(2021-05-07). Social unrest continues in Colombia. challenge-magazine.org Huge numbers of protestors have taken to the streets of Colombia over the last week after President Duque attempted to pass a bill that would further increase inequality in the country by making the working class pay for the covid-19-induced fiscal deficit. A general strike began on the 28th April in response to Duque's presentation of the ironically titled 'Sustainable Solidarity Bill'. The proposed bill has intensified grievances about the state of inequality in the country, with 2.8 million people having already been pushed into extreme poverty during the last year alone. The bill proposes increasing VAT on…
(2021-05-07). As India Gasps to Breathe, Modi Government Abdicates Responsibility. counterpunch.org The COVID-19 pandemic continues its brutal march across India. Figures of new infections reached 355,828 on May 3—which accounted for more than 62 percent of the world's new infections on that day. As hospitals run out of beds, ICU capacity, and even oxygen, these factors have been contributing to the already skyrocketing death toll in
(2021-05-07). Secretary of State Blinken Asks WHO to Invite Taiwan to Participate in Its Decision-Making Body. sputniknews.com China has long opposed Taiwan's "illegal" participation in the World Health Organisation's World Health Assembly, arguing that proposals to this effect violate the principles of the United Nations charter and contradict the One China principle which both the UN General Assembly and the World Health Assembly are guided by.
(2021-05-07). Pressure Grows on Biden to Back WTO Waiver on Vaccine Technology. zcomm.org More than 100 countries have supported the waiver, which they say is critical to ramp up production of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests in the Global South…
(2021-05-07). Modi under pressure to impose lockdown amid coronavirus surge in India. thecanary.co Indian prime minister Narendra Modi is facing growing pressure to impose a nationwide lockdown amid a coronavirus surge. | Record-breaking: | Many medical chiefs, opposition leaders, and some supreme court judges have suggested the lockdown seems to be the only option. Hospitals are being forced to turn patients away while relatives scramble to find oxygen. | Crematoriums and burial grounds are also struggling to handle the dead. | People watch burning funeral pyres of their relatives who died of Covid-19 in New Delhi (AP) | On Friday, India recorded a new record of 414,188 confirmed cases in the past 24…
(2021-05-07). A Temporary TRIPS Waiver Is Not Enough. popularresistance.org A new poll finds that 59% percent of US voters support waiving all patent protections to produce generic versions of life-saving medicines for critical diseases, from Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS, to heart disease and diabetes. Only 28% disagreed. | The survey carried out by Data for Progress and the Progressive International, shows a super majority of 71% registered Democrats support the removal of all patent barriers to allow for the cheaper production of life-saving medicines. Even registered Republicans support the action with 47% in favor compared to 39% opposed.
(2021-05-07). New estimates claim COVID-19 death toll is twice as high as reported. wsws.org A study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates that more than 905,000 people have died in the United States, 58 percent more than official records indicate.
(2021-05-07). Rise in tuberculosis in Peru: A byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic. wsws.org Epidemiologists predict a rise in tuberculosis (TB) due to treatment disruptions related to COVID pandemic. Treatment lapses leading to an increase of drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a concern reversing the progress made in TB progress worldwide.
(2021-05-07). Activist Confronts Defense Industry CEO For Company's Role In War Crimes. popularresistance.org An anti-war activist confronted General Dynamics CEO Phebe Novakovic on Wednesday during the company's shareholders' meeting, accusing the defense industry giant of profiting off war crimes and arming repressive, undemocratic regimes without "moral reflection." | "I appreciate the care you've taken to keep us safe during COVID," CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin told General Dynamics' board, which included Novakovic and former Defense Secretary James Mattis. "But," she added, "I wonder about the care that this company takes to keep people safe from the bombs and the other weapons that you produce that kill innoc…
(2021-05-07). As pandemic continues and nearly 500,000 file for unemployment, US states seek to blackmail workers back on the job. wsws.org Unemployment payments, as opposed to dangerous, low-paid and degrading work are being blamed for difficulties reopening restaurants and other businesses even as the pandemic continues, with the US approaching 600,000 official COVID-19 deaths.
(2021-05-07). Argentine Clinics Struggle Despite COVID-19 Crisis. latinorebels.com BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — As COVID-19 deaths climb to new peaks in Argentina, the intensive care unit at the San Andres clinic in the capital is oddly silent.
(2021-05-07). Widespread opposition to Australian government ban on citizens returning from India. wsws.org Rather than address the quarantine shambles, the government is gambling with the lives of some 9,000 citizens in India, at least 650 of whom are deemed to be at a high-risk of succumbing to COVID-19.
(2021-05-07). Workers Struggles: Europe, Middle East & Africa. wsws.org Greek workers in one-day general strike against law curbing right to strike; midwives walk out and protest across France against lack of COVID safety; Vehicle and driver registration staff at UK headquarters Swansea begin further strikes over lack of COVID safety, demand remote working…
(2021-05-07). The Global Spread of Fascism is as Real as the Spread of COVID-19. counterpunch.org The global spread of fascism is real, as real as the spread of COVID-19, and you better believe it. For purposes of academic analysis, it might be legitimate to distinguish between a "fascist-leaning" movement and a truly fascist one, or a far-right regime and fascist regime, or an authoritarian populist and a fascist. But I
(2021-05-07). After Mount Everest, COVID is Making Way Onto More Himalayan Peaks as Climbers Keep Testing Positive. sputniknews.com Nepal has eased quarantine rules in a bid to give a boost to its COVID-hit tourism industry and has issued Everest climbing permits to some 400 people. However, reports suggest that over 30 climbers have tested positive for coronavirus and have allegedly been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears of a serious outbreak.
(2021-05-07). USTR Tai Will Meet With Chinese Counterpart 'In the Near Term' for Talks on Trade Deal Phase 1. sputniknews.com Just weeks after the US and China penned the first part of a trade deal intended to settle years of tariff wars, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and shut down the global economy, sending trade into a tailspin. The deal was heavily premised on pledges to buy a minimum volume of goods from the other country.
(2021-05-07). Iran coronavirus update: 17,076 news cases, 335 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA) — According to the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, 17,076 new cases of COVID-19 infections have been detected across the country in the past 24 hours.
(2021-05-07). Corona restrictions not limit perseverance in ideal of Quds. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA) —While stressing on patience and rights of Quds in religious circles with holding various exhibitions, Head of Islamic Development Org. said that COVID-19 restrictions did not create any obstacle on perseverance of cause of Quds.
(2021-05-07). Bill Gates' Stand on Intellectual Property Is Facing a Pushback. peoplesdispatch.org Alexander Zaitchik discuss Bill Gates' recent comments on intellectual property rights in the context of COVID-19 vaccines, his long history as a spokesperson for Big Pharma, and the various struggles across the world for a fairer IPR regime and health for all…
(2021-05-07). Is the Shine Starting to Come Off Bill Gates's Halo? thenation.com Is the Shine Starting to Come Off Bill Gates's Halo?
(2021-05-07). Delhi Protest Against Bill Gates for Refusing to Share Vaccine Tech With Developing Nations. sputniknews.com Just days before Joe Biden's administration supported India's proposal to waive intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, Bill Gates spoke out against sharing such patents with developing countries. His remarks have provoked much anger in India, which is battling the second coronavirus wave.
(2021-05-07). German government playing with fire by lifting restrictions and extending special rights to vaccinated citizens. wsws.org An incessant debate about special rights for those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine or recovered from an infection is being conducted in the German media.
(2021-05-07). Macron Urges US and UK Not to 'Block' COVID-19 Vaccine or Its Ingredients Exports. sputniknews.com Macron also said that Europe is fighting for the vaccine to be a global public good.
(2021-05-07). India reports almost 4,000 daily COVID-19 deaths as the country faces severe vaccine shortages. wsws.org India continues to face a devastating crisis in which the daily number of new cases and deaths continues to climb in the midst of a vaccine shortage.
(2021-05-07). Ro Khanna: It's Vital That the US Drop Barriers to Vaccine Production and Aid Covid-Ravaged India. thenation.com Ro Khanna: It's Vital That the US Drop Barriers to Vaccine Production and Aid Covid-Ravaged India…
(2021-05-07). Fascism's Global Spread is Real — As Real as the Spread of COVID-19. zcomm.org In the world's largest democracies, far-right movements that embrace violence, reject democracy, and target the vulnerable are on the rise…
(2021-05-07). Mutual Aid Efforts Working to Fill Gaps of Biden's COVID Response. zcomm.org "Community building is really necessary in order to fight capital, and you can't go up against a state if you don't have relationships that are already formed."
(2021-05-07). How the Coronavirus Has Impacted Vice President Kamala Harris' Family in India. theroot.com 
On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks at the State Department in which she will declare the United States' solidarity with the people of India and the struggle they face battling COVID-19. |
(2021-05-07). Roaming Charges: We Who Are About to Get Shot, Salute You. counterpunch.org 
My number had finally been called. Well, texted. No one calls anymore, except sexy robotic voices trying to sell me extended warranties for my car and electric toothbrush. On Monday, I was scheduled for my second dose of Pfizer's COVID elixir, a strange brew which one friend pungently described as a mixture of germs, animal parts, formaldehyde and pus. Yum. My appointment with destiny: High noon at the convention center in Portland, shrouded in tear gas or not. My only choice: right arm or left.
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). 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 …
(2021-05-07). Unvaccinated prison staff are a danger. workers.org 
Workers World has received letter after letter from workers incarcerated in Pennsylvania prisons expressing a common concern: "We are at risk of dying from COVID-19, and the only way the pandemic is getting into prisons is from the staff!" Our incarcerated sisters, brothers and siblings describe a shared crisis: They . . . |
(2021-05-07). COVID-19 Accelerates Digitilization of Economies And Societies — OpEd. eurasiareview.com We are living through a decisive moment. The COVID-19 pandemic's devasting impact is reaching every corner of the world. As we look back at this period, we will see history divided into a pre-COVID and a post-COVID world. | And a defining feature of…
(2021-05-07). Regulating Khat Could Disrupt East Africa's Illegal Drug Economy — Analysis. eurasiareview.com Different laws and controls among countries in the region allow for a thriving smuggling market.: | By Mohamed Daghar* | In March 2020, Somalia suspended flights to its capital due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, at least two
(2021-05-07). Working-Class Mothers And The COVID-19 Shecession — Analysis. eurasiareview.com By Hayley Brown, Simran Kalkat and Aiden Lee* | Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, women have
(2021-05-07). Tenet Healthcare refuses to shift on staffing ratios at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. wsws.org The nurses of St. Vincent remain in a powerful position, but their strength is being stymied because the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) continues to isolate their struggle even though there are currently several other MNA bargaining units that are working with expired contracts.
(2021-05-07). In Kerala, The Present Is Dominated By The Future. popularresistance.org Kerala, a state in the Indian union with a population of 35 million, has re-elected the Left Democratic Front (LDF) to lead the government for another five years. Since 1980, the people of Kerala have voted out the incumbent, seeking to alternate between the Left and the Right. This year, the people decided to stay with the Left and give the Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, Pinarayi Vijayan, a second term in office as the Chief Minister. Health Minister K. K. Shailaja, popularly known as Shailaja Teacher, won her re-election with a record-breaking tally of over 60,000 votes, far exceeding her closest co…
(2021-05-07). Landlords cheer as federal court trashes eviction moratorium. peoplesworld.org 
Up to ten million people could soon be out on the streets if a judge's ruling trashing the federal moratorium on evictions is upheld. The ban on throwing people out of their homes was put in place by the Centers for Disease Control last September as spiraling unemployment jeopardized families' ability to pay their rent. …
(2021-05-07). Behind the Smile: How a Healthy Mouth Can Mean a Healthier You. theroot.com 
With all the discussion about teeth whitening on TV, on the internet, in your dentist's office, and in magazines, people often forget there is more in your mouth to be concerned with besides the color of your teeth. You must not ignore your gums. |
(2021-05-07). Tell Biden and Bill Gates: End vaccine apartheid! workers.org 
Seattle Nearly 100 demonstrators rallied here April 30 in front of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation — the world's richest "philanthropic" foundation — to demand "End vaccine apartheid!" Protests to free vaccines from being corporate 'intellectual property' are spreading, here at Moderna headquarters in Cambridge, Mass., April 28. Gates, . . . |
(2021-05-07). Canada Loses Over 200,000 Jobs in April, Unemployment Climbs Amid Pandemic's 'Third Wave'. sputniknews.com TORONTO (Sputnik) – The Canadian economy lost 207,000 jobs in March, raising the country's unemployment rate by 0.6 percent as the country labours through the so-called "third wave" of the coronavirus pandemic, the state statistics agency said on Friday.
(2021-05-07). VIDEO: Drive-in Quds Day rallies in Robat Karim. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, May 07 (MNA) — People in Robat Karim located in the suburb of the Iranian capital Tehran along with people across the world held drive-in rallies on Friday to mark the International Quds Day amid Coronavirus pandemic restrictions.
(2021-05-07). Science Saturday: Using AI to reveal causes of complex diseases. newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org Researchers within Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that can uncover causal drivers and relationships embedded within complex biomedical data. Nicholas Chia, Ph.D.,?John Kalantari, Ph.D., and Kia Khezeli, Ph.D., recently tested their machine-learning framework, called Causal Relation and Inference Search Platform (CRISP) on multiomic colorectal cancer samples alongside …