Featured Headlines
As the two-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic declaration approached last week, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci was in no mood to predict the future. “The answer is: We don’t know. I mean, that’s it,” Fauci told CNBC when asked what may come next for Covid-19 vaccinations. Given the durability of protection from the shots, “it is likely that we’re not done with this when it comes to vaccines,” he said.
U.S. Sewer Data Warns of a New Bump in Covid Cases After Lull – Bloomberg
A wastewater network that monitors for Covid-19 trends is warning that cases are once again rising in many parts of the U.S., according to an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data by Bloomberg.
What is the ‘Deltacron’ Variant Found in France? – Science
The Pasteur Institute in Paris has reported that it has sequenced a genome that appears to be a combination of those of the omicron and delta variants.
Such recombinant variants won’t necessarily be more transmissible or more lethal than either of the two ‘parent’ variants – it’s possible, but not a rule.
Recombination happens only when two different variants simultaneously enter the same cell in an individual’s body. If they enter different cells, they can’t recombine.
New ‘Deltacron’ Variant Is Rare and Similar to Omicron, Experts Say – NYT
Scientists have found a handful of cases of a new, hybrid variant in Europe and the United States. It’s unlikely to cause trouble, they say.
From No. 31 to No. 42 to No. 37: COVID cases are declining, with Florida reporting 10,211 cases and 863 newly recorded deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. This week, the state moved up a few spots from No. 42 to No. 37 on a list of states where coronavirus spreads the fastest.
A surge of Omicron cases prompts lockdowns in China – NYT
Several of China’s largest factory cities have suspended production because of a lockdown. Theaters, cinemas and many restaurants have closed in Shanghai. The northeastern province of Jilin on Monday banned its 24 million residents from leaving the province or traveling between cities.
American Samoa, which had largely avoided the coronavirus, sees a surge in cases – NYT
Until recently, American Samoa, an archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, was one of the world’s last holdouts from the coronavirus.
Q&A Should We Be Concerned About Another Variant? – Bloomberg
It feels like we’ve been here before, doesn’t it? Everyone gets vaccinated, the world starts to tip-toe back toward normal and then boom, the delta variant hits. Then cases recede, we all make plans to spend Christmas with our families, and omicron rears its hyper-contagious head.
Germany warns of ‘many deaths’ as COVID infections hit new records – Fortune
Covid-19 cases climbed to 1,543 per 100,000 people over seven days, continuing its steady rise since the beginning of March, according to data from the RKI public-health institute.
What does endemic mean — and are we there yet? – NPR
It’s been two years since the World Health Organization, on March 11, 2020, officially declared a global pandemic. Since then, we’re all become too familiar with the word pandemic — and sister terms such as epidemic and outbreak.
Vaccine Headlines
Which Coronavirus Vaccine Will Work in the Youngest Children? – NYT
Moderna is going head-to-head with Pfizer-BioNTech for the opportunity to vaccinate the youngest children, the only Americans still not eligible for shots.
People in the Netherlands who received a Johnson & Johnson shot and an mRNA booster at least three months ago can get an additional mRNA shot, the Dutch government said, a move that it said was meant to smooth travel to countries with different vaccination rules.
Pfizer CEO says fourth dose of COVID vaccine is “necessary,” submits data to FDA – CBS News
Pfizer’s CEO says the company is submitting data to the Food and Drug Administration on the need for a fourth dose of its COVID-19 vaccine. While the shot Pfizer is currently producing with BioNTech still protects against severe disease, the drugmaker now believes another booster is needed to ward off infections.
The goal: Vaccinate 70% of the world against COVID. Scientists are proposing a reboot – NPR
When it comes to vaccinating people in middle- and lower-income countries against COVID-19, some global health advocates say it’s time for a serious re-think.
Clinical Considerations
Acute ischaemic stroke associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in North America
Official Reporting for March 15, 2022
World Health Organization
Weekly Epi Update March 15, 2022 (latest release)
New Cases: 1,231,987
Confirmed Cases: 456,797,217
Deaths: 6,043,094
Johns Hopkins
Confirmed Cases: 460,418,480
Deaths: 6,048,612
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Total cases: 79,346,678 (+6,174 New Cases)
Total deaths: 965,336 (+95 New Deaths)
Science and Tech
Does estrogen protect against severe COVID-19? – MedNewsToday
Some previous research suggests that estrogen may play a role in COVID-19 severity. A recent observational study led by researchers from the University Hospital of Umeå, in Sweden, suggests that higher levels of estrogen may protect against COVID-19 mortality. If clinical trials replicate the findings, this might help design hormone-based preventive treatments for COVID-19.
Psychological and Sociological Impact
Depression May Follow Those Bedridden for COVID – MedPageToday
Patients who had severe acute COVID-19 but avoided hospitalization saw higher risks for certain mental health conditions, according to an observational study.
Published Research
Acute ischaemic stroke associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in North America – BMJ
Misinformation, Disinformation, and Conspiracy Theories
Not exactly COVID related, but still…
Star Wars video circulating online as footage of a downed Russian fighter plane – USA Today
Coping with COVID
