Africa-Press – Gambia. The Covid news you might have missed
Covid-19 has been front-page news for two years. This may ultimately be remembered as the week it fell below the fold.
There are two primary reasons for that. First is that the war in Ukraine is dominating the world’s attention. Second, for many places infections are receding fast after the omicron surge. That’s most apparent in the U.S., where this week President Joe Biden in his State of the Union address signaled that his policy makers are shifting to a new phase in their response. Meanwhile, schools are letting students decide whether to wear masks, and workers are returning to the office. There’s a sense of momentum toward, if not prepandemic normal, then something that might resemble it.
That doesn’t mean news about the virus has evaporated. Here are some developments you may have missed:
Hong Kong is grappling with the world’s biggest current outbreak. Its heralded virus precautions protected it as other parts of the world suffered, but the city had more than 52,000 confirmed cases as of Friday, and more than 100 new deaths. Some residents are fleeing to Singapore.
The effects of the pandemic are still being felt in U.S. hospitals even as the number of virus patients dwindles: Medical saline, one of the most basic components of hospital care, is in short supply because of production problems, shortages of materials linked to the vaccination drive and workers who make the solution falling ill with Covid-19Moderna and the World Health Organization appear to be headed for a clash over patents related to the company’s vaccine. Relief groups are calling on the drug company to abandon three patents filed years ago in South Africa.
An arthritis drug made by Eli Lilly and Incyte reduced the risk of death among people hospitalized with Covid-19 in a large study. The WHO backed Merck’s molnupiravir for high-risk patients. — Tim Annett
Track the virus
From New York to Paris: Where the Rich Live
Two years after the Covid-19 pandemic caused a flight from the world’s major cities, they’ve rapidly regained their allure.
New York, Tokyo and Paris are the top places favored by the ultra-rich to live, according to Knight Frank’s 2022 Wealth Report, with London and Los Angeles next. The U.K. capital was ranked as the top place for lifestyle and investment. Read the full story here.What you should read
Hong Kong Mortuaries Bring in Mobile Fridges
Covid surge has left the city with one of world’s highest death rates.
White House Sees Covid Treatment Shortages
Treatments will run out in the coming months without new funding.
Boise’s Tough-on-Covid Mayor Faces Threats
Mayor receiving police protection after “real and grave threats.”
Half of Americans Owe Medical Debt
A large chunk of the debt came from Covid treatment and testing.
Quarantine-Free Bali Tourism to Start Early
Vaccinated visitors from 23 countries can get tourist visa on arrival.
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