Featured Headlines

What to expect in year three of the pandemic – The Economist

In the well-vaccinated wealthier countries of the world, year three of the pandemic will be better than year two, and covid-19 will have much less impact on health and everyday activities. Vaccines have weakened the link between cases and deaths in countries such as Britain and Israel (see chart). But in countries that are poorer, less well vaccinated or both, the deleterious effects of the virus will linger. A disparity of outcomes between rich and poor countries will emerge. The Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest charities, predicts that average incomes will return to their pre-pandemic levels in 90% of advanced economies, compared with only a third of low- and middle-income economies.

Delta dominates the world, but scientists watch for worrisome offspring – Reuters

The Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus now accounts for nearly all of the coronavirus infections globally, fueled by unchecked spread of the novel coronavirus in many parts of the world. So far, vaccines are still able to defend against serious disease and death from Delta, but scientists remain on alert.

Dr. Fauci says Covid cases are starting to climb in some areas of the U.S. – MSNBC

Covid-19 cases are starting to climb again in select regions across the U.S. after stabilizing at a high level following this summer’s delta surge, White House chief medical advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday.

New outbreak prompts China to lock down university campus – AP

China has confined nearly 1,500 university students to their dormitories and hotels following an outbreak of COVID-19 in the northeastern city of Dalian. The order was issued Sunday after several dozen cases were reported at Zhuanghe University City and hundreds of students were transferred to hotels for observation.

Austria and Germany impose restrictions on unvaccinated people as COVID cases surge – NPR

Austria has placed some 2 million unvaccinated people on partial lockdown, while neighboring Germany has reintroduced free coronavirus testing, as the two countries contend with soaring rates of COVID-19 amid a Europe-wide wave of new infections.

Minnesota amid coronavirus ‘blizzard’ – AP

Minnesota health officials say the state is currently in the middle of a coronavirus “blizzard” with its rate of new infections worst in the nation over the pasts seven days. More than 95% of available inpatient hospital beds are filled across the state which has caused backups in some emergency departments, according health care providers.

Louder Singers Are Bigger COVID-19 Spreaders – Forbes

Not only does singing increase the risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 and other airborne viruses, but singing louder makes it even worse. A new paper published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters pinpoints some of the risks of spreading COVID-19 (or other airborne diseases) through singing and speaking.

New England Covid cases rise as delta hits the unvaccinated – NBC News

Vermont and New Hampshire have seen two of the largest increases in the U.S. in the past two weeks, respectively rising by 60 percent and 56 percent, an NBC News analysis found.

U.K. Lockdown Is Possible With NHS Struggling – Bloomberg

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson left the door open to another coronavirus lockdown this winter, warning that people must get their Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses to avoid fresh restrictions.

Bloomberg Prognosis Podcast: Part Five: The Covid Fortress

On the outside, city hospitals look just as they always have: big glass and steel buildings, an ER entrance with ambulances coming and going. But on the inside, Covid has completely transformed the hospital experience for patients, their families — and for doctors and hospital staff. Once held in high esteem as the place where doctors performed miracles, hospitals have become more sombre places under the staggering weight of illness and death even as communities increasingly view them through the lens of vaccine misinformation and mistrust.

Why the physical and economic pain of ‘long COVID’ will probably well outlast the pandemic – Fortune

Millions of people who have gotten COVID-19 and survived are finding that a full recovery can be frustratingly elusive. Weeks or even months after seemingly recovering from even a mild case, many patients still confront a wide range of health problems. As researchers try to measure the duration and depth of what’s being called “long COVID,” specialized, post–acute COVID clinics are opening to handle the patients. The scale of the pandemic and persistence of some of COVID’s disabling effects mean the economic pain and drain on health resources could continue well after the contagion ends.

‘You will not leave your apartment’: Austria issues lockdown for unvaccinated citizens – Washington Examiner

COVID-19 lockdowns are returning to Austria, but only for the unvaccinated. Beginning Monday, unvaccinated residents ages 12 and older will only be allowed to leave their homes to go to work or to purchase essential items. The lockdown is set to last 10 days and will not apply to those who are vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recently recovered from it

CDC adds more European destinations to highest-risk travel list – Washington Post

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday moved four European destinations to its highest-risk category for travel — a reflection of growing concern over rising cases in Europe just as the United States reopens to international travelers from that region.

A zoo’s three ‘beloved’ snow leopards die of covid-19

Vaccine Headlines

Pfizer to allow generic versions of its Covid-19 pill in 95 countries – CNBC

Pfizer said on Tuesday it will allow generic manufacturers to supply its experimental antiviral Covid-19 pill to 95 low- and middle-income countries through a licensing agreement with international public health group Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).

Why Don’t We Have a Covid Vaccine for Pets? – NYT

Scientists have developed vaccines for cats and dogs, but vaccinating companion animals is not necessary, experts said.

What We Know So Far About Waning Vaccine Effectiveness – NYT

As tens of millions who are eligible in the United States consider signing up for a Covid-19 booster shot, a growing body of early global research shows that the vaccines authorized in the United States remain highly protective against the disease’s worst outcomes over time, with some exceptions among older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Some states aren’t waiting for the U.S. government to authorize boosters for all adults – NYT

Arkansas has joined Colorado, California and New Mexico in broadening access to Covid-19 boosters, getting ahead of federal regulators who are close to making a decision on expanded eligibility.

Clinical Considerations

Cause of neurological COVID-19 symptoms explored – MedNewsToday

Clinicians have found that COVID-19 is associated with neurological symptoms. Scientists need to conduct more research to understand how COVID-19 is linked to these neurological symptoms. Researchers have presented their findings on these links at Neuroscience 2021, the annual conference of the Society for Neuroscience.

Official Reporting for November 15, 2021