covid (6do encyclopedia)



COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a highly infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China, and has since spread rapidly across the world, leading to a global pandemic.

Symptoms and Transmission:

The symptoms of COVID-19 vary from mild to severe and can include fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. The virus is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.

Prevention:

The most effective way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is by practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, or using a hand sanitizer. Social distancing measures, such as staying at least six feet away from others and avoiding large gatherings, can also help to slow down the spread of the virus. Wearing a mask or face covering is also an effective way to prevent the transmission of the virus.

Treatment:

There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19, and most people with mild to moderate symptoms can recover at home with rest and supportive care. However, those with severe symptoms may require hospitalization, including oxygen support and mechanical ventilation.

Vaccination:

Vaccination is an important tool in the fight against COVID-19. Several vaccines have been authorized for emergency use in various parts of the world, with varying levels of effectiveness. Vaccines work by triggering the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, providing protection against infection.

Impact:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on societies and economies across the world, causing widespread disruption to daily life and business operations. It has also led to a global recession and job losses, and the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities.

Global response:

The COVID-19 pandemic has required a coordinated global response, with governments and organizations working together to slow down the spread of the virus and develop vaccines and treatments. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of the global response to the pandemic, providing guidance and support to countries and healthcare systems.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that has caused significant social and economic disruption worldwide. While there is still much to learn about the virus, the development and deployment of vaccines are a critical step in controlling its spread and minimizing its impact on societies and economies. Proper hygiene practices, social distancing, and vaccination are some of the key tools in the fight against COVID-19.


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Take Back Alberta pushes out one premier, aims to make its voice heard in election

The Toronto Star

23-05-14 14:00


Alberta's political scene is now roiling as an unconventional force in the form of a grassroots movement called Take Back Alberta has emerged. David Parker is at the head of the organisation and helped stand up the vote to elect half the board of United Conservative Party, which Smith is now the leader of. Take Back Alberta has organised within the UCP, winning positions on constituency boards and supporting candidates. The second half of the governing board comes up for election this year, and Parker says that’s the next goal – the very fulcrum of the party.

https://www.thestar.com/politics/2023/05/14/take-back-alberta-pushes-out-one-premier-aims-to-make-its-voice-heard-in-election.html
‘The Rite of Spring’ gets a feminist, African perspective from Dada Masilo

The Toronto Star

23-05-14 13:00


On Tuesday, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto will host the North American premiere of South African choreographer Dada Masilo's "The Sacrifice." A work inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s explosive ballet score “The Rite of Spring,” Masilo brings an African sensibility and feminist viewpoint to reinterpretations of such Western classics as “Romeo and Juliet”, “Carmen”, “Swan Lake” and “Giselle”. Masilo’s versions of these familiar works play fast and loose with the originals, integrating different music, realigning the plots to comment on social issues of today, and disrupting the decorum of classical ballet with a powerful injection of contemporary movement. One of Masilo's previous works, “Swan Lake” featured men in frilly tutus and a gay prince. According to Masilo, “The Sacrifice” is in some respects a work of personal exploration, where she was seeking to understand her African heritage. The production employs a style of Tswana dance that Masilo spent months studying and learning in preparation.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2023/05/14/the-rite-of-spring-gets-a-feminist-african-perspective-from-dada-masilo.html
Long Covid risk higher for people living in poorest areas

The Independent

23-05-14 12:46


Research has revealed that people living in poorer areas of the UK are at a 46% increased risk of developing long Covid. This is according to a study from the universities of Southampton and Oxford which examined data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and analysed more than 200,000 working adults. The report also indicated that workers in poorer areas and in healthcare and education sectors are more likely to experience long Covid than those in less-deprived regions. This is reportedly the first study to connect long Covid with socioeconomic status.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/long-covid-symptoms-risk-uk-b2338590.html
‘We’re go­ing to Amer­i­ca’: Bor­der hope and fear as Ti­tle 42 ends

Al Jazeera

23-05-14 12:36


The Title 42 rule in the US, introduced by former President Donald Trump's administration to curb the spread of Covid-19, banned most migrants and refugees from seeking protection in the US through the country's southern border. Since it came into force, 2.7 million people have been turned away, according to official figures. The policy lapsed on 12 May, and on that day 200 migrants were allowed to enter the US at the Tijuana-San Diego border. However, those who want to claim asylum will face a lengthy process before a decision is made. A new Title 8 legal rule disqualifies anyone from seeking asylum in the US if they did not apply in countries through which they have travelled first. The Mexican government is reportedly accepting returns under the new rule at the US border.

https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2023/5/14/title-42-ends-asylum-rules-change-at-tijuana-san-diego-border
How to end the US debt ceiling stand-off

Financial Times

23-05-14 12:19


The US government faces a complex challenge over the debt ceiling. Republicans have passed a bill allowing for the debt ceiling to be raised, but with tough conditions not acceptable to the Biden administration. The president and Yellen have called for a “clean” extension with no negotiation. Bringing long-term debt issues to a head by threatening default is calamitous. Even the prospect threatens the cost of credit not only to the federal government, but also US states, businesses, and households. The solution could be to create an agreed fiscal framework that could foster accountability and transparency.

https://www.ft.com/content/6f11aa86-31d0-4ada-a108-9499706e714a
Michael Burry Doubles Alibaba Stake in Big Bet on China Tech

Bloomberg

23-05-16 00:48


Hedge fund manager Michael Burry has increased his bets on Chinese e-commerce giants JD.com and Alibaba despite many of his peers backing away. The two companies are now the biggest holdings of Burry's Scion Asset Management, accounting for 20% of his stock portfolio. Burry is famed for predicting the 2008 housing crash and his contrarian bets, and he is hoping that JD.com and Alibaba will recover from their recent struggles and overcome geopolitical risks. Burry bought shares in the companies late last year and boosted his holdings in Q1 2022, at a time when other hedge funds were selling.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-05-16/michael-burry-doubles-alibaba-stake-in-big-bet-on-china-tech?srnd=next-china
Australian consumer mood bleak in May after surprise rate hike, budget

Reuters

23-05-16 00:33


Australian consumer sentiment fell in May due to a surprise interest rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia and a "mildly disappointing" federal budget. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute index of consumer sentiment decreased by 7.9% to record pessimism amongst respondents. The RBA increased interest rates because of near 30-year high inflation rates, but Westpac chief economist Bill Evans believes the RBA will sustain ratings because of economic weaknesses, though the risks are evenly balanced. 

https://www.reuters.com/markets/australian-consumer-mood-bleak-may-after-surprise-rate-hike-budget-2023-05-16/
Alberta UCP leader promises to allow mandatory drug treatment, open addiction and mental health beds

CBC

23-05-16 00:18


The leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta, Danielle Smith, has announced that she will introduce a bill making it possible to force people with severe drug addiction into treatment if her party wins the May election. The proposed act would enable doctors, police officers, family members or psychologists to request a non-criminal judge to issue a treatment order requiring individuals to seek assistance for their addiction. The order could compel someone with an addiction to stay in a treatment program for up to twelve months. The bill would be the first of its kind in Canada to target addiction, and would balance the public's need for safety with responsibility for people in distress. Assisted detox, recovery services and the creation of addiction treatment and mental wellness centres would also be included. Smith said her government had focused on recovery and treatment while the NDP, which has endorsed supervised consumption sites, would be a step backwards.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/alberta-politics-election-ucp-drugs-addiction-1.6844295
Britons face biggest tax rise since 1979, think tank says

Reuters

23-05-15 23:05


The number of Britons paying income tax at the higher rate of 40% or more is set to rise to 7.8 million, or 14% of adults, in the 2027/28 financial year, up from 11% in 2022/23, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. The think tank said the rise might result from the UK chancellor's recent decision to halt increases to the tax thresholds. The move represents the largest single tax-rising measure since 1979, the IFS said. The Conservative Party's 2019 manifesto vowed not to increase income tax rates.

https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britons-face-biggest-tax-rise-since-1979-think-tank-says-2023-05-15/
Indian girls battle sexism, trolling as more turn to competitive gaming

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 23:00


India boasts a gaming industry worth $1.5bn, and 43% of the gaming population is now female. Women are increasingly able to monetise their gaming, via platforms that offer streaming fees and brand sponsorships, and there is a widening array of female-only tournaments. However, the gains made through monetisation and visibility are difficult to obtain, in the face of persistent abuse and threats of sexual violence when online. The industry is slowly developing a more female-friendly infrastructure, but many argue that cultural biases and systemic discrimination must be overcome before real progress can be made.

https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3220626/more-indian-girls-gaming-competitively-us15-billion-esports-sector-grows
European stocks stumble as rate concerns return

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:20


European stocks fell at the start of trading on 18 May after the European Commission raised its EU-wide consumer price inflation forecast to 6.7% for this year, higher than previous estimates of 6.4%, adding to fears that interest rates will remain high. The eurozone economy is also expected to have stagnated at 1.3% year on year in first quarter 2023, according to Reuters. A host of investor caution will be exacerbated by the release of US retail sales data for April, as emerging markets continue to struggle amid a paradigm shift in global markets.

https://www.ft.com/content/e0702827-c666-454e-95d4-56ba01001166
The Greek MEGACYCLE

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:19


Barclays analysts have published a new report on Greece arguing that it is on the verge of a "third economic megacycle" that is irrespective of who wins the general election next week. The first megacycle took place between the 1950s and the mid-1970s, whilst the second continued in the mid-1980s, accelerating in earnest after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. At the end of the second megacycle, Greece built substantial imbalances. Thankfully, today, three key dynamics point to the prospect of a third megacycle. Globally, services are becoming more tradeable, Europe is searching for cross-EU policies ahead to address the challenges facing it, and Greece is starting from a low level of activity.

https://www.ft.com/content/2896cce4-e924-4810-b639-ce385bb6ab3f
Ecuador’s president set to face impeachment trial

Financial Times

23-05-16 09:19


Ecuador's president, Guillermo Lasso, is facing impeachment proceedings related to embezzlement charges and is due to appear before lawmakers. Lasso, who denies the charges, needs supermajority support from at least 92 out of the 137 lawmakers to survive the impeachment process, with a vote expected at the weekend. A host of political factions have now been garnered to present him with significant opposition. If he loses the vote, he would become the latest in a series of Latin American presidents to be ousted in recent years.

https://www.ft.com/content/bc637693-e4a3-478e-afc8-3a8649921c9c
Polls show John Tory would easily win the Toronto election. So why are his protégés struggling?

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 09:00


Polls suggest that many Toronto voters want a mayor who will take the city in a different direction to the outgoing John Tory, according to the Toronto Star. Even with Tory off the ballot, polls show that he is the most popular candidate for the remaining five-year term, a sign that personality, not policy, is a crucial factor. Meanwhile, former NDP MP and city councillor Olivia Chow and conservative former police chief Mark Saunders garnered the largest support in a recent poll. Tory's personality as chief mascot for Toronto has enhanced his popularity, while his managerial style for a low-tax city was subjected to significant public discontent during last fall's campaign.

https://www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2023/05/16/polls-show-john-tory-would-easily-win-the-toronto-election-so-why-are-his-protgs-struggling.html
P.E.I. rural hospitals bearing brunt of pandemic staffing crunch

CBC

23-05-16 09:00


The Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI) has seen a sharp increase in hospital closures, with rural hospitals hardest hit, since the pandemic arrival in 2020. An investigation by CBC News discovered that 83% of these closures were due to issues with staffing, with 76% occurring on weekends and holidays. Health PEI has just completed an evaluation of rural provision that is aimed at identifying how services in rural areas may look over coming years. At present, staffing shortages are the main concern. About 23% of members, primarily nurses, are missing, a figure expected to increase in 2023. While Health PEI is keen to provide emergency department (ED) services for all residents within a reasonable distance of where they live, it is thought changes will be necessary. A review of the PEI ED service delivery model revealed this month could provide an indication of how services will operate in the future.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-rural-hospitals-closures-cbc-investigates-1.6844142
China says ready to ‘smash’ Taiwan self-rule as US prepares major arms package, sends advisers

Associated Press

23-05-16 13:14


China’s military has warned it is ready to “smash” Taiwan's independence, as the US reportedly prepares to accelerate the sale of defensive weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island. China claims the 23 million-person island as its own territory and is prepared to bring it under its control by force if necessary. While China's actions thus far, including daily air and sea incursions around Taiwan, have had limited effect, analysts have warned of the likelihood of a major conflict involving all three sides and possibly US allies including Japan.

https://apnews.com/article/us-china-taiwan-military-b7d7f4e8ee181301b0b0ceefc1dce74b
Greek PM says country has changed, seeks new mandate to speed up growth

Reuters

23-05-16 12:56


Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who leads the conservative New Democracy party, seeks re-election with ambitious plans to boost Greece's growth potential. Hoping to win a clear majority, Mitsotakis pledged to limit inequalities and help more vulnerable groups in society. His party leads over the leftist Syriza party in opinion polls while Sunday’s election is more likely produce an outright winner. With COVID-19, high inflation, and a decade-long debt crisis, Mitsotakis has spent over €50bn ($58.27bn) in relief measures since 2020 to provide pensions and raise the monthly minimum wage by 20% to €780 to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greek-pm-says-country-has-changed-seeks-new-mandate-speed-up-growth-2023-05-16/
US retail sales miss expectations, but core sales strong

Reuters

23-05-16 12:51


US retail sales increased by 0.4% in April, below forecasts, suggesting that despite the gains, there exist growing risks of a recession this year in the economy. Retail sales are primarily goods bought on credit from shops, and only the food service and drinks category are the services included in the reports. However, the general underlying trend shows that consumer spending remains strong after a slow Q1 of 2019. Retail sales boosted the economy's growth rate to 1.1%, with economists forecasting a recession as the cumulative and delayed effects of the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes appear to affect the economy at large.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-retail-sales-miss-expectations-core-sales-strong-2023-05-16/
Construction companies building Eglinton Crosstown LRT plan to sue and stop working with TTC, says Metrolinx

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 12:50


The consortium building the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Toronto has reportedly taken legal action against the TTC, which will operate the rail link. Crosslinx Transit Solutions (CTS), which is made up of transportation groups including ACS-Dragados, SNC-Lavalin and Aecon, intends to sue the TTC and stop working with them, according to Metrolinx, which oversees transport projects in the Canadian province of Ontario. The project has faced numerous delays and was initially due to be finished in 2020, but was scaled back due to concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/05/16/construction-companies-building-eglinton-crosstown-lrt-plan-to-sue-and-stop-working-with-ttc-says-metrolinx.html