Category: Covid-19

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Although case counts and hospitalizations in Alaska remain below what they were during a peak in November and December, the state has been experiencing a slight increase in its average daily case rate over the last few weeks. Many regions in the state are still in the highest alert category based on their current per capita rate of infection.

Alaska in March became the first state in the country to open vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 and older who lives or works in the state. You can visit covidvax.alaska.gov or call 907-646-3322 to sign up for a vaccine appointment; new appointments are added regularly. The phone line is staffed 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.

By Tuesday, 259,419 people about 42% of Alaskans eligible for a shot had received at least their first dose, according to the states vaccine monitoring dashboard. At least 189,781 people about 32% of Alaskans 16 and older were considered fully vaccinated.

By Tuesday, there were 38 people with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 in hospitals throughout the state, far below a peak in late 2020 but a slight increase compared to recent weeks.

Of the 83 cases reported in Alaska residents on Tuesday, there were 24 in Anchorage plus two in Eagle River and one in Girdwood; four in Valdez; two in Kenai; one in Seward; one in Sterling; two in Fairbanks plus three in North Pole; three in Big Lake; one in Houston; five in Palmer; 20 in Wasilla; one in Douglas; and one in Juneau.

Among communities smaller than 1,000 people not named to protect privacy, there was one in the Copper River Census Area; one in the Mat-Su Borough; and 10 in the Bethel Census Area.

There were also two cases reported in nonresidents: one in Homer and one in Prudhoe Bay.

While people might get tested more than once, each case reported by the state health department represents only one person.

The states data doesnt specify whether people testing positive for COVID-19 have symptoms. More than half of the nations infections are transmitted from asymptomatic people, according to CDC estimates.

Continue reading here:

Tracking COVID-19 in Alaska: 85 new infections and no deaths reported Tuesday - Anchorage Daily News

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A lot of you have already gotten your COVID-19 vaccine, but for just as many you are probably planning for when it will be your turn.

When it is your time to get the vaccine there are certain things you should be aware of which might not be the first thing you think of. This being you should not get another vaccine two weeks before or two weeks after you get any version of the COVID-19 vaccine.

State Epidemiologist for the Arkansas Department of Health, Dr. Jennifer Dillaha, tells me this isnt the case for every vaccine, and it might not always be this way for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Getting two vaccines at the same time is usually studies overtime to make sure the immunity that they stimulate dont interfere with each other. We have not had the chance to study that yet with the COVID-19 Vaccine, says Dr. Dillaha.

Dillaha says if anyone is just now hearing about this and thinking theyve already made this mistake, she wants you to know its not the end of the world and youre going to be ok. The ADH just cant recommend it because there have not been any studies done.

More:

COVID-19 vaccine shouldnt be taken with other vaccines - KNWA

'We have to present the gospel in a different way:' Churches adapt to COVID-19 Easter  WSET

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'We have to present the gospel in a different way:' Churches adapt to COVID-19 Easter - WSET

1:04 PM ET

Emily KaplanESPN

More than half of the players on the Vancouver Canucks have tested positive for COVID-19, a source confirmed to ESPN. Two more names were added to the team's COVID-19 protocol list on Sunday, bringing the total up to 16.

Some players are symptomatic, and according to several sources there are a few who are in "rough shape." One Canucks player told ESPN he hadn't heard from a team representative about any players going to the hospital, but he had heard of teammates receiving IV treatments for severe dehydration, presumably at their homes. A source told ESPN that at least three Canucks coaches have tested positive for the virus as well. In addition, many family members of players have tested positive and are experiencing symptoms, according to sources.

"Fatigue, dehydration, the symptoms are intense," one agent of a Canucks player told ESPN. "It's knocked a lot of guys out. Some can't even get out of bed."

A source confirmed to ESPN on Saturday night that the more infectious P.1 variant of COVID-19, which was first found in Brazil, has been found among several of the cases affecting the Canucks, the first known cases of the new variant among NHL teams this year. That news was first reported by Canada's Postmedia. The Vancouver region has recently become a hotspot for the P.1 variant.

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"Our players, coaches and their families are grateful for the messages and we all hope for a return to full health oas soon as possible," the Canucks said in a statement Sunday. "Our focus continues to be on the health of everyone involved and we are thankful for the extraordinary health care and guidance we have received from our team's medical staff, BC's health officials, and from NHL and NHLPA medical experts."

The NHL had initially planned on closing the Canucks' practice facility until at least Tuesday with the team returning to action on Thursday. However those dates are expected to be pushed back, as this is the worst outbreak for a team in the NHL this season. The NHL is hopeful that the Canucks will be able to resume play this season, though decisions will be made on scheduling in the next few days, as more information is gleaned about how players are recovering.

On Saturday, the NHL and NHLPA circulated memos to teams reminding them to stay "vigilant" and to adhere to the guidelines agreed to for this season -- including wearing masks, even if individuals have been vaccinated, and not going to restaurants. Coaches were also reminded not to pull down their masks to talk to players or officials on the benches during games, which has become common practice in the NHL this season.

The Canucks are the second Canadian-based team to have COVID-19 issues. The Montreal Canadiens had four games postponed in late March but have since returned to action. The NHL has now postponed 45 games because of COVID-19, though the first 37 postponements were all for United States-based teams.

For Vancouver, the issue began on Tuesday, when Adam Gaudette was pulled from practice following a positive test result, which was confirmed positive later that evening. Travis Hamonic joined Gaudette on the protocol list on Thursday. By Friday, Alexander Edler, Braden Holtby, Quinn Hughes, Zack MacEwen and Antoine Roussel were all added to the list as well, following additional testing and contract tracing. Gaudette's wife, Micaela, tweeted Thursday: "My hubby isn't in great shape but I'm taking good care of him!"

Micaela Gaudette also tweeted: "A human being gets sick with a virus we don't know much about and yalll are angry at him because you cant watch a hockey game on tv" in response to criticism on social media.

Travis Boyd, Thatcher Demko, Jayce Hawryluk, Bo Horvat, Tyler Motte, Tyler Myers, and Brandon Sutter were added to the list on Saturday. Jalen Chatfield and Marc Michaelis were added Sunday.

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More than half of Vancouver Canucks' players test positive for COVID-19, source says - ESPN

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New York state will extend COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 years old or older on Tuesday, including Syracuse University students, faculty and staff residing in the state.

Here is everything you need to know about making an appointment and getting the vaccine as the date approaches:

In New York state, residents can book appointments through the states vaccine eligibility portal starting Tuesday. Onondaga County residents can also register for appointments at the countys vaccine clinic through its vaccine portal.

Residents can also sign up for the extra dose waiting list to get notified if and when the county has extra doses.

Both the county and state have appointments currently available for the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The states vaccination site in Syracuse is located at the New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center.

While all residents are eligible to make appointments starting Tuesday, anyone age 30 and over and eligible workers can make appointments now.

Second dose appointments for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are automatically booked for recipients after their first dose.

Anyone going to get vaccinated must fill out the states vaccination form and bring proof of eligibility to the vaccination site.

Those receiving the vaccine must also present their health insurance to the vaccine provider. Insurance information is for administrative use, and residents will not be charged for the vaccine.

After the vaccine is administered, those receiving the shot must wait for at least 15 minutes to monitor for any reactions.

Syracuse University is awaiting state approval to become a vaccination site.

Students who would like to receive the vaccine from SU if and when the site is approved must fill out a form through the Barnes Center at The Arch.It is unclear where SU would host the vaccination site, though Vice Chancellor Mike Haynie, who has led SUs COVID-19 response, said in a statement to The Daily Orange that there are multiple locations that could be utilized to administer the vaccine.

SU is prepared to administer all three of the vaccines that the Federal Drug Administration has authorized for emergency usage: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna, Haynie said.

SU has submitted all the necessary paperwork to the state and is awaiting approval, Haynie said.

More stories on the COVID-19 vaccine in Syracuse:

At least 33% of the New York state population has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and over 20% have completed their vaccine series.

In Onondaga County, over 175,000 people have gotten their first dose and over 120,000 have completed their vaccine series.

Published on April 4, 2021 at 10:06 pm

Contact Mira: mlberenb@syr.edu

Read the original here:

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Onondaga County - The Daily Orange

CHICAGO (AP) Illinois has logged 2,449 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 14 more deaths. The Illinois Department of Public Health said Sunday that the state has reported more than 1.2 million COVID-19 infections since the start of the pandemic. The death toll in Illinois is 21,373. The preliminary seven-day statewide test positivity is 4.3%. More than 6.3 million vaccine doses have been administered. Illinois is set to expand vaccine eligibility to all state residents age 16 and older later this month.

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Illinois reports 2,449 COVID-19 cases and 14 more deaths - WSIL TV

After operating for six years on Morris Turnpike in Short Hills,upscale physical fitness center YB Fitnessclosedon April 3, following a yearof COVID-19 regulations.

President Alex Crispo posted on their Facebook page, It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of YB Fitness. He continued, After six terrific years serving as a home away from home for our clients, friends and staff, we are sorry to share this news with you all.

Crispo stated that the business was more of a labor of love than it ever was a lucrative business. After a year of COVID-19 gathering restrictions, he shared that it was simply not feasible to continue.

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Like many other fitness centers, YB brought their exercise equipment and classes outside when weather permitted and allowed members to work out at least six feet apart from one another.

However, YB is now another casualty of COVID safety precautions.

Crispo thanked his members for patronizing YB. We hope you have appreciated the beautiful facility and warm community of members and staff as much as we have appreciated working with you.

He commended the staff members for their dedication and hard work, acknowledging, They are the cornerstone of the friendly and welcoming culture that YB is known for.

Crispo also thanked patrons for their support and for making YB Fitness a wonderful place to spend each day.

Continue reading here:

Short Hills' YB Fitness Closes After a Year of COVID-19 Regulations - TAPinto.net

WASHINGTONThe worlds top economic officials plan to focus at a virtual meeting this week on the prospect of new Covid-19 variants and shutdowns undermining the global rebound, while weighing measures to prevent lasting damage to the poorest and most vulnerable populations.

The international economy is recovering faster than many economists projected just weeks ago, powered by growth in the U.S. and China and by the accelerating pace of vaccinations in many rich countries. Yet a new wave of lockdownsfrom Europe to Canadais threatening that growth, as many low- and middle-income nations with limited resources lag behind.

The window of opportunity is closing fast, said Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, co-host with the World Bank of the gathering, in previewing the issues facing central bankers and finance ministers. The longer it takes to speed up vaccine production and rollout, the harder it will be to achieve these gains, she said.

In a report to be released on Tuesday, the IMF plans to raise its forecast for global growth for this year, from the 5.5% expansion projected in January, Ms. Georgieva said in her presentation Wednesday. That would follow an estimated 3.5% contraction in 2020, the worst peacetime outcome since the Great Depression.

The annual spring meeting of the IMF and the World Bank will be held virtually between April 5 and 11, bringing together policy makers from the Group of 20 nations and others. The pandemic response, including vaccine distribution and aid to struggling nations, is expected to dominate the conversations this year. Officials will also discuss ways to rebuild the global economy, with a particular focus on strengthening the resilience against climate change.

Excerpt from:

Nations Begin to Shape Post-Covid-19 Economy Amid Diverging Fortunes - The Wall Street Journal

Damascus - April 5, 2021 The Government of Japan funded in the amount of USD 2,336,554 from the Japanese Supplementary Budget 2020 to UNOPS so that UNOPS will launch a new project for supporting COVID-19 emergency response in Syria. The Project aims to increase the capacities of the national health sector in the provision of life-saving and life sustaining services to the populations affected by the ongoing conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will deliver critically needed medical equipment and supplies in hospitals and health facilities supporting Syrias response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is expected to benefit approximately 720,000 people on an annual basis.

Japan stays engaged in humanitarian assistance to support vulnerable populations such as children, youth and women wherever they are in Syria to meet their urgent needs, said Mr. Akira Endo, Special Coordinator for Syria and Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Syria. The humanitarian crisis in Syria has become more complicated after 10 years, in particular with, due to the impacts of COVID-19, which have negatively affected the health and living conditions of thousands of households. We sincerely hope that our contribution will find its way to people in need of assistance and alleviate the sufferings of as many Syrian people as possible.

Supporting COVID-19 response has been an essential component of the international interventions since early last year. Thanks to the generous funding from the Government of Japan, this project will support Syrian population suffering from both the pandemic and conflict through enhanced access to health services. With the support of our strategic partners in the region, UNOPS is playing a vital role in helping people build better lives, said Mr. Usman Akram, Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman.

Syria has been facing various challenges. The COVID-19 outbreak in Syria has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and created urgent needs especially in the health sector.

Contributing to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, this project will contribute to the strategic health objectives of the Humanitarian Response Plan (2019) for Syria, including increase access to humanitarian life-saving and life-sustaining health services for those most vulnerable; strengthen health sector capacity to prepare for, detect and deliver timely response to disease outbreaks.

About UNOPS:

UNOPS helps the UN and its partners provide peace and security, humanitarian and development solutions. UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. UNOPS services cover infrastructure, project management, procurement, financial management and human resources. Our partners call on us to supplement their own capacities, improve speed, reduce risks, boost costeffectiveness and increase quality.

The UNOPS Hub in Amman covers Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, and implements projects in partnership with bilateral donors, national governments, and other UN agencies.

For Press Inquiries, please contact:

Anwar Abu Sakieneh, Communications Specialist (UNOPS)Mobile number: +962 7 9902 6315 AnwarAB@unops.org or +962 6 5902122

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The Government of Japan and UNOPS Support COVID-19 Response in Syria - Syrian Arab Republic - ReliefWeb

Health officials warn the age of those hardest hit by COVID-19 is beginning to shift lower, to a younger demographic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. The pandemic has hit seniors in our communities hardest; they've been the most vulnerable so far to COVID-19. But health officials are now sounding the alarm on a new trend: the ages of those hit hardest by the pandemic are shifting to younger people.

Dr. Ashish Jha, the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, said the disturbing shift comes after weeks of declines.

"There are a lot of infections happening right now," he said, noting that COVID-19 cases across the country are starting to rise.

It's not as high as the winter surge, which saw more than 300,000 new cases each day, but right now the average is at just over 60,000 cases per day. The shift to younger people getting the virus more commonly now is happening on a wider scale as well.

Part of the worry also involves a potential explosion of cases as more people travel to destinations like Florida for spring break trips, a state that has the nation's highest count of new virus variants.

"We do see that the average age of hospitalizations has shifted to a younger demographic, and that's national," NBC News Medical Contributor Dr. Kavita Patel said.

This makes efforts to roll out more vaccines crucial.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says the push to get more shots into more arms is his top priority; about 29% of the state's populationis at least partially vaccinated.

"We're going to do everything we can to reach every single person," Cooper said. "For the protection of their family, their friends, and everybody, that everybody needs to step up and get a vaccine."

Commissioner Stacey Phillips announced the vaccination process is about to get easier in Huntersville; a vaccine clinic will be held on Wednesday, April 7, at the Waymer Center to get more shots to those who haven't been able to get one.

To help boost vaccination rates, Facebook has also joined in on the push, rolling out a new vaccine profile frame for users to show support for vaccination on the social network.

Soon, a summary of friends using the frame will also show up on newsfeeds for everyone.

Efforts like this are aimed at combating an issue Cooper says has hindered vaccine response: disinformation.

"With all of this disinformation about vaccines out there, we really need to work hard now as we're turning the corner of the pandemic," he said.

Have a relative or friend in another state and want to know when they can get vaccinated? VisitNBC News' Plan Your Vaccine siteto find out about each state's vaccine rollout plan.

View original post here:

Experts say most new COVID-19 cases affecting young people more - WCNC.com