(2021-05-05). 12 Members of US Congress Call on Biden Not to Support India's IP Waiver Request. sputniknews.com In October 2020, India and South Africa submitted a proposal to the World Trade Organisation to allow member countries to waive intellectual property rights, including patents related to COVID-19 vaccines and other technologies during the pandemic.
(2021-05-05). Facebook reverses censorship of WSWS article debunking "Wuhan Lab" conspiracy theory. indybay.org On Friday, Facebook notified users that it had wrongly censored them for posting a WSWS article debunking the false claim that COVID-19 was released from a Chinese lab.
(2021-05-05). Grenada Bars Travellers From Brazil & India. telesurenglish.net On May 4, Grenada imposed a ban on people with any travel history of India or Brazil within the past fourteen days. | RELATED: | "This means that… persons will have to spend the relevant time in a third-party state that will allow them to enter," Health Minister Nickolas Steele said. | This policy comes as Grenada tries its best to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus having just under 200 cases and one death. | Steele also explained that under the advice of the COVI…
(2021-05-05). Quebec's anti-curfew protests: A political blind alley and entry point for the far right. wsws.org Young people opposed to the ruling class' criminal mishandling of the pandemic must fight for the independent political mobilization of the working class to close all schools and nonessential businesses so as to halt the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating third wave.
(2021-05-05). Bolsonaro Threatens To Lift Subnational COVID-19 Restrictions. telesurenglish.net Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday threatened to issue a decree to remove mobility restrictions imposed by subnational governments to control the COVID-19 pandemic. | RELATED: | "No one can be happy if there is no freedom,", he said, recalling that his supporters took to the streets over the weekend to protest against the epidemiological measures | "In the streets, people are starting to ask the government to the decree. A…
(2021-05-05). Criminal response of UK ruling elite to COVID-19 produces huge waiting list for elective procedures. wsws.org With cancer sufferers and patients with other critical ailments languishing in queues running up to months and years, suffering and death, especially among the working class and the poor, will swell the already shocking tally of the pandemic.
(2021-05-05). Papua New Guinea parliament adjourned amid escalating COVID-19 crisis. wsws.org Prime Minister Marape is cynically using the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, which is devastating the population, to block his own removal from office before the 2022 election.
(2021-05-05). Mexico City transit bridge collapse leaves 24 dead, scores injured. wsws.org The disaster has fueled growing popular anger over criminal government negligence and corruption that has also led to hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 deaths in Mexico.
(2021-05-05). Thousands flock to community pantries in the Philippines as COVID-19 rapidly spreads. wsws.org Images in the media reveal the degree of desperation for basic resources in the population. Crowds of hundreds line the pavement to try to get a few free vegetables and a canned good or two.
(2021-05-05). COVID-19 Recession Disproportionately Harmed Working-Class Mothers. cepr.net 
Working-class women, and especially working-class mothers, have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic "shecession." From April to December 2020, 1.45 million fewer working-class mothers were employed compared to the same time period in 2019, an 11.3 percent decline. Many working-class mothers who lost jobs exited the labor force altogether, and the participation gap between mothers …
(2021-05-05). Young Delhi resident describes India's COVID-19 catastrophe. wsws.org Vaibhavi spoke to the WSWS about the current conditions in Delhi and across India amid a mounting surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
(2021-05-05). German factories and low-income neighbourhoods left exposed to massive COVID-19 outbreaks. wsws.org For workplaces in particular, there are almost no protective measures and the few that exist are never reviewed and enforced. The number of workplace safety inspections declined during the first year of the pandemic by 15 percent.
(2021-05-05). Iran COVID-19 update: 15,872 infections, 349 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 05 (MNA) — According to the Iranian Health Ministry, 15,872 new COVID-19 infections have been detected across the country in the past 24 hours.
(2021-05-05). Postponing Olympic supported by 9 Japan's prefectural heads. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 05 (MNA) — Nine of Japan's 47 prefectural governors recently said the forthcoming Tokyo Olympic Games should be cancelled or postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, according to a recent poll.
(2021-05-05). S Arabia considers barring overseas haj pilgrims for 2nd year. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 05 (MNA) — Saudi Arabia is considering barring overseas pilgrims from the annual haj for the second year amid the surge in Covid-19 cases and the emergence of new variants globally.
(2021-05-05). 1st phase of Fakhra vaccine human trial ends successfully. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 05 (MNA) — The first phase of the human test of "Fakhra" COVID-19 vaccine was successfully completed on Wednesday.
(2021-05-05). Venezuela Begins Clinical Trials of Russian EpiVacCorona Vaccine—Russian Ambassador First to be Vaccinated. orinocotribune.com 
Venezuela officially began clinical trials of Russian vaccine EpiVacCorona, as the Russian ambassador to Caracas, Sergey Melik-Bagdasarov, became the first volunteer to receive a dose of the COVID-19 immunization drug. | The start of clinical trials was reported by the Executive Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, who noted that the vaccine simulates small fragments of the virus; this strengthens the immune system of recipients to prevent COVID-19. | "Thus begins the process of applying the vaccine candidate EpiVacCorona to combat COVID-19 in the country," said Rodríguez, "a vaccine developed by Russia that is advan…
(2021-05-05). U.S. Keeps Blocking Vaccine Patent Waivers. zcomm.org
(2021-05-05). Is the Genetic COVID Vaccine Creating a Hurricane Inside Cells of the Body? globalresearch.ca Visit and follow us on Instagram at @crg_globalresearch. Picture this: Contrary …
(2021-05-05). Pressure Grows on Biden to Back WTO Waiver on Vaccine Technology. truthout.org 
Pressure is growing on the Biden administration to support a temporary waiver on intellectual property rights for COVID-related medicines and vaccines at the World Trade Organization. India and South Africa first proposed the waiver in October, but it was blocked by the United States and other wealthy members of the WTO. Big Pharma has also come out against the proposal and has lobbied Washington to preserve its monopoly control. More than 100 countries have supported the waiver, which they say is critical…
(2021-05-05). UN report sounds alarm on acute global shortage of midwives. news.un.org The world is currently facing a shortage of around 900,000 midwives, with COVID-19 further exacerbating the situation as many have been redeployed to help plug vital gaps in other health services, according to a new United Nations report.
(2021-05-05). WHO chief hails 'monumental moment' in COVID fight, as US throws support behind vaccine patent waiver. news.un.org The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday said the commitment announced by the United States administration to lift vaccine patent protections to help boost global supply, was a "monumental moment" in the battle to end the deadly pandemic.
(2021-05-05). South Asia: 'Real possibility' health systems will be strained to a breaking point, UNICEF warns. news.un.org Impacts of the deadly new surge in COVID-19 cases across South Asia are unlike anything the region has seen before, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said, warning of a "real possibility" that health systems there will be strained to a breaking point, leading to even more loss of life.
(2021-05-05). Myanmar: Attacks on healthcare jeopardizing COVID-19 response, UN team says. news.un.org There have been at least 158 reported attacks on medical personnel and facilities in Myanmar, with more than 139 doctors arrested and charged since the military coup in February, endangering not only vital health services but also the COVID-19 response, the UN Country Team (UNCT) there said on Wednesday.
(2021-05-05). 155 million faced acute food insecurity in 2020, conflict the key driver. news.un.org At least 155 million people faced crisis levels of food insecurity in 2020 because of conflict, extreme weather events and economic shocks linked in part to COVID-19, a UN-partnered flagship report said on Wednesday.
(2021-05-05). Hello, Poetry, You 'Lamenting Pleasure'. thenation.com Hello, Poetry, You 'Lamenting Pleasure'
(2021-05-05). Major Archbishop Says Ukraine Is Expecting Pope Francis To Visit. eurasiareview.com The people of Ukraine are expecting a papal visit, the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church said in an interview. | Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk "Just as [the Pope] recently visited Iraq, just as he will be going to visit different countries in the world in spite of the difficulties presented by COVID, so Ukraine is expecting the Holy Father to visit," he s…
(2021-05-05). A Case Of Graphical Correlations: Making Sense Of India's COVID-19 Surge — OpEd. eurasiareview.com India is currently witnessing a COVID-19 surge of unprecedented proportions, with an allegedly
(2021-05-05). India's Second Wave: The Geopolitical Drivers Of China's COVID-19 Assistance — Analysis. eurasiareview.com By Srikanth Kondapalli* | As India reels under the unprecedented onslaught of a virulent, mutant COVID-19 strain that is leaving death and destruction in its wake, 40 countries have come forward to help with medical supplies. India has officially Chinese Foreign Policy Outreach: | Chinese President Xi Jinp…
(2021-05-05). What to know about youth summer camps during COVID-19. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection at youth summer camp. But what do those guidelines mean for families and children who look forward to the ritual of attending overnight or day summer camp?"There not one strategy that's going to completely eliminate risk. But using multiple …
(2021-05-05). New CDC guidance for vaccinated adults. What does it mean? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced updated COVID-19 guidance for masking outdoors and for fully vaccinated people. For instance, fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a protective mask outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues. "I completely agree with the updated CDC recommendations," says Dr. Abinash Virk, a …
(2021-05-05). J&J COVID-19 vaccine pause ends. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org On Friday, April 23, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent immunization advisory group for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted to resume distribution of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine after a 10-day pause to investigate reported cases of rare blood clotting events in recipients. The committee met twice …
(2021-05-05). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: COVID-19 vaccine confidence and the importance of that second dose. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org While the number of people being vaccinated for COVID-19 is dropping, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical experts continue to strongly encourage people to get vaccinated for COVID-19. And that means that those who are being vaccinated with the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine should get their first and second doses …
(2021-05-05). COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms? newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important to remind people who is more at risk of serious coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms, which can vary widely. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others become so sick that they eventually need mechanical assistance to breathe. This article is written by Mayo Clinic …
(2021-05-05). Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Avoid preventable vision loss. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Has your eyesight become blurry? Do you have glaucoma, but you haven't been in for an exam or treatment? Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many people may have delayed eye appointments. Dr. Cheryl Khanna, a Mayo Clinic ophthalmologist, says it's important to catch eye diseases early. "I think the main take-home message is that if you …
(2021-05-05). Mayo Clinic researchers question effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for solid organ transplant patients. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A small study from Mayo Clinic researchers raises the concern that some transplant patients may have a limited immune response after being vaccinated for COVID-19 with an mRNA vaccine. Their findings are published as a letter to the editor in the American Journal of Transplantation. The letter covers seven organ transplant recipients …
(2021-05-05). High vaccination rate is key to future course of COVID-19 pandemic, Mayo Clinic computer modeling shows. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org The Mayo Clinic data scientists who developed highly accurate computer modeling to predict trends for COVID-19 cases nationwide have new research that shows how important a high rate of vaccination is to reducing case numbers and controlling the pandemic. Vaccination is making a striking difference in Minnesota and keeping the current level of positive cases …
(2021-05-05). Sharing Mayo Clinic: Cared for in his own workplace for 121 days. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Robert Pintor works as a scheduling supervisor at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, so he was well aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the community. What he didn't expect was its impact on him and his family. This article is written by Mayo Clinic staff. When Robert Pintor picked up his wife's cough in November, they both …
(2021-05-05). Major Archbishop Says Ukraine Is Expecting Pope Francis To Visit. eurasiareview.com The people of Ukraine are expecting a papal visit, the leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church said in an interview. | Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk "Just as [the Pope] recently visited Iraq, just as he will be going to visit different countries in the world in spite of the difficulties presented by COVID, so Ukraine is expecting the Holy Father to visit," he s…
(2021-05-05). Majority in G7 countries wants COVID-19 vaccine know-how to be shared, says poll. peoplesdispatch.org The findings of the survey shared by the the People's Vaccine Alliance shows that the vast number of respondents want governments to intervene and ensure the knowledge is shared with others. Most G7 countries are opposed to patent waivers on vaccines…
(2021-05-05). Hundreds of Hong Kong Residents Quarantined As Health Experts Warn Of Mutant COVID-19 Variant Cases. sputniknews.com The cases sparked evacuations and quarantines in roughly 460 flats across three districts in the special administrative region on late Tuesday after authorities traced contacts linked to the two workers, Chinese media reported.
(2021-05-05). World's Most Vaccinated Nation Reintroduces COVID Restrictions After Surge in Infections. sputniknews.com Seychelles was among the first countries in the world to reopen to international tourism after the first COVID wave last year. The Indian Ocean nation, located off the coast of Africa, has been vaccinating its population with China's Sinopharm vaccine, received as a gift from the UAE, and AstraZeneca's Covishield, flown in from India.
(2021-05-05). India's Delegation to G7 Self-Isolating After Two Members Test Positive for COVID, UK Gov't Says. sputniknews.com The Indian diplomats that arrived at the Group of Seven summit in London had previously said they will attempt to visit meetings virtually following the decision to self-isolate, reports suggested.
(2021-05-05). Postponing Olympic Games Supported by Nine of Japan's Prefectural Heads, But Not Hosting Tokyo. sputniknews.com Nine of Japan's 47 prefectural governors recently said the forthcoming Tokyo Olympic Games should be cancelled or postponed due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in the country, according to a recent poll.
(2021-05-05). 'Nothing Less Than Genocide': Indian Court Slams Authorities as People Die From Oxygen Shortage. sputniknews.com A 21-year-old man from Delhi, Piyush Singh had to find a taxi and take his COVID-positive mother to her hometown, 14 hours away from the Indian capital two days after losing his father to the virus. Singh was watching his mother's oxygen drop below 90, but was unable to find an oxygen cylinder in Delhi.
(2021-05-05). Hundreds of Farmers Head to Delhi to Protest Farm Laws Despite COVID Restrictions – Photos. sputniknews.com Since November last year, a number of farmers from the agricultural states of Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been protesting against three farm laws passed in September 2020. The last round of official talks that the farmers held with government officials was on 22 January this year.
(2021-05-05). Hundreds of Devotees at Indian Temple Attract Fury as COVID-19 Rages in Country. sputniknews.com Local police officers have taken action against 23 people in this regard, and have booked and arrested the chief villager in the Sanand area of Gujarat state.
(2021-05-05). Going To Court: The EU Sues AstraZeneca. southfront.org 
Illustrative image | Written by Dr. Binoy Kampmark. | It has been a relationship of characterised by bitterness and misunderstanding. It began with a poorly negotiated agreement — poor, that is, from the European Union perspective — between Brussels and AstraZeneca for the supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses. Less rigorous in terms of penalties and consequences than the UK-AstraZeneca deal, the EU version was very much the poor cousin, giving the company much latitude in terms of production schedules and d…
(2021-05-05). Behind the lives lost during the pandemic lie India's failing public institutions. mronline.org 
The privatisation model pursued by successive governments, in health to education, has led to the perpetuation of class and caste divides, with the poor often left to suffer. | May 5, 2021 | Newswire…
(2021-05-05). Afghanistan's Musical Tradition: a Health Check. counterpunch.org 
In the midst of war, insecurity and chaos, the music and songs of Ahmad Zahir, Farhad Darya, and others make the souls of Afghans happy. In durhams and nightclubs, whether in Kabul or in foreign countries, there is the sound of the tambourine, the tar, and the rabab, sounds that remind all Afghans of the