(2020-05-09). War of words over actual war? US BLOCKS UN resolution on global Covid-19 ceasefire over its support for WHO. rt.com 
A dispute between the US and China scuttled a proposed UN resolution calling for a global ceasefire during the Covid-19 pandemic, after Beijing insisted on support for the World Health Organization and Washington vetoed it. | All 15 members of the UN Security Council agreed in principle with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' call for a global ceasefire, made on March 23, but have wrangled over the wording of the resolution ever since. China has insisted on including support for the WHO and the agency's role in dealing with the pandemic, while the US demanded removal of all references to the WHO and insertion…
(2020-05-09). Prodded by Right Wingers, Santa Cruz Businesses Operate Outside of Health Restrictions. indybay.org The "Committee to Reopen Santa Cruz," a group founded recently by right wing extremists who believe the COVID-19 Pandemic is a hoax, is prodding local businesses to open early. The group has announced that the Om Gallery on Pacific Avenue is opening to two shoppers at a time from 1-5pm on Friday, May 8, by appointment. The Committee to Reopen Santa Cruz also plans to do "guerrilla yoga" at a studio that will secretly open its doors for the group. "Some studios are opening the back door for the cool kids club. No Snitches," a flyer for a May 8 "Freedom Friday" protest states. On May 6, the Santa Cruz County Health…
(2020-05-09). [Correspondence] The Global Kidney Exchange programme — Authors' reply. thelancet.com Marta López-Fraga and Beatriz Domínguez-Gil make their point about our Health Policy on the ethics of the Global Kidney Exchange (GKE) programme1 by asking us to imagine that Alyson, an Ohio farmer, is willing to donate a kidney to her daughter but unable to afford the surgery. Medicare pays for kidney transplantation surgery in the USA, even for people younger than 65 years, so there is no way in which GKE could prevent Alyson's daughter from receiving a kidney from her mother. Kidney transplantations are covered by national health services or insurance in every other high-income country (HIC) too.
(2020-05-09). [Correspondence] Unfortunate distinction or corporate protectionism by design? thelancet.com We commend the Editors for bringing to readers' attention the "unfortunate distinction" of Canada's otherwise laudable publicly funded Medicare.1 The effects of this distinction on health, such as poor adherence, poor health outcomes, and avoidable hospital admissions, are well documented.2,3…
(2020-05-09). [Correspondence] The Global Kidney Exchange programme. thelancet.com We read the Health Policy about the Global Kidney Exchange programme by Francesca Minerva and colleagues1 with interest.
(2020-05-09). [Comment] Reconnecting for our future: The Lancet One Health Commission. thelancet.com The evolution and sustenance of our planet hinges on a symbiotic relationship between humans, animals, and the environment that we share—we are interconnected. However, this past century has seen human dominance over the biosphere, manifest in technological innovations, accelerated mobility, and converted ecosystems that characterise industrialisation, globalisation, and urbanisation.1 These developmental trajectories have advanced human health in unprecedented ways. However, they also make humans increasingly vulnerable to contemporary global health challenges, such as emerging and re-emerging infectious d…
(2020-05-09). [Perspectives] Celebrating Florence Nightingale's bicentenary. thelancet.com For the many admirers of Florence Nightingale (1820—1910), the bicentenary of her birth on May 12, 2020, has been long anticipated. Few of us could have foreseen that this birthday would come at a time when a swathe of new temporary hospitals bearing her name had been set up in the UK—the NHS Nightingale Hospitals, intended to support the response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). No other name could have been as suitable. 200 years after her birth, the work and concerns of Nightingale are as relevant today as they ever were.
(2020-05-09). [Comment] Aspirin for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. thelancet.com The antithrombotic efficacy of low-dose aspirin is well established. Its primary clinical effect is mediated by inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase-1, which reduces thromboxane A2 formation and inhibits platelet aggregation. Over the course of recent decades, aspirin administration has shown a favourable risk—benefit ratio for reducing the risk of adverse events in patients with known atherosclerotic disease.1,2 By contrast, in patients without known atherosclerotic disease who are at risk of cardiovascular disease, the overall benefits of aspirin in terms of primary prevention of atherothrombotic events…
(2020-05-09). [Comment] Psoriatic arthritis: still room for improvement. thelancet.com Psoriatic arthritis is a complex and heterogeneous inflammatory disease, characterised by diverse clinical manifestations. Patients might have musculoskeletal manifestations—ie, peripheral or axial arthritis, enthesitis, dactylitis, and tendinitis—but non-musculoskeletal involvement is also prevalent—eg, nails, gut, and eyes, in addition to latent or manifest psoriasis.1 Additionally, patients with psoriatic arthritis have increased risk of cardiovascular, psychological, and metabolic comorbidities.
(2020-05-09). [Editorial] COVID-19 in Brazil: "So what?" thelancet.com The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reached Latin America later than other continents. The first case recorded in Brazil was on Feb 25, 2020. But now, Brazil has the most cases and deaths in Latin America (105‚Äà222 cases and 7288 deaths as of May 4), and these are probably substantial underestimates. Even more worryingly, the doubling of the rate of deaths is estimated at only 5 days and a recent study by Imperial College (London, UK), which analysed the active transmission rate of COVID-19 in 48 countries, showed that Brazil is the country with the highest rate of transmission (R0…
(2020-05-09). Mayo Clinic receives $26 million from BARDA for COVID-19 convalescent plasma expanded access program. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Mayo Clinic was awarded a $26 million contract today from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The financial support is for the Expanded Access Program (EAP) for convalescent plasma to fight COVID-19. …
(2020-05-09). NHS staff condemn UK health worker deaths and government herd immunity strategy. wsws.org The UK has registered the highest number of fatalities in Europe from the virus, including at least 200 health and social care workers.
(2020-05-09). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Maintaining routine vaccine schedules during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the World Health Organization(WHO) says more than 117 million children in 37 countries may be missing out on the lifesaving measles vaccine. The WHO had issued some guidelines to help countries sustain immunization activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic …
(2020-05-09). 106,220 infected by, 85,064 recover from coronavirus in Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 09 (MNA) — Iran's Health Ministry Spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on Saturday that the number of coronavirus cases has hit 106,220 in the country, while 85,064 have recovered from the disease.
(2020-05-09). The Hardest Hit: America's Mayors on the Fight Against Coronavirus (Health Care Voter). indybay.org Facebook livestream…
(2020-05-09). French Senate votes to give officials legal indemnity over coronavirus infections. wsws.org The provisions cover the entire period since the state declared a national health emergency in March, and apply to elected representatives, ministers, civil servants and employers.
(2020-05-09). 'Mayo Clinic Anxiety Coach' e-tool to help children with mental health concerns. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org ROCHESTER, Minn.
(2020-05-09). The Hardest Hit: Latino People & the Fight Against Coronavirus (Health Care Voter). indybay.org Livestream on Facebook…
(2020-05-09). Mental health crisis erupts among health care workers confronting coronavirus. wsws.org Countless testimonials have emerged documenting the psychological harm being inflicted on nurses, doctors and other health workers as a result of the pandemic.
(2020-05-09). Brazil's Bolsonaro demands return to work as health care system collapses. wsws.org A recent study indicates that the country may have more than 2 million infections as Bolsonaro, speaking for Brazil's employers, urges a "return to normalcy."
(2020-05-09). Number of patients infected with coronavirus declining in Tehran: Harirchi. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 09 (MNA) — Iranian Deputy Minister of Health Iraj Harirchi said that the number of hospitalized patients, clients, and ICU admissions, as well as deaths from the deadly virus, has been decreasing in Tehran.
(2020-05-09). WHO offers 100k COVID-19 test kits to Iran. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 09 (MNA) — The World Health Organization has offered more than 100,000 COVID-19 diagnostic tests to Iran in continuation of its support for affected countries.
(2020-05-09). The Hardest Hit: Asian-American and Pacific Islander People & the Fight Against COVID19. indybay.org Facebook livestream…
(2020-05-09). The Hardest Hit: Our Votes & Continuing the Fight Against COVID19 (Health Care Voter). indybay.org Facebook livestream…
(2020-05-09). Science Saturday: Regenerative approaches could foster healing from COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Regenerative Medicine aims not only to repair or restore the function of cells, tissues or organs, but also the whole person. The latter is particularly important amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Regenerative approaches draw on the body's natural abilities to heal, focus on establishing the healing environments and building new, healthy ways of functioning. These aspects of regenerative …
(2020-05-09). Masking your kids during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Do you or don't you wear a mask? If you do, what material is best? And what about children? Questions around masks during the COVID-19 pandemic abound, especially in light of the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that all Americans wear masks in public settings. "The direction around face masks has …
(2020-05-09). Spring cleaning takes on a new importance during COVID-19 pandemic. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released reopening guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools and homes. Dr. Gregory Poland, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases expert, suggests taking a practical approach to spring cleaning. If no one in your household has been infected, he says standard spring cleaning practices …
(2020-05-09). Mayo Clinic's comprehensive COVID-19 research. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org "At Mayo, we've developed a comprehensive research portfolio, or what we call a COVID-19 research task force, in order to respond to every area that we need to learn more about this virus. We have scientists doing research in epidemiology. We have people doing research in immunology and vaccine development, in virology, in translational work, in …
(2020-05-09). Why you need to keep your child's vaccine schedule during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Millions of children may be at risk of missing or delaying their routine childhood vaccines due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine specialist, says she understands being thoughtful about taking your children outside the home for doctor's visits during this time. "The current situation with the novel coronavirus shows us how scary …
(2020-05-09). Global number of people diagnosed with COVID-19 cases tops 4mn. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 09 (MNA) — The number of people infected by the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, in the world exceeded four million, according to the 'worldometer' website which traces the latest news on the disease in world.
(2020-05-09). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Possible neurological effects of COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Originally identified as a respiratory disease, some COVID-19 patients exhibit neurologic symptoms including stroke, loss of consciousness, headache, and even the loss of taste and smell. What's unknown is whether these are direct effects of the virus entering the nervous system, or consequences of the disease's effect on the body. On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, …
(2020-05-09). What COVID-19 does to your lungs. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org m __________________________________________________ For the latest updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. For more information and COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.
(2020-05-09). New Local Data Reveals UK's Genuine COVID Hot Spots Amid Lockdown Easing Plans. sputniknews.com Despite earlier beliefs that the epidemic has been taking the biggest toll on large cities, borough-by-borough incidence statistics show that some small areas fare even worse.
(2020-05-09). WHO clause blocks UN Security Council virus resolution. yenisafak.com The US and China have gridlocked the United Nations Security Council in a dispute centered on the World Health Organizations (WHO) and the novel coronavirus pandemic.Six-week talks for a COVID-19 draft resolution have grinder to a halt due to discussions on WHO, diplomatic sources told Anadolu Agency.The resolution, prepared by France and non-permanent member Tunisia, includes 90 days cease-fire in conflicts around the world due to the outbreak.While the US supports the global cease-fire call made by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, China has pushed for a reference to WHO in the resolution.Washington oppos…
(2020-05-09). Turkmenistan: Hermit nation yet to take major coronavirus hit. yenisafak.com There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at present in Turkmenistan, according to the UN Resident Coordinator in the Central Asian country.WHO has not been notified of any such cases by country's health authorities, Elena Panova told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.Turkmenistan, like many other countries, has undertaken "serious measures" to prepare and prevent the pandemic, Panova said."The Government of Turkmenistan reports zero cases, which gives an opportunity for the country to continue preparations and strengthen the health system for the possible spread of epidemics."On protecting people from the…
(2020-05-09). Australia: COVID-19 death toll climbs to 98. yenisafak.com The number killed by the novel coronavirus surged to 98 in Australia with an additional death Saturday in New South Wales (NSW). | Health authorities said a 92-year-old patient lost her life at a carehouse in Sydney, becoming the latest victim. | Australia has conducted more than 750,000 coronavirus tests and 6,079 patients recovered from the virus. | There are still 849 active cases, including 21 patients in intensive care units. | New Zealand registered two cases following 7,204 performed Friday. | It tested more than 183,000 and 1,368 of 1,492 patients recovered. | New Zealand implemented an emergency in a bid…
(2020-05-09). Iran: Virus death toll at 6,589, cases cross 105,000. yenisafak.com The coronavirus death toll in Iran rose to 6,589 with 48 more fatalities over the past 24 hours, state media reported on Saturday.A total of 1,529 more people tested positive for COVID-19 over the past day, raising the overall count to 106,220, Iran's state broadcaster reported, citing a statement from the Health Ministry.It said 85,064 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals so far, while 2,696 patients remain in critical condition.A total of 573,220 tests have been conducted in the country, according to the ministry.In Iran, one of the Middle Eastern countries hardest hit by the pandemic, CO…
(2020-05-09). Spain's coronavirus daily death tolls falls to 179 on Saturday. yenisafak.com Spain's daily death toll from the coronavirus fell to 179 on Saturday, down from 229 on the previous day, the health ministry reported.Overall deaths rose to 26,478 from 26,299 on Friday and the number of diagnosed cases rose to 223,578 from 222,857 the day before, the ministry said.
(2020-05-09). 3,700 newly diagnosed with COVID-19 across Africa. yenisafak.com Some 3,719 new cases of the novel coronavirus were recorded over the last 24 hours across Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Saturday morning.Bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in Africa to 57,746, the daily update saw the continent-wide death toll grow by 77 to reach 2,151.It added that 715 patients had recovered in the 24-hour period, with the total tally now at 19,351.North Africa confirmed the most cases of the virus across the continent's five geographical regions with 20,600 cases, followed by West Africa with 16,900, Southern Africa with 9,500, East…
(2020-05-08). Supply-Siders for Death and Tax Cuts. progressive.org Now Trump's right-wing economists are trying their hand at public health policy.
(2020-05-08). 'Police state' & bad for IT business: Telegram founder who ditched Russia unloads on the US & life in Silicon Valley. rt.com 
High taxes, bad healthcare, police repression, lack of culture, poor education… Telegram founder Pavel Durov wants you to know he really doesn't like Silicon Valley and thinks living or doing business in the US is a terrible idea. | The St. Petersburg-born Durov, 35, is best known as a cofounder of Russia's premier social network VKontakte and later Telegram, an immensely popular encrypted messaging app. As a self-professed vegetarian and libertarian, he gives many Silicon Valley tech moguls a run for their money when it comes to quirks — but outdid them all when he resigned from VKontakte in 2014 and l…
(2020-05-08). One in five US kids is obese, and it could get WORSE due to Covid-19 lockdowns, even amid growing shortages. rt.com 
Nearly a fifth of America's youth are severely overweight, the latest national data shows. The trend only got worse with millions idling indoors under Covid-19 lockdowns — even as the same policies propel food shortages in the US. | The newest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — derived from a gold-standard health survey in which more than 2,800 children were polled — shows that 19.3 percent of American children aged between two and 19 are obese, up by about one percent from the previous national survey, according to the Associated Press. | The newly released data w…
(2020-05-08). New York State Tries to Suspend Democracy; NYT and WaPo Shrug. fair.org 
Blaming health risks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the New York State Board of Elections announced last week that the state would simply cancel its Democratic presidential primary, leaving former Vice President Joe Biden to be proclaimed the victor without a vote. The response from the country's two most prominent newspapers? Meh. The Washington Post (
(2020-05-08). Victory in Europe Day: These American Corporations Aided Nazi Germany. mintpressnews.com 
May 8 marks the 75th anniversary of the Allied armies' victory in Europe, the day when they accepted the formal surrender of Nazi Germany after a bitter, six-year-long struggle that saw tens of millions killed in fighting, famines or exterminated in death camps. While many novel socially-distanced celebrations across the world are going on, some large corporations are laying low in the knowledge that they actively collaborated with and helped Hitler's war machine. | Standard Oil, a huge monolith now split up into a myriad of smaller ones, including Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, and Marathon, was crucial to both prolon…
(2020-05-08). U.S. to roll back infection control rules in nursing homes in midst of pandemic. liberationnews.org 
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a large number of long-term care facilities were failing to maintain appropriate standards of hygiene and disease prevention.
(2020-05-08). Selected Articles: Economics and the Pandemic, Where's the Money coming From? globalresearch.ca 
By As coronavirus broke out, Israel became the first Western country to close itself off to all flights . It then proceeded …
(2020-05-08). 'Huge Moment for the Movement': New Orleans City Council Unanimously Backs Medicare for All. commondreams.org The resolution passed Thursday endorses federal legislation ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage both for the duration of the pandemic and beyond. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-05-08). Corona Tyranny — and Death by Famine. globalresearch.ca By the end of 2020 more people will have died from hunger, despair and suicide than from the corona disease. We, the world, is facing a famine-pandemic of biblical proportions. This real pandemic will overtake the "COVID-19 pandemic" by a …
(2020-05-08). Roaming Charges: Ain't Living Long Like This. counterpunch.org + The detestable rationalizations liberals make for sticking with Biden despite Tara Reade's convincing story can't come as any surprise. It's the same ritual contortions they've made about the Iraq war, fracking, abortion, the drug war, Anita Hill, social security, segregation, climate change, health care, deportations, a living wage, student debt, the Patriot Act, pipelines, the Libyan coup, climate change. To be a Democrat is to live in a constant state of denial, self-contradiction and moral hypocrisy.
(2020-05-08). Wisconsin Still in Dark on Protest. progressive.org Dozens of cases linked to large gatherings, but the state can't say how many were from a rally held in defiance of health mandates.
