Good morning,
Covid Europe and U.S.
Covid in Europe is spreading quickly and at an alarming rate, so much so that the World Health Organization has now warned another 500 thousand people could die.
WHO Emergencies Director Michael Ryan cautioned: "I think it's a warning shot for the world to see what's happening in Europe despite the availability of vaccination."
Germany set a new record for infections with 34,000 recorded in the last 24 hours. The UK has recorded 33,000 new cases in one day. Russia is in a 10 day lock down after record numbers of deaths.
Part of the problem is just winter, with more people circulating in closed spaces but there is also a lack of vaccination up take in some countries.
In Britain some good news with the approval of the use of Merck's anti-Covid pill molnupiravir to treat patients suffering from mild to moderate coronavirus.
Health minister Sajid Javid called the antiviral drug "a game-changer for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed". The pill would be taken at home, instead of patients needing hospital treatment.
In the United States, tens of millions of workers face a January 4 deadline to get vaccinated.
Under new rules announced by the White House employees of larger companies as well as healthcare workers and federal contractors must either be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly testing.
Don’t let anyone tell you this goes against your freedoms or rights because this is the right to be protected from Covid, and the sensible uptake of a vaccine that saves lives period. But clearly the vaccine and mask wearing will be used to drive political division in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Other News…
-As the COP26 Climate conference continues in Glasgow the focus on the rich with scientists saying carbon dioxide emissions of the richest 1% of humanity are on track to be 30 times greater than what is compatible with keeping global heating below 1.5C, new research warns, as scientists urge governments to “constrain luxury carbon consumption” of private jets, megayachts and space travel
-The European Union called for an immediate and meaningful cease-fire in Ethiopia on Thursday as rebel forces set their eyes on the country's capital a year after the conflict in the northern Tigray region began.
-Twitter suspended Newsmax White House correspondent Emerald Robinson for posting misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine, including claims the shots contain tracking devices linked to the devil.
Have a good weekend every one!
Dana
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20211104-covid-cases-hit-new-record-in-germany-as-who-warns-of-spread-in-europe
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/05/carbon-top-1-percent-could-jeopardise-1point5c-global-heating-limit