Zimbabwe receives first vaccines from Sinopharm in China

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Zimbabwe has received its first COVID-19 vaccines with the arrival early Monday of an Air Zimbabwe jet carrying 200,000 Sinopharm doses from China

ECDC Technical Report: Using Face Masks in the Community – Effectiveness In Reducing Transmission Of COVID-19

I suspect that 10 or 20 years from now, after enough time has passed to dispassionately analyse this COVID-19 pandemic, one of our biggest failures will seen as our not immediately producing – on a war footing – massive quantities of medical grade PPEs for Healthcare workers, and `standardized’ face covers for everyone else.

ECDC%2BFace%2Bcovers.png
 

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I suspect that 10 or 20 years from now, after enough time has passed to dispassionately analyse this COVID-19 pandemic, one of our biggest failures will seen as our not immediately producing – on a war footing – massive quantities of medical grade PPEs for Healthcare workers, and `standardized’ face covers for everyone else.

We’ve known for well over a decade that we’d face huge shortages of PPEs (see 2009’s Caught With Our Masks Down) during any pandemic, and yet the world did nothing substantial to prepare. 

How we find ourselves –  a year into this pandemic – still faced with shortages of N95s for HCWs, and the public continuing to struggle with a hodgepodge of sketchy commercial and/or homemade face covers simply boggles the mind.

In Asian nations where public mask wearing has been nearly universal (Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, etc.), COVID-19 remains largely suppressed.  Not that face masks offer perfect protection; they don’t.  

But when consistently and correctly worn, they have been shown to reduce the transmission of COVID. 

A recent MMWR Study (see below) found that when properly fitted and worn, even non-medical face masks can reduce exposure from infected wearers and reduce exposure of uninfected wearers. 

Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021


Early Release / February 10, 2021 / 70
Please note:. This report has been corrected.

John T. Brooks, MD1; Donald H. Beezhold, PhD2; John D. Noti, PhD2; Jayme P. Coyle, PhD2; Raymond C. Derk, MS2; Francoise M. Blachere, MS2; William G. Lindsley, PhD2

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

Universal masking is recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cloth masks and medical procedure masks substantially reduce exposure from infected wearers (source control) and reduce exposure of uninfected wearers (wearer exposure).

What is added by this report?

CDC conducted experiments to assess two ways of improving the fit of medical procedure masks: fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. Each modification substantially improved source control and reduced wearer exposure.

What are the implications for public health?

These experiments highlight the importance of good fit to maximize mask performance. There are multiple simple ways to achieve better fit of masks to more effectively slow the spread of COVID-19. 

MMWR%2BMask.png

Today the ECDC has published a 31-page Technical Report on the use of face masks (both medical and non-medical) by the public to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. 
The quality of the evidence on the effectiveness of non-medical grade masks is admittedly scant and of low certainty, mostly because few studies have been conducted, and there is no universal `standard‘ for these types of PPEs. 
Nevertheless, the ECDC recommends the use of both medical and (in some circumstances) non-medical face covers by the public in situations where the virus is circulating and exposure is likely. 

I’ve reproduced the executive summary below, which includes their recommendations for mask wearing, but you’ll want to follow the link to download and read the report in its entirety. 

Using face masks in the community: first update – Effectiveness in reducing transmission of COVID-19


Technical report
15 Feb 2021 

This technical report reviews the evidence that has been accumulated since the emergence of COVID-19, in addition to what has existed on this topic prior to the pandemic, and updates the ECDC opinion on the suitability of using face masks in the community published on 9 April 2020.


Executive summary

The role of face masks in the control and prevention of COVID-19 remains an issue of debate. Prior to COVID-19, most studies assessing the effectiveness of face masks as a protective measure in the community came from studies on influenza, which provided little evidence to support their use.

Assessment of the evidence

The evidence regarding the effectiveness of medical face masks for the prevention of COVID-19 in the community is compatible with a small to moderate protective effect, but there are still significant uncertainties about the size of this effect. Evidence for the effectiveness of non-medical face masks, face shields/visors and respirators in the community is scarce and of very low certainty.

Additional high-quality studies are needed to assess the relevance of the use of medical face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic.


Recommendations

Although the evidence for the use of medical face masks in the community to prevent COVID-19 is limited, face masks should be considered as a non-pharmaceutical intervention in combination with other measures as part of efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taking into account the available evidence, the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the feasibility and potential harms associated with the use of various types of face masks, the following options are proposed:

  • In areas with community transmission of COVID-19, wearing a medical or non-medical face mask is recommended in confined public spaces and can be considered in crowded outdoor settings.
  • For people vulnerable to severe COVID-19, such as the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions, the use of medical face masks is recommended as a means of personal protection in the above-mentioned settings.
  • In households, the use of medical face masks is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19 and for the people who share their household.
  • Based on the assessment of the available scientific evidence, no recommendation can be made on the preferred use of medical or non-medical face masks in the community.
  • When non-medical face masks are used, it is advisable that masks that comply with available guidelines for filtration efficacy and breathability are preferred.


The very limited scientific evidence regarding the use of respirators in the community does not support their mandatory use in place of other types of face masks in the community. Although respirators would not be expected to be inferior to non-medical or medical face masks, the difficulties to ensure their appropriate fitting and use in community settings as well as potential adverse effects related to lower breathability should be taken into account.

The use of face masks in the community should complement and not replace other preventive measures such as physical distancing, staying home when ill, teleworking if possible, respiratory etiquette, meticulous hand hygiene and avoiding touching the face, nose, eyes and mouth.

The appropriate use of face masks and promoting compliance with their use when recommended as public health measures are key to the effectiveness of the measure and can be improved through education campaigns.

Using face masks in the community: first update – Effectiveness in reducing transmission of COVID-19 – EN – [PDF-702.58 KB]

15th Day of February – Fatcowco – 1949 – Excavations at Cave 1 of the Qumran Caves start where the first seven Dead Sea Scrolls found.

1949 – Excavations at Cave 1 of the Qumran Caves start where the first seven Dead Sea Scrolls found.

Gerald Lankester Harding and Roland de Vaux begin excavations at Cave 1 of the Qumran Caves on February 15, 1949, where they will eventually discover the first seven Dead Sea Scrolls.

Qumran Caves are a series of caves, some natural, some artificial, found around the archaeological site of Qumran in the Judaean Desert of the West Bank.

1949 – Excavations at Cave 1 of the Qumran Caves start where the first seven Dead Sea Scrolls is found.

The Dead Sea Scrolls (also the Qumran Caves Scrolls) are ancient Jewish religious manuscripts that were found in the Qumran Caves in the Judaean Desert, near Ein Feshkha on the northern shore of the Dead Sea in the West Bank.

Source: 15th Day of February – Fatcowco

Myanmar coup: Protests grow despite crackdown

Security forces in #Myanmar intensified their #crackdown against anti-#coup protesters on Monday, seeking to quell the large-scale demonstrations calling for the military junta that seized power earlier this month to reinstate the elected government. FRANCE 24’s International Affairs Commentator Douglas Herbert tells us more.

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Tim Cook speaks out against Myanmar violence, attacks on Asian population in San Francisco

Apple CEO Tim Cook has pledged to support aid groups working to help combat violence against the Asian community.

Following a series of assaults against Asian Americans in San Francisco, Tim Cook has added Apple’s voice to those of local civil rights groups condemning the violence. Cook’s comments state that Apple is against “racism in all its forms,” also comes after violent protests in Myanmar.

The rising violence against the Asian community is a painful & urgent reminder that we must unite against racism in all its forms. There is no place for hate in our society. The team at Apple stands together & we will be donating to groups providing support to those affected.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 15, 2021

Read more…

Uleiul de Tea Tree

Tea tree oil – everything you want to know – use Google translate.

Cand vine vorba despre ulei de Tea Tree, in primul rand trebuie spus ca acesta este unul dintre uleiurile cele mai intens studiate si utilizate in lumea intreaga.

Un remediu naturist extraordinar, cu nenumarate beneficii pentru sanatate si nu numai.

Proprietati:

Cu o aroma subtila si o culoare galben-pal, uleiul de tea tree denumit si maleuca sau ulei de arbore de ceai, reprezinta un remediu naturist minunat atat pentru corp, cat si pentru suflet.

Principalele sale proprietati sunt:

  • antivirale
  • antiseptice
  • antibacteriene
  • antifungice
  • dezinfectante
  • tonice
  • antiinflamatorii.

Uz intern:

Pentru adulti si pentru copii cu varsta de peste 14 ani, cantitatea recomandata este de 2-3 picaturi pe zi.

Se poate consuma in amestec cu miere de albine, care aduce de asemenea o serie intreaga de beneficii asupra sanatatii.

Este indicat sa incepi insa administrarea cu 1-2 picaturi pe zi. Daca observi reactii negative adverse, intrerupe tratamentul si adreseaza-te medicului.

Afectiuni ce pot fi tratate cu ulei de Tea Tree:

Combate infectiile din organism:

Datorita proprietatilor sale antibacteriene, uleiul de Tea Tree este benefic contra infectiilor virale si bacteriene din organism.

Benefic in afectiuni ale tractului urinar:

Acest ulei reprezinta un remediu excelent contra afectiunilor tractului urinar, precum infectii cu candida, cistite, uretrite etc.

Trateaza afectiuni respiratorii:

Uleiul de Tea Tree este un minunat adjuvant pentru combaterea diverselor afectiuni respiratorii, precum sinuzita sau bronsita.

In acest caz se recomanda metoda inhalatiei.

Tot ce trebuie sa faci este sa adaugi 4-5 picaturi de ulei in 300 ml de apa fierbinte si apoi sa inhalezi aburii rezultati. Atentie insa, ai grija sa nu iesi din casa cel putin 12 ore dupa ce ai efectuat aceasta procedura.

Temperatura aerului sa fie constanta, iar pentru rezultate optime poti adauga in apa si o lingurita cu sare grunjoasa, neiodata.

Contra durerilor de gat:

Durerea sau usturimea resimtita in gat este cauzata de infectii bacteriene sau virale, care duc la inflamarea mucoaselor.

Datorita proprietatilor sale, uleiul de arbore de ceai este un bun remediu pentru a calma inflamatiile si pentru a reduce durerea.

Pentru uz extern:

Afectiuni ale pielii:

Uleiul de Tea Tree, aplicat local, are rezultate notabile in tratarea diverselor afectiuni ale pielii.

Astfel, acesta este benefic contra iritatiilor, in cazul leziunilor si arsurilor minore de gradul I si II, ajuta la combaterea acneei, a herpesului si grabeste vindecarea in cazul muscaturilor de insecte.

Tamponeaza zona afectata de 2-3 ori pe zi cu un disc demachiant (sau un pansament steril) pe care ai pus 2-3 picaturi cu ulei de tea tree.

Combate afectiuni ale unghiilor:

Poti sa pui direct pe zona afectata 2-3 picaturi de ulei nediluat.

Repeta acest tratament in fiecare zi, timp de 7-10 zile. Este un remediu eficient in a combate fungii sau ciuperca unghiilor.

Elimina mirosul neplacut al picioarelor:

Pentru aproximativ 15-20 de minute, tine picioarele intr-un vas cu apa calda (insa nu fierbinte), in care ai adaugat si cateva picaturi de ulei de tea tree.

Benefic pentru un scalp sanatos:

Acest remediu este de ajutor in eliminarea matretii si pentru mentinerea unui scalp curat, fara iritatii.

Combate ciupercile si bacteriile ce pot cauza diverse probleme, in special cand vorbim despre un scalp uscat.

Elimina paduchii:

Conform studiilor efectuate, s-a constatat ca uleiul de tea tree este un bun remediu contra paduchilor, aflati in diverse stadii de dezvoltare.

Pentru mai multa eficienta se foloseste in amestec cu uleiul de menta.

(Nu se recomanda folosirea acestui remediu pentru a trata animalele de companie).

Mentine sanatatea orala:

Datorita proprietatilor antifungice, antibacteriene si antiinflamatorii, uleiul de tea tree este recomandat pentru mentinerea sanatatii orale.

Poti adauga doua picaturi de ulei in pasta de dinti (sau pe periuta) chiar inainte de a incepe periajul.

Relaxeaza mintea si sufletul:

Uleiul de arbore de ceai este unul dintre cele mai utilizate in aromaterapie si are efecte extraordinare asupra mintii si sufletului.

Acesta induce o stare de liniste si de relaxare, scade nivelul de stres si anxietate, alunga irascibilitatea.

De asemenea, poate fi folosit si pentru un masaj relaxant si binefacator atat pentru corp, cat si pentru suflet.

Si tot pentru starea ta de armonie, il mai poti adauga in apa de baie dupa o zi lunga si obositoare. O astfel de baie poate face adevarate minuni pentru ca tu sa te simti relaxat.

Utilizare in gospodarie:

Datorita proprietatilor sale dezinfectante poate fi intrebuintat si in gospodarie:

  • folosit in combinatie cu otet de mere, poate fi folosit ca solutie antimucegai;
  • tot in combinatie cu otet de mere, acesta este ideal pentru curatarea si dezinfectarea covoarelor si improspatarea culorilor;
  • poate fi utilizat ca sa cureti si sa dezinfectezi obiectele sanitare;
  • il poti utiliza ca odorizant de camera. Amesteca 300 ml de apa cu 5 picaturi de ulei de tea tree si 5 picaturi de esenta de lamaie, de lavanda sau alta aroma (in functie de preferinta) si pune apoi solutia obtinuta intr-o sticla cu pulverizator.

Contraindicatii & indicatii speciale:

  • Uleiul de tea tree este considerat a fi unul dintre cele mai sigure atunci cand este utilizat extern. Totusi, inainte de a-l folosi, efectueaza un test de siguranta pe o portiune mica de piele.
  • Daca ai pielea sensibila, este bine ca inainte de utilizare sa diluezi uleiul cu un ulei purtator, cum ar fi cel de masline sau Uleiul de Cocos. Acesta din urma are, de asemenea, o multime de beneficii asupra pielii si asupra sanatatii in general.
  • Inhalatiile nu se recomanda persoanelor care sufera de astm sau de epilepsie.

Datorita multiplelor sale utilizari si beneficii, uleiul de tea tree reprezinta un remediu naturist pe care este bine sa il ai mereu la indemana.

Scientists accidentally found life under 3,000 feet of ice in Antarctica. ‘Never in a million years’ would they have expected it, the lead scientist said.

Animal life was found in the icy waters beneath the Filchner-Ronne ice sheet, which experts had thought was too extreme to support life.

Source: Scientists accidentally found life under 3,000 feet of ice in Antarctica. ‘Never in a million years’ would they have expected it, the lead scientist said.

India to ship COVID-19 vaccines to Canada as diplomatic tension eases

On Monday Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive of Serum Institute of India (SII) – the world’s largest vaccine maker – reaffirmed that commitment.

“As we await regulatory approvals from Canada, I assure you, @SerumInstIndia will fly out #COVISHIELD to Canada in less than a month; I’m on it!” Poonawalla said in a Tweet, using the brand name under which Serum produces the shot developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca Plc.

India’s SII has emerged as a key vaccine supplier amid the pandemic. Canada, like many other countries, is relying on foreign supplies because it is unable to produce the vaccine locally.

Source: India to ship COVID-19 vaccines to Canada as diplomatic tension eases

The far-right Proud Boys group is splintering after its leader was outed as a former FBI informant

The far-right Proud Boys group appears to be in chaos after evidence surfaced that its main leader, Enrique Tarrio, previously served as an FBI informant.

Tarrio’s history with the FBI was reported by Reuters on January 28, several weeks after the riot at the US Capitol where members of the “male chauvinist” street gang played a prominent role.

Tarrio had been arrested shortly ahead of the insurrection on destruction-of-property charges.

Reuters obtained a transcript of a 2014 court proceeding in which Tarrio’s lawyer acknowledged his role as an informant in multiple cases unrelated to the Proud Boys, a group that was founded in 2016.

Since the January 6 riot, the group has been thrown into disarray, with Tarrio’s history as an informant – which he denied to Reuters – spreading paranoia.

The group is split into various regional groups, or chapters. The Daily Beast reported on Sunday that the revelation about Tarrio prompted chapters in Alabama, Oklahoma, and Indiana to distance themselves from the central leadership.

Source: The far-right Proud Boys group is splintering after its leader was outed as a former FBI informant

Un plaidoyer pour la Nature et un message d’un chaman Yanomami

A plea for Nature and a message from a Yanomami shaman

Barbara Crane Navarro

Un homme Yanomami en route pour inviter un village voisin à un festin, Alto Orinoco, Amazonas, Venezuela

« Je pensais que si les blancs pouvaient m’entendre, ils convaincraient le gouvernement de ne pas laisser la forêt être détruite… Maintenant, les mineurs d’or puent la forêt avec les fumées de leurs moteurs et les vapeurs de l’or et du mercure qu’ils brûlent ensemble. Désormais, nous craignons le paludisme des mineurs d’or, qui est également très féroce… Le souffle de vie des habitants de la forêt est fragile face à ces fumées épidémiques de xawara. Si nous mourons tous, personne ne pourra compenser la valeur de nos morts. L’argent et la marchandise des Blancs ne les ramèneront pas parmi nous! Et la forêt dévastée ne pourra jamais être restaurée non plus, elle sera perdue pour toujours. » – porte-parole et chaman Yanomami Davi Kopenawa, La chute du ciel

Une forêt détruite…

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