(2020-07-31). Pressure builds on Sunak as shielding guidance eases and government reduces furlough support on 1 August. thecanary.co 
A coalition of charities is urging the chancellor to protect the jobs of workers who have been shielding, warning they will be put in an "impossible position" when restrictions ease.An open letter to Rishi Sunak was signed by 15 charities, including Age UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. It raises concerns that those who've been shielding will be forced to choose between their health and their job. | @RishiSunak to introduce a 'furlough-style scheme' for those who are #shielding or high risk and cannot safely return to work:
(2020-07-31). Decades of "the Neoliberal Plague" Left U.S. Unprepared for COVID-19 Outbreak. zcomm.org "We should understand the roots of this pandemic"
(2020-07-31). [Research Paper] Mendelian randomization case-control PheWAS in UK Biobank shows evidence of causality for smoking intensity in 28 distinct clinical conditions. thelancet.com These genetic data demonstrate the substantial adverse health impacts by smoking intensity and suggest notable increases in the risks of several diseases. Public health initiatives should highlight the damage caused by smoking intensity and the potential benefits of reducing or ideally quitting smoking.
(2020-07-31). Donald Trump's Misguided Attacks on WHO. counterpunch.org As an international public health consultant, I have carried out several public health missions for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Latin America and the Caribbean. I am aware of WHO's shortcomings, but also of its contribution to world health. President Donald Trump's remarks and
(2020-07-31). Health must come before the economy, insists top UN official for Latin America and the Caribbean. news.un.org In Latin America, where much of the region has dealt with years of sluggish growth, the economic crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is pushing millions more into poverty, says Alicia Bárcena, the head of the UN regional body for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
(2020-07-31). Mayo Clinic Expands Commitment To Serving Veterans By Participating In VA Community Care Network Beginning August 1, 2020. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Veterans in the upper Midwest may now be eligible to receive care in their local communities from Mayo Clinic Health System providers; and veterans around the country may be eligible for unique care for complex health issues at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Mayo Clinic in Florida, and Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. This expanded access is …
(2020-07-31). On Medicare and Medicaid's 55th Birthday, Let's Expand Benefits—Not Cut Them. counterpunch.org On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare and Medicaid into law. This crowning achievement was both the culmination of a decades-long effort to attain guaranteed universal health insurance and the first step in the quest for Medicare for All. In the 55 years since the legislation was signed into law, both programs
(2020-07-31). Federal $600 a week addition to unemployment insurance runs out. fightbacknews.org San José, CA – 25 million Americans or more are losing their additional $600 a week in unemployment insurance benefits even as the number of people applying for unemployment benefits continues to rise. Up to one-third of all renters have already lost eviction protection from the federal government, and the Republican proposal does not include extending it. Millions of other households are under threat of losing their electrical power for not paying their bills. | The depth of the economic crisis stoked by the uncontrolled COVID-19 pandemic was shown this morning, July 30, in the Commerce Department's report on Gr…
(2020-07-31). Moderna Shows Those Lazy Unemployed Workers How to Rip Off the Government. zcomm.org Source: Center for Economic and Policy Research Moderna, a relatively new biotech company, has generally been seen as the leading U.S. contender to develop a coronavirus vaccine, although it trails several Chinese companies. Whether or not its vaccine pans out, it should certainly get an award for milking the government. It was the big winner
(2020-07-31). Bangladesh: Daily virus deaths hit monthly low. yenisafak.com "Since July 1 this is the lowest death record, and we hope that people will follow the social distancing guidelines during the holy Eid al-Adha so that the pandemic situation does not escalate further," Dr. Ayesha Akhter, a top government health official, told Anadolu Agency.The overcrowded South Asian country of 165 million people on June 30 saw its highest single-day new death total of 64.Since then deaths have totaled around 50 per day.However, after the seasonal monsoon rains and upstream onrush of water caused heavy floods and marooned nearly one-third of the country starting earlier this month, the number o…
(2020-07-31). Virus cases, deaths mount in Central Asia, Eurasia. yenisafak.com More coronavirus cases and fatalities were reported in Central Asian and Eurasian countries on Friday.- KazakhstanKazakhstan reported 1,414 more COVID-19 cases, bringing its total so far to 89,078, while recoveries rose 1,702 to reach 59,517.A total of 793 virus patients have died in the Central Asian country so far, with nearly 30,000 still under treatment.- UkraineHealth Minister Maksym Stepanov said 1,090 more people tested positive for COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, raising the total count to 69,884.He said 20 more fatalities pushed the death toll up to 1,693, while recoveries increased by 622 to reach 36,7…
(2020-07-31). COVID-19 infections rise in Belgium's capital. yenisafak.com In a single day the number of Brussels municipalities in the coronavirus alarm zone more than doubled from four to 10, Belgium's Public Health Institute Sciensano announced on Friday. | At the same time, the country saw a 62% rise in new coronavirus cases on July 21-27 compared to the previous week. On average, some 371 people were infected by the virus daily. | This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases to 68,006 since the outbreak, out of which 9,840 lost their lives. | According to the latest figures, six new municipalities in the capital saw more than 20 new daily cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is c…
(2020-07-31). Top London NHS hospital trust joins Imperial's Academic Health Science Centre. imperial.ac.uk Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has joined the Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre (AHSC).
(2020-07-30). Chomsky on Cuba's "Internationalist" Response to Pandemic & Need to Make Vaccine Globally Accessible. democracynow.org 
As the world races to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, Noam Chomsky says any successful treatment must be accessible to everyone, and he warns that President Trump's withdrawal from the World Health Organization will hamper the international body's efforts to distribute medicine in countries racked by poverty and war. "There's at least one country in the world that is showing genuine internationalism, providing medical aid and support for people that need it," Chomsky says, and that is Cuba.
(2020-07-30). Headlines for July 30, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. COVID-19 Death Toll Tops 150,000 as Public Health Experts Call for "Reset" in Response, GOP Rep. Louie Gohmert Tests Positive for Coronavirus After Refusing to Wear Mask in Capitol, Brazil Records Record Daily Coronavirus Toll as Deaths Top 90,000, Mexico's Health Ministry Recommends Masks But Won't Require Them, Vietnam Reports First Coronavirus Cases in Months; Just 1,000 Pilgrims Join Hajj in Mecca, Oregon Governor Says Federal Agents Will Withdraw From Portland Amid Protests, Lawmakers Grill Big Tech CEOs Over Anticompetitive Practices, Extended Jobless Benefits Expiring as Lawmakers Fail to Break Stalem…
(2020-07-30). Noam Chomsky: Decades of "the Neoliberal Plague" Left U.S. Unprepared for COVID-19 Outbreak. democracynow.org 
As the U.S. coronavirus death toll tops 150,000, we spend the hour with world-renowned political dissident, linguist and author Noam Chomsky, who says decades of neoliberal policies that shredded the social safety net and public institutions left the country ill-prepared for a major health crisis. "We should understand the roots of this pandemic," he says.
(2020-07-30). Ilhan Omar roasted for idea to replace police at schools with mental care workers; What if there's a shooting? people online ask. rt.com 
US Democratic Party Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was blasted on Twitter for proposing that police officers be swapped with mental health staff at schools. Many argued online that the idea would make the schools even less safe. | Omar tweeted that "over-policing doesn't make them safer — it criminalizes Black and brown students." Along with fellow Representative Ayanna Pressley, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Chris Murphy, she proposed a bill to replace police officers at schools with mental health professionals. | Over-policing our schools doesn't make them safer — it criminalizes Black and brown student…
(2020-07-30). Authorities in Australian state of Victoria make masks compulsory for all. rt.com 
The state of Victoria, considered Australia's coronavirus hot spot, will make wearing masks compulsory after reporting a record 723 new cases on Thursday. | Masks have been compulsory for the past week in the state capital, Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city with 5 million people, and a neighboring semi-rural district. | Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said masks or similar face coverings will become compulsory across the state starting late Sunday. | Melbourne and neighboring Mitchell Shire are halfway through a six-week lockdown, which Andrews said could be extended, AP reports. Health authorities ha…
(2020-07-30). NHS workers target 'coward' Johnson in march to Downing Street. thecanary.co 
A nurse has said she would invite Boris Johnson to join her on a shift if there was a second wave of coronavirus, as hundreds of NHS workers marched to Downing Street demanding an immediate pay rise.NHS staff made their way to Whitehall on 29 July, carrying banners that said "Clapping won't pay my bills" and "We helped you survive, now help us survive".Health workers are in the final year of a three-year deal and are due a pay rise next April, but unions want the government to show its appreciation for NHS staff by bringing it forward to this year.The government did not commit to an early pay rise for all NHS sta…
(2020-07-30). Israeli bus drivers' strike over COVID-19 safety concerns. wsws.org More than a thousand bus drivers have been infected with the disease and hundreds are in quarantine, as the number of cases among Israel's 9 million population has soared.
(2020-07-30). Young people 'not invincible' in COVID-19 pandemic: WHO chief. news.un.org Although older people are among those at highest risk of COVID-19, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has reminded younger generations that they are "not invincible" when it comes to the disease.
(2020-07-30). The Key to Defeating COVID-19 Already Exists. Hydroxychloroquine. We Need to Start Using It. globalresearch.ca As professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health, I have authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and currently hold senior positions on the editorial boards of several leading journals. I am usually accustomed to advocating for positions within the …
(2020-07-30). Bolivians oppose postponement of elections. peoplesdispatch.org On July 23, the Supreme Electoral Court (TSE) postponed the elections scheduled for September 6 to October 18, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the third time since the coup in November 2019 that elections have been postponed. On July 28, mobilizations were held across Bolivia opposing this delay in elections. Indigenous, peasant, rural and women organizations organized massive demonstrations in the capital city La Paz, among other cities, under the banner of "For Democracy, Health and Life".
(2020-07-30). Our Lungs Are Under Attack—We Must Protect Them to Stay Alive. commondreams.org Without healthy planetary lungs we will die. (Photo: Matt Zimmerman/flickr/cc) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-07-30). Frontline Coronavirus Doctors, Patients, Business and Labor Leaders Describe How Corporate Health Care Failed Them. commondreams.org ______________________________…
(2020-07-30). Moderna Shows All Those Lazy Unemployed Workers How to Really Rip Off the Government. counterpunch.org Moderna, a relatively new biotech company, has generally been seen as the leading U.S. contender to develop a coronavirus vaccine, although it trails several Chinese companies. Whether or not its vaccine pans out, it should certainly get an award for milking the government. It was the big winner in initial contracts, getting $483 million back
(2020-07-30). Moderna's coronavirus vaccine racket. wsws.org Moderna's exorbitant price point for its taxpayer subsidized vaccine exemplifies the corporate-financial elite's exploitation of the coronavirus catastrophe for its selfish private gain.
(2020-07-30). Trump's October Surprise: A Vaccine for Covid-19? thenation.com Trump's October Surprise: A Vaccine for Covid-19?
(2020-07-30). COVID-19: WHO Africa concerned over relaxing measures. yenisafak.com The regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Africa warned on Thursday that easing measures against the novel coronavirus in many countries risked a resurgence in infections.In a press briefing, WHO regional director Matshidiso Moeti urged African countries to step up coronavirus testing."As we adjust together to this new normal, I ask that governments, partners and communities remember that none of us are safe until we are all safe," Moeti said.Cautioning that the pandemic was accelerating on a continental scale, she noted that five countries accounted for nearly 75% of all cases in Africa.Accor…
(2020-07-30). First Probable Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in Austin, Texas. sputniknews.com Florida health officials reported their second confirmed case of the West Nile virus in late May and the region has reported several other cases throughout the summer. It is estimated that around 80 percent of those who become infected with the virus, which is spread through infected mosquito bites, experience no symptoms.
(2020-07-30). Ghalibaf congrats Muslim counterparts on Eid al-Adha. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Jul. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Parliament Speaker congratulated his Muslim counterparts on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, stressing the need for unity and empathy with the aim of ensuring the health, security and welfare of of the great Islamic Ummah.
(2020-07-30). Who Profits From Trump Administration's $6 Billion Vaccine Program? truthout.org Image Credit: CDC / Robert Denty | As researchers around the world race to find a vaccine for COVID-19, we speak with Peter Maybarduk, director of Public Citizen's Access to Medicines Program, about who is profiting from government efforts to fund vaccines, testing and treatment. The Trump administration has announced major contracts with pharmaceutical companies as part of its $6 billion program, Operation Warp Speed, including with firms that have never brought a vaccine to market. Meanwhile, a New York T…
(2020-07-30). Herman Cain Dies of COVID-19. truthout.org Herman Cain, a pizza business magnate who unsuccessfully ran for the 2012 Republican Party nomination for president, has died Thursday due to complications from coronavirus. | Cain had tested positive for COVID-19 on June 29. Just two days later, he was hospitalized after developing "serious" symptoms of the disease, "There is no way of knowing for sure how or where Mr. Cain contracted the…
(2020-07-29). Just Like With Healthcare, Democrats Offer Half-Hearted Measures to Impending Eviction Crisis. mintpressnews.com The federal moratorium on evictions expired this week, leaving 12 million renters at risk of losing their homes, and much as they did with healthcare, Democrats are offering little more than token non-solutions.
(2020-07-29). Landmark Measure to Repeal 'Racist,' Anti-Choice Helms Amendment Hailed as Step to a 'More Equitable World'. commondreams.org "Abortion care is healthcare and healthcare is a fundamental human right." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-07-29). Headlines for July 29, 2020. democracynow.org U.S. Records Highest One-Day Coronavirus Death Toll Since May, Trump Retweets Doctor Who Warned of Sex with Demons and "Alien DNA", Twitter Suspends Donald Trump Jr. for Spreading COVID-19 Misinformation, Progressives Say GOP Coronavirus Bill Would Bring "Mass Poverty and Mass Hunger", Teachers' Union Prepared to Strike If Schools Aren't Made Safe from Coronavirus, World Health Organization Warns Summer Weather Isn't Slowing Coronavirus, Argentina Reports Record COVID-19 Death Toll as Guatemala Reopens Economy, Attorney General Barr Grilled over Police Violence Against Peaceful Protesters, Portland Demonstrators…
(2020-07-29). Is Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton the next Trump? peoplesworld.org 
Amidst a public health catastrophe that's already taken 150,000 lives in this country and a national anti-racist uprising which has mobilized millions, the extreme right is methodically planning its next steps, ensuring its political survival no matter the outcome of the November 3rd elections. Whether or not Trump prevails and wins a second term, the …
(2020-07-29). The Heat: search for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines. america.cgtn.com 
The death toll from COVID-19 in the United States is now over 148,000. There has been some good news in the last few days as scientists try to develop a vaccine to beat back the coronavirus. Thousands of people are taking part in late stage …
(2020-07-29). NHS leaders have 'very high' levels of concern over potential second spike. thecanary.co 
Health leaders have "very high" levels of concern about the possibility of a second spike in coronavirus cases, one expert has said.Niall Dickson, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said that the combination of a spike of cases with "exhausted staff" while the NHS tries to rebuild services could prove "challenging".He told the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on coronavirus (Covid-19): "I would say in relation to the second spike issue or something coming, the levels of concern among our members — the people who are leading NHS trusts, who are leading in primary care and all levels in the systems…
(2020-07-29). GOP Functioning as 'Mouthpiece of Business' Amid US' Dangerous Push for Jobs, School Openings. sputniknews.com Professor Richard Wolff of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, tells Sputnik that despite the US being far from containing the spread of COVID-19, the struggles of the nation's economy and business sectors appear to be more of a concern for Republicans in Congress than the health and well-being of their actual constituents.
(2020-07-29). Workers Need the Right to Sue. progressive.org Republicans want to give corporate CEOs a five-year "get out of jail free card" for jeopardizing the health and safety of their workers while threatening the overall economic recovery.
(2020-07-29). Six arrested at banned Australian protest against police violence. wsws.org COVID-19 public health orders were used to suppress the demonstration in a blatant attack on democratic rights.
(2020-07-29). Worries About Foreign 'Hacking' of Vaccine Research Place Corporate Profits Ahead of Public Health. commondreams.org One should expect corporate media outlets like the Times to equate corporate interests with the US national interest. (Photo: Screenshot) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2020-07-29). Democratic Leaders Have Blocked Real Healthcare Reform for Decades. Time to Give 'Em Hell. zcomm.org Single payer doesn't just cut costs by eliminating the waste caused by a multiplicity of for-profit insurers — but also because the purchasing power of a federal plan can rein in pharmaceutical and other exploding costs.
(2020-07-29). Coalition to New Mexico Oil Regulators: Put People, Health First. counterpunch.org Santa Fe, New Mexico A coalition of 42 government representatives, groups, and businesses representing Indigenous and minority voices across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona sent a letter today calling on New Mexico's Oil Conservation Division to put peoples' health first and put the brakes on plans to adopt new rules governing the use of toxic oil
(2020-07-29). Big Tech Giants are Forcing Their Way into America's Public Health System. mintpressnews.com A consortium of the most powerful tech players like IBM, Microsoft and Facebook are teaming up with hospital networks with links to the Vatican and tech lobbying groups to shape the conversation about the future role of technology in the public sphere.
(2020-07-29). South African government to release funds following BidAir workers' protest. peoplesdispatch.org Following a picket outside the labor department, the commissioner of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has committed to release funds for the payment of workers' wages for the month of May by July 30…
(2020-07-29). Taxpayer-Funded Drug Research Should Require Open-Source Sharing by Big Pharma. cepr.net LA Progressive BuzzFlash See article on original site As Donald Trump has the United States rushing ahead at "warp speed" on developing a vaccine, we are doing just about everything wrong, if the goal is to quickly produce a safe and effective vaccine that will be widely available throughout the world. We have taken the …
(2020-07-29). Greece: Masks mandatory in more places as virus spreads. yenisafak.com Over 50 more coronavirus cases were recorded in Greece over the past 24 hours, health authorities said on Wednesday.A total of 52 more people tested positive for COVID-19, including seven who were checked while entering the country, according to the National Organization for Public Health (EODY).As infections continue to rise, the government has made masks mandatory in more public places starting Wednesday, including food and retail stores, hair salons, banks, and public service offices.People were already required to wear masks in markets, public transport, cafes, and restaurants since Greece started easing its…
(2020-07-29). DR Congo to vaccinate 1M people against cholera. yenisafak.com The oral vaccination campaign, which started on Wednesday in Uvira, is organized by the Health Ministry with the support of World Health Organization, UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.It will run in 59 areas across five major health zones: Fizi, Idjwi, Minova, Nundu and Uvira. Most of them are surrounded by lakes Kivu and Tanganyika, considered endemic to cholera.They were severely affected by flooding last April. Heavy rains killed dozens of people besides extensive material damage."This oral cholera vaccination campaign in South Kivu reminds us that the DRC is not only facing Ebola in Equateur province and…
