Europe, which thought it had the virus tamed, faces a resurgence: Averaged over 100,000 new cases per day last week

‘From France to Russia, from Britain to the Czech Republic, European leaders are confronting a surge in coronavirus cases that is rapidly filling hospital beds, driving up death tolls and raising the grim prospect of further lockdowns in countries already traumatized by the pandemic. The continent, which once compared favorably to the United States in its handling of the pandemic, is being engulfed by a second wave of infection. With an average of more than 100,000 new infections per day over the past week, Europe now accounts for about one-third of new cases reported worldwide.’

Read here (New York Times, Oct 14, 2020)

Covid-19: UK could face 50,000 cases a day by October without action - Vallance

‘The UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action, the government's chief scientific adviser has warned. Sir Patrick Vallance said that "would be expected to lead to about 200 deaths per day" a month after that. It comes as the PM prepares to chair a Cobra emergency committee meeting on Tuesday morning, then make a statement in the House of Commons.’

Read here (BBC, Sept 21, 2020)

New Zealand considers freight as possible source of new Covid-19 cluster

‘New Zealand officials are investigating the possibility that its first Covid-19 cases in more than three months were imported by freight, as the country plunged back into lockdown today. Investigations were zeroing in on the potential the virus was imported by freight... Bloomfield [Director General of Health Ashley Bloomfield] said surface testing was underway in an Auckland cool store where a man from the infected family worked... “We are very confident we didn’t have any community transmission for a very long period,” Bloomfield said during a televised media conference. “We know the virus can survive within refrigerated environments for quite some time.”

Read here (Malay Mail, August 12, 2020)

Europe is near the brink of a second wave of Covid-19. Will its new containment strategy work?

‘While new daily cases are still several times lower than they were during Europe’s peak in March and April, one thing we know about COVID-19 is that it can spread exponentially if allowed to get out of control. Now, all eyes are on Europe to see if it can prevent that from happening.’ This story examines the following:

• Where are cases rising?
• What’s causing the increase?
• Is anything different compared to the first wave?
• Has tourism caused cases to increase?
• What other factors are to blame?
• How are leaders around Europe responding to the increase in cases?
• What lessons can the rest of the world learn?

Read here (Time, August 7, 2020)

Is America’s second corona wave a political hoax?

There is a bunch of information in this article that is not consistent with what is widely believed by the established scientific community or reported by mainstream media. A must-read to see how other seemingly highly-educated people think and influence others.

Read here (Global Research, July 21, 2020)

Australia calls military in after virus surge

‘Australia's military was called in Wednesday to help tackle a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne -- a surge in infections that has rattled the country's second-most populous city. Victoria has recorded double-digit increases in new daily cases for more than a week -- mostly in the state capital Melbourne -- representing a sizeable spike in cases in a country that has otherwise successfully curbed Covid-19.’

Read here (Today Online, June 24, 2020)

In this coronavirus wave, China tries something new: Restraint

‘The city of Beijing has tested 1.1 million people in less than a week and has halted many flights, but has not imposed the citywide lockdowns used in provincial outbreaks...

‘The brunt of the government’s measures has been borne by food traders at markets that were sealed off after cases were found, and by the residents of more than four dozen apartment complexes placed under lockdown. But in many other Beijing neighborhoods, the shops, restaurants and even hair salons are still operating. Traffic is a little lighter than usual, but plenty of cars are still on the road. City sidewalks remain busy.’

Read here (New York Times, June 19, 2020)

Fears of second wave as new cases emerge at Beijing market

‘A wholesale food market in south-west Beijing is in the spotlight after being linked to a spate of new Covid-19 cases, sparking fears of a second wave of infections... Officials said at a news briefing yesterday that six cases were reported on Friday, all related to the market, which sells meat, seafood, fruit and vegetables. Another man who had shopped there was also reported as a confirmed case on Thursday. In addition, 45 people tested positive from among 517 samples collected at the market, although none showed symptoms of the coronavirus infection.

‘Chinese news outlet Beijing News reported that the virus was detected at Xinfadi market on a chopping board for imported salmon, which had come from Jingshen seafood market, one of the markets ordered shut on Friday. Large supermarket chains such as Carrefour and Japanese restaurants have pulled salmon off the shelves and menus after news that supplies could be contaminated sparked worries across the city.’

Read here (Straits Times, June 14, 2020)

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says ‘we can’t shut down the economy again’

Treasury Secretary Mnuchin says ‘we can’t shut down the economy again’

‘[US] Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC that shutting down the economy for a second time to slow Covid-19 isn’t a viable option. The Treasury secretary’s comments came as Wall Street grew more concerned about a second wave of coronavirus cases in the US. Mnuchin also said he’s prepared to return to Congress to request additional fiscal spending to help juice the economy if needed.’

Read here (CNBC, June 11, 2020)

Covid-19: The second wave (12-minute video)

‘Lockdowns may be easing in many places around the world, but experts are warning that vigilance will be key to avoid a second - and possibly worse - wave of COVID-19.’

View here (DW, May 13, 2020)