According to WHO, monkeypox cases have tripled in Europe. Africa is concerned about not getting enough monkeypox vaccine just as it did not get enough covid vaccine.
New York City put its color-coded covid alert system on hold Thursday just as cases and hospitalizations are rising. The test positivity rate is currently 10.3 percent, the highest since January. The city is "re-evaluating" the alert system. Meanwhile, the alert system's website Friday said transmission was high and people should continue to wear masks in public indoor settings and test themselves before and after trips or gatherings.
An immunology professor at Imperial College London says that the idea we can just live with the coronavirus is wrong, saying that it is not a "common-cold-like friendly virus." For example, the supposedly "mild" Omicron waves in 2022 have meant 619,000 more long covid cases. As for Omicron, most people, even after a third shot, had 20 times less neutralizing antibody response against Omicron than they had had against the initial Wuhan strain. It seems that some combinations of exposures zap a person's protection more than others. Being infected in the first viral wave and, later, by Omicron is particularly nasty,
Denmark's prime minister apologized to mink farmers for Denmark's killing more minks than other countries. Around 5,000 jobs were lost when the mink farming system collapsed. Some lawmakers have accused the prime minister of using the pandemic as an excuse to end mink farming.
In the US, 10 percent of the National Guard's membership, over 43,000 soldiers, can no longer drill with their units because they did not get vaccinated. They have not been cut from the force--fired--just yet. Back in New York City, teachers and other educational workers have sued the city over its response to their not being vaccinated. The problem is that they cannot find a judge to hear the case. So far, three judges have recused themselves because they own stock in vaccine manufacturers and have a direct conflict of interest.
North Korea suggests that covid came into the country from South Korea after North Koreans touched "alien things" that crossed the border by "balloons," wind, or "other climate phenomena." There is some foundation for the claim. South Korean activists have sent balloons loaded with propaganda, dollar bills, USB drives with news, and miniature Bibles. North Korea often tries to shoot such balloons down.
As expected, the world went on yesterday in my blogging absence. I'd like to wish my Canadian friends a belated "Happy Canada Day!" Having attended several Canada Day community pancake breakfasts while visiting, I had pancakes with my birthday breakfast. I remain 125 years younger than Canada.
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