(2020-06-06). [Perspectives] Indigenous populations: left behind in the COVID-19 response. thelancet.com Scholar Annie Belcourt described Native American populations in the USA as having lives that are "challenging and short". Globally, across countries and populations, Indigenous peoples face a greater burden of disease than non-Indigenous peoples, including cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, and have higher infant and maternal mortality and lower life expectancy. Their health is impacted by epigenetic stressors of generational oppression and violence, including disproportionate numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women, lower educational attainment, and persistent poverty.
(2020-06-06). [Comment] Healthier societies for healthy populations. thelancet.com The COVID-19 pandemic makes the importance of health and wellbeing clear. The pandemic's implications for societies are far reaching. Yet the response to this pandemic and the creation and promotion of health and wellbeing require action beyond the health sector—and beyond the usual ways of working in global health. Governments are not adequately tackling inequality, ongoing economic crises, or continuing environmental damage, which undermines the health of current and future generations. For example, tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets, air pollution, and insufficient physical exercise contribute to m…
(2020-06-06). [Editorial] Salient lessons from Russia's COVID-19 outbreak. thelancet.com Alexander Myasnikov, Russia's COVID-19 information chief, said in mid-April that it would be "impossible" for Russians to get the virus, estimating the probability of extensive spread in Russia at "0 ∑0%". This hubris has been sorely exposed. As of June 2, Russia has 423‚Äà186 cases, the third most in the world, while relatively few deaths from COVID-19 (5031) have been recorded. The rapid spread of the epidemic in Russia has highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of the health system, and presents the traditionally strong Russian leadership with a new challenge.
(2020-06-06). [Perspectives] Journal of a plague year. thelancet.com Daniel Defoe's A Journal of the Plague Year is one of the best single accounts of an epidemic written in English. Published anonymously in 1722 as a contribution to public debates about the prospect of plague reaching Britain from the French port of Marseilles, it takes the form of the literary memoir by "H.F." during London's "great plague" of 1665. The sources for the memoir and its status as fact or fiction are complicated. Defoe clearly had strong opinions, informed by continental initiatives, about how societies and people should respond to plague and he used Restoration London as a place to rehearse them.
(2020-06-06). [World Report] COVID-19 vaccine development pipeline gears up. thelancet.com Vaccine makers are racing to develop COVID-19 vaccines, and have advanced ten candidates into clinical trials. But challenges remain. Asher Mullard reports.
(2020-06-06). [Comment] Regenerative medicine: challenges and opportunities. thelancet.com In 2018, the Lancet Commission on stem cells and regenerative medicine1 reported how, despite an exponential growth in experimental therapies, there had been limited clinical uptake. Regenerative medicine comprises various novel approaches such as cell and gene therapy that have produced life-saving therapies for a few genetic diseases affecting blood or skin. Enthusiasm about the broad potential of regenerative medicine led to a gap between expectations and the realities of translating technologies into clinical practice.
(2020-06-06). [Obituary] Fernando Morales. thelancet.com Infectious disease specialist focusing on HIV prevention and treatment. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Aug 15, 1970, he died from suspected complications of COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on May 5, 2020, aged 49 years.
(2020-06-05). Protests spread in Chile as hospitals reach saturation point. wsws.org The loss of life is the outcome of decades of pro-corporate policies that have led to a chronically underfunded health system, now on the verge of collapse and extreme poverty.
(2020-06-05). Thousands of US medical workers join protests against police violence. wsws.org Protests by health care workers expanded significantly Thursday, with more demonstrations planned for Friday and Saturday.
(2020-06-05). [Letter] COVID-19: Compounding the health-related harms of human trafficking. thelancet.com Those affected by human trafficking are exposed to multiple severe health risks, including physical, sexual, and psychological violence, occupational hazards, and deprivation, and usually require urgent medical care to address the physical and psychological consequences of extreme exploitation [1]. COVID-19 threatens to exacerbate the health disparities faced by this vulnerable group.
(2020-06-05). [Letter] Preparing for a COVID-19 surge. thelancet.com As of May 12, 2020, over 4.2 million cases of COVID-19 across 187 countries have been reported, of which 1.3 million have occurred in the United States (US) alone [1]. Although many infected individuals will have mild symptoms, older patients are disproportionately more likely to progress to severe disease (US adults aged 65—84 are hospitalized at a rate of 31—59%, and infected adults over 85 at a rate of 31—70%) [2]. As hospital capacity and the population density of older adults vary considerably across the country and worldwide, understanding which regions will face disproportionate burden fr…
(2020-06-05). Nijmie Zakkiyah Dzurinko: "State violence has many fronts" peoplesdispatch.org Activist from Put People First! Pennsylvania discusses the denial of healthcare as an aspect of state violence and historic, systemic oppression of Black, Indigenous and working class people in the US…
(2020-06-05). How do you resist a hybrid war amid a pandemic? peoplesdispatch.org The COVID-19 pandemic has provoked a series of unexpected challenges in countries across the world. However amid the uncertainty, crisis and tragedy, we have seen traces of a more humane society based in solidarity. In several countries, States have committed to paying the salaries of workers that lost their jobs, some have implemented a basic income, and the healthcare systems have been re-nationalized. These measures have shown not only that it is not antagonistic to protect and support the people but long term it is actually better for the economy. On the international level, China and Cuba stand out for showi…
(2020-06-05). Video: COVID-19 "Fake" Data in Italy: Politician Slams False Numbers: Vittorio Sgarbi. globalresearch.ca Vittorio Sgarbi, MP (Forza Italia) slammed the closure of 60% of Italian businesses: A decision which was taken on the basis of an alleged 25,000 Coronavirus deaths. "It's not true," he said. | . | According to the National Institute of Health, …
(2020-06-05). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Health and Human Services plays key role in supporting Americans amid COVID-19 crisis. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The COVID-19 pandemic has been a unique situation that has required work across federal and state agencies to support communities and frontline workers during this challenging time. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has played a key role by providing effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health …
(2020-06-05). Demonstrators must protect themselves, and others, from COVID-19: UN health agency. news.un.org Demonstrators who want to go into the street to make their voices heard, should take every precaution against catching or passing on the coronavirus, as the global pandemic is far from over, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
(2020-06-05). Covid-19: BAME review — "did not survive contact with Matt Hancock's office" truepublica.org.uk By TruePublica: The government removed a key section from Public Health England's review of the relative risk of covid-19 to specific groups. The report found a crucial piece of information had been deliberately left out by Matt Hancock's office because "of concerns it would stoke racial tension." The report was published on Tuesday, with very little …
(2020-06-05). Swedish health officials admit "herd immunity" policy led to "too many" deaths. wsws.org Sweden's policy has been lauded internationally by mouthpieces for the financial elite and big business, who were determined to force working people back to their jobs as soon as multi-billion bailouts for the financial oligarchy were completed.
(2020-06-05). Racism is a Public Health Crisis. counterpunch.org We're facing a state of emergency. Not only has the death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic risen above 105,000 in the United States alone, but it seems to be disproportionately lethal for Black Americans. While COVID-19 is still a growing pandemic, it's unmasking itself as a racial injustice as well. A growing number of communities
(2020-06-05). Mayo Clinic Minute: Why tobacco users should call it quits. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Tobacco users have an increased risk of becoming very sick if they contract the virus that causes COVID-19. If you use tobacco and want to stop, consider World No Tobacco Day on Sunday, May 31 as a start date. "During this time when the COVID-19 pandemic has made maintaining the health of ourselves and our …
(2020-06-05). UAW withholds information six days after Louisville Ford worker tests positive for COVID-19. wsws.org Workers were outraged at the United Auto Workers union for concealing information about the spread of the deadly disease at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
(2020-06-05). Coronavirus grief: Coping with the loss of routine during the pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org It isn't easy adjusting to changes brought on by the pandemic. Consider how to deal with grief caused by the loss of your normal routine. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed people's lives in many ways. In addition to feeling grief over the loss of life caused by COVID-19, you're likely grieving the loss …
(2020-06-05). How to safely go to your doctor during the COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Are you wondering if it's time to schedule those doctor appointments you've been putting off? Restrictions related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are easing in many places, but you may still have concerns about COVID-19. Learn how to stay safe from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) while getting the care you need. Do your homework Before you …
(2020-06-05). Male hormones behind BALDNESS could be cause of higher Covid-19 FATALITIES in MEN — research. rt.com 
Scientists now believe that androgens, the group of male hormones that also cause baldness, actually help the coronavirus to attack cells and could be a major factor in the higher number of male Covid-19 deaths worldwide. | Researchers in Madrid are investigating the interaction between these male sex hormones — such as testosterone — and the coronavirus in Covid-19 patients, with multiple studies already finding that bald men suffer worse cases of the disease than others. | "We think androgens or male hormones are definitely the gateway for the virus to enter our cells," said Professor Carlos Wambie…
(2020-06-05). BAME staff account for 60% of coronavirus health worker deaths and faced the greatest PPE shortages. thecanary.co 
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff account for 60% of frontline healthcare worker deaths with coronavirus, new analysis indicates.The PA news agency has verified the deaths of 166 frontline UK healthcare workers with coronavirus (Covid-19) since the start of March this year.Of those, 100 workers came from BAME backgrounds, while 39 (23%) were white and 27 (16%) were of unknown ethnic origin.The figures include people who were working in roles shortly before their deaths where they were likely to come into contact with patients.Staff at care homes have not been included in the figures as not enough reli…
(2020-06-05). George Floyd protests will be Covid-19 'seeding event,' CDC director warns while taking heat over pandemic response. rt.com 
CDC head Robert Redfield has faced wrath online after urging protesters to be tested for Covid-19 and lamenting that his agency's message is not getting through. He was reminded of the CDC's own clumsy response to the crisis. | During a congressional hearing on the government's handling of the pandemic on Thursday, Redfield told lawmakers he was "very concerned" that the CDC's message on the virus is not "resonating" with the public. He warned that crowded anti-police brutality demonstrations held in scores of cities over the last week could propel a spike in new cases. | "I do think there is a potential, unfo…
(2020-06-05). Oxygen treatment: Russian doctors experimenting with PRESSURE CHAMBERS to defeat Covid-19. rt.com 
As the world researches vaccines and cures, it is no secret that defeating Covid-19 is everyone's top priority. In Moscow, some scientists are using a completely different, experimental technique: hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). | The procedure works by placing a patient in a pressure chamber and having them breathe in oxygen-rich air. In the chamber, air pressure is much higher than the body is used to, meaning the lungs can breathe in much more pure oxygen, speeding up natural healing processes. | "The procedure aims to avoid transferring the patient to an artificial lung ventilation apparatus," said Serge…
(2020-06-05). Iran COVID-19 update: 2886 new cases, 63 deaths in 24 hours. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jun. 05 (MNA) — The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has infected 2886 people and claimed 63 lives in Iran in the past 24 hours, a senior health official said.
(2020-06-05). What you need to know about the coronavirus right now. yenisafak.com Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
(2020-06-06). [Review] Quality of primary health care in China: challenges and recommendations. thelancet.com China has substantially increased financial investment and introduced favourable policies for strengthening its primary health care system with core responsibilities in preventing and managing chronic diseases such as hypertension and emerging infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, widespread gaps in the quality of primary health care still exist. In this Review, we aim to identify the causes for this poor quality, and provide policy recommendations. System challenges include: the suboptimal education and training of primary health-care practitioners, a fee-for-service payment s…
(2020-06-05). 'The Pandemic Will Not Change UK or US Narrative When it Comes to Global Competition' – Analyst. sputniknews.com Government Communications Headquarters Director Jeremy Fleming said earlier this week that the NHS is being targeted by cyberattacks from Russia, China and Iran, which are aimed at getting access to sensitive data such as vaccine research in the UK.
(2020-06-05). Turks living in Europe to reunite with homeland soon. yenisafak.com The roads used often by expats in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany opened completely, via Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria.As of Thursday, June 4, Austria decided to open its borders to all its neighbors except Italy, and it was announced that health checks will be terminated, especially in Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Hungary, and quarantine and test conditions will be lifted.In Hungary, another country on the route to Turkey, the border crossings can be made at certain times of the day without prior permission, according to the government's regulation o…
(2020-06-05). Ready for take-off! Turkey certifies 53 airports as anti-virus ready. yenisafak.com Turkey has certified 53 of its airports as having taken all necessary measures against the spread of COVID-19, the nation's transport and infrastructure minister said on Friday."In addition to six airports that were previously certified, 47 more airports have become entitled to carry the certificate of 'airworthy' as of today," Adil Karaismailoglu said in a statement.He noted that all the precautionary measures are applied at every stage of travel."The priority of the airports that earned the certificate is our public health and safety," Karaismailoglu stressed.Turkey resumed domestic flights on Monday and is set…
(2020-06-04). Operating Outside the Rule of Law: Washington Pressures International Criminal Court. globalresearch.ca There is apparently no limit to what the United States and Israel can get away with without any consequences. The United States has been waging devastating economic warfare against Iran and Venezuela while also blaming China for a global health …
(2020-06-04). Venezuelan Government and Opposition Reach Deal to Fight Coronavirus. venezuelanalysis.com Spain has agreed to transfer $10 million in frozen Venezuelan funds to the Pan American Health Organization's medical efforts in the country.
(2020-06-04). Sri Lankan health workers protest wage and transport cuts during pandemic. wsws.org While hospital workers across all grades and union affiliations participated in the protests the unions are seeking to head off a confrontation with the government.
(2020-06-04). The Pandemic Is a Threat. The President Is Worse. thenation.com The Pandemic Is a Threat. The President Is Worse.
(2020-06-04). Protesters in Palo Alto Masked Up and Close Together. indybay.org On May 31 protesters spurred by the murder of George Floyd wore masks of many varieties, but social distancing was difficult. When asked about the 6 feet rule, some said they hadn't noticed how close they were to fellow demonstrators. Others said racism is a dire health threat that demands protest.
(2020-06-04). [Commentary] Testing for COVID-19 in patients with cancer. thelancet.com The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is, undoubtedly, posing unprecedented challenges on patient care including those without COVID-19 [1]. Given the complexity of cancer care, which is often multidisciplinary requiring immunosuppressive therapy, surgery and radiation, oncologists have to be judicious more than ever to protect patients, caregivers and all healthcare workers [2]. COVID-19 has challenged operations of all hospitals, travel industry, food industry, and closure of academic institutions.
(2020-06-04). [Commentary] Governments and international institutions should urgently attend to the unjust disparities that COVID-19 is exposing and causing. thelancet.com During the COVID-19 pandemic, world leaders should pay more attention to those populations living in the poorest conditions, such as the homeless, those in prisons, poor ethnic & racial minorities, and millions of distressed migrants and refugees in unsanitary camps, settlements, shelters or detention centres. These vulnerable groups are most likely to suffer the consequences of inadequate and equitable access to testing, treatment and medical care [1]. Socio-economic circumstances determine the distribution of health conditions in populations and the severity of outcomes.
(2020-06-04). Survey exposes COVID-19 dangers facing call centre workers. wsws.org Several call centre workers have lost their lives to COVID-19, with thousands in fear that their health and safety is being jeopardised.
(2020-06-04). Nearly half a million health care workers worldwide infected with coronavirus. wsws.org The International Council of Nurses reports that 600 nurses have died in the COVID-19 pandemic and estimates that 450,000 health care workers of all kinds have been infected worldwide.
(2020-06-04). Protect the environment, prevent pandemics, 'nature is sending us a clear message'. news.un.org On this year's World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5, the UN is drawing links between the health of the planet, and human health, and highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity, the system that supports life.
(2020-06-04). Trump Exploits Public Health and Racial Crises to Silence Public, Increase Pollution, Steamroll Vulnerable Communities. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-06-04). US nurses speak on dangers of COVID-19 exposure at their workplaces. wsws.org WSWS reporters spoke to nurses across the US who shared their anger and frustration over governmental and employer neglect throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2020-06-04). 'Global solidarity' needed, to find affordable, accessible COVID-19 vaccine. news.un.org In the race to end the coronavirus pandemic, the UN chief reminded a virtual medical conference on Thursday that "a vaccine, by itself, is not enough".
(2020-06-04). When Profits and Politics Drive Science: Rushing a Vaccine to Market for a Vanishing Virus. globalresearch.ca More than 100 companies are competing to be first in the race to get a COVID-19 vaccine to market. It's a race against time, not because the death rate is climbing but because it is falling — to the point …
(2020-06-04). New claims for state unemployment insurance 1.9 million in last week of May. fightbacknews.org San José, CA – On Thursday, June 4 the federal Department of Labor reported that 1.9 million new claims for state unemployment insurance or UI benefits were filed in the week ending May 30. This was down by 250,000 claims from the previous week, continuing the slow decline in new applications. However, this was still more than two and a half times higher than the previous pre-pandemic record of almost 700,000 claims made during the deep 1981-82 recession. | The total number of people receiving state unemployment benefits – which is delayed by a week – rose by 650,000 to 21.5 million for the week ending May 23. Th…
(2020-06-04). Health Over Profits!" Where The Hell Is OSHA At? Oakland Speak-out For Health Safety &. indybay.org Trade unionists and workers spoke out about the failure of Cal-OSHA to defend health and safety on the job. Cal-OSHA because of Governor Newsom and the California legislature has less than 200 OSHA inspectors and there are no physical inspections. Workers also talked about how they are retaliated against for making health and safety complaints.
(2020-06-04). Blue Planet Live presenter condemns 'way we manipulate wildlife'. thecanary.co The mismanagement of the environment and the destruction of natural wildlife habitats have allowed viruses like coronavirus (Covid-19) to emerge, according to a zoologist and broadcaster. | Liz Bonnin, who co-presents Blue Planet Live, described the coronavirus pandemic as an "existential crisis" and blamed the over-extraction of natural resources and the "manipulation" of wildlife. | Scientists believe Covid-19 has origins in animals, likely from bats, and may have come from live animal markets in China. | Previous global epidemics including severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Ebola have also been linke…