Category: Covid-19

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DeKALB Northern Illinois University announced one new coronavirus case Friday, finishing off the week with just 14 new cases of the virus.

It was the lowest count since the week of Oct. 12, in which there were only 12 new cases.

The school announced one new recovery as well. Both the new cases and new recovery were in students.

In all, there are nine positive employees currently on campus and 27 positive students. There have been 592 total positive tests and 556 recoveries.

In surveillance testing results released Monday, nine students tested positive among 699 tests conducted last week, a 1.3% positivity rate. For the week of Nov. 16, the previous full week of surveillance testing, there were eight positives in 739 tests, a rate of 1.1%.

The schools quarantine and isolation use remained at 3.1%.

The university first welcomed students back to campus Aug. 19, and classes began Aug. 24. Students living on campus were required to submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test before moving in.

Post-Thanksgiving break, NIU classes that werent already being offered online were transitioned to remote if able to do so, although some courses could remain in person, with the campus and residential halls still open for students. No decision has yet been made on any spring graduations for the Class of 2021.

According to the school, a 14-day quarantine begins after individuals first show signs of COVID-19 symptoms, not when they receive a positive test for the virus. A case is considered recovered after the 14-day period is over.

Although specific surveillance testing results are reported weekly on Mondays, positive tests found through the program are included in daily statistics.

Daily COVID-19 case data from the DeKalb County Health Department may not reflect daily data from NIU because some students or employees may live outside the county and still test positive for the virus.

Originally posted here:

NIU reports one case of COVID-19 Friday to end week with lowest cases in two months - DeKalb Daily Chronicle

This week, an inmate at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen died from COVID-19. This is the fourth inmate in the state to die from the virus.

MONROE, Wash. Families of inmates in Washington state prisons are voicing their concerns as COVID-19 case counts climb.

Some of those families said the state isnt doing enough to protect the incarcerated population.

In April, a riot broke out at the Monroe Correctional Complexover the prisons handling of the virus after several inmates tested positive.

I could tell you, my husband is a sweet man whos made some mistakes, but he is my everything and I love him, said Twyla Kill, whose husband is an inmate.

While her husband hasnt had the virus, she said shes fearful every day.

Us as families out here knowing these conditions are going on, its very scary and were feeling helpless, she explained.

Kill runs a public Facebook group called, The Truth is Inside Out COVID-19 Prison Support Group.The Truth is Inside Out COVID-19 Prison Support Group

With over 800 members, the group serves as an outlet for families of people incarcerated in Washington state. They write letters to lawmakers and hold rallies demanding change to the prison system.

Besides my own trauma behind it, I share with a lot of theirs. Its the same for all of us. Its very hard, Kill said.

This week, an inmate at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen died from COVID. This is the fourth inmate in the state to die from the virus since the start of the pandemic.

Kill said this scares her more than anything.

I think that people should understand that these are human beings like everyone else and they have families and loved ones, and communities and the stress level for them inside and for families outside is extreme.

As COVID-19 vaccines start arriving in Washington on Monday, according to Kill, state health officials should consider the prison population in terms of vaccine distribution.

I isolate because Im high risk but there are people in there that are severely high risk that have no opportunity to isolate, she explained, Thats the situation and if theyre stacked on top of each other the way that they are, they should be at the top of a vaccine conversation.

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) released the statement to KING 5 News on their vaccination plan:

The Department of Corrections is in direct and ongoing communications with the Washington Department of Health regarding vaccine distribution prioritization. Agency leadership is currently working on the agencys vaccination implementation plan and continues to work toward the goal of being able to have vaccinations available for as many staff and incarcerated individuals as possible.

Regarding the conditions for inmates across the state, the DOC said:

Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are then appropriately placed on quarantine status or in medical isolation, per the Departments COVID-19 Screening, Testing, and Infection Control Guideline, depending on whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic and are kept separate from healthy individuals. The Department is working hard to provide the best quality healthcare to all individuals in its custody.

The DOC said it is "enhancing its efforts to fight COVID" and have "put in place several quality improvement measures since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Washington State Department of Health said that the state has not yet released its allocation guidance past Phase 1A, which does not include inmates or corrections officers.

Kill said something needs to be done before more inmates lives are put at risk.

COVID-19 remains the same. DOC has to change what theyre doing, she said.

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'Feeling helpless:' Families of Washington state inmates fearful as COVID-19 numbers climb - KING5.com

Ashanti announced Saturday on Instagram she tested positive for Covid-19.

"Hey y'all I can't believe I'm saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19. I'm ok and not in any pain. I'm actually down to do the verzuz from my house... we're trying to figure it all out!!!" the singer posted.

She later posted a video saying "never in a million years did I think I would get Covid."

"First time this has struck us so close to showtime," Verzuz posted on Instagram. "We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti."

The showdown between Ashanti and Keyshia Cole is part of an ongoing series by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. It launched as a way to entertain fans during quarantine and has since become a cultural phenomenon on social media.

More:

Ashanti tests positive for Covid-19, leading Verzuz to postpone her battle with Keyshia Cole - CNN

Prisons are prime incubators for the disease, as social distancing and basic contagion protections are largely impossible behind bars.

In Texas prisons, more than 26,000 prisoners have caught COVID-19 since the first confirmed case in March.

And at least 168 prisoners have died after catching the virus.

There have also been 7,340 coronavirus cases among prison staff and at least 26 employee deaths. The surviving relatives of those prison employees say they have been unable to get first-responder benefits.

By the fall, the Texas prison system led the nation in COVID-19 prisoner deaths, according to a study from the University of Texas at Austin.

Prisons are prime incubators for the disease, as social distancing and basic contagion protections are largely impossible behind bars.

An investigation by WFAA and The Marshall Project showed that the spread of COVID-19 behind bars was also due to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's lackluster response, potentially exacerbating outbreaks and putting surrounding communities at risk.

Here's how the novel coronavirus has spread in Texas prisons:

Jan. 21 - The first case of COVID-19 is confirmedin the U.S.

Jan. 30 - The World Health Organization declares a public health emergency. The first person-to-person transmission of the virus is confirmed in the U.S.

Feb. 26 - The Correctional Managed Health Care Committee, which oversees healthcare in Texas prisons, has its first meeting to discuss planning and response to COVID-19.

March 11 - The Texas Department of Criminal Justices chief health services provider calls a meeting to discuss revamping the agencys pandemic flu plan to address COVID-19. It's the same day the WHO declares the coronavirus a pandemic.

March 12 - TDCJ makes a video showing staff how to wear PPE. The agency has since fought reporters requests to release that video or see what instructions it provides.

March 13 - Gov. Greg Abbott declares a state of disaster, and Texas prisons end all visitation.

March 16 - TDCJ activates its incident command center at headquarters in Huntsville and begins holding daily conference calls to discuss the situation. And, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals stops the execution of John Hummel due to the pandemic. It is the first of several executions called off due to COVID-19.

March 20 - The Correctional Managed Health Care Committee issues its first COVID-19 policy, greenlit by three joint medical directors but without input from the agencys security staff. The same day, the governor approves TDCJs requestto temporarily suspend the fees prisoners are usually charged for medical treatment, allowing better access to medical care during the pandemic.

March 23 - A contract prison employee working at the Jester 1 Unit in Richmond becomes the first staff member to test positive for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases interim guidance on managing COVID-19 in jails and detention centers, outlining when facilities need soap, sanitizer, PPE, and social distancing.

March 24 - Prison factoriesbegin making masks for staff and inmates, distributing them to elderly inmates to start. The agency also begins minimizing prisoner transfers between units. The same day, TDCJ announces thefirst prisoner- a 37-year-old at Lychner State Jail - has tested positive for the virus.

March 30 - Medically vulnerable inmates at the Pack Unit, a geriatric prison in East Texas, sue TDCJ to demand betteraccess to soap, hand sanitizer and social distancing.

April 6 - Kevin Wilcher, a 49-year-old officer at the Estelle Unit in Huntsville, becomes the first staff member to die from the virus.

April 7 - Bartolo Infante, a 72-year-old at the Telford Unit, becomes the first prisoner to die of COVID-19after spending four days in an outside hospital battling viral pneumonia. The same day, four prisons Murray, Jordan, Beto and Telford go on lockdown due to viral outbreaks at the units.

April 10 - The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among prisoners crosses into triple-digits with 132 inmates testingpositive. Eighteen prisons are on lockdown. During lockdowns, the agency says only staff assigned to each unit will work at those units.

April 11 - The geriatric Pack Unit in Navasota sees its first COVID-19-related fatality when Leonard Clerkly dies. His cause of death is not confirmed for two more days. Two days later, the prison system suspends intakes from county jails.

Coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal justice and immigration. Since March, The Marshall Project has been tracking how many people are being sickened and killed by COVID-19 in prisons and how widely it has spread across the country and within each state.

April 16 - Federal District Judge Keith Ellison issues a preliminary injunction in the Pack prisoners lawsuit, ordering the prison system to provide hand sanitizer and face masks for inmates. TDCJ appeals the order the next day.

April 18 - The prison system changes how it tracks positive cases, now noting only where the prisoners are currently located and making it more difficult to track outbreaks. So far, 18 have recovered and 376 have tested positive as well as 183 staff.

April 19 - Prisoner Russell Hill dies of COVID-19, though the prison system does not publicly acknowledge his death for five more months.

April 22- TheFifth Circuit stays Judge Ellisons order, saying that TDCJ does not have to comply with it while the court considers the agencys appeal.

April 29 - The number of infected prisoners crosses the 1,000 mark, with 1,050 positives among the inmate population and 381 among the staff. TDCJ notes 12 prisoner and 5 staff deaths in connection with the virus. Thirty-seven units are on lockdown, sparking complaintsfrom prisoners who cannot call their families and are subsisting on shoddy bagged meals.

May 12 - The prison system deploys strike teams and beginsmass testing the inmate population, including prisoners who are asymptomatic.

May 15 - Prison officials promise to improve the food served during lock-term lockdowns, ordering fresh vegetables and tray lids to deliver hot meals.

May 17 - Prisoners and staff continue reporting deteriorating conditions at several units, including the Smith Unit in Lamesa where staff say a sewer line problem causes toilets to overflow with feces after a water outage.

Coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal justice and immigration. The toilets are overflowing-again. As if crowded conditions inside prisons were not enough of a challenge during a pandemic, some Texas prisoners are also facing a familiar foe: the system's historically-bad plumbing.

May 29 - Strike teams have tested more than 51,000 prisonersand nearly 14,000 staff members using Curative oral swabs. So far, 5,469 prisoners and 879 staff have tested positive, and 36 prisoners and seven employees have died from the virus.

June 5-The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacates the courts preliminary injunction because TDCJ substantially complied with the measures ordered by the district court and they remanded the case to the district court.

June 10 - By now, more than 1,000 prison staff and 7,200 inmates have confirmed positives, and 59% of the state's 106 units are on lockdown. Staff report they are routinely being forced to work at other units, even during lockdowns. Some say they have been written up for refusing.

June 15 - In an effort to stop delaying releases, officials announced that they will resume the transferof prisoners who need to be moved to other units to complete programs needed to make parole.

June 30 - After a monthslong pause on intakes, the prison population drops under 130,000 for the first time in decades, closing out the month with 126,590 behind bars. But the agency resumes picking up new prisoners from county jails in July, starting with just 250 per week.

July 2 - Abbott issues a statewide executive order requiring facemasks in counties with 20 or more positive cases.

July 8 - Texas carries out the first execution since the startof the pandemic, putting to death 45-year-old Billy Wardlow.

July 13 - By this point, the agency has reported12,007 cases and 94 deaths among the prisoner population, and 2,160 cases including nine deaths among the prison systems employees. The trial begins in the case of the Pack Unit prisoners who sued TDCJ to demand social distancing, hand sanitizer, soap and other protections.

July 18 - Prisoners at the understaffed Briscoe Unit riot and take a corrections officer hostagefor several hours after breaking out of their cells amid a lengthy lockdown.

Aug. 24 - Despite the attempts at decreased transfers due to the pandemic, TDCJ is forced to evacuate three units in southeast Texas in preparation for incoming Hurricane Laura.

Sept. 29 - ThePack Unit prisoners win their lawsuit, as Judge Keith Ellison issues an expansive ruling in their favor, laying out a long list of requirements TDCJ must comply with to better protect inmates.

Sept. 30 - The prison population dipsto barely 120,000 for the first time in at least two decades, and TDCJ closes three units - Garza East, Jester 1, and Bradshaw. Another 3,379 beds in wings at other units across the state are temporarily shut down due to a lack of staff.

Oct. 13 - The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals overturns Judge Ellisons order, saying that the number of positive cases decreased without a court order. The Pack Unit prisoners later appeal the decision.

Oct. 29 - The number of active prisoner cases dips down to 251, and agency data lists 22,141 inmates as recovered. More than 218,000 incarcerated people have been tested and 166 are believed to have died in connection with the virus. There are 648 active staff cases, in addition to 21 deaths and 4,786 recoveries.

Oct. 30 - At a Texas Board of Criminal Justice meeting, Executive Director Bryan Collier announces that wardens will oversee surveillance testing at each unit every three weeks beginning Nov. 8.

Nov. 16 - The Supreme Court declines to intervene and enforce the district court's injunction in the Pack Unit lawsuit, which would have required certain basic safety procedures.

Dec. 1 - Texas prison officials confirmed plans to shut down two more prisons following a massive population decrease during the pandemic. The goal is to have the prisons closed by the end of the year.

Dec. 2 - Kenneth Russell died of COVID-19 two weeks after he was hospitalized, prison officials said. He is one of 25 TDCJ employees who have died from coronavirus complications.

More from our investigation:

WFAA has partnered withThe Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization that covers the U.S. criminal justice system, to produce No Way Out: COVID Behind Bars.Keri Blakingeris a staff writer with The Marshall Project based in Houston. Her work has focused on prisons and prosecutors.

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TIMELINE: The spread of COVID-19 in Texas prisons - WFAA.com

Area eateries and breweries spent the weekend adjusting to new COVID-19 restrictions put in place by Gov. Tom Wolfs administration.

On Thursday afternoon, Wolf announced a series of new restrictions intended to curb COVID-19 cases. Some of those restrictions that last through 8 a.m. on January 4 included ending indoor dining and closing gyms. The restrictions are on top of mitigation measures already in place since spring due to the pandemic that has claimed more than 770 Bucks Countians lives and sickened more than 22,000 locals.

With these measures in place, we hope to accomplish three goals: First, stop the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. Second, keep our hospitals and health care workers from becoming overwhelmed. And third, help Pennsylvanians get through the holiday season and closer to a widely available vaccine as safely as possible. This is a bridge to a better future in Pennsylvania, the governor said.

The news was met not all that warmly by many area business owners who serve food and drinks and have followed past restrictions and put their own safety measures in place.

Mike LaCouture, one of the owners of Broken Goblet Brewing that started in Bristol Township and is now located along State Road in Bensalem Township, said he was disappointed by the latest restrictions.

I am not surprised. I am saddened, unbelievably so, for all the employees ours included who are affected by this two weeks before the holidays. He is taking a sledgehammer approach to the problem, which is both expected and unfortunate because a business like ours has been taking this so seriously and is probably one of the safest, cleanest places you would visit in the last nine months, he said.

Additionally, LaCouture said the governor is in a tough position because some businesses arent following the guidelines that have already been in place.

We suffer for others flippancy to the whole thing, he said.

Jake Howell, one of the owners of Second Sin Brewing Company on Grundy Lane in Bristol Township, said he understands the steps that are being taken to control the spread of COVID-19.

Overall, given the rise in cases something needs to be done, shutdown or otherwise. The issue is that the orders seem to be disproportionately targeted at bars and restaurants, but somehow 500 people going into a big box store isnt an issue. Also, one would imagine that the six months since the last shutdown would have been used to plan for this one, so that service industry workers and small business owners could have some assistance, especially at this time of year, he said.

Nicholas Brachelli, who owns Hoagie Xpress on Bristol-Emilie Road in Bristol Township, said the restrictions are tough on restaurants and bars.

Is it a necessary evil? I dont have the right answer for that, but it is hard to watch local businesses shut down and local families directly impacted during the holiday season, he said, adding he hopes the community would pull together to support local eateries.

John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association,said the governors latest order would have a considerable impact on businesses. He also noted theres not the federal aid like in spring to help small businesses and their owners and employees.

The short notice of the shutdown and timing could not be worse as employers will be forced to lay off thousands of more workers as we head into the holiday season, he said.

LaCouture said Broken Goblet Brewing has gone back to outdoor seating only to comply with the governors order.

I really think that will dwindle, and so we will have to try and survive on takeout and our new shipping services, he said.

At Broken Goblet Brewing, which has a large outdoor area, a few outdoor heaters wouldnt be enough to keep customers warm as the cold weather moves in. He said the team priced it out and it would cost them $60,000 to create an effective setup or 15 propane heaters at more than $5,000, plus the price of propane.

For now, the brewery has been making it work with six fire pits that use a cord of wood per a weekend, LaCouture said.

At Second Sin Brewing Company, Howell said theyre making due with outdoor seating and a propane heater.

Hopefully we can continue to offer the space to our guests, he said. We will be shortening up our hours to close around sundown on the weekend. Well post our finalized hours on social media once they are set. Also, we have had curbside pickup as an option since the previous shutdown. Finally, we will be starting delivery on Fridays and Saturdays.

Brachelli, whose Hoagie Xpress hasnt offered indoor seating since the pandemic started, said takeout has been keeping his business steady.

Simply call in your order ahead of your arrival. When you arrive at the store you walk up to the window pay and collect your order and on your way. It creates minimal contact not only for our customers but also our staff. It worked rather seamlessly in the spring when we had heightened restrictions so we will be revisiting it starting next week when we open for business, he said.

For the two breweries, both have been complying with government safety guidance and even taking precautions steps further.

LaCouture said Broken Goblet Brewing has spent thousands on safety for customers and employees. They added Plexiglass, upgrades to the HVAC system, and completely reworked their new taproom.

In the restaurant and bar industry, COVID-19 and the restrictions has made business tough locally and nationwide.

The impact of COVID-19 truly cannot be put into words, Brachelli said. It has impacted everything from day-to-day operations to bearing a heavy mental toll on everyone. As long as everyone practices social distancing mask wearing, and good hand washing hygiene, possibly and end is in sight.

For Second Sin Brewing Company, they just passed a year since opening. The first shutdown lasted longer than they had been open at that point.

I think we can say the COVID has had a substantial negative impact on our business. All we are doing now is trying to make it through the winter and hope that the vaccine roll out lets us get back to normal as soon as possible, Howell said.

When our employees suffer, the owners suffer. And I know there are others like us in the area, LaCouture said.

Overall, Broken Goblet Brewing has seen business drop 60 percent to 70 percent due to COVID-19 and even with a 350 percent to 400 percent increase in takeout and the sale of packaged beer.

The general consumer is unaware of the mathematics of in-house dining/drinking versus takeout, but that really is not their problem. It is a fact of life right now for us, LaCouture said.

While most restaurants, bars, and other businesses seem to be following the states new regulations, there has been talk of some that are not.

Two area eateries that are rumored to be protesting the mitigation measures did not respond to requests for comment.

A high-profile objection has come from Jim Worthingtons Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown Township. The large regional health club said will remain open for the sake of our loyal members.

We believe that we are doing more service to our community if we remain available for them to continue their exercise and healthy lifestyle regimes which in the end, according to the science, are among the best lines of defense against COVID-19, a social media post from the club said.

Local and state authorities are empowered through law to enforce the governors orders. While there have been some county and state enforcement actions, local Levittown-area law enforcement have not been involved in any high-profile enforcement actions.

Bucks County Commissioners Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia said she is sure state officials would not implement the mitigation measures unless they believe circumstances are dire.

I am looking forward to a federal response with national standards so that every state, and every county, can be aligned with a greater plan. Rather than think of this as being imposed, I suggest thinking of it doing our share to contribute and cooperate for the greater good, she said.

We have consistently told people to mask up and follow the protocols. Its obvious that while most people followed that advice there are many who ignored it for whatever reason. The new mitigation measures will hopefully help stop the spread so that our hospitals arent overwhelmed. We know restaurants will suffer the most. We encourage Bucks Countians to help our restaurants as much as they can through takeout and delivery orders, Commissioner Bob Harvie said.

During this critically important time we need our elected officials in Washington Democrats and Republicans alike to come up with a stimulus package that will help every American in need and lift our business community through this public health crisis, said Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo.

We all need to support our heroes: the healthcare workers, people on the front lines caring for others and our emergency service providers, and the way we can do that is by continuing to wear masks, staying safe and following the social distancing guidelines, he added.

I certainly understand the governor felt he needed to do something to stem the high tide of cases, Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker said in a statement. However, I do feel very badly for the affected businesses, and was hoping we could have been successful reducing the cases prior to implementing any additional restrictions. In the meantime, we need to continue wearing masks and limiting any unnecessary gatherings from now through the holidays.

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Local Businesses React To New COVID-19 Restrictions - LevittownNow.com

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese business sentiment improved at the fastest pace in nearly two decades in October-December, a key central bank survey showed, a welcome sign for the economy as it emerges from the initial hit of the coronavirus pandemic.

FILE PHOTO: People wearing protective masks make their way amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic at a business district in Tokyo, Japan August 4, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo

But companies slashed their capital expenditure plans for the year ending March 2021 and a measure of near-term sentiment worsened, as a resurgence of infections reinforces expectations any recovery in the worlds third-largest economy will be fragile.

A stronger-than-expected rebound in factory output mid-year and a recovery in overseas economies, notably China, helped improve manufacturers sentiment, said Yuichi Kodama, chief economist at Meiji Yasuda Research Institute.

But companies likely wont raise capital expenditure much next fiscal year given the renewed rise in COVID-19 cases.

While Japan avoided the high case numbers seen elsewhere when the coronavirus first hit, infections have risen as winter sets in, hitting a daily record on Saturday.

The headline index for big manufacturers sentiment improved to minus 10 in December from minus 27 in September, the Bank of Japans tankan survey showed on Monday, still a negative reading but marking the second straight quarter when companies were less pessimistic about business conditions.

It was better than the minus 15 projected in a Reuters poll and the fastest pace of improvement since 2002, as Japanese car and auto parts makers benefitted from a global rebound in automobile demand, the survey showed.

The tankan indexes are calculated by subtracting the percentage of pessimistic respondents from optimistic ones. A negative figure means pessimists outnumber optimists.

Big non-manufacturers sentiment also improved to minus 5 from minus 12 in September, roughly matching a Reuters poll of minus 6 and improving at the fastest pace since 2010.

A government campaign offering discounts for domestic travel helped lift sentiment among industries ranging from hotels, restaurants and retailers, a BOJ official told a briefing.

But big firms plan to cut capital expenditure by 1.2% in the current business year to March 2021, bigger than market forecasts for a 0.2% drop, the survey showed.

This was a downgrade from September when they planned to raise expenditure by 1.4%, a sign that slumping profits and the pandemics resurgence are making firms wary of boosting spending.

Companies expect recurring profits to fall 35.3% this fiscal year as sales are seen slumping 8.6%, the tankan showed.

An index gauging firms sentiment three months ahead worsened, suggesting that many of them feel conditions wont improve much despite recent progress in vacinne development.

Companies also plan to slash new graduate hiring by 6.1% in the year beginning in April, the survey showed, which would be the most cautious hiring plan since the collapse of Lehman Brothers shook the global economy in 2010.

Uncertainty over the outlook is weighing on companies sentiment, said Yusuke Shimoda, senior economist at Japan Research Institute. Unless people feel safe about going out, it would be difficult for government stimulus measures to yield results.

The data will be among key factors the BOJ will scrutinise at its two-day rate review ending on Friday. The central bank is set to hold off on expanding stimulus, but consider extending a range of steps aimed at easing funding strains.

The government, for its part, announced a fresh $708 billion stimulus package last week to speed up the recovery from the coronavirus-driven slump.

After suffering its worst postwar contraction in the second quarter, Japans economy rebounded in July-September helped by improved exports and consumption. But many analysts expect a third wave of COVID-19 infections to keep any recovery modest.

Reporting by Leika Kihara and Kaori Kaneko; Editing by Sam Holmes and Richard Pullin

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Japan Inc shakes off initial COVID-19 gloom but resurgence hits capex, hiring - BOJ survey - Reuters

Dublin, Dec. 14, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pump Market in India - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

In-depth Analysis and Data-driven Insights on the Impact of COVID-19 Included in this Pump Market in India Report

The pump market in India by revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% during the period 2021-2026.

The demand for pumps is expected to grow at a steady rate due to the increased application of pumps in several end-user sectors. Pump manufacturers in India have focused solely on the agriculture and construction services sectors.

The increasing oil demand and expanded investments in water and wastewater treatment activities are likely to affect the pump market substantially. The domestic demand is also majorly met by local vendors, with the industry having robust capabilities to meet the demand. India's pump market is likely to witness the emergence of intelligent pump systems and micro disc pump technology in the next few years. Intelligent systems are expected to control and regulate the fluid's flow or pressure and adjust to process changes and have a fault-tolerant design. The market contributes significantly to the country's GDP as these devices play a major role in the agriculture and infrastructure sector.

The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the pump market in India during the forecast period:

The study considers the present scenario of the pump market and its market dynamics for the period 2020-2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspect of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.

This research report includes a detailed segmentation by product type, end-user type, geography. The centrifugal pump market in India is expected to be competitive, with several established vendors expanding their product portfolio. Centrifugal is best suited for non-air or vapor-containing liquids with low viscosity. Technology capabilities of centrifugal, particularly submersible pumps, are a key driver for increased demand from India's agricultural sector. The single-stage and submersible are major centrifugal devices used in India. Agriculture and infrastructure projects account for the major application.

Industrial pumps are witnessing a high demand from cement, steel, oil & gas, water & wastewater sectors. The increased oil and gas demand and high investments in water and wastewater treatment activities are projected to increase sales substantially. The industrial pump market in India is expected to reach over $2 billion by 2026. Water & wastewater, chemical, pharmaceutical, construction, food and beverage, and mining are the major end-users in India. Factors such as the increased focus on energy-efficient products in the water and wastewater industry, the development of generic pharmaceutical production, rapid urbanization, and the rise in massive housing schemes and expansion in infrastructural projects are likely to influence the growth of industrial pumps in India.

Key Questions Answered1. What is the future outlook and growth projections of the India pump market?2. Why centrifugal pumps are likely to witness immense demand during the forecast period?3. What are the key market challenges faced by key vendors?4. Which industrial applications are likely to drive the global pumps industry outlook?5. Which regions are witnessing significant demand for the agricultural pumps?6. What Initiatives have been taken by government agencies to promote the Indian solar pump industry?

Key Topics Covered:

1 Research Methodology

2 Research Objectives

3 Research Process

4 Scope & Coverage4.1 Market Definition4.2 Base Year4.3 Scope Of The Study

5 Report Assumptions & Caveats5.1 Key Caveats5.2 Currency Conversion5.3 Market Derivation

6 Market At A Glance

7 Introduction7.1 Overview7.2 Impact Of COVID-19

8 Market Opportunities & Trends8.1 Demand For Energy Efficient Pumps8.2 Demand For Solar Pump8.3 Increasing Export Of Centrifugal Pumps

9 Market Growth Enablers9.1 Infrastructure Expansion9.2 Deteriorating Groundwater Level9.3 Growing Agricultural Sector

10 Market Restraints10.1 Rising Raw Material Cost10.2 Poor Electricity Supply10.3 International Competition

11 Market Landscape11.1 Market Overview11.2 Market Size & Forecast11.3 Five Forces Analysis

12 Product12.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine12.2 Market Overview

13 Centrifugal Pump13.1 Market Size & Forecast13.2 Sectoral Demand13.3 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine13.4 Single Stage13.5 Submersible13.6 Multi-Stage13.7 Turbine13.8 Other Centrifugal Pumps

14 Rotary Pump14.1 Market Size & Forecast14.2 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine14.3 Gear14.4 Lobe14.5 Peristaltic14.6 Vane14.7 Other Rotary Pumps

15 Reciprocating Pump15.1 Market Size & Forecast15.2 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine15.3 Piston15.4 Diaphragm

16 End User16.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine16.2 Market Overview

17 Industrial Sector17.1 Market Size & Forecast17.2 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine17.3 Water & Wastewater17.4 Chemical17.5 Power Generation17.6 Pharmaceutical17.7 Construction17.8 Food & Beverage17.9 Oil & Gas17.10 Mining17.11 Other Industries

18 Agricultural Sector18.1 Market Size & Forecast18.2 Agricultural Sector Pump Market By Product18.3 Borewell Pump18.4 Openwell Pump18.5 Other Agricultural Pumps18.6 Agricultural Sector Pump Market By Distribution Channel18.7 Agricultural Sector Pump Market By Speed

19 Commercial Sector19.1 Market Size & Forecast19.2 Commercial Sector Pump Market By Distribution Channel

20 Residential Sector20.1 Market Size & Forecast20.2 Residential Sector Pump Market By Distribution Channel

21 Geography21.1 Market Snapshot & Growth Engine21.2 Southern India21.3 Northern India21.4 Western India21.5 Eastern India

22 Competitive Landscape22.1 Competition Overview

23 Key Company Profiles23.1 Crompton23.2 FLOWSERVE23.3 Jyoti Group23.4 Kirloskar Brothers23.5 KSB23.6 Roto Pumps23.7 Shakti Pumps23.8 Wpil

24 Other Prominent Vendors24.1 Aqua Group24.2 Best Engineers Pumps24.3 C.R.I24.4 CNP Pumps24.5 Deccan24.6 Duke Plasto Technique24.7 Ellen24.8 Endura Pumps24.9 Falcon Pumps24.1 Grundfos24.11 Jasco24.12 Kishor Pumps24.13 Lubi Pumps24.14 Mahendra Pumps24.15 Mak24.16 Maxwell24.17 Mbh Pumps24.18 Oswal Pumps24.19 Protecto Engineering24.2 Sabar24.21 Sam Turbo Industry24.22 Swastik Engineers24.23 Suguna24.24 Texmo Industries24.25 V-Guard24.26 Waterman Industries

25 Report Summary25.1 Key Takeaways25.2 Strategic Recommendations

26 Quantitative Summary26.1 Market By Geography26.2 Product26.3 Centrifugal Pump26.4 Rotary Pump26.5 Reciprocating Pump26.6 End User26.7 Industrial Sector26.8 Agricultural Sector26.9 Commercial Sector26.10 Residential Sector

27 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/er4qpe

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Indian Pump Industry to 2026 - Impact of COVID-19 - GlobeNewswire

As of next Wednesday, all non-essential shops, services and schools will close until January 10, and Christmas Day gatherings will be reduced from 10 people to only five from two different households.

The new measures take aim at traditional festivities: Christmas church services will be subject to prior registration with no singing allowed, alcohol is to be banned from all public spaces and an annual New Year's Eve fireworks display will be canceled. Some states are also implementing additional measures, such as Bavaria, which will have a 9 p.m. curfew.

German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz has pledged economic help for all businesses affected by the lockdown.

On Sunday, Germany recorded 20,200 new coronavirus infections -- 2,000 more than Sunday last week -- according to the Robert Koch Institute, the country's agency for disease control. The overall infection number stands at 1,320,716. The death toll rose by 321 to 21,787, data showed.

Earlier in the week, the southwestern state of Baden-Wrttemberg said it was introducing a curfew -- starting on Saturday and lasting until January 10 -- where people will only be allowed to leave the house for work and medical appointments, state premier Winfried Kretschmann said in a press briefing.

Meanwhile, in the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein, the maximum number permitted to meet in public and private spaces has been reduced from ten people to five people from two households, according to state premier President Daniel Gnther.

In a cabinet meeting on Friday, it was announced the federal state of Thuringia would close retail stories from December 19 and students would shift to online learning from December 21 as part of the new restrictions, while, earlier this week, it was announced German states of Saxony and Bavaria would move to tougher lockdown measures.

Nadine Schmidt and Zahid Mahmood contributed reporting. Amy Woodyatt wrote from London.

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Germany to go into national lockdown over Christmas to stem surge in Covid-19 cases - CNN

healthinsurance.com survey finds a 422% increase in telemedicine usage during COVID-19 pandemic.

HEALTH INSURANCE & COVID-19The pandemic is not only influencing what kind of health insurance many Americans have, but how they are using healthcare services. 48% say the pandemic has changed the way they use healthcare, with an additional 47% saying they have used telemedicine during the pandemic. That's a 422% increase from the 9% that reported using telemedicine back in March. As open enrollment closes, 38% say have changed their insurance plan. In fact, 20% are increasing their coverage in response to the virus.

Key Takeaways:

COVID-19 IMPACT ON FAMILY & HOLIDAYS

While 48% admit the virus has caused tension in their family, 65% still plan to spend Christmas in person with family this year. But there's one thing almost everyone can agree on: 89% are looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020 come December 31st.

Key Takeaways:

COSTSMany Americans are concerned about unexpected medical costs. In fact, 35% are worried about contracting the virus because of treatment costs. An additional 54% say they don't have enough money saved to cover costs if they were to get sick.

Key Takeaways:

VACCINEA COVID-19 vaccine has been approved, but many are still skeptical about its impact. 56% say they'll still worry about COVID-19 even after the vaccine is made available. Another 52% say it will still be a year or more before life returns to "normal."

Key Takeaways:

For the entire healthinsurance.com December survey results and methodology clickhere

METHODOLOGY:

The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen from December 4-8, 2020. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. Certain quotas were applied to the overall sample and lightly weighted by geography, gender, age, race, education, and political party to reasonably reflect the nation's population. Other variables were reviewed to ensure that the final sample is representative of that population. Margin of Sampling Error: +/- 3.1 percentage points (for full sample)

ABOUT HEALTHINSURANCE.COM:

Healthinsurance.com combines the nation's leading health insurance carriers and advanced technology to offer a suite of private insurance solutions and Medicare plan options. In just a few clicks, our website provides consumers the ability to access powerful online comparison tools and educational resources that enable efficient self-guided navigation of available health insurance and Medicare options. For more information, visit healthinsurance.com.

SOURCE healthinsurance.com

https://www.healthinsurance.com

Read more here:

Survey: COVID-19 Pandemic Influencing Consumer Healthcare Behavior - PRNewswire

Businesses trying to stay optimistic through COVID-19 restrictions  WPXI Pittsburgh

The rest is here:

Businesses trying to stay optimistic through COVID-19 restrictions - WPXI Pittsburgh