Category: Corona Virus

CLEVELAND, Ohio The reality about the three coronavirus vaccines approved for use in the U.S. is very different than some of the narratives that proliferate online.

Clinical trials have shown the vaccines made by Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are safe and effective, but a series of false claims have sprung up on social media and other internet forums. Health care workers and government leaders have worked to debunk misinformation that is often peddled by anti-vaccination activists.

However, the false claims threaten to derail the current mass-vaccination effort.

Survey data released earlier this year indicated nearly four in 10 people in the U.S. wouldnt sign up for a vaccine appointment when theyre eligible. That could hinder the effort the get the pandemic under control, because experts have suggested at least 70% of the population needs to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

Here is the truth to counter some of the most common false claims found online.

Fact No. 1: The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not fake vaccines.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were created using new technology, but clinical trials have shown the technology is safe and effective.

Traditionally, vaccines like the flu shot have been made with weakened and inactivated forms of a virus. But the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do not contain live virus.

Both of those vaccines are made with messenger RNA, which teaches the body to make a harmless part of the spike protein that is found on the coronavirus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That induces an immune response that protects against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Clinical trials have shown both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are roughly 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 infections.

Fact No. 2: The vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.

None of the three vaccines approved for use in the U.S. can cause a coronavirus infection. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that are made with mRNA do not contain a live form of the coronavirus, so the virus is never introduced into your body.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was developed in a more traditional manner, but it cant cause infection, either.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine adds the gene of a coronavirus spike protein to an adenovirus, which are common viruses that cause cold- or flu-like symptoms, according to The New York Times. The modified adenovirus cannot replicate inside cells or cause infection.

Fact No. 3: Vaccines have not been linked to any long-term health problems.

The vaccines have been linked to short-term side effects like fever, fatigue and muscle aches, but there is no evidence linking them to any long-term health problems.

The vaccines are new, so experts dont have any long-term data on their side effects. Other types of vaccines typically cause side effects within two months. Examples throughout history include the oral polio vaccine, the yellow fever vaccine and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

In fact, one of the reasons to get vaccinated is to avoid any long-term health complications from a COVID-19 infection. Coronavirus long haulers have reported lingering symptoms that could persist for months, ranging from fatigue or a cough to depression and insomnia.

Other studies have also found that COVID-19 may do long-term damage to vital organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation found most coronavirus patients who developed acute kidney injury continue to have low kidney function after theyre discharged.

Fact No. 4: There is no evidence the vaccines cause infertility.

The CDC, the World Health Organization and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have all said women who are planning a pregnancy can receive a coronavirus vaccine. There is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine.

Based on current knowledge, experts believe that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to a person trying to become pregnant in the short or long term, CDC guidance says.

Millions of people have already received the Moderna and Pfizer shots, and as of mid-January, the most recent data available, no loss of fertility had been detected.

As part of its vaccine study, Johnson & Johnson injected its vaccine into rabbits prior to mating and during pregnancy. No vaccine-related adverse effects on fertility or fetal development were found, the pharmaceutical company said.

Modernas animal studies showed no impact on female reproduction or fetal development either, according to a briefing document the company submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Fact No. 5: The vaccines do not alter your DNA.

The false claim that the vaccines could alter your DNA has been debunked by medical experts but continues to circulate online. Experts believe the anti-vaccination movement may be spreading the misinformation to sow distrust.

The various coronavirus vaccines cannot alter someones DNA. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, addressed the issue for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by noting that messenger RNA is different from DNA, and it cannot combine with or change DNA.

The weakened and inactivated form of the virus used in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine cannot alter DNA, either.

Some treatments do alter a persons DNA, but for positive reasons; for example, in 2017 the FDA approved a novel gene therapy that is intended to correct a defect that causes blindness. But neither the coronavirus nor its treatment can alter someones DNA.

Fact No. 6: The vaccines do not contain microchips.

One conspiracy theory claims the vaccines contain microchips, and that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is using them to monitor peoples movements via 5G. The debunked claim took hold on social media; a Yahoo News and YouGov poll found 44% of Republicans and 19% of Democrats believed it was true.

The conspiracy theory appears to have arisen from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funding a pilot study for a device that could impart an invisible mark that a smartphone could detect. The idea was to create a cloud-based storage system for medical records and ID documents, according to Snopes.

However, the technology was theoretical and could not actually track or monitor anyone. Gates has not funded any research into a COVID-19 vaccine that could track or monitor someone, according to Snopes.

Your coronavirus vaccine questions answered:

Can you request one coronavirus vaccine if you have concerns about the other?

Should you get the coronavirus vaccine if youve had a bad reaction to the flu shot?

Are you contagious if you have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?

Can you mix and match two doses of coronavirus vaccine from different manufacturers?

Can I still get my second dose of coronavirus vaccine if I develop COVID-19 symptoms after the first?

Should you get the second vaccine if you contract COVID-19 after your first coronavirus vaccine dose?

Will your COVID-19 vaccine be less effective if you need to wait longer for the second dose?

If the coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective, how will you know if youre in the other 5%?

Why do I need to keep a mask on if Ive been vaccinated for coronavirus?

Excerpt from:

Coronavirus vaccine misinformation permeates social media: Here are the facts to counter six false claims - cleveland.com

1. How COVID-19 is affecting the globe

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 have now passed 115.6 million globally, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The number of confirmed deaths stands at more than 2.56 million.

Israel, Austria and Denmark have said they will set up a joint research and development fund, and possibly production facilities for COVID-19 vaccines, to ensure they have long-term supplies for booster shots or to tackle mutation.

More than 60% of all new COVID-19 infections in France are linked to the variant first detected in the UK, Prime Minister Jean Castex said yesterday.

Moderna and IBM have announced they'll work together on technologies to track COVID-19 vaccine administration.

Egypt has expanded its vaccine rollout to include the elderly and people with chronic diseases, having been focused on medical staff up until now.

California will set aside 40% of its COVID-19 vaccines for the hardest-hit communities, Governor Gavin Newsom said yesterday. He also said the state would establish a "vaccine equity metric" to make sure inoculations are conducted fairly.

New Zealand will lift a lockdown in Auckland on Sunday, which was imposed last Saturday after one new case of COVID was reported.

Viet Nam is set to launch its COVID-19 vaccination programme on Monday, after receiving 117,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.

South Korea's drug safety ministry has granted final approval for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination programmes continue around the world.

Image: Our World in Data

2. Fake vaccines seized in South Africa

Police in South Africa have seized hundreds of fake COVID-19 vaccines, Interpol the global police co-ordination agency said.

The agency issued a global alert in December warning member nations to prepare for organized crime networks to target COVID-19 vaccines.

Some 400 ampoules equivalent to about 2,400 doses containing the fake vaccine were found, along with a large number of fake 3M masks.

Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to COVID-19 vaccine related crime, said Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock.

As part of work identifying promising technology use cases to combat COVID, The Boston Consulting Group recently used contextual AI to analyze more than 150 million English language media articles from 30 countries published between December 2019 to May 2020.

The result is a compendium of hundreds of technology use cases. It more than triples the number of solutions, providing better visibility into the diverse uses of technology for the COVID-19 response.

To see a full list of 200+ exciting technology use cases during COVID please follow this link.

3. Germany approves AstraZeneca vaccine for over-65s

Germany's vaccination authority has approved the use of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine for the over-65s, the health ministry said yesterday.

It also said the Permanent Vaccination Commission had recommended extending the period between first and second doses to a maximum of 12 weeks. It comes after studies have shown a longer gap improved its efficacy.

This is good news for older people who are waiting for a vaccine. They can now be vaccinated more quickly, Health Minister Jens Spahn said in a statement. We will shortly issue a regulation implementing both recommendations.

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COVID-19: What you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic on 5 March - World Economic Forum

The search for animals harbouring coronavirus and why it matters  Nature.com

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The search for animals harbouring coronavirus and why it matters - Nature.com

The coronavirus variant first spotted in South Africa alarms scientists because it evolved a mutation, known as E484K, that appears to make it better at evading antibodies produced by the immune system. Juan Gaertner/Science Source hide caption

The coronavirus variant first spotted in South Africa alarms scientists because it evolved a mutation, known as E484K, that appears to make it better at evading antibodies produced by the immune system.

Concern about new coronavirus variants has grown quickly in recent months.

First, scientists in the United Kingdom spotted a more contagious coronavirus strain that spread like wildfire through the London area. Then, researchers in South Africa spotted one that appears to evade the immune system. Next, another variant was flagged in Brazil because it looked like it could infect people who had already been infected once before.

And now there has been a flurry of reports about homegrown variants in the United States. What's going on? How worried do we really need to be about them?

The short answer is, worried but probably not panicked. The virus is doing what viruses do: evolving to find new ways to continue to infect people.

"It's infected millions of humans around the world now, and it's probably just getting into a more intimate relationship with our species," says Jeremy Kamil of Louisiana State University, who spotted a mutation that the virus appears to have evolved repeatedly in different parts of the United States.

The fear is that just as humanity appears to be finally turning the corner in the battle against the virus, the variants could give the pathogen the upper hand once again. They could trigger a new surge. And new, even more worrisome variants could emerge because the virus is still spreading so widely.

"They're definitely something that we need to be paying attention to and designing our pandemic response around," says Trevor Bedford, a computational biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. "I don't think the sky is falling, but I think it's something that absolutely bears attention."

Viruses mutate all the time. Most of the time, those mutations don't pose a threat. But the current crop of coronavirus mutations has made the virus more contagious and may have made the virus more likely to make people seriously sick. It appears the mutations may also make it more likely people could get reinfected and make the vaccines less effective.

But we're fighting back: The vaccines are rolling out, and so far it looks like they work against the variants to protect people from getting very sick or dying. If enough people in the U.S. can get vaccinated fast enough while also keeping up safe behaviors, this could prevent another major surge of cases and deaths. It could also help prevent new, dangerous variants from evolving because the more the virus spreads, the greater chance it has to mutate.

Here's a primer on the variants that scientists are watching most closely:

Variant B.1.1.7: first spotted in the U.K.

This variant is still the strain that public health experts in the U.S. are most concerned about. That's because it clearly is far more contagious than the original strain perhaps 50% more infectious. This variant also looks like it may make people sicker.

And it appears to be already fairly widespread in the United States. At least 2,500 cases have been confirmed in at least 46 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its real prevalence, like that of other variants, is assumed to be far more widespread. The U.S. isn't sequencing the DNA of enough virus samples to know exactly how much more prevalent. But the CDC has predicted it will become the dominant strain throughout the U.S. later this month.

Variant B.1.351: first spotted in South Africa

Scientists are also alarmed by this variant because it evolved a mutation that appears to make it stealthier. That mutation is known as E484K (sometimes pronounced "eek"), and it appears to make the virus better at evading antibodies produced by the immune system. That means some drugs don't work against this variant.

It also might be able to infect people who have already recovered from the virus. And, most concerning, laboratory studies suggest the vaccines may be less effective against it. This variant has been confirmed at least 65 times in at least 17 U.S. states, according to the CDC.

Variant P.1: first spotted in Brazil

This strain, frequently called P.1, also has the E484K mutation. It set off alarms because it swept through the Amazonian city of Manaus, which had already been ravaged by the virus. That indicated it could evade the body's natural defenses and reinfect people. It has been spotted at least 10 times in at least five U.S. states so far.

But wait, there's more: emerging U.S. variants

More recently, scientists have started identifying homegrown variants in the U.S. that have raised red flags. Two have gotten the most attention:

1) A variant that has been spreading quickly in California, B.1.427, appears to be more contagious than the original strain but not as contagious as the variant first spotted in the United Kingdom. While researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, reported some evidence that it may make people sicker, that finding remains weak so far.

2) Another variant appears to have started spreading quickly in New York City in January. Called B.1.526, it's concerning because it has that stealthy E484K mutation. While some researchers think it may be more of a concern than the variant spotted in California, it remains unclear whether it is more contagious and how much of a threat it may pose. But it has been spotted elsewhere in the Northeast.

"It's something we should keep an eye on and make sure that we continue to monitor the situation," says Kristian Andersen, a scientist at the Scripps Research Institute. But that doesn't mean it will turn out to be a serious problem, he adds.

"There's a lot of things we need to keep eyes on, and then we keep our eyes on it, and then it turns out to not be important. In fact, the vast majority of situations [are] exactly that."

But, Andersen adds: "We do have these other variants that we need to keep absolute focus on because we know they are of concern."

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Which Coronavirus Variants Are In The US And How Worried Should We Be? : Shots - Health News - NPR

FDA approves four at-home COVID-19 tests

The FDA gave approval for the QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test, allowing certain consumers to rapidly test themselves for the coronavirus.

LONDON - New research regarding a worrisome coronavirus variant that exploded in Brazil seems to further suggest what scientists have feared: The variant, known as P.1, appears to spread more easily and appears more capable of reinfecting those who have already recovered from previous bouts of COVID-19.

The findings, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, showed that the P.1 variant drove the second wave of COVID-19 infections in Manaus, Brazil the same Amazon region already devastated by a first wave in the spring of 2020.

The researchers estimated that P.1 is somewhere between 1.4 and 2.2 times more transmissible than other lineages of the novel coronavirus.

The same research found that the Brazilian variant, now identified in more than 20 countries, also appears to be better at escaping natural immunity. The team estimated that P.1 evaded between 25% and 61% of immunity gained from prior infection with previously circulating strains.

In other words, out of 100 people infected with non-P.1 virus strains that circulated in Manaus last year, between 25 to 61 of them could have been re-infected if exposed to P.1 in Manaus, the researchers said.

Gravediggers are seen during a funeral of a COVID-19 victim at the Nossa Senhora Aparecida cemetery in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil, on Jan. 22, 2021. (Photo by MARCIO JAMES/AFP via Getty Images)

P.1 also carries a concerning set of mutations, including three in the spike protein (K417T, E484K and N501Y). Research has suggested that some of these mutations, such as N501Y, might help the virus bind more tightly to human cells. Other mutations, such as E484K, may enable the variants to evade antibodies from previous infections.

Many of these key mutations are shared by two other concerning coronavirus variants drawing global attention: B.1.1.7, the U.K. variant, and B.1.351, the South African variant.

RELATED: Researchers concerned escape mutation found in COVID-19 variants may help virus evade antibodies

All three of the variants have been detected in the U.S. P.1, specifically, has been reported in five states to date: Alaska, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota and Oklahoma.

The findings, from researchers at the University of So Paulo, Imperial College London and the University of Oxford, suggested that the P.1 variant likely emerged in Manaus in early November 2020. It was first detected in samples from the city in December.

The team originally published those findings on Jan. 12, reporting that the strain had been detected in 42% of the samples collected between Dec. 15 to 23. They also noted cases among four travelers who were tested at an airport in Japan and had traveled to Brazil.

In the teams most recent findings, P.1 had rapidly surpassed other lineages in samples increasing from 0% to 87% in about seven weeks' time.

Dr. Williams Moss, an epidemiologist and executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins, shares the science behind adenovirus vs. mRNA vaccines.

The study only considered acquired immunity from natural infection and did not study vaccine effectiveness against P.1.

"Theres no concluding evidence really to suggest at this point that the current vaccines wont work against P.1," said study author Nuno Faria, a virus expert at Imperial College London, during a media briefing. "I think (the vaccines) will at least protect us against disease, and possibly also against infection."

Farias team concluded in their findings that enhanced genomic surveillance of these variants around the world is critical to stemming the pandemic.

RELATED:Neanderthal thinking: Biden calls Texas, other states decisions to ease COVID-19 rules a big mistake

This story was reported from Cincinnati.

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Brazil coronavirus variant capable of reinfecting those who already had COVID-19, research suggests - FOX 35 Orlando

The global tally for confirmed cases of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 climbed above 114.8 million on Wednesday, according to data aggregated by Johns Hopkins University, while the death toll rose above 2.55 million. The U.S. has the highest case tally in the world at 28.7 million and the highest death toll at 516,616. The U.S. added 57,789 new cases on Tuesday, according to a New York Times tracker, and at least 1,306 people died. The U.S. has averaged 65,468 cases a day in the past week, down 19% from two weeks ago. There was good news from President Joe Biden who said the U.S. expects to take delivery of enough coronavirus vaccine for all adults by the end of May - two months earlier than anticipated - and he pushed states to get at least one shot into the arms of teachers by the end of March to hasten school reopenings. Brazil has the second highest death toll at 257,361 and is third by cases at 10.6 million. India is second worldwide in cases with 11.1 million, and fourth in deaths at 157,346. Mexico has the third highest death toll at 187,187 and 13th highest case tally at 2.1 million. The U.K. has 4.2 million cases and 123,530 deaths, the highest in Europe and fifth highest in the world.

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Coronavirus tally: Global cases of COVID-19 top 114.8 million and U.S. death toll above 516,000 - MarketWatch

The Wildwoods Convention Center is reopening this weekend but not to the public just yet.

Shuttered since the outbreak of the pandemic last March, the 260,000-square-foot facility on the Wildwood Boardwalk is unlocking its doors to host Spirit Brands The Return cheerleading competition on Saturday, March 6.

However, only participants, judges and coaches will be allowed access and a maximum capacity of 150 will be enforced. Sorry Mom and Dad, absolutely no spectaculars will be permitted.

The center will follow state Department of Health guidelines for sports activities mandating temperature checks for all participants, coaches and officials, masking for everyone except during actual competition, and safe distancing practices.

Coincidentally, the 2020 cheerleading competition was the last event at the venue before the pandemic forced it to cancel its schedule for the rest of the year.

The Montclair-based Outpost in the Burbs will host an online concert 7 p.m. tomorrow, March 4, to benefit the Outpost soup kitchen and Tonis Kitchen. The live stream will feature the Kennedys husband-wife folk duo, along with area musicians Lily Vakili, Scott E. Moore, Sammy Mellman and Ed Seifert, Connie and Kathy Sharar. Donations will be accepted.

***

Here is a rundown of the status of events at arts and entertainment venues and other recreational destinations throughout the state:

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Atlantic City casinos gaming rooms have reopened, but no major entertainment events are planned yet until April the soonest. The Atlantic City Ballet has canceled its season at Caesars Atlantic City but is posting monthly virtual programs online.

Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City has rescheduled its March 14 Michael Buble concert to Aug. 28 and its March 20 Lit in AC concert to March 19, 2022. Visit boardwalkhall.com/events.

The Stockton University Performing Arts Center on the Galloway campus has emptied its schedule of events through May. For more information, contact 609-652-9000 or visit stocktonpac.org.

BERGEN COUNTY

All scheduled entertainment events at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford have been canceled or pushed to this summer. First show on the schedule as of now is the Aug. 5 Guns N Roses concert. For information, visit metlifestadium.com.

Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood has canceled, postponed or rescheduled shows through April 10. It will host a free live-streamed fundraiser gala on March 13 with Paul Anka, John Fogerty, Dionne Warwick, Wynton Marsalis, Jay Leno and others. For information, visit bergenpac.org or call 201-227-1030.

Hackensack Performing Arts Center in Hackensack has no upcoming events planned. For more information, visit hacpac.org.

The Puffin Cultural Forum in Teaneck has canceled live entertainment events until further notice. Visit puffinculturalforum.org or call 201-836-3499 for updates. The Teaneck International Film Festival is hosting series of monthly online documentary screenings in collaboration with PBS TVs Independent Lens through May 19.

The Black Box Performing Arts Center in Engelwood will present The Pillowman onstage March 11-April 3 with a 25-max seating capacity. Visit blackboxpac.com.

The Belskie Museum of Art and Science in Closter is open 1-5 p.m. weekends or by appointment. Visit belskiemuseum.com or call 201-768-0286.

The Mahwah Museum is open 1-4 p.m. Saturdays with a 25% capacity restriction. Visit mahwahmuseum.org or call 201-512-0099.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

The countys museums and galleries including Smithville Mansion and the Historic Prison Museum are reopened with limited hours social distancing guidelines in effect. For more information visit co.burlington.nj.us/parks..

The Roebling Museum in Florence is closed until further notice. Visit roeblingmuseum.org.

CAMDEN COUNTY

The Battleship New Jersey on the Camden Waterfront is reopening this Saturday, March 6, for self-guided tours 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden has reopened by reservation. Visit adventureaquarium.com or call 844-474-3474.

The Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood has postponed or rescheduled concert dates through Oct. 14. For information, visit scottishriteauditorium.com or call 856-858-1000.

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Cape May MAC (Museums+Arts+Culture) formerly Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities and the Cape May Lighthouse are open Saturdays and Sundays.

The Cape May County Park and Zoo have reopened following social distancing guidelines. Winter hours are 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.

The Wildwoods Convention Center is reopening this week for its first live event since shutting last March, but the spectators wont be permitted. (See details above.)

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

The Landis Theater in Vineland has scheduled a series of rock tribute band concerts and has a Quiet Riot concert scheduled on Saturday, March 6. Visit thelandistheater.com for updates.

The Levoy Theatre in Millvilles Broken Arrow concert scheduled for Friday, March 5, is being rescheduled. Next show on the bill is the March 20 Eaglemania tribute. Visit levoy.net or call 856-327-6400.

The Museum of American Glass, Down Jersey Folklife Center in Millville is closed for the winter and aims to reopen in April.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

The Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Call 856-327-4500 or visit rrcarts.com.

ESSEX COUNTY

The Prudential Center in Newark has closed its facilities, offices, the Grammy Museum Experience and the RJWBarnabas Health Hockey House. It has cleared its entertainment schedule through April 22. The planned March 28 Millennium Tour concert has been postponed with a new date to be determined. The New Jersey Devils condensed season is in progress but live audiences are not permitted. For up-to-date information, visit prucenter.com/events.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark has suspended on-site performances through June 5. It is posting weekly DJ dance parties and other virtual events, including an online concert by Brandy Clark on Saturday, March 6. For information call 888-466-5722 or visit njpac.org.

Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn has embarked on its hybrid subscription-only season, with Pete n Keely next up on the schedule. Visit papermill.org or email boxoffice@papermill.org.

South Orange Performing Arts Center has halted live shows through May 6 but is hosting online film streamings and concert events. For information, call 973-313-2787, email boxoffice@sopacnow.org or visit sopacnow.org.

Wellmont Theater in Montclair has rescheduled its planned March 19 Wild Child concert to Sept 24 and its April 9 Get the Led Out tribute concert to May 7, 2022. Next on the schedule is Ministry on April 16. For information visit wellmonttheater.com or call 973-783-9500.

Outpost in the Burbs, based at the First Congregational Church in Montclair, has postponed its planned March and April concerts until dates to be determined. Next concert on its schedule is Alex Cuba on June 19. It will host a virtual fundraiser for local soup kitchens 7 p.m. tomorrow, March 4. (See details above.). Visit outpostintheburgs.org.

The Newark Museum of Art has targeted June 3 as its reopening date and in the meantime has been mounting online activities (see above). Visit newarkmuseumart.org or call 973-596-6550.

The Montclair Art Museum has reopened with one-hour timed tickets by reservation. For updates, visit montclairartmuseum.org or check social media pages.

The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Montclair has again stopped in-person visits. Look for updates at yogiberramuseum.org.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY

Broadway Theatre of Pitman has yet to schedule any new shows. Call 856-384-8381 or visit thebroadwaytheatre.org.

The Heritage Glass Museum in Glassboro will be closed until further notice. Contact heritageglassmuseum.com or call 856-881-7468.

HUDSON COUNTY

The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City is reopened at a reduced capacity to maintain social distancing. Winter hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Visit lsc.org or call 201-200-1000.

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Music Mountain Theatre in Lambertville will present The Diary of Anne Frank on stage from March 5-21. Visit musicmountaintheatre.org for more information.

The Hunterdon Art Museum in Clinton is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, with 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays reserved for seniors and immunocompromised visitors. Visit hunterdonartmuseum.org.

The Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton has set its planned reopening for April 10. Visit theredmill.org.

The ACME Screening Room in Lambertville is closed but has made virtual screening of films available online and has created a film viewing club. Visit acmescreeningroom.org/upcoming-events.

MERCER COUNTY

McCarter Theatre in Princeton canceled in-person shows. It has extended its posting of The Work of Adrienne Kennedy: Inspiration and Influence, a virtual play festival in association with Round House Theatre, through April. For information, visit mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787.

Passage Theatre at the Mill Hill Playhouse in Trenton has crafted a 2020-21 season lineup that includes online and live productions. next up online will be the family show Surely Goodness and Mercy, March 18-21. Look online at passagetheatre.org.

Anticipating it almost certainly will not be able to hold a live Sourland Mountain Festival this year, the Sourland Conservancy will be hosting musical happy hours via Zoom 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each month. Visit sourland.org for details.

The New Jersey State Museum in Trenton is closed until further notice. Visit state.nj.us/state/museum.

The 1719 William Trent House Museum in Trenton has suspended operations until further notice but has been presenting online programs. For information visit call 609-989-0087 or visit its Facebook page.

Old Barracks Museum in Trenton is temporarily closed but has virtual exhibits posted. For more information visit barracks.org.

CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton is being used as a COVID-19 vaccination site for Mercer County. It has pushed back its planned April 9 Casting Crown concert to Oct. 8. For information visit cureinsurancearena.com.

The Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie in Cadwalader Park in Trenton has reopened with timed entries and has mounted virtual exhibits. Visit ellarslie.org.

The Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton reopened to the public with reserved timed ticketing. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. For information, visit groundsforsculpture.org or call 609-586-0616.

Princeton University public events are suspended and the Princeton University Art Museum is closed until further notice. Visit Princeton.edu for updates. The Lewis Center for the Arts is posting virtual events at arts.princeton.edu. Princeton University Concerts has erased its schedule but plans an online virtual watch party concert on March 28. Visit princetonuniversityconcerts.org.

Kelsey Theatre on the Mercer County Community College campus in West Windsor has postponed its schedule. Visit kelsey.mccc.edu for more.

1867 Sanctuary in Ewing has no events planned as of now. For information visit 1867sanctuary.org.

Rider University Arts has put on- and off-campus Westminster Choir College and Rider events on hold, but has launched a number of online performances. Visit rider.edu/arts.

Morven Museum and Garden in Princeton grounds are open to the public 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays with timed tickets and social distancing precautions. There are no docent-led indoor tours at this time. Visit morven.org.

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick has no in-person programming scheduled until August, but is hosting various online events, including a virtual concert by Mandy Harvey on March 25. For more information, visit stnj.org or call 732-246-7469.

Crossroads Theatre Company in New Brunswick has posted an encore performance of the musical Sheilas Day online through March 23 in honor of Womens History Month. Visit crossroadstheatrecompany.org or call 732-545-8100.

George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick will begun its 2021 season online with Theresa Rebecks Bad Dates, available through March 14. Contact 732-246-7717 or georgestplayhouse.org.

The Avenel Performing Arts Center in Avenel will host comedian Eric DAlessandro this weekend, March 5-7 and a production of Til Death Do Us Part -- Late Nite Catechism is scheduled for March 18-21. Contact 732-314-0500 or avenelarts.com.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Banks new venue, the Vogel, has indoor shows booked through mid-June. The Dublin Irish Dance mainstage show scheduled for March 11, the March 12 Daughtry concert and the March 14 Kevin James appearance have been canceled. Visit thebasie.org for updates.

Historic Allaire Village in Farmingdale is open for special events following COVID-19 health safety restrictions.

Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal has suspended productions through April 10. It is hosting its 12th annual International Jewish Israel Film Festival online through March 22. For information call 732-531-9106 or visit axelrodartscenter.com.

The Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan will begin its live 2021 season with Mass Appeal March 20-28. Visit algonquinarts.org for updates.

Monmouth University Center for the Arts in West Long Branch has postponed scheduled events through this season and has mounted its Music and Arts Festival 2020 on YouTube. Visit monmouth.edu/mca for updates.

Some Asbury Park Boardwalk entertainment venues have recommenced live shows, including Langosta Lounge and Tim McLoones Supper Club. The Stone Pony has postponed its planned April 22 reopening with White Reaper and aims to begin its Summerstage outdoor shows in June. Convention Hall has no dates scheduled as of now. Paramount Theatres Mavericks March 14 concert has moved to Dec. 12. For information, visit apboardwalk.com.

Two River Theater in Red Bank has suspended performances and is closed to the public but is posting online readings and workshops. Look online at tworivertheater.org for updated information.

The Jewish Heritage Museum of Monmouth County has suspended programming until further notice but has set up an online exhibit, Artists from Within: Creations in Quarantine. Visit jhmomc.org.

The Monmouth Museum in Lincroft is closed with plans to reopen in late spring. It has posted online exhibits. Visit monmouthmuseum.org or call 732-224-1995.

The Garden State Film Festival, based out of Asbury Park, will have virtual and in-person options this year, starting Tuesday, March 23, at the Cranford Theater in Cranford. The festival continues Wednesday, March 24, to Sunday, March 28, with special events each night. A limited size live cocktail reception and screening will be held on March 26 with virtual and in-person screenings through March 28, concluding with a black-tie awards ceremony at the Asbury Lanes.

MORRIS COUNTY

Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown will host two sets of Manhattan Comedy Night on March 12. For information, call 973-539-8008 or visit mayoarts.org.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison has launched Pandemic Playhouse online series with recorded versions of the three plays from its recent Shaw! Shaw! Shaw! festival. Visit shakespearenj.org.

The Morris Museum in Morristown has reopened 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. For information, call 973-971-3700 or visit morrismuseum.org.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum in Morristown has limited gallery tours by appointment for groups of five or fewer. Garden is open for social-distanced walks. Visit macculloughhall.org or call 973-538-2404.

The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts in Madison has reopened for walk-in visits Tuesdays-Sundays, with reservations recommended on Saturdays-Sundays. For information, visit metc.org.

The Folk Project in Morristown has canceled its lineup of indoor concerts, but is promoting a selection of twice-weekly online live performances. Visit folkproject.org or call 973-335-9489.

Roxbury Arts Alliance has cleared its on-site schedule at Investors Bank Theater in Roxbury through April 23. Visit roxburartsyalliance.org or call 862-219-1379.

OCEAN COUNTY

The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts on the Ocean County College campus in Toms River will host a virtual Rhythm of the Dance on-demand concert from March 10-24. Its scheduled March 26 Shawn Colvin concert has been postponed until spring 2022. Visit grunincenter.org/events or call 732-255-0500.

The Strand Center for the Arts in Lakewood erased four tribute shows it had scheduled through March. Its next planned show now will be a Sept. 17 Prince tribute concert. Visit http://www.strand.org or check social media for more details.

Albert Music Hall in Wall hopes to begin presenting outdoor concerts on May 1. For updates, visit alberthall.org.

Excerpt from:

Coronavirus in N.J.: Whats reopened, what concerts, festivals and shows are rescheduled, canceled. (March 3, - NJ.com

Here's where San Antonio and Texas stand when it comes to new cases, patients in the hospital, rules for schools, and vaccination programs.

Author: kens5.com

Published: 5:25 PM CST March 3, 2021

Updated: 5:22 PM CST March 3, 2021

View post:

The latest on coronavirus cases, regulations, and vaccination efforts in Texas - KENS5.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Should you compare the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to the earlier Moderna and Pfizer coronavirus vaccines, which boast higher rates of protection again moderate illness?

Were talking about the differences between the vaccines, as distribution ramps up, on This Week in the CLE.

Listen online here.

Editor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with editors Jane Kahoun, Kris Wernowsky and me.

Youve been sending Chris lots of thoughts and suggestions on our from-the-newsroom account, in which he shares what were thinking about at cleveland.com. You can sign up for free by sending a text to 216-868-4802.

Here are the questions were answering today:

Why did Ohios official coronavirus death toll drop by hundreds Tuesday?

How might this years Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction have the biggest crowd ever, by far, for a ceremony in Cleveland?

How many concealed carry licenses for firearms did Ohio issue last year, and was it a big jump over 2019?

How did U.S. Sen. Rob Portman become one of the very first people in the world to get the just-approved Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine, and how did it he get it four months ago?

What are the new and relaxed coronavirus restrictions for sports venues, entertainment centers, theaters and banquet centers?

What are Cleveland city and Cleveland schools officials hoping will happen with a bunch of school properties some quite historic that they put on the sales block?

What has been going on with the suddenly famous vaccine queens since columnist Leila Atassi introduced them to our audience last week

Want more? You can find all our past episodes here.

We have an Apple podcasts channel exclusively for this podcast. Subscribe here.

Do you get your podcasts on Spotify. Find us here.

If you use Stitcher, we are here.

RadioPublic is another popular podcast vehicle, and we are here.

On Google Podcasts, we are here.

On PodParadise, find us here.

And on PlayerFM, we are here.

See the article here:

The differences between the coronavirus vaccines, and is it fair to compare them? This Week in the CLE - cleveland.com

President Joe Bidens proposed $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill would phase out $1,400 payments to high-income Americans in a compromise with moderate Democratic senators, according to lawmakers and media reports.

The Democratic-controlled Senate expects to open debate on the package as early as Wednesday, with a final vote for passage seen later in the week. Before the bill hits the chamber floor, Democrats are negotiating limits to a measure Republicans have attacked as wasteful.

Senate Democrats said the proposal, which would block Americans earning $80,000 per year or more and couples earning $160,000 or more from receiving the $1,400 payments, was a good solution.

The income cutoff had been higher $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples filing jointly in the House-passed version of the legislation.

Its an appropriate way of bringing this to a successful conclusion, Sen. Michael Bennet told reporters. Sen. Debbie Stabenow said the caps would be a reasonable compromise.

The 100-seat chamber, where control is split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans, will consider on Wednesday a motion to begin 20 hours of debate on the sweeping legislation. That vote could be an early indicator of how much Republican opposition the package faces.

The bill would pay for vaccines and medical supplies, boost jobless assistance and send a new round of emergency financial aid to households, small businesses and state and local governments. Democrats aim to get it to Biden to sign into law before March 14, when some current benefits expire.

The plan that we are going to vote on this week is going to provide real, robust relief for all of us, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said.

Republicans, led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, have denounced the bill. On Wednesday McConnell called it a vast catalog of liberal spending and a partisan smorgasbord of borrowed money packed with crazy provisions unrelated to the pandemic, which has killed more than 517,000 Americans and left millions more jobless.

But a new Morning Consult/Politico poll showed strong bipartisan support for the measure is holding against the Republican attacks. It said 77% of all voters and 59% of Republicans backed the plan.

Before the legislation comes to a final vote, Democrats will have to sort out a bunch of competing ideas as they seek to advance the bill.

First to go will be a minimum-wage increase, which the Senate parliamentarian said last week could not be included in the package while the Democrats are using a special procedure that allows them to pass the bill with a simple majority, rather than the 60 votes needed to advance most legislation in the chamber.

With Democrats and their allies controlling 50 seats, Vice President Kamala Harris might need to give them a tie-breaking vote.

, but so long as the Democrats remain united, they would not need Republican votes.

Democrats have shown no interest in dropping another partisan sticking point: $350 billion in aid for state and local governments, which face rising costs and uncertain tax revenues because of the pandemic. But they are negotiating what to include in that figure, with some advocating for spending on rural broadband internet service, a priority for senators from states with large rural populations.

A Reuters analysis found that Democratic-leaning states would get a larger share of that money this time around than they did under the first $150 billion of state and local aid that Congress approved last year.

Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, a key centrist, pushed to scale back enhanced unemployment benefits to $300 per week from $400.

Once the Senate votes on the bill, the House would then have to sign off on the changes before Biden can sign it into law. (Reporting by Susan Cornwell and Andy Sullivan; Additional reporting by David Morgan and Richard Cowan; Editing by Scott Malone, Peter Cooney, Steve Orlofsky and Jonathan Oatis)

Read more here:

Senate trims parts of Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill before votes - The Union Leader