Coronavirus: Nurses step over dead bodies piled up on hospital floor

[Edoman]

Eight nuns die in the same week after COVID-19 spread through their retirement home








Eight American nuns living at a retirement home for sisters in suburban Milwaukee died of COVID-19 complications in the last week, including four who passed away on the same day, according to the congregation that runs the home.
 
The first COVID-19 death at Notre Dame of Elm Grove happened on December 9, when Sisters Rose M. Feess, 91, and Mary Elva Wiesner, 94, died. 
 

 
Sister Dorothy MacIntyre, 88, died on December 11 and Sister Mary Alexius Portz, 96, passed away on Sunday, according to the congregation's website.
 

 
Sisters Cynthia Borman, Joan Emily Kaul, Lillia Langreck and Michael Marie Laux all died on Monday.
 


 
The School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province said other sisters who live at Notre Dame of Elm Grove have also been diagnosed with COVID-19 but the international congregation of women declined to provide additional details, citing the residents' privacy.
 
“All CDC guidelines are being followed regarding the care of sisters affected by COVID-19 and to avoid spread of the virus, including wearing masks, social distancing and handwashing," the School Sisters of Notre Dame said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the sisters, their caregivers and families. We invite you to join us in prayer for all those affected by the pandemic.”
 
Linda Wickstrom, spokeswoman for the Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services said county disease investigators have been working with the facility since School Sisters of Notre Dame contacted them in November.
 
'Given the extreme contagiousness of this virus, it is exceedingly important for congregate settings to practice basic protocols to stop the spread of the disease,' Wickstrom said. 
 
She said the School Sisters of Notre Dame have been disinfecting high-touch surfaces, washing hands frequently, social distancing and wearing appropriate face coverings. 
 
Sciano also added that all residents with the virus have been isolated, and visitors are not allowed.
 
This comes months after similar homes for the aging religious had reported multiple deaths from the coronavirus. 
 
Back in July, 13 nuns died at a convent near Detroit and seven died at a center for Maryknoll sisters in New York. At least six nuns also died at Our Lady of the Angels convent in Greenfield, Wisconsin, a home that provides memory care for nuns of the School Sisters of St. Francis and the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

[Edoman]

US VP Mike Pence gets covid-19 vaccine on live TV (photos/video)







US Vice-President Mike Pence has received the coronavirus vaccine live on TV, telling the audience and doctors: "I didn't feel a thing."

According to the White House, the aim of the move was to "promote the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and build confidence among the American people".

Mr Pence's wife and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also received the jab at the televised White House event.
 

Infectious disease expert, Dr Fauci was also present but Trump was conspicuously absent.

Mr Pence, 61, received the first of two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech jab at 08:00 local time (13:00 GMT), along with his wife Karen and Mr Adams. He is the highest US official to be vaccinated so far.

"We gather here today at the end of a historic week to affirm to the American people that hope is on the way," he told the crowd, after the number of newly-recorded US coronavirus deaths surpassed 3,000 for the third day in a row.

"Karen and I were more than happy to step forward before this week was out to take this safe and effective coronavirus vaccine that we have secured and produced for the American people," he continued, calling it "a truly inspiring day".

On Monday the US began rolling out the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine which reportedly offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19.

More than 310,000 people have died from coronavirus in the US, which has recorded more infections and fatalities than any other country. More than 17 million cases have been recorded in the country since the start of the pandemic.
 

[Edoman]

Covid19- London Put In Emergency Lockdown As U.K. Fights New Strain


By Tim Ross and Eddie Spence

Saturday December 19, 2020 17:19:32 GMT+0100
Updated on Saturday December 19, 2020 17:33:24 GMT+0100

Capital, southeast England move into new ‘Tier 4’ from Sunday

New strain forces Johnson to scrap five-day Christmas easing

Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a full lockdown on London and large parts of southeast England and told the public across the country to avoid travel, in a desperate attempt to stop a new strain of coronavirus that is spreading rapidly in the U.K.
After emergency talks with his most senior officials, Johnson canceled plans to ease pandemic restrictions for five days during the holiday. Household mixing will be banned in London and the south-east and socializing restricted to just Christmas Day across the rest of England.
The premier announced a new Tier 4 will apply in the hot-spot areas around the capital from Sunday, with all non-essential shops closing, millions of people ordered to stay at home and all foreign travel banned except for essential purposes. Johnson urged people across England to “stay local” and not travel far. He promised the new rules will be reviewed on Dec. 30.

More from Prognosis:
London Lockdown Ordered; U.S. Cases Near Record: Virus Update

Covid Swamps Los Angeles as Residents Spurn Fear and Lockdowns

Sydney’s Covid Hotspot Spurs Lockdown of Northern Beaches

China Says 1 Million Vaccines Given; Plans Further Rollout

For more on the article-

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-19/london-put-in-emergency-lockdown-as-u-k-fights-new-virus-strain

[Edoman]

UK records 35,928 new Covid-19 cases in one day; the highest ever as new strain causes rise in infections









The UK has recorded its highest ever daily rise in coronavirus infections, with 35,928 new Covid-19 cases reported on Sunday December 20, as the new Covid strain causes a 94.8 percent rise in infections.
 
This brings the total number of coronavirus cases in the UK to more than 2.04 million. 
 
A further 326 deaths within 28 days of a positive test for the virus were also announced on Sunday, taking the UK’s death toll to 67,401. 
 
The new  strain - called 'VUI – 202012/01' - is 70 percent more infectious and makes up 60 percent of London's new cases, Boris Johnson revealed on Saturday. 
 
He also warned that the strain could increase the crucial R rate by 0.4.
 
The government has also introduced toughened restrictions in London and the southeast of England to try to curb the spread of a new, fast-spreading variant of the virus, while Wales has entered another national lockdown. 
 
Nicola Sturgeon has banned travel in and out of Scotland.
 
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said the decision to put millions into an effective lockdown under tier 4 measures was taken rapidly after evidence showed the new strain was responsible for spiralling cases. 
 
The move was followed by several EU nations halting flights coming from Britain over concerns about the new Covid-19 strain known as VUI 202012/01, with Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and Italy all announcing restrictions on UK travel.

[Edoman]

Brits stranded at Heathrow Airport as flights are suspended over 'out of control' Covid strain







Hundreds of Brits were pictured stranded at Heathrow Airports as flights were suspended to enforce travel bans in the UK.
 
Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium have all halted flights over the "out of control" new coronavirus variant, with other nations expected to follow suit.
 

 
The measures vary and are short-term but the EU is set to meet on Monday, December 21, to decide on a more coordinated approach.
 
As well as flights being cancelled, the Eurotunnel also announced it was suspending access to its terminal in Folkestone, Kent.
 

 
The new strain of Covid-19 has spread quickly in London and the south east of England, causing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to revise the Christmas restrictions and place around 20 million people into a new Tier 4 level lockdown.
 
It comes after the UK recorded its highest-ever one-day rise in coronavirus cases with another 35,928 being reported, along with 326 new deaths.
 
Health Secretary Matt Hancock described the new variant of Coronavirus as "out of control".
 

[Edoman]

Covid-19: Couple holds 10,000 people drive-thru wedding (photos)








A couple in Malaysia found a way to negotiate past the covid-19 pandemic as they hosted a large drive-thru wedding with over 10,000 people in attendance.
 
Covid-19 restrictions in the country state that weddings must not exceed 20 people but groom Tengku Muhammed Hafiz, who is the son of influential politician and former cabinet minister Tengku Adnan found a way to get married to bride Oceane Alagia in a Covid-secure manner.

On Sunday morning, December 20, the newly-weds were seated outside a grand government building in Putrajaya, south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, while guests slowly drove past in their cars.
The windows had to remain rolled up and guests only got a socially distant wave from the wedding party.


It took about three hours until all 10,000 attendees had passed by.

Sticking with the social distancing rules, the guests were treated to a dinner - although they had to pick up their pre-packed food through their car window and drive on

It was also the birthday of the groom Tengku Muhammed Hafiz .

"I am informed that there are more than 10,000 cars here since this morning," the proud father, former cabinet minister Tengku Adnan, wrote on Facebook, sharing pictures of the event.

"Me and my family are very honoured. Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made by drive-thru attendance without getting out of the car."

Malaysia has over 92,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 430 deaths 

More photos below.

 

[Edoman]

Italy becomes the fifth country to detect mutated Covid virus after infected British traveller flew to Rome








Italy has detected a patient infected with the mutated strain of coronavirus that first emerged in Britain, becoming the fifth country outside the UK to report a case. 
 
Italy's health ministry said the Italian patient flew from the UK to Rome in the last few days with his partner, who did not test positive. The pair are now isolating. 
 
The mutated Covid virus is said to be up to 70 percent more infectious than regular Covid, and has been spotted in Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, and Belgium. 
 
France's health minister said on Monday morning that it was 'entirely possible' the version of the virus was already circulating in France despite tests not picking it up yet, while Northern Ireland's First Minister said it was 'probable' the strain was there, too.
 
More than a dozen countries including France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Canada – have banned travel to and from the UK as part of an international crackdown to contain the mutant strain. 

[Edoman]

Saudi Arabia halts all international flights amid new COVID-19 strain







Saudi Arabia has halted all international flights and suspended entry through its land and seaports for a week due to the new Covid-19 strain.

The kingdom is "temporarily suspending all international flights -- except in exceptional cases -- for a period of one week, which can be extended by another week," the official Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.

"Entry to the kingdom through land and sea ports will also be suspended for a week, which can be extended by another week," SPA added, citing the interior ministry.

The suspension does not apply to international aircraft currently in the kingdom, which will be allowed to leave, SPA said.

SPA said passengers who arrived in Saudi Arabia from Europe or any country where the new strain was detected,  starting December 8 will be required to self isolate for two weeks and undergo testing.

Saudi Arabia's decision came after several European nations, including Italy, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have banned flights to and fro from the UK after a report of the mutant strain, which has quickly spread across London and the southeast of England.
 
The mutated Covid virus is said to be up to 70 percent more infectious than regular Covid, and have been spotted in Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia,  Belgium and Italy.

 
According to British Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the new variant was "out of control."
 
Neighbouring Kuwait also announced a ban on Sunday on passenger flights from Britain over the new strain of the virus.
 

[Edoman]

New COVID-19 variant in UK has been found in Nigeria - Scientists say







Scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), at the Redeemers University in Ede, Osun State says the new variant of the coronavirus currently causing panic and concern in the United Kingdom and the European Union has been identified in Nigeria.
 
In a publication shared on Virological, a website for the global Genomics community, scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Ede said that they found the same variant “lineage B.1.1.7” existing in Osun State since August 3rd when the first sample was collected. The publication also stated that another sample, also from Osun State, collected in October, correspondingly showed the presence of this new variant.
 
In an interview with Premiumtimes, Professor Christian Happi who is the Director at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), said
 

“the B.1.1.7 lineage we found in Nigeria, predating the one described in the UK, has also been observed to rise rapidly in the UK over the past four weeks, indicating the plausible increased spread of the virus by specific non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein.”

 
He refused to attribute the new variance found in Nigeria to the spike in the number of confirmed COVID19 cases in the country in recent times.
 

“We however haven’t observed such rapid rise of the lineage in Nigeria and do not have sufficient evidence to indicate that the B.1.1.7 lineage is contributing to increased transmission of the virus in Nigeria,” he said.

 
Speaking further, Happi said

“At the moment, only about 1% of the genomes from Nigeria belong to the new SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) and one of them predates the first description in the UK. However, this might change in the next few weeks when we sequence more samples from the recently reported surge of covid-19 in Nigeria. Other reported mutations such as the N501Y, A570D, and the HV 69 – 70 deletion in the spike protein have not been detected in our genomes yet, this could also be associated with the non-increase of the lineage in Nigeria currently.


In as much as the full effect of this mutation isn’t known yet and it is still being studied, the importance of a robust genomic surveillance system cannot be overemphasized as we can identify and report changes in the genomes of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 that are of public health interest”

 

[Edoman]

Covid-19 cases recorded in Antarctica for the first time, meaning it has now spread to every continent











Antarctica, once the only continent not to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, has now recorded its first cases. 
 
The Chilean army announced in a statement that 36 people linked with the General Bernardo O'Higgins Riquelme base on the planet's southern pole had tested positive for COVID-19.
 
Of the 36 infected, 26 are reported to be members of the Chilean military, while the others are believed to be maintenance workers.
 
The outbreak has been traced to the delivery of supplies from the Naval vessel Sargento Aldea which arrived from Chile on November 27. 
 
In the statement, the Chilean army said: “Thanks to the timely preventive action … it was possible to relieve said personnel, who, after being subjected to a medical control and the administration of a PCR test ... turned out to be positive for Covid-19,” according to Newsweek. 
 
It also reported that three crew members on a ship providing support to the base have also tested positive since returning from their mission to Antarctica.
 
The 36 individuals who tested positive have since been evacuated to the city of Punta Arenas in Chile, where they are reported to be under isolation and in good condition.
 
The news means that Covid cases have now been recorded on all seven continents.

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[Edoman]

Germany bans arrivals from UK, Northern Ireland and South Africa until January







Germany on Tuesday December 22, extended a ban on arrivals from Britain, Northern Ireland and South Africa until 6 January after a new more infectious Coronavirus strain were detected in the countries. 
 
The health ministry which made the announcement, said people who have valid residency permits for Germany could return from January 1. 
 
The statement read; 
 

“The transport ban covers passenger traffic by train, bus, ship, and flights directly from these countries.
"The order covers the period from December 22, 2020 until January 6, 2021.”

 
The health ministry which further directed travellers who arrived from the affected countries or who spent time there in the last 10 days to undergo Coronavirus tests, added that existing quarantine rules for arrivals from risk areas continue to apply. 
 
AFP reported that the Health Minister Jens Spahn said that “as long as it is possible”, Germany aimed to prevent “potentially dangerous virus mutations from spreading in continental Europe”.
 
EU ambassadors are expected to meet Tuesday to try to thrash out a unified approach and work out how to eventually lift the border restrictions with Britain — including by imposing a requirement for tests on all arrivals.
 
 

[Edoman]

France rewards hundreds of COVID-19 frontline migrant workers with citizenship







Hundreds of immigrants in France who are working on the coronavirus frontline have had their citizenship applications fastracked with 74 people already granted permanent stay.
 
Back in September, the interior ministry invited people who "actively contributed” to the fight against the novel coronavirus, such as healthcare professionals, cleaners, childcare, and shop workers, to apply for fast-track naturalisation.

According to the office of Marlene Schiappa, junior minister for citizenship, of the nearly 3,000 people who responded, 74 had already obtained citizenship and 693 more were in the final stage of becoming citizens.
 
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ms. Schiappa said: 'Foreign workers gave their time and swung into action for all of us during the Covid crisis.
 
'It is now up to the Republic to take a step toward them. 
 
'Health professionals, cleaning ladies, childcare workers, checkout staff: They all proved their commitment to the nation, and it is now the turn of the republic to take a step towards them.'

Additionally, Immigration authorities have also been ordered to reduce the residency period needed for citizenship to two years from the usual five in the case of 'great services rendered'. 

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[Edoman]

New COVID-19 Variant Found In France As Cases Rise 

France recorded its first case of the new variant of coronavirus, as the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 mounted in the country, increasing concerns of a new wave of the virus hitting the euro zone’s second-biggest economy.

The French health ministry said a Frenchman who recently arrived back in France from London had tested positive for the new variant of the coronavirus.

The ministry said the case - the first in France - had been found in the city of Tours. The man in question arrived from London on Dec. 19. He was currently self-isolating and felt alright, the ministry added.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said on Dec. 14 that a spike in COVID cases in the United Kingdom might have been linked to the new variant of the virus in the country.

Hancock said more than 1,000 cases of the new variant had been identified, mainly in southeastern England.

Countries around the world have in recent days closed their borders to both Britain and South Africa following the identification of cases of the new, fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus in those countries.

France registered 20,262 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases and 159 more related deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours.

France’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 2,547,771 while its COVID-19 death toll stands at 62,427 - the seventh-highest in the world.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-variant-idUSKBN28Z0YJ

[Edoman]

COVID-19: WHO issues warning coronavirus won’t be last pandemic


 
on
 December 27, 2020



The World Health Organisation, WHO, has warned that COVID-19 (coronavirus) would not be the last pandemic in the world.

WHO Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, gave the warning in a video released to mark the first ever International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on Sunday.


“History tells us that this won’t be the last pandemic and epidemics are a fact of life,” Ghebreyesus said.
Ghebreyesus said that better investment in public health supported by governments and society could “ensure that our children and their children inherit a safer, more resilient and more sustainable world.”

He added that the coronavirus turned the world “upside down” over the past twelve months with far-reaching consequences for societies and economies.


The WHO chief, however, said the pandemic itself was not a surprise, especially since warnings of such a possibility, and of the world’s unpreparedness, had been issued many times over the years.


“We must all learn the lessons the pandemic is teaching us,” Ghebreyesus said.


“This includes investment in preparedness capacities not just in the health sector but rather an ‘all-of-government and all of the social approach.’

“The pandemic has highlighted the intimate links between the health of humans, animals and planets, which require a common approach,” Ghebreyesus said.

[Edoman]

Sign COVID-19 relief bill now – Biden tells Trump


 
on
 December 26, 2020



United States President-elect, Joe Biden, has urged President Donald Trump to immediately sign the COVID-19 relief bill.


On Saturday, the Democrat accused Trump of delay despite the hard times Americans face.


Stressing the importance of the bill, Biden noted that it would keep small businesses afloat, extend unemployment benefits, and help struggling families.


“It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don’t know if they’ll be able to make ends meet 
because of President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority.

“This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now.”


Biden hinted plans to take additional actions after assuming office in January.


The former Senator listed funding for distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccine, as well as increasing testing capacity

[Edoman]

Trump signs covid-19 relief and spending package into law, averting government shutdown







US President, Donald Trump, has signed into law a coronavirus relief and spending package bill, averting a partial government shutdown that would have started today, December 28, had he not signed by Sunday midnight.

Trump had initially refused to sign the bill which was to pay citizens $600, saying he wanted to give people bigger one-off payments.

The delay meant that millions of Americans temporarily lost unemployment benefits.

The relief package signed by Trump worth $900bn (£665bn) was approved by Congress after months of negotiation and is part of a $2.3tn spending package that includes $1.4tn for normal federal government spending.
 

 
The bill includes a payment of $600 to Americans earning less than $75,000 a year. 
 
Trump said he was signing the bill with "a strong message that makes clear to Congress that wasteful items need to be removed".

US President-elect Joe Biden had warned of "devastating consequences" if Mr Trump continued to refuse to sign.
 
Biden described Mr Trump's refusal to sign the bill as an "abdication of responsibility".
 
"It is the day after Christmas, and millions of families don't know if they'll be able to make ends meet because of President Donald Trump's refusal to sign an economic relief bill approved by Congress with an overwhelming and bipartisan majority,"  Biden said.
 
Trump leaves office on 20 January after losing November's election to Mr Biden, although he has refused to admit defeat.

[Edoman]

75-year-old man dies of heart attack two hours after receiving COVID-19 vaccine in Isreal 













A 75-year-old man from Northern Israel died of a heart attack about two hours after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, December 28, the Health Ministry has confirmed.
 
The man had pre-existing conditions and had suffered from heart attacks in the past, the ministry said. 
 
Chezy Levy, the Health Ministry director-general has launched an investigation into the incident.
 
The man received the vaccine at 8:30 in the morning, at a Clalit clinic, and waited at the facility for a short period of time before he was released to his home feeling well.
 
According to the Jerusalem Post, the man lost consciousness and was later confirmed dead from heart failure.
 
Levy noted that the initial findings do not show a link between the man’s death and his vaccination.
 
The Health Ministry said, “A 75-year-old man from the north of the country suffering from active heart disease and malignant disease, who has undergone a number of heart attacks, was vaccinated this morning against the coronavirus and died at home shortly after the procedure.”
 
“The Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Prof. Hezi Levy, has appointed a case investigation committee headed by the head of the Safety and Quality Division in the Ministry of Health.
 
“We share in the family’s grief,” the ministry said, adding that “Initial examination does not show a link between the unfortunate incident and the vaccination.”
 
“The vaccination campaign continues,” it stated.
 
Israel has vaccinated approximately 380,000 people so far with the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine. 

[Edoman]

China jails journalist for 4 years for reporting on coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan







A Chinese court has sentenced a  journalist who reported from Wuhan, the city in which the Covid-19 pandemic started, to four years in jail on charges of "picking fights and provoking trouble," one of her lawyers said.
 
The Pudong New Area People's Court in the financial hub of Shanghai sentenced Zhang Zhan following accusations she spread false information, gave interviews to foreign media, disrupted public order and "maliciously manipulated" the outbreak.
 
Zhang, a former lawyer, arrived in Wuhan in early February from her home in Shanghai and posted on various social media platforms about the outbreak that is believed to have emerged in the central Chinese city late last year.
 
Zhang was detained in May and accused of spreading false information, giving interviews to foreign media, disrupting social order and attacking the government.

On Monday, December 28, she was convicted on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” Zhang’s lawyer, Zhang Keke told NBC News on Monday. 
 
Zhang did not speak or show any reaction to the court decision, her lawyer said, adding that she did not answer when asked if she wanted to appeal her sentence.

Before the sentencing hearing, Zhang said his client went “on long-term hunger strike” in detention and was being force-fed.

He said Zhang suffered from dizziness and headaches, and was “physically fragile.”

“When I met her days ago, her hands were tied to the waist and a nasogastric tube was inserted in her nose,” he said, adding that his client has not pleaded guilty.

“She has a strong will," Zhang said.

Over the months, China has been accused of covering up the initial outbreak and delaying its response, allowing the virus to spread globally, a claim Beijing denied, saying it acted swiftly to stop the virus, which has now claimed nearly 1.8 million lives around the world.
 

[Edoman]

South Africa goes back to lockdown with alcohol sales banned again







South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the country will move back to lockdown level 3, taking effect from tonight, December 28. 
 
In an address, Ramaphosa said that the move is to limit super-spreader events further, and will adjust the previous level 3 regulations to keep the economy as open as possible.
 
It will also allow the government to focus on social distancing measures with the aim to ease the pressure on hospitals.
 
The change follows meetings held by the president and his cabinet as part of the National Coronavirus Command Council on Sunday, and come as the country surpasses 1 million cumulative Covid-19 infections and record daily increases.
 
“Nearly 27,000 South African are known to have died from Covid-19. The number of new coronovirus infections are increasing at an alarming rate. Infections are surging in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, and Gauteng. Infections are alarmingly on the rise in Limpopo,” Ramaphosa said.
 
“Infections are on the rise, in part, because we as humans are social beings. We feel the need to visit friends and family, attend religious services, and go to parties. But this is a time of danger,” the president warned.
 
Infections are being driven by super spreader events, the president said, which include year-end functions, family gatherings, and music and cultural events.
 
“This is where infections happen most. This is cause for alarm, and points to an extreme lack of vigilance. We have let our guard down, and we are now paying the price,” he said. Venues are also being over-crowded, and social distancing and prevention protocols are not being followed.
 
“One of the more difficult areas of regulation relates to the sale of alcohol,” the president said. “The liquor industry is a major employer and an important contributor to our economy. Our priority at this time, however, must be to save lives,” he said.
 
The president said that the consumption of alcohol has exacerbated the stress put on healthcare facilities, driving up the number of trauma cases in hospitals.
 
Worryingly, hospitals are reporting being at, or close to maximum capacity – while healthcare workers are exhausted and becoming infected in higher numbers. “They are almost at breaking point,” the president said. 
 
“All because of our actions, and failure to take responsibility. Unless we act now, and act decisively…thousands of more people will lose their lives.”
 
“Night clubs and businesses engaged in the sale and transportation of liquor will not be allowed to operate. The Level 3 restrictions will remain in place until 15 January 2021,” Ramaphosa said.
 
“These regulations may be reviewed within the next few weeks if we see a sustained decline in infections and hospital admissions,” Ramaphosa said.
 
Under the new lockdown level 3, the following takes effect:
 

• All indoor and outdoor gatherings will be prohibited for 14 days, with an exception to funerals and places like restaurants and gyms. These exceptions will be clarified in the official regulations.
  

 

• Nationwide curfew will be extended to 21h00 to 06h00. Aside from essential services, no one will be permitted to be out during this time. All establishments will close at 20h00, with a more specific list to be published soon.
  

 

• Every individual will be responsible, legally, for wearing a mask in public. It is now compulsory for every person to wear a mask in a public place. Violators will be guilty of an offence, and could be prosecuted. They could be liable for a fine or imprisonment, or both.
  

 

• Alcohol sales from retail outlets and onsite consumption are banned. The prohibition on the public consumption of alcohol remains.
  

 

• Businesses will continue to operate, subject to guidelines. Nightclubs and businesses that rely on alcohol sales will not be allowed to operate.
  

 

• All beaches, dams, rivers and public parks and public pools in hotspot areas will be closed to the public.
  

 
These measures will be in place until 15 January 2021, at which time they will be reviewed based on the situation, Ramaphosa said.
 

[Edoman]

California nurse tests positive for COVID-19 eight days after he received Pfizer vaccine








A California nurse has tested positive for COVID-19 just eight days after receiving the vaccination. 
 
ER nurse Matthew W., received the Pfizer vaccine on December 18, and took to his Instagram page to share a picture of the certificate he got after taking the vaccine.
 
'Got my Covid vaccine! The 15 minutes afterward sitting around with a bunch of others while health care workers asked us how we felt made me think of an opium den. I’ll report back if I start to grow a third arm,' Matthew wrote. 

On Christmas Eve, Matthew, who works at two different hospitals in San Diego, began feeling unwell after working a shift in the COVID-19 unit. He told ABC 10 News that he first got the chills before coming down with muscle aches and fatigue. 
 
After he went for a test for COVID-19 on December 26, the result came back positive, Daily Mail reports.
 
Speaking on the diagnosis, Dr. Christian Ramers, an infectious disease specialist with Family Health Centers of San Diego, said : 'It's not unexpected at all. If you work through the numbers, this is exactly what we’d expect to happen if someone was exposed.'
 
Ramers said it is possible that Matthew was infected before receiving the vaccine.
 
He also said that he's aware of other cases where health care workers became infected around the time they received the vaccine. 
 
'That first dose we think gives you somewhere around 50%, and you need that second dose to get up to 95%,' Ramers added. 
 
According to Mail Online, regulators of the Pfizer vaccine have found that the best immunity against coronavirus comes seven days after the second dose, which is given three weeks after the first, meaning there is a possibility that someone who had received the vaccine could still contract the virus within that time frame. 
 
All patients need two doses of the vaccine to achieve immunity, the publication added.