All posts by nedhamson

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

German scientists identify warning sign for severe COVID | Coronavirus and Covid-19 – latest news about COVID-19 | DW | 01.12.2020

It is still unclear why many people infected with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or none at all while others experience severe cases or even die. In patients with severe COVID-19, the lungs become inflamed, and sometimes the heart or kidneys are also affected. Blood often overcoagulates, which can cause clots to form in the lungs. It is the most common acute cause of death in severe cases of COVID-19. Now, a team from universities and research institutes in northern and western Germany and the neighboring Netherlands has found a key indicator in the blood of COVID-19 patients that could serve as an early warning of a severe case. Source: German scientists identify warning sign for severe COVID | Coronavirus and Covid-19 – latest news about COVID-19 | DW | 01.12.2020

Hungarian politician admits attending lockdown party in Brussels | News | DW | 01.12.2020

EU Parliamentarian Jozsef Szajer Drug-fueled sex party, or ‘just’ an illegal get-together?

Reports vary but Belgian media outlets have widely reported that the event in question was in fact an orgy. Police and prosecutors have not officially commented on the nature of the party, only saying that those present were written up for violating coronavirus safety rules. At least two people in attendance possess diplomatic immunity.

Prosecutors originally noted that one individual, presumably Szajer, was apprehended while attempting to flee the premises. Unable to provide ID, he was escorted home, where he produced a diplomatic passport.

Prosecutors say he had bloodied hands, perhaps from injuries sustained attempting to flee the scene. Police also found drugs in his possession, though Szajer has denied they were his: “According to the police they found an ecstasy pill, but it is not mine, I have no knowledge [of] who placed it [and how].”

Sarah Durant, a spokeswoman for the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office, said, “A report was drawn up for S.J. for violation of narcotics legislation.”

“With my resignation on Sunday I drew the political and personal conclusions,” Szajer said, calling his actions “strictly personal,” and asking that people do not extend it either to Hungary or to his political party.

Fidesz, a defender of Christian values

Szajer is the third Fidesz politician in the last year to be caught up in such a scandal. In late 2019, Zsolt Borkai was filmed during an orgy on a luxury yacht on the Adriatic Sea but refused to resign as mayor of Gyor — he was later reelected before ultimately resigning after more explicit recordings were made public.

More recently, Gabor Kaleta, Hungary’s ambassador to Peru, was given a one-year suspended prison sentence and a fine after being caught with more than 19,000 sexually explicit images of children in his possession.

Source: Hungarian politician admits attending lockdown party in Brussels | News | DW | 01.12.2020

Arizona reports more than 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 | TheHill

“While today’s higher numbers have a simple explanation due to the long weekend, the numbers are still trending in a concerning direction, especially considering that the number of holiday parties and gatherings are expected to increase over the next few weeks,” Christ wrote in a blog post Tuesday.

The state, particularly Maricopa County, is also seeing record hospital admissions.

Source: Arizona reports more than 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 | TheHill

Capitol physician advises lawmakers against attending dinners, receptions during COVID-19 spike | TheHill

The Capitol’s attending physician is advising members of Congress to take more stringent precautions against COVID-19, such as staying away from dinners or receptions, as they return to Washington this week during a nationwide surge in cases.&nbsp

Source: Capitol physician advises lawmakers against attending dinners, receptions during COVID-19 spike | TheHill

California COVID-19 cases break daily record again – Los Angeles Times

Medical professionals hold signs during a street-corner protest.

Preliminary totals released by L.A. County reported about 7,000 new cases — the most in a single day, a sum that does not yet include new cases reported by Long Beach and Pasadena, which operate their own independent public health departments and will release their numbers later Tuesday. The previous single-day high for all of L.A. County was recorded on Nov. 23, according to The Times’ independent tally, with 6,186 cases.

Source: California COVID-19 cases break daily record again – Los Angeles Times

Georgia elections official slams Trump over voter fraud claims, warns of potential violence | TheHill

“Mr. President, it looks like a likely loss in the state of Georgia,” a visibly shaken Sterling said. “We’re investigating. There’s always a possibility. I get it. You have the rights to go through the court. What you don’t have the ability to do — and you need to step up and say this — is stop inspiring people to commit potential violence. Someone’s going to get hurt. Someone’s going to get shot. Someone’s going to get killed. It’s not right. Source: Georgia elections official slams Trump over voter fraud claims, warns of potential violence | TheHill