All posts by nedhamson

Activist, writer, researcher, addicted to sharing information and facts.

Bouncing Back After COVID-19

All Around BC

COVID-19 took a toll on millions worldwide and fueled a lot of pessimism, uncertainty, anxiety, stress, and suffering. When this cloud of uncertainty rolled in, it started to prompt some to think that maybe things would never get better. But researchers want to remind us that we are more resilient than we might think.

A study from the University of British Columbia last year found that more than 60 percent of respondents experienced some adverse impact with regard to their mental and physical well-being, because of COVID-19. But according to one UBC psych professor, he thinks we might bounce back quicker than expected. Citing China as an example, they’re seeing pre-COVID-19 activity levels after dealing with the pandemic for so long.

People want to get back to the old ways of socializing

They want to go to live music events again, they want to go shopping, to get out…

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Scientists find evidence that novel coronavirus infects the mouth’s cells

The potential of the virus to infect multiple areas of the body might help explain the wide-ranging symptoms experienced by COVID-19 patients, including oral symptoms such as taste loss, dry mouth and blistering. Moreover, the findings point to the possibility that the mouth plays a role in transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to the lungs or digestive system via saliva laden with virus from infected oral cells. A better understanding of the mouth’s involvement could inform strategies to reduce viral transmission within and outside the body.  Source: Scientists find evidence that novel coronavirus infects the mouth’s cells

Three Russian Ballistic Missile Submarines Just Surfaced Through The Arctic Ice Together

The unprecedented exercise served as a bold statement of Russia’s presence and capabilities in the increasingly tense Arctic region.

“As part of the Arctic expedition, three nuclear-powered submarines surfaced from under the ice in a limited space with a radius of 300 meters [approximately 984 feet] for the first time in the history of the Russian Navy,” Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov, Command-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, reported to President Vladimir Putin on March 26. “For the first time, a set of combat training, scientific research, and practical diverse measures is underway under the single design and plan in subpolar regions.”

Source: Three Russian Ballistic Missile Submarines Just Surfaced Through The Arctic Ice Together

Myanmar: Defense chiefs from 12 countries condemn protest deaths | News | DW | 28.03.2021

Nations including Germany and the US jointly decried the military violence which resulted in over 100 deaths in one day. Protesters have returned to the streets of Yangon and Mandalay in further defiance of the junta.

Source: Myanmar: Defense chiefs from 12 countries condemn protest deaths | News | DW | 28.03.2021

Chile imposes lockdowns to fight new Covid wave despite vaccination success | Global development | The Guardian

Health officials pleaded for people to stay indoors where possible.
“The new variants arriving in Chile are a great worry, and we effectively have one pandemic on top of another now,” said Dr Ximena Aguilera, an epidemiologist who sits on the government’s Covid-19 advisory committee.

“Unlike before, we are seeing serious cases among younger people too, and there is a sense that some people had become complacent towards the end of the summer with the vaccinations going so well.”

A total of 22,587 people have died in the country having contracted the virus, and both the British and Brazilian strains of the virus have been detected in Chile. Its cumulative death rate relative to population remains far below that of Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Argentina.

Source: Chile imposes lockdowns to fight new Covid wave despite vaccination success | Global development | The Guardian

Fear turns to fury in Myanmar as children shot by military | Global development | The Guardian

A 19-year-old man described the bloodiest crackdown yet this weekend as “a loss for the future”, given the young people who were killed. “There is so much anger and an even stronger desire for the junta to be removed,” he said, but there is confusion about what should be the next steps for the pro-democracy movement.

Military leader Hlaing’s long-term plan is unclear, if it exists. Rather than intelligence and rationale, large sectors of the public believe the general is driven by ego and cruelty.

“Everyone is disgusted to see the military leaders celebrating with a big parade and a dinner party when earlier that day they massacred well over a hundred people,” said a university student.

Hlaing has unleashed unimaginable violence on Myanmar. But his coup has also had the unintended consequence of creating new leaders who are willing to correct the mistakes of the past, such as discrimination against the Rohingya, and lead a new, united country. They are showing the population that a future without the Tatmadaw is possible.

“The military’s actions are only making people angrier,” said the student. “We are furious more than scared.”

Source: Fear turns to fury in Myanmar as children shot by military | Global development | The Guardian