train operator.
The first US priest to die of COVID remembered
Father Jorge Ortiz-Garay, a pastor from Brooklyn, born in Mexico, became the first priest in the United States to die from COVID-19.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio will lead the memorial service in Bushwick, Brooklyn, at St. Brigid’s Church on Saturday.
5,000 people attend the rock concert in Barcelona after the COVID-19 screen
Five thousand music lovers will attend a rock concert in Barcelona after passing a COVID-19 screening, to test its effectiveness in preventing outbreaks at major cultural events.
Saturday’s show has the permission of the Spanish health authorities. Concert participants will be subjected to an antigen test hours before the concert.
Those who give negative results will be able to participate in the indoor concert and will mix freely, although facial masks will be mandatory. The concert is an extended version of a December case study based on a concert for 500 people that organizers said showed no signs of contagion.
NYC COVID follow-up initiative
NYC is allocating $ 600 million to its COVID tracking initiative. Several tractors were hired in the first two weeks of March, as cases increased in the post-holiday period.
Thanks to the renewed effort, the city has managed to reach its goal of reaching at least 90% of the people who gave positive results – a goal it has not achieved since Thanksgiving.
NY unveils “Excelsior” digital subscription to help businesses and places reopen
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Friday announced the launch of Excelsior Pass, a free and voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM that uses secure technology to confirm the recent results of a negative PCR test or a person’s antigen or vaccine proof. The aim is to help keep track of business reopening and event venues, in line with the Department of Health guidelines.
Like a boarding pass from a mobile airline, individuals will be able to either print their license or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app. Each subscription will have a secure QR code, which participating companies and locations can scan using an accompanying application to verify proof of negative COVID-19 test results or proof of vaccination.
Encouraged by the blockade, Spain is trying for 4 days a week
Experimenting with the reduction of one working day per week is about to reach the national level in Spain. A three-year pilot project will use 50 million euros ($ 59 million) from the massive coronavirus recovery fund in the European Union to compensate companies as they downsize their workforce or reorganize production workflows to adapts to a 32-hour work week.
While several companies have already adopted the trend, the pandemic has accelerated it. Proponents say shorter programs could benefit work-life balance, and three-day weekends could increase consumption. But critics say an economy shaken by the pandemic is not a ground for experimentation.
Israelis gather for Easter, celebrating freedom against the virus
Israelis will once again hold large family gatherings this weekend to celebrate the Passover, the festive Jewish holiday that commemorates the biblical flight of the Israelites from Egypt.
This is due to a highly successful coronavirus vaccination campaign, which inoculated 80% of the country’s adult population. Authorities have reopened restaurants, hotels, museums and theaters and allow indoor gatherings of up to 20 people. It is a strong change from last year, when Israel was in the first of three blockades, with people largely confined to their homes.
China presents the original COVID findings before the WHO report
Chinese officials briefed diplomats on Friday on the ongoing investigation into the origin of COVID-19, ahead of the expected release of a long-awaited report from the World Health Organization.
The briefing appeared to be an attempt by China to express its views on the report, which went into a diplomatic spit. The United States and others have questioned Chinese influence and the independence of the findings, and China has accused critics of politicizing a scientific study.
When did you realize that the COVID pandemic changed everything?
Many of us had a moment, most often in March 2020, when we realized that COVID-19 completely changed our lives forever. Even if we managed to move forward and adapt to a new normal, that memory still remains with us. Tell us: What was that moment for you?
The first 7 questions about the COVID vaccine answered
You had questions about COVID-19 and 7 On Your Side vaccines give you answers from doctors in the first line of the pandemic.
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