Makanont: November 2021

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

COVID-19 Statistics | Nov. 30, 2021 - Lost Coast Outpost

Humboldt County Public Health reported today the death of a resident in their 50s from COVID-19. Staff in the Department Operations Center extend their condolences to the families, friends and caregivers of those who have died and all who have lost a loved one to the virus.

Twenty-one new cases of COVID-19 were reported, bringing to 10,100 the total number of residents who have tested positive. Two hospitalizations were also reported, a resident in their 40s and another aged 80 or older.

Public Health officials in the county are continuing to monitor the new Omicron variant as scientists gather data to determine if the rapidly spreading variant causes more serious illness or is better able to evade current vaccine protections.

While there are no known cases of the variant in the U.S., the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is monitoring for the presence of Omicron in the state through a public-private partnership program to detect variants through genetic sequencing.

The CDPH says residents can protect themselves from COVID-19 and the potential spread of variants like Omicron by getting vaccinated, wearing masks indoors, getting tested immediately regardless of vaccination status if any cold- or flu-like symptoms develop, and staying home when sick.

Public Health is continuing to urge all eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and is offering family clinics this week that give priority to children aged 5 to 11 and provides family members a convenient way to get first or second doses and boosters.

All eligible adults aged 18 and older are encouraged to get a booster. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. Someone who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an unvaccinated person is nearly six times more likely to get COVID-19 and 14 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person.

Vaccines, including boosters, are available at local pharmacies. To check the availability of a specific vaccine, visit the vaccines.gov page, or text a ZIP code to 438829 to locate a nearby pharmacy offering vaccines.

Humboldt County’s vaccination and testing services are available free of charge. Although walk-ins are allowed at most regular Public Health clinics and many pharmacy vaccination sites, a sharp increase in demand for boosters has caused delays at some locations. As a result, appointments are required for pediatric clinics and for clinics at Public Health’s main office. Appointments are strongly recommended for all other clinics and are the best way to ensure a shot is available during your visit. Appointments can be made at MyTurn.ca.gov.

See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services:

Garberville — Wednesday, Dec. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Public Health Office (727 Cedar St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.

Eureka Family Clinic— Thursday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m
Jefferson Community Center (1000 B St.)
Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka— Friday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way).
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka Family Clinic – Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eureka High School Cafeteria (1915 J St.)
Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Fortuna Family Clinic – Sunday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fortuna Resource Center (2089 Newburg Road).
Ages 5-18 and family members. No boosters.
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka — Monday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Clinic appointments full.
Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
Appointment required. No testing available.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
Appointments required.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
Appointments strongly recommended.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 1-707-441-5000.

Sign up for COVID-19 vaccination: MyTurn.ca.gov
Check for vaccine availability at a local pharmacy: Vaccines.gov
Local COVID-19 vaccine information: humboldtgov.org/VaccineInfo
Humboldt County COVID-19 Data Dashboard: humboldtgov.org/Dashboard
Follow us on Facebook: @HumCoCOVID19
Instagram: @HumCoCOVID19
Twitter: @HumCoCOVID19
Humboldt Health Alert: humboldtgov.org/HumboldtHealthAlert
###

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COVID-19 Statistics | Nov. 30, 2021 - Lost Coast Outpost
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BC rollout of vaccines for kids continues despite flooding - BC News - Castanet.net

Photo: The Canadian Press

Extreme weather has been an added challenge to getting COVID-19 vaccines rolling out to children aged 5-11 in British Columbia, but despite barriers, many kids in the province have already begun receiving their doses.

Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday that it has been a "Herculean" effort to ensure the supply chain for pediatric vaccines was not disrupted by roadways closed due to flooding.

"I had a wonderful opportunity to be at an immunization clinic yesterday in Victoria. And there was excitement in the room and relief on the faces of parents, and a little bit of anxiety and relief on the faces of children once their vaccines were done," Henry said.

According to Health Minister Adrian Dix, just over 114,000 children aged 5-11 are now registered for their first doses, with 41,697 of them already booked for an appointment.

There are approximately 349,000 children in that age range province-wide.

"The fact that we now have protection for younger children is really, really important. I can't overstate how much that provides us protection, particularly from the severe illness that leads people to need hospital care, ICU care. and all of the impacts that that has had on our health care system and that we're seeing in other places, that is still our number one best tool to get us through this," Dix said Tuesday.

The vaccine being administered is a Pfizer-BioNTech two-dose vaccination in a smaller dosage than what is given to adults. It was approved by Health Canada in mid-November.

Notifications as to the local availability of the vaccine will continue to be sent out to families in the coming weeks.

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BC rollout of vaccines for kids continues despite flooding - BC News - Castanet.net
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Infectious disease specialist says cases are still on the rise in Kingston - Globalnews.ca

As of Monday, the KFL&A region has surpassed 300 active COVID-19 cases, which is a record high.

“We’re still on the rise. We’re still heading up and we haven’t yet seen that plateau,” said Dr. Gerald Evans, an infectious disease expert at Queen’s University.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to hit record highs in the Kingston area, Evans says there is still a window to get things under control before the holidays.

“I think we could be looking at a peak now within the next couple of weeks, but that’ll still put us with a lot of cases over the holiday period,” Evans said.

He added that following health guidelines, especially a recent local health order limiting indoor social gatherings to 10 people, could put a dent in cases.

“The problem is, is that when we do an intervention to try and reduce case numbers, we only see that effect about 10 to 14 days later,” Evans said.

2:13 Immunologist ‘not panicked’ as Canada confirms first cases of Omicron variant

Immunologist ‘not panicked’ as Canada confirms first cases of Omicron variant

If cases continue to rise despite the local health order, Evans said he trusts that Piotr Oglaza, medical officer of health, and KFL&A Public Health will be looking at other measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As for the new Omicron variant, Evans says that poses a lot of unknowns.

“This variant is everywhere already. And what we just need to do and hope is that we can control the spread until we understand more about it,” Evans said.

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Infectious disease specialist says cases are still on the rise in Kingston - Globalnews.ca
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Health unit warns of possible COVID-19 exposure at Carleton Place car dealership - CTV Edmonton

OTTAWA -- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) is advising residents of a possible exposure to COVID-19 at a Carleton Place car dealership.

In a release, the LGLDHU said anyone who visited Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC dealership at 375 McNeely Ave. in Carleton Place between Nov. 13 and 27 inclusive may have been exposed to COVID-19 while there.

Owner and president Keith Bean told CTV News Ottawa an employee tested positive last week and, after testing the entire staff, five more cases were found. All of the employees are fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic, he said.

The decision was made to close the dealership for a week to get the situation under control.

Bean says employees will be retested on Friday and doors should reopen Monday morning.

"We're retesting everyone, since it will have been about seven days since our first exposure, and they'll need a negative test result to come in on Monday," he explained.

Bean said the affected employees were in the sales department, and not the busier service department, and the cases were contained there.

"I've been on the phone with the health unit every day since this happened and they've been great. They've given a lot of good advice," Bean said. "The girl at the health unit said, 'Congratulations. You made it a year and a half.'"

Bean is encouraging customers to follow the health unit's advice and seek testing if symptoms develop.

If you were at the premises during those days, the health unit is advising you to:

Monitor for symptoms carefully, even mild ones.

Testing is recommended if you had any symptom of COVID-19 since November 13. If you have/had symptoms:

Self-isolate and get tested at a local assessment centre, regardless of your vaccination status.
Everyone in your household (unless they are fully vaccinated) must also stay home until you get a negative COVID-19 test result

Continue with public health precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Stay home if you are sick
Practice physical distancing – stay 2 meters (6 feet) away from people in public areas
Wear a face covering: Minimum of 2 layers of material; 3 will provide further protection when you cannot stay 6 feet away from people out in public – and in indoor public spaces as required
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer after being in touch with others or handling anything from outside your home
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hands

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Infectious Diseases Program, at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222.

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Health unit warns of possible COVID-19 exposure at Carleton Place car dealership - CTV Edmonton
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COVID-19 Exposure Alert - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

November 30, 2021

Possible COVID-19 Exposure at Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC in Carleton Place November 13 to 27

Patrons who visited Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC (375 McNeely Avenue) in Carleton Place during November 13 to 27 inclusive may have been exposed to COVID-19 while at the car dealership.

If you were at the premises during those days, Public Health is advising you to:

Monitor for symptoms carefully, even mild ones.
Testing is recommended if you had any symptom of COVID-19 since November 13. If you have/had symptoms:
- self-isolate and get tested at a local assessment centre, regardless of your vaccination status.
- Everyone in your household (unless they are fully vaccinated) must also stay home until you get a negative COVID-19 test result
Continue with public health precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
- Stay home if you are sick
- Practice physical distancing – stay 2 meters (6 feet) away from people in public areas
- Wear a face covering: Minimum of 2 layers of material; 3 will provide further protection when you cannot stay 6 feet away from people out in public – and in indoor public spaces as required
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer after being in touch with others or handling anything from outside your home
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hands
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Infectious Diseases Program, at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.healthunit.org/coronavirus or call 1-800-660-5853 extension 2499. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter @LGLHealthUnit or Instagram at lglhealthunit.z.

Contact

Media Contact: Katie Jackson, Manager, 613-812-0416 or Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or email [email protected].

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COVID-19 Exposure Alert - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
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COVID-19 detected in wastewater samples in Deer Lake, says Health Department - CBC.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Health says it has detected COVID-19 in wastewater samples in Deer Lake. (Jae C. Hong/The Associated Press)

Newfoundland and Labrador's Department of Health is advising residents of Deer Lake who have any COVID-19 symptoms to get tested for the disease, after it was detected during wastewater testing.

While the result is not a cause for alarm, said the department in a media release Tuesday, it indicates the coronavirus is in the area.

According to the Health Department, collecting wastewater samples helps serve as an "early warning system" for detecting the virus in a community.

The wastewater-testing program in the Newfoundland and Labrador has been using regular surveillance for COVID-19 since Feb. 15, said the department.

"This form of surveillance has been found to uncover trends of COVID-19 in the community four to 10 days earlier than clinical data would by detecting the presence of the virus in asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic populations," reads the release.

According to the department, 216 wastewater samples have been collected from St. John's, Paradise, Conception Bay South, Gander, Torbay, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Clarenville, Deer Lake, Corner Brook, Stephenville, Labrador City and Wabush to date.

Of those samples, four have tested positive for COVID-19.

The samples are analyzed by the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg at no cost to the province.

Further, public health is also advising travellers who came through the Deer Lake airport between Nov. 19 and Nov. 22 to arrange for testing, if they are symptomatic.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald is scheduled to hold a media briefing on Wednesday at 2 p.m. NT to deliver the province's latest COVID-19 update.

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COVID-19 detected in wastewater samples in Deer Lake, says Health Department - CBC.ca
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Belleville restaurant closed after possible exposure to COVID, patrons advised to monitor for symptoms - Quinte News

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Nov. 30, 2021

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended Linguine’s Restaurant (Belleville) on November 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 or 26 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating several cases of COVID-19 that were present at the restaurant on these dates. Linguine’s Restaurant (Belleville) has closed voluntarily and temporarily while the investigation is underway.

All individuals who attended Linguine’s Restaurant (Belleville) on November 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 or 26 are advised to:

Monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19.
If symptoms develop, even mild ones such as a runny nose or sore throat, isolate at home and away from others, and seek testing.
While testing is not necessary for low-risk contacts if symptoms are not present, please ensure you are monitoring closely for symptoms and seek testing if any symptoms (even mild ones) develop.

While HPEPH does not typically disclose the location of COVID-19 cases in order to protect individuals’ privacy, this information is disclosed when needed to meet public health objectives such as prompt notification of potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission. HPEPH is in the process of contacting high-risk contacts related to these cases. All high-risk contacts will be instructed by HPEPH to self-isolate immediately and to get tested.

“The current increase in COVID-19 cases in our region is very concerning and is resulting in greater risk of community transmission. Proof of vaccination in restaurants helps to reduce the potential risk for individuals who were at Linguine’s, however I am urging individuals who were present at the restaurant on these dates to monitor closely for symptoms in order to protect those around them,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “To protect one another, residents must take careful action. If you have symptoms, even mild ones, get tested. If you must gather, keep it small and ensure you are symptom-free. If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as possible. Your choices will impact the health and well-being of those around you – so please make responsible ones.”

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Belleville restaurant closed after possible exposure to COVID, patrons advised to monitor for symptoms - Quinte News
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The Latest: CDC says ages 18 and up should get booster shot - Yahoo Singapore News

WASHINGTON — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday broadened its recommendation for COVID-19 booster shots for all adults as the new omicron variant is identified in more countries.

The agency had previously approved boosters for all adults, but only recommended them for those 50 years and older or if they live in a long-term care setting.

CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance reflects the emergence of the omicron variant, which has not yet been identified in the U.S. but that officials say will inevitably reach the country.

“Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine,” she said in a statement.

Walensky also encouraged Americans feeling unwell to seek out a COVID-19 test, saying “Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.”

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U.S. CDC says all adults 18 and over should get COVID-19 booster shots - Financial Post

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said everyone aged 18 years and older should get a booster shot either six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine doses or two months after their Johnson & Johnson shot.

The update on Monday comes after U.S. health regulators last week https://ift.tt/3I54DTF expanded the eligibility for booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines to all adults, but stopped short of saying all adults aged 18 to 49 should get the additional shots.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said the Omicron coronavirus variant, which was first detected in Southern Africa, carried a very high risk of infection surges.

The variant has now been confirmed in Australia, Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, France, South Africa and Canada.

“The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in a statement https://ift.tt/3E9a0Pj.

Scientists in the United States and around the world are urgently examining vaccine effectiveness related to this variant, the CDC said.

The agency also said the 47 million adults who are not yet vaccinated are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible, adding that children and teens should also be vaccinated to lower chances of a serious illness.

The comments echo those of U.S. President Joe Biden, who urged Americans to get vaccinated, take boosters and wear masks.

Biden said he believed that the existing vaccines would continue to protect against severe disease, but added that his administration was working with vaccine makers to develop contingency plans if new vaccines were needed.

The CDC said increased testing in the country would help identify the variant quickly.

(Reporting by Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Amy Caren Daniel)

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U.S. CDC says all adults 18 and over should get COVID-19 booster shots - Financial Post
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Infectious disease specialist, Dr. Wong breaks down Omicron and kids vaccination in Sask - CBCSaskatchewan

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Infectious disease specialist, Dr. Wong breaks down Omicron and kids vaccination in Sask - CBCSaskatchewan
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Monday, November 29, 2021

U.S. CDC says all adults 18 and over should get COVID-19 booster shots - Financial Post

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said everyone aged 18 years and older should get a booster shot either six months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine dose or two months after their Johnson & Johnson shot, as the Omicron threat looms.

The update comes after U.S. health regulators last week https://ift.tt/3I54DTF expanded the eligibility for booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines to all adults, but stopped short of saying all adults aged 18 to 49 should get the additional shots.

(Reporting by Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Amy Caren Daniel)

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U.S. CDC says all adults 18 and over should get COVID-19 booster shots - Financial Post
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The Latest: CDC says ages 18 and up should get booster shot - Bowen Island Undercurrent

The agency had previously approved boosters for all adults, but only recommended them for those 50 years and older or if they live in a long-term care setting.

Walensky also encouraged Americans feeling unwell to seek out a COVID-19 test, saying “Increased testing will help us identify Omicron quickly.”

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COVID-19 Statistics | Nov. 29, 2021 - Lost Coast Outpost

Public Health also reported 116 new cases of COVID-19 since Wednesday, bringing to 10,079 the total number of residents who have tested positive for the virus. Three hospitalizations were also reported, a resident in their 20s, one in their 40s and another in their 60s.

With the recently identified “Omicron” variant spreading around the globe, health officials continue to stress that wearing masks and getting vaccinated are still the best ways to protect against known and future variants that continue to mutate while transmission rates are high.

While no known cases of Omicron have been reported in the U.S., top health officials have said that people who are vaccinated and have boosters will likely have some level of protection against variants like Omicron.

Locally, Public Health officials are monitoring the situation and are strongly encouraging all eligible residents to get vaccinated and get a booster when eligible to protect against the COVID-19 Delta variant that is already present and circulating within the county.

Residents aged 5 and older are urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Health officials also stress that those who are partially vaccinated should complete their vaccination series. Someone who is fully vaccinated is half as likely to pass on the infection as someone who is unvaccinated. An unvaccinated person is 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a vaccinated person, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Rene Ramirez, a UC San Francisco emergency department physician said, “To me, the biggest question is why is not everyone getting vaccinated in order to protect others? As long as there is a high transmission rate, the virus will continue to mutate. We have to find a way to flip the conversation from me, me, me to protecting others by wearing masks and getting vaccinated.”

See the schedule below for specific Public Health vaccination and testing clinic dates, times, locations and available services:

Eureka Pediatric Clinic — Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1:15 to 3:45 p.m.
Public Health Main Office (529 I St.)
Ages 5 to 11. Pfizer only.
Appointment required. No testing available.

Willow Creek — Tuesday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Public Health Office (77 Walnut Way)
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
$25 gift card for adults receiving a first or second dose.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Eureka— Friday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Wharfinger Building (1 Marina Way).
Pfizer/Johnson & Johnson/Moderna.
PCR and rapid testing available.
Appointments strongly recommended.

Appointments required.

View the Data Dashboard online at humboldtgov.org/dashboard, or go to humboldtgov.org/DashboardArchives to download data from a previous time.

For the most recent COVID-19 information, visit cdc.gov or cdph.ca.gov. Local information is available at humboldtgov.org or by contacting covidinfo@co.humboldt.ca.us or calling 1-707-441-5000.

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COVID-19 Statistics | Nov. 29, 2021 - Lost Coast Outpost
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End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics — NUPGE supports World AIDS Day | National Union of Public and General Employees - National Union of Public and General Employees

"While the world is consumed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not forget that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is ongoing. World AIDS Day is an important moment to press for continued action to eradicate HIV/AIDS. Understanding the failures made in dealing with AIDS can help us better deal with the current pandemic. ” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President

Ottawa (1 Dec.. 2021) — December 1 marks World AIDS Day. In the midst of a global pandemic, it is important that we reflect on the last 4 decades of experience dealing with AIDS and apply those lessons to the current pandemic.

Inequality kills

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics. The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has been advocating for greater access to vaccines in all countries and believes that focusing on inequality is a key element in the fight against COVID-19 and AIDS. Poorer countries, those who have not been able to secure large quantities of vaccines, are witnessing higher death rates and have a greater risk of incubating new and more deadly variants.

Access to vaccines and health care a human right

NUPGE has been calling for Canada to support global access to COVID-19 vaccines by supporting an intellectual property rights waiver at the World Trade Organization. NUPGE has also joined calls for a further waiver on intellectual property rights on COVID-19 medical products. Powerful countries, including Canada, have been stalling or blocking these initiatives, and the result is that poorer countries do not have the vaccines that they need to protect their citizens. This, in turn, makes new waves and new variants inevitable. Everyone is vulnerable if COVID-19 is allowed to flourish in poor countries because wealthy countries are not willing to take a stand to ensure access for all.

Same mistakes with AIDS

The AIDS pandemic was also allowed to boil over in poorer countries as access to essential medicines was too expensive. Wealthier countries and wealthier individuals had access to the life-saving drugs. In 2000, a campaign was launched to ensure that all AIDS patients had access to life-saving medications. Countries began to produce the medications and acted against the patents. Very quickly the annual cost dropped from $22,000 to $50 in poorer countries. COVID vaccines and treatments are also out of reach for many countries: a combination of high costs and restricted production is hurting the distribution of vaccines.

End the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030

The third Sustainable Development Goal aims to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic by 2030. This is possible and requires a concerted effort by all governments. Similarly, the COVID pandemic needs to be stopped. The world cannot wait 40 years to tackle COVID-19. Action is needed now to get COVID vaccines and life-saving therapies to people around the world, and primarily to the poorer countries that have been shut out of access to vaccines.

NUPGE demands the Canadian government act

NUPGE fully supports governments vigorously working to control the AIDS and COVID pandemics, both within their borders and around the world. We will only be safe when all countries and the poorest people have access to necessary medications. This is possible if we focus beyond narrow self-interest and nationalism. NUPGE supports health care as a human right and calls on the Canadian government to act to ensure equitable access to these life-saving drugs.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 390,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good.

While our Components are located from coast to coast, the office of the National Union of Public and General Employees is situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

We recognize and acknowledge the crimes that have been committed and the harm that has been done.

And, we dedicate ourselves, as a union, to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous Peoples in a spirit of reconciliation and striving for justice. — NUPGE

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End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics — NUPGE supports World AIDS Day | National Union of Public and General Employees - National Union of Public and General Employees
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Less than 20% of adults with arthritis attend self-management classes - Healio

Medications show that it's time to pivot in our approach to COVID-19 - San Francisco Examiner

By Jeffrey D. Klausner

Special to CalMatters

Americans love a medicalized approach to treating disease. So, we must accept the fact that many Americans would rather take a pill than exercise or follow a diet to prevent disease.

Similarly, there has been tremendous push back against non-pharmaceutical interventions like masking, physical distancing or avoiding indoor gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, we can update our response to the pandemic and follow the typical American path toward treating disease with medication.

With every newly reported case of infection among those with risk factors for severe disease – age greater than 65 years, obesity, chronic lung or kidney disease – public health workers could facilitate timely treatment with medical interventions such as monoclonal antibodies and fluvoxamine, which has shown to have a “potential therapeutic role.”

Fluvoxamine is safe, inexpensive and widely available by prescription. A recent study showed that among COVID-19 patients who took at least 80% of their medication, mortality was reduced by 90%. New formulations of monoclonal antibodies allow for rapid infusion or injection under the skin by a nurse or pharmacist. Combination monoclonal antibody use lowered the risk of hospitalization or death by 70%.

To make those treatments quickly available, public health authorities could create standing protocols and county or statewide medical orders bypassing the need for a costly or difficult to obtain medical visit that would delay the initiation of therapy. Pharmacy chains could also offer direct medical treatment based on certain criteria.

Additionally, large commercial clinical testing laboratories that detect new cases could join the response. Laboratories could prioritize cases by age or other risk factors for immediate direct notification from the laboratory to the patient. Laboratory personnel could help with linkage to treatment sites with an electronic message or telephone call.

Many laboratories might say that such notification and treatment facilitation is not within their scope of work, however, in a public health emergency we must break down the existing silos to optimize our epidemic response. Our failure to work across systems has been a key factor in our inability to control the pandemic.

When I was a public health official in San Francisco we had standing protocols for testing and treatment that accelerated notification and therapy for serious conditions. One example was field delivered therapy where under my physician orders the public health staff could deliver medications to new cases of curable infections. Another was a program whereby those age 18 years or older could download a completed and signed prescription for emergency contraception.

Given the continued high death rates due to COVID-19 – which is now a highly preventable outcome – we must pivot our public health approach away from the controversial and poorly-adhered to mask mandates and physical distancing orders to the pharmaceutical interventions proven to work.

We have been very successful with vaccination – creating the largest vaccination program in modern times reaching more than two-thirds of the U.S. population. We have created new evidence-based policies to increase vaccination further in different settings but have probably reached a plateau.

New innovative approaches are necessary. With the anticipated authorization of additional new antiviral medications, the time to shift our focus is now. To make that shift, health officials and political leaders will have to update their response adopting the new treatments for this pharmaceutical phase of dealing with COVID-19.

Dr. Jeffrey D. Klausner is a clinical professor of medicine, population and public health sciences at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.

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Medications show that it's time to pivot in our approach to COVID-19 - San Francisco Examiner
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Experimental treatment may have cured diabetes for the first time - Becker's Hospital Review

In a Vertex Pharmaceuticals clinical trial, an experimental treatment may have cured type 1 diabetes for the first time in a 64-year-old patient, The New York Times reported Nov. 27.

The treatment involves an infusion of cells, grown from stem cells that produce islet cells — insulin-producing cells found throughout the pancreas. Ohio resident Brian Shelton became the first person to receive the treatment on June 29 as part of the trial.

His body now automatically regulates its insulin and blood sugar levels, the Times reports.

"It's a whole new life," Mr. Shelton told the news outlet. "It's like a miracle."

The result has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal and the trial will continue for five years. It includes 17 participants with severe type 1 diabetes and the treatment is not intended for type 2 diabetes. Several diabetes experts expressed cautious optimism, telling the Times further research is needed to determine whether there are any adverse effects and whether the treatment would need to be repeated.

Still, "It is a remarkable result," said Peter Butler, MD, a diabetes expert at UCLA. "To be able to reverse diabetes by giving them back the cells they are missing is comparable to the miracle when insulin was first available 100 years ago," Dr. Butler told the Times.

Doug Melton, PhD, a biologist at Cambridge, Mass.-based Harvard University, led the treatment's development over two decades.

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Experimental treatment may have cured diabetes for the first time - Becker's Hospital Review
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Dementia: MIND diet shown to sharpen thinking skills – what does it include? - Daily Express

Researchers tracked detailed eating logs of older adults, over a period of 4.5 years, and recorded who developed dementia. Those whose diets most closely resembled the MIND diet had brains as sharp as people who were 7.5 years younger. Experts at the Mayo Clinic says the MIND diet "goes big on natural plant-based foods". Furthermore, there is a clear limit on red meat, saturated fats, and sweets.

Observational studies show that the MIND diet can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 53 percent, as well as slow cognitive decline and improve verbal memory.

What the MIND diet consists of

Firstly, the MIND diet involves three servings of whole grains daily.

Examples of whole grain include whole wheat bread, oatmeal, brown rice and bulgur.

Secondly, green, leafy vegetables need to be eaten six times per week. Examples include:

Kale
Collard greens
Spinach
Cabbage
Watercress
Romaine lettuce.

Berries should be consumed twice weekly, and beans – such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas – should be eaten three times weekly.

For non vegetarians, poultry should be eaten twice weekly, fish once weekly, and any red meat less than four times weekly.

The MIND diet also includes:

Other vegetables at least once a day
Nuts at least five times a week
Fried or fast food less than once a week
Mainly olive oil for cooking
Less than a tablespoon of butter or margarine a day
Less than a serving of cheese a week
Less than five pastries or sweets a week.

The experts at the Mayo Clinic said: "You don't have to have a perfect diet to benefit.

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"While the adults in the study who followed the diet most closely (an average score of 9.6 points out of 15) saw the biggest drop in their Alzheimer's risk, the ones who scored in the middle (7.5 points) still cut their risk by over a third."

Dr Brunilda Nazario verified that the MIND diet is a "brain-healthy diet".

It is a hybrid of the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and the Mediterranean diet.

The MIND diet is "packed with several dietary nutrients" such as vitamin E, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids.

Dr Nazario confirmed that the MIND diet "has shown promising results for overall brain health".

Private nutritionists or dieticians would be able to craft a MIND meal plan for you.

Alternatively, you can plan your own meals guided by the diet's overarching theme of healthy eating.

If you are concerned you are already showing signs of dementia, book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

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Dementia: MIND diet shown to sharpen thinking skills – what does it include? - Daily Express
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COVID-19 immunization clinics open to B.C. kids ages five to 11 today - Toronto Star

VICTORIA - Children in British Columbia between five and 11 years old can start getting shots of a pediatric COVID-19 vaccine today.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said last week that about 350,000 children are eligible to receive the modified dose of the Health Canada-approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Health Canada approved the pediatric shot for use in Canada after an independent scientific review confirmed the first vaccine formulated for younger children is safe and effective.

Henry says the same vaccine has been administered to more than three million children in the United States and there have been no “safety signals” as a result.

She says the vaccine will help children and families safely return to activities that benefit physical and mental health.

Dr. Penny Ballem, the executive lead for B.C.’s vaccination drive, has said she expects the full children’s immunization effort including second doses to conclude by the end of January.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2021.

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COVID-19 immunization clinics open to B.C. kids ages five to 11 today - Toronto Star
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I took a post-vaccination antibody test. Should you? - National Post

While people might wonder, 'Did the vaccine work in me — and is it still working?' the tests, some experts have said, at best offer only a vague idea of someone’s immunity status

Author of the article:

Sharon Kirkey

Publishing date:

Nov 29, 2021 • 2 hours ago • 3 minute read • 28 Comments

The COVID-19 antibody self-test kit from Innovation Health can help determine the quantity and quality of antibodies the body has produced against SARS-CoV-2, its makers say. Photo by Innovation Health

I’m not good with blood, particularly my own.

But the instructions and video link for “how to collect your blood sample” for the post-vaccination antibody test made it all seem rather simple: wash hands in warm water, swab ring finger with alcohol pad, “stimulate blood flow” to finger by hanging hand by side and shaking 15 to 20 seconds, place hand palm side up and firmly press lancet into side of finger, puncturing skin.

The “milking” part I had a little more trouble with — the five circles on the collection card each requiring two healthy drops of blood.

Dr. Elaine Chin, founder of the Innovation Health Group, a Toronto-based executive health clinic, offered to send the National Post a complimentary COVID-19 antibodies self-test kit (value: $395) as part of her promotion for her new book, Welcome Back! How to Reboot Your Physical & Mental Health for a Post-Pandemic World, published by Sutherland House Books whose publisher, Kenneth Whyte, is the founding editor of the Post .

In the U.S., demand is growing for antibody tests as people worry about waning immunity. The makers of the blood spot test Chin is offering her patients have screened more than 7,000 blood samples.

The test, Chin said, can help determine the quantity and quality of antibodies the body has produced against SARS-CoV-2.

More specifically, “What we are able to measure with our instrument is useful antibodies that bind tightly to, and stop the interaction between the receptor binding domain” — the part of the virus that first comes into contact with our cells — “and ACE-2,” the receptor in the lungs and other places in the body that allows the virus entry in and that “create the havoc of it all,” explained Hans Frykman, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia and medical director of Immusafe Inc, which has created and commercialized the test for doctors and their patients.

Toronto-based Vector Health Labs is also offering a commercial antibody test. Vector’s looks whether detectable levels of antibodies are present in the blood — yes or no. “Although it may seem, to some, to not provide enough information, that yes/no, that simple detected/not detected, provides valuable information to the individual,” said Vector’s chief scientific officer Daniel Libertucci.

Frykman’s reports indicate whether the person has low, medium, high or “negative” levels of antibodies, based on the lab’s reference ranges.

But there are lots of caveats: A negative result, the consent form cautioned, doesn’t rule out a previous infection. It also doesn’t mean there was no response from a vaccine. It just may be that the antibodies are no longer detectable, and even then it doesn’t mean immunity is gone. The test doesn’t measure memory T cells that churn out antibodies when the body encounters the infection again. Scientists also still haven’t sorted out how high titers or levels need to be to confer sufficient protection from COVID.

While people might wonder, “Did the vaccine work in me — and is it still working?” the tests, some experts have said, at best offer only a vague idea of someone’s immunity status. Regulators have discouraged their use for “do-it-yourself” immunity check-ins or deciding whether to get boosted, JAMA reported.

“Our position is that when boosters become available to you, in whatever way the province decides to roll out boosters to the masses, you should line up and get it. Period,” said Vector’s Libertucci. “Even if you do have detectable levels of antibody, that is not a reason to refuse the booster.”

Immusafe said its test aims only to be “a guidance to immunity,” and that people with a high blood concentration of antibodies shouldn’t assume there’s no risk of illness, even severe illness, and should continue to follow public health precautions.

“People who do take the test should be conscious that the results might not please them,” Frykman said (my own, five months out from a second shot, were not hugely comforting, but neither were they alarming.) “Lots of people think they’re invincible, and that’s not really the case. We still have to be humble in terms of how immune we are. People need to continue to wear masks and continue to be conscious that the virus is still a real threat.”

• Email: skirkey@postmedia.com | Twitter:

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I took a post-vaccination antibody test. Should you? - National Post
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