Category: Covid-19

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COVID-19 is on the rise throughout the nation and Queens is one of the areas most impacted by the surge.

New York City as a whole has seen an increase in cases over the past month, with Queens being the borough that is leading the way.

The number of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Queens has been steadily rising since the middle of November, according to NYC.gov, which is tracking the cases. Cases have increased from 215 on Nov. 21 to 636 on Dec. 21. This rise in cases has occurred even with less residents going for in-person testing.

The number of cases in Queens has outpaced the other boroughs. On Dec. 21, there were 545 in Brooklyn, 401 in the Bronx, 399 in Manhattan and 166 in Staten Island.

Queens is yet again the epicenter, as it was in 2020 when the pandemic hit the U.S. However, this time there have not been nearly as many fatalities. Queens this month has averaged one death per day from COVID-19.

The CDC attributes the recent surge in cases in Queens and the country in large part to a new COVID-19 variant, known as JN.1. According to the CDC, this variant was first discovered in September. While there has not been any evidence to suggest this variant is a greater health risk than others, the CDC believes it to be either more transmissible or better at evading peoples immune systems.

With winter marking flu season, more people are getting sick this time of year in any case.

Despite rising COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations have recently been declining in Queens. After reaching a peak of 31 hospitalizations on Dec. 18, the number has dropped to the point that there was only one from Dec. 22-25.

The CDC encourages the public to get vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19. While these vaccinations may not prevent the spread of COVID-19, health experts say it will certainly help lessen its severity.

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COVID-19 cases on the rise in Queens QNS.com - QNS

Key Takeaways

The last trading day of 2023 was a loser for U.S. equities, with the S&P 500 dropping 0.3%. However, the down day didn't dampen the outcome for the year as the index skyrocketed 24% in 2023.

As the last day of 2023 trading ends, we look at the companies in the S&P 500 that gained and lost the most in the year. Investopedia used stock-price data as of Friday's market close to determine the top gainers and losers for the year in the benchmark index.

This was a big year for tech stocks, especially all things related to artificial intelligence (AI). Demand for AI products soared, as the new technology became the "next big thing" for Wall Street in 2023. That trend fueled some of the highest-gaining stocks in the S&P 500 this year.

No company benefited more from the AI boom than Nvidia Corp. (NVDA).

The stock surged more than 254%, far above the next highest gainer and the largest percentage growth in the S&P 500 for the year. The chipmaker's market capitalization crossed the $1 trillion mark, making it the fifth most valuable U.S. corporation.

The only noticeable bump in Nvidia's road came as President Joe Biden's administration slapped new regulations on exports to China in October, a move that Nvidia said would affect its business. This week, the company released a chip that would comply with the export regulations.

Facebook's parent, Meta Platforms Inc. (META), faced challenges in 2023, but that didn't stop its stock from almost tripling in price this year.

As with Nvidia, the company got a boost from AI, but the main driver of the excitement over the social media giant came in February when Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg declared 2023 to be Meta's "year of efficiency" after its shares got punished in 2022. The cost-cutting moves that followed helped send Meta shares soaring.

The end of the lockdowns and other restrictions related to COVID-19 was a boon for the travel industry, especially cruise lines, which essentially shut down for months during the pandemic.

The shares of Royal Caribbean Group (RCL), along with rivals Carnival Corp. (CCL) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), have gained from pent-up demand from travelers who were stuck at home because of the outbreak. Royal Caribbean stock rose more than 165%, while competitors Carnival Corp. rose more than 132% and Norwegian ended the year up roughly 69%.

One might not think that technology would drive growth of a building supplies provider, but that was the case for Builders FirstSource Inc. (BLDR).

During the year, the company increased its digital investments and was also helped by acquisitions and product mix. In addition, its shares' price increased after the announcement this month from S&P Dow Jones Indices that it would be added to the S&P 500 on Dec. 18.

Shares of BLDR rose more than 155% in 2023.

Like the cruise lines, Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER) was also a winning recipient of reopenings that followed the ending of COVID-19 restrictions. Along with Builders FirstSource, the ride-hailing service also gained from being included in the S&P 500 in mid-December. The stock was up roughly 142% for the year.

While the overall market advanced, inflation, high interest rates, and falling demand for COVID-19 treatments were among the reasons some stocks tumbled the most in 2023.

FMC Corp. (FMC) stock took a more than 49% hit this year, wiping out much of the gains of the past few years. The agricultural chemical manufacturer's stock did take an uptick in November after it unveiled a strategic plan. The company rolled out new products and said it would do astrategic review of non-core assets.

Enphase Energy Inc.'s (ENPH) troubles were typical of many in the "green" energy sector.

The solar power equipment maker was hurt by high interest rates and soaring home prices, which made adding solar panels to homes more expensive. In addition, a change in the law in California, by far the biggest state for solar panels, was a blow to the industry. The state reduced the payments homeowners receive from utilities for feeding power to the grid, making having the panels less attractive.

Enphase lost about 47% in the year.

A change in consumer behavior driven by high inflation had a significant impact on Dollar General Corp. (DG).

The discount retailer was down roughly 45% this year, as the company said shoppers were spending more money on food and other low-margin items, and not on products that bring in more cash.

Dollar General also said it was going to bring back checkout employees because its reliance on self-checkout led to increased theft.

The wind-down of the pandemic wasn't necessarily good news for the makers of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines.

Shares of the two biggest providers, Moderna Inc. (MRNA) and Pfizer Inc. (PFE), both struggled as fewer people needed vaccines and many opted out of getting additional boosters. This led their stock prices down roughly 44% in 2023.

The companies tried to make the shift away from COVID-19 and pushed to produce other drugs.

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S&P 500 Biggest Gainers and Losers of 2023 - Investopedia

(The Hill) As COVID-19 and other respiratory infections rise across the country, some major health systems are bringing back mask requirements to stop the spread of infections.

This week, Mass General Brigham, the largest health system in Massachusetts, said it will require masking for health care staff who interact directly with patients in clinical care locations starting Jan. 2.

Patients and visitors will be strongly encouraged to wear a facility-issued mask.Masks will not be required for staff in hallways and common areas.

The health system in a statement said its policy is based on the percentage of patients presenting to emergency departments or outpatient clinics with symptoms of respiratory illness.

Once this figure exceeded 2.85 percent for two consecutive weeks, the masking requirement took effect. It will end once the level falls below 2.85 percent for a week.

Most hospitals eased or eliminated their masking requirements last spring, after the federal government ended the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Another major Boston hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, began requiring masks for patients and staff on Dec. 18. The hospital said the policy would be in place for the foreseeable future.

The hospital said there is no single data point leaders use to gauge when the requirement will end.

We check a number of different data points, including rates of influenza-like illness, staff absenteeism, and emergency room visits and hospitalizations caused by respiratory viruses. We will lift the mask requirement when these data points remain consistently lower, the hospital said on its website.

Meanwhile, in D.C., the regions largest rehabilitation hospital is requiring masks for all staff and patients who are admitted, but not for visitors or outpatient areas.

In a message to staff, Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital said the move was meant to protect staff because theres been an increase in positive COVID tests on admission. As a result, theres been an increase in exposure from patients to staff members.

And in Wisconsin, UW Health recently returned to requiring masks in medical clinics, outpatient care and waiting rooms.

The new requirements come as the JN.1 variant has become the most common strain of the virus spreading across the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant accounted for 44 percent of COVID-19 infections nationwide by mid-December, up from about 7 percent in late November.

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Some hospitals reinstating mask requirements amid rise in COVID-19 - KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis

COVID-19 infections are on the rise again in Massachusetts, on top of flu and RSV cases.

And nearly four years after the world was seemingly brought to a halt by the coronavirus, changing guidelines and new strains can make it confusing to know how best to avoid infection and what to do if your rapid test shows two lines. We asked two of the state's top public health officials to answer those common questions.

Wastewater continues to be one of the most reliable indicators of COVID-19 levels in the community. And as of late December 2023, it's not looking great.

"The concentration of COVID-19 in our local wastewater samples here in Boston is very high, and it's continuing to increase," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's commissioner of public health and executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. "Over the course of the last two weeks, we've noted about a 23% increase in our Boston samples."

Another key metric that public health officials focus on is hospitalization rates.

"Our hospitals are packed to the gills right now," said Dr. Larry Madoff, medical director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Lab Sciences for the state Department of Public Health. "Our hospitals are at or above capacity and there's waiting times in emergency departments."

This week, 16.7% of emergency room visits in the state were due to respiratory virus infections.

"That's high," Madoff said. "That's as high as we've seen it this season."

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to make sure you're up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

It's probably also good idea to put on a mask.

"I know that most people obviously are not wearing masks," Ojikutu said. "However, masking is an important strategy that reduces the spread of respiratory viruses and can do so effectively if you mask appropriately when you are in crowded spaces."

Probably, yes!

Statewide, just 18.1% of Massachusetts residents have received the latest COVID-19 booster.

"If you haven't been vaccinated since late August of 2023, then you haven't gotten the updated vaccine," Madoff said.

In Boston, free vaccine clinics are available at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Roxbury and at City Hall. More information is online here. Other vaccine locations can be found here.

One big reason to get a shot: The updated vaccine is protective against newer variants of the virus, Madoff explained.

"The one that's increasing the fastest is one that's called JN.1," he said. "Now, all of these variants are closely related to omicron that's been with us. And that's good news because the updated vaccine continues to protect against these variants."

JN.1 currently accounts for 44% of all COVID-19 cases in the United States. There remains limited data about this variant because it's so new, but the World Health Organization says it may be more capable than prior variants of evading previous immunity. Importantly, WHO does not have reason to believe this variant has a higher risk of causing severe disease.

Other common circulating variants are HV.1 and EG.5 also omicron relatives though each is progressively accounting for fewer cases as JN.1 spreads.

Rapid antigen tests are available at most pharmacies, but are no longer covered by most insurance plans.

All households in the United States are eligible for another four free at-home tests from the federal government. The online form to order those free tests is here.

Those first five days are essential to stopping the spread of the virus to others around you.

"And that means staying at home, if at all possible, and wearing a mask around household members," Ojikutu said.

Many people will continue to test positive after those initial five days. Even so, after then, if you have no symptoms or your symptoms are improving, CDC guidelines suggest you can end isolation.

Until day 11, you should continue to wear a mask when around others indoors and in public.

"[However], if someone tests negative on two separate at home tests taken approximately 48 hours apart, you can certainly remove the mask before day ten," Ojikutu said.

If you are at least 50 years old or have an underlying health issue, you can be prescribed the antiviral treatment Paxlovid.

"Paxlovid is a very effective treatment," Ojikutu said. "It has almost a 90% reduction in risk of hospitalization and death in unvaccinated people in a clinical trial that was performed by the NIH."

COVID-positive patients can speak to their doctor about whether they should get a Paxlovid prescription, or get a free telehealth consultation from the state Department of Public Health.

Some patients might be frustrated that they don't qualify for a prescription for the antiviral treatment. Madoff says there's a reason it's not prescribed to everyone.

"The purpose of Paxlovid and the other antiviral treatments is not to make the illness go away, but it's to keep you out of the hospital and keep you from dying of the illness," he said. "And that's what it's been shown to do. And that benefit is really only to those who are at high risk of developing those complications."

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COVID is everywhere again. Here's what public health officials say you should do. - GBH News

Due to continued stream of imported cases of JN.1 and the mass movement of people before and after the Lunar New Year, the JN.1 variant is likely to become a prevailing variant in the country, and that will cause an increase in Covid-19 cases, Li Zhengmao, from the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control, said on Friday.

Li added that China was bracing for an uptick in multiple respiratory diseases during the winter.

[The rise in JN.1 cases] will increase the risks of severe cases and deaths among elderly and vulnerable people with underlying diseases. It will also create pressure on the health system in rural areas as they are less able to treat the infected, he added.

Li said the bureau would closely monitor the spread of the variant, and step up vaccination of at-risk groups with shots developed from the XBB strain.

02:50

World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency

World Health Organization announces Covid-19 is no longer a global health emergency

According to the World Health Organization and scientific studies by the medical community, vaccines developed to counter the XBB variant in the Omicron family are still effective against JN.1.

Li said China would also pay special attention to weak links in the rural health system and allocate more resources to enable effective diagnosis to ensure hospitals were not inundated with less severe cases.

Chinas health system was strained earlier this year with a spike in hospitalisations for various respiratory diseases, especially among children.

Health authorities and scientists said the spike was caused by a lack of immunity against other common respiratory diseases following three years of mask requirements. Many other countries also saw an increase in respiratory diseases after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

Respiratory diseases often increase in winter as most people stay indoors. In China, that trend is exacerbated by mass travel around the Lunar New Year as was the case with the rapid spread of sudden acute respiratory syndrome in 2003 and the Omicron variant in 2022.

06:38

Sars 2003: The first coronavirus to spark a Hong Kong public health crisis

Sars 2003: The first coronavirus to spark a Hong Kong public health crisis

JN.1 evolved from the BA2.86 Omicron subvariant and by mid-December was responsible for about 44 per cent of Covid cases in the United States, according to the US CDC.

The WHO identified it as JN.1 as a variant of interest on December 19, saying it was on the rise in various countries, but the threat of an additional global public health risk was low.

The number of new cases of Covid-19 rose by more than half in the 28-day period to 17 December 2023, with more than 850,000 new cases reported, the WHO said.

But the number of new deaths fell by 8 per cent as compared to the previous 28-day period, with more than 3,000 new fatalities reported.

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China braces for Covid surge as JN.1 variant spreads around the world - South China Morning Post

Photo of a US Bank branch in Walnut Creek, California, on Monday, April 10, 2023. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

People unemployed during the pandemic will get a cash infusion in their accounts to start the new year.

U.S. Bank has to pay nearly $21 million after it prevented people from accessing unemployment benefits. Approximately $5.7 million of that amount is for consumers affected by this, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in a release.

The Minneapolis-based financial institution not only had to pay the penalty to consumers, mandated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, but they were also fined $15 million by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for the CFPBs victims relief fund.

During the pandemic in 2020, U.S. Bank had contracts with at least 19 states and the District of Columbia to deliver unemployment benefits.

RELATED: Bank of America to pay $100M to customers over fees, opening accounts without consent

According to the CFPB release, millions of newly unemployed workers relied on the unemployment benefits delivered through U.S. Banks ReliaCard prepaid card.

But tens of thousands of those consumers found their accounts frozen for weeks or longer. People had to verify their identities to unfreeze their accounts, but the bank didnt have an adequate system for them to do so.

"At a time when unemployment was close to 15%, many out-of-work Americans throughout the country had little choice but to rely on U.S. Bank for their unemployment benefits. U.S. Bank blocked access to accounts and demanded burdensome paperwork in order for consumers to regain access to their frozen benefits," CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said in a statement in the release. "U.S. Bank must comply with the law, and the CFPB and OCC are making the bank pay for its conduct."

RELATED: Billions of dollars in COVID-19 relief aid stolen or wasted, investigation reveals

Other beneficiaries learned that U.S. Bank didnt provide them with provisional account credits after they reported unauthorized transfers from their accounts, the CFPB noted.

U.S. Bank is the fifth-largest commercial bank in the country, with 2,000 branches in 26 states.

This story was reported from Washington, D.C.

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U.S. Bank sending nearly $6 million to consumers for freezing access to unemployment benefits during COVID-19 - LiveNOW from FOX

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With the city anticipating a budget surplus to close out the year, Mayor Brandon Johnson will shift $95 million in COVID-19 relief funds to cover some of the ever-mounting costs of sheltering thousands of asylum-seekers coming to Chicago by the day.

Johnsons top aides said they announced the budget maneuver Friday for the sake of transparency over how the city is paying to care for nearly 15,000 migrants living in city shelters but acknowledged the revised accounting wont move the needle in a crisis pushing city resources to the limit.

This doesnt change that outlook, Johnsons senior adviser, Jason Lee, told the Sun-Times. Were going to continue to lobby the federal government for more support as the situation becomes, frankly, more unstable.

The city had budgeted about $152 million for 2023 city operations to be covered in American Rescue Plan Act funds, the dollars allotted by the federal government in 2021 to help local governments make ends meet amid COVID-19 shutdowns.

Better-than-expected city revenue means some of those operational costs can be covered by the citys corporate fund, freeing up $95 million in federal dollars for the migrant crisis, said city Budget Director Annette Guzman.

The city so far has spent more than $138 million to care for the new arrivals, mostly Venezuelan migrants from the southern U.S. border who have been bused and flown to Chicago by Republican leaders aiming to shift costs to Democratic-led cities.

Johnson has criticized President Joe Bidens administration for not directing more federal money to help deal with a situation thats only expected to escalate.

In a statement, the mayor said [W]e are allocating federal funds to deal with a federal problem. By allocating ARPA funding for this mission, we are meeting the Citys financial obligations without cutting the critical services that Chicagoans rely on every day.

Johnsons office briefed City Council members on the plan Friday.

The $95 million has effectively already been spent on leases, staffing, food and supplies for some of the 27 city shelters that have been launched since last year.

Johnson went to the City Council earlier this year to approve $51 million in emergency spending, and his first budget, which goes into effect in the new year, includes $150 million for migrant spending which his office has acknowledged is well short of what will be needed.

We have reached a critical point in this mission absent real, significant intervention immediately, Johnson said Wednesday in his latest call for more federal assistance. Our local economies are not designed to respond to this kind of crisis.

The city has about $400 million left in federal rescue plan act funds that are earmarked for community projects, according to Guzman, who said city officials dont anticipate resorting to using those dollars for the crisis in 2024.

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City taps $95M in federal COVID-19 relief funds for migrant housing costs - Chicago Sun-Times

Covid JN.1 variant has entered India, and the country has reported over 150 cases of the new strain so far, which has raised alarm bells across different cities. Health authorities have urged to bring back social distancing measures and other preventive measures amid New Year celebrations that can further lead to increase in cases. Cold temperatures and festive gatherings may allow the virus to spread more easily. Covid JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron lineage and is more transmissible compared to the previous strains. Experts say it spreads faster than the other Omicron variants but does not cause more severe disease. Fever, cough, cold, headache, gastrointestinal disorders, breathing issues are some of the common symptoms of Covid JN.1. Experts warn that those with co-morbidities or who have suffered lung damage in previous waves must be careful as the new variant can affect them more.

"JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron, which means it has evolved through some genetic changes from Omicron variant to form the current strain which has found a lot of success in its ability to infect and transmit between people. JN.1 has a much higher transmissibility rate as compared to Omicron which means the number of people it can reach is much higher than it was for Omicron. Possibly even a small amount of exposure can cause an infection. If there is even a mild symptom, one must adhere to social distancing norms to protect themselves. With holiday season the risk of transmission goes up because this is the time we all meet and gather and spend time with our friends and families in closed spaces. Moreover, this is the winter time when humidity in the air is much lower which allows the moist droplets to hang in the air, increasing the amount of time that it can expose a person to the infection," says Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, a microbiologist, coronavirus expert, and Covid Awareness Specialist, Rotary Club of Madras Next Gen in a telecon with HT Digital.

Dr Tanu Singhal, Consultant, Paediatrics and Infectious Disease, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says Covid JN.1 can spreads faster than the other Omicron lineages but does not necessarily cause more severe disease.

"JN.1 a descendent of BA 2.86 has emerged as the dominant variant and is currently estimated to cause more than 25% of all SARS-COV infections worldwide. It is causing more than 50% of all infections in the USA and 70% in Singapore. It has been labelled as a Variant of interest by the WHO. This rapid emergence is due to a new mutation in the spike protein which makes it evasive to immunity achieved by previous vaccination/natural infection. Studies show that the Omicron-specific vaccine booster may give some cross protection against JN.1. Fortunately, disease due to JN.1 has been mild and there is no increase in hospitalization as compared to the Omicron lineages," adds Dr Singhal.

Dr. Nikhil Modi, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals says the newer variant of Covid -19 is genetically different and hence spreading more rapidly but agrees that common symptoms remain mild and similar to the previous strains.

"As we have seen in the past, Covid has come up with new or updated variants over time. The severity of different variants has varied, and for the time being, most cases associated with the JN.1 involved symptoms such as headaches and others.

However, this new variant differs in the sense that it can spread faster compared to other variants. As the number of cases increases, we might start to observe more severe cases as well. The common symptoms we are currently seeing include cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, and fever, which can be high-grade. Headaches are also reported in some cases.

Being genetically different, this variant has the ability to spread more rapidly. The severity of cases so far has been mild. Only as we see more and more cases will we be able to understand more about its impact," says Dr Nikhil Modi, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla Road, New Delhi warns there are notable symptoms of JN.1 that individuals should know, as they may not be as mild as those associated with other Omicron variants.

"The JN.1 variant distinguishes itself from Pirola or BA. 2.86 through a singular mutation in its spike protein. Although it shares traits with prior Omicron strains, such as high transmissibility and mild symptoms, there are notable symptoms that individuals should be alert to, as they might not be as mild as those associated with other Omicron variants. Critical symptoms of the JN.1 Covid variant that warrant attention include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, and, in certain instances, moderate gastrointestinal issues. Some patients may also experience breathing difficulties. It's crucial to emphasize that, at present, there is no evidence indicating that this variant is more severe or has higher fatality rates in comparison to other variants," says Dr Kumar.

"While it has high rates of transmissibility, it does not seem to be much more virulent in terms of severity of symptoms. But the severity may also depend on underlying conditions and the overall health of the person who's infection. This could be their health conditions like diabetes, cholesterol, stress and autoimmune diseases, cancer etc. If you had Covid and you had a severe infection due to which your lungs are scarred, this can allow the new variant to further damage the lungs which makes it difficult for the body to recover and help the body to breathe easily," says Dr Pavithra.

"JN.1 variant has usual symptoms like fever, fatigue, body ache. It also has mild gastrointestinal symptoms like mild stomach cramps or loose stools. Not the major food poisoning. As a lay person, you cannot find which variant you have. Vaccines available in India, there is no evidence to suggest that they are not effective. If you have vaccinated and boosted, you have done the most in order to protect yourself," says Dr Pavithra.

"While there is no need for immediate panic, initial findings suggest that JN.1 may not exhibit increased severity compared to earlier Covid variations. Nevertheless, comprehensive research is imperative to fully comprehend its behaviour. Vigilance in monitoring its transmissibility and impact on immunity is essential, and both India and the global community are closely scrutinizing these aspects. To curb the spread of infection, it is vital to adhere to all necessary precautions, including regular handwashing and wearing masks," concludes Dr Kumar.

"With the given rise in Covid-19 cases, especially the concern about the JN.1 variant, which possibly could have a slightly higher transmissibility than the other current variants, I think people need to be more aware and should be a bit more cautious about the whole situation and not panic. I believe a significant amount of vigilance is required, but there is no need for panic. It is important to set clear precautions that people should take. I think individuals with a high risk of comorbidities, such as those undergoing cancer chemotherapy, the elderly, people with diabetes, and those with uncontrolled hypertension, should definitely wear a mask in crowded places and closed or confined spaces, especially when traveling in a plane, air-conditioned compartment in a train or in a bus. This is the time when they should prioritize wearing a mask to protect themselves. Similarly, people should become a little bit more self -cognizant of the fact that if they are unwell, they should make sure that they do not travel out in open and enclosed spaces with people and if they are stepping out of the house in open space, they wear a mask so that they will be reverse isolating and protecting the other people as well. So I think these few things if we follow the holiday season should be enjoyed by everyone, and it will be safe for everyone," says Prof. Dr. Rahul Pandit, Chair, Critical Care, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital.

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Covid JN.1 variant: Symptoms and key differences from other Omicron variants - Hindustan Times

A report by the New Brunswick, Canada, auditor general's office found that the provincial Department of Public Health could not provide documentation to support any of a sample of 33 policy recommendations it made during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The department was unable to provide requested documentation, acknowledging that they 'did not create a compendium or a repository of all of the scientific articles, papers, publications and analyses it consulted during the pandemic and therefore we cannot provide a fulsome and detailed list of all of the evidence consulted and used when recommendations were being formulated,'" according to the report. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the report did not say what those 33 decisions were or what percentage of total decisions they represented.

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Brickbat: Making It Up As We Go Along - Reason