(2021-12-25). Venezuela's Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Evaluates Measures to Deal with Omicron. orinocotribune.com 
Venezuela's presidential task force for the prevention and control of COVID-19 met this Thursday, December 23, to evaluate mechanisms to deal with the Omicron variant that has recently been detected in the country. | The meeting, chaired by Executive Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Foreign Trade. | Various officials of the government were also present at the meeting, including the Minister for Health, Carlos Alvarado; the Minister for Communication and Information, Freddy àëáñez; and the Minister for Science and Technology, Gabriela Jiménez…
(2021-12-25). Dr. Jose-Luis Jimenez discusses the fight for the truth about airborne transmission of COVID-19. wsws.org In this interview, Dr. Jimenez reviews the science of airborne transmission, the present threat of the Omicron variant, and why the WHO and world governments refuse to educate the population on airborne transmission.
(2021-12-25). China's success against covid dwarfs The West's. Here's how & why. moderndiplomacy.eu Libertarians/neoliberals in The West can't believe the enormous extent of China's success at keeping down the rates of disease, and of death, and of unemployment, from covid-19, because China's policies on covid are, and have been, the exact opposite of libertarian/neoliberal. (What's called "libertarian" in America is called "neoliberal" throughout the rest of the world.) …
(2021-12-25). Pandemic Drives Need for Technology Adoption Among SMEs but Barriers Remain. moderndiplomacy.eu A survey by World Economic Forum indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for more adoption and integration of digital technology among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). However, they face numerous barriers to adopting technology at a critical time of need. While 97% of global companies have accelerated adoption of technology to get …
(2021-12-25). Two Years of COVID Have Forced Us to Recalibrate Our Concept of Hope. truthout.org 
"I wish it was over for good or ill," laments J.R.R. Tolkien's over-curious hobbit, Pippin, on the eve of Sauron's siege at Minas Tirith. "I am no warrior at all and dislike any thought of battle; but waiting on the edge of one that I can't escape is worst of all. What a long day it seems already!" | A long day indeed. Waiting on the edge is what many of us have been doing for nearly two years now, and not only is there no end in sight, there is yet another unavoidable battle waiting for us out there…
(2021-12-24). Amazon Warehouse Workers Walk Off The Job In Illinois. popularresistance.org On Wednesday morning, several dozen Amazon workers at two separate Chicago-area delivery stations staged a walkout to demand raises and safer working conditions, making it the first time the tech giant has seen a multi-site work stoppage in the United States. | Coming just three days before Christmas to ensure maximum impact, the action caps a year of intense organizing and protest by Amazon warehouse workers who have been on the frontlines of both the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather events. | Organized by the labor network Amazonians United, the walkouts occurred during the morning shifts at the company's…
(2021-12-24). As Omicron surges in Europe, governments prepare holiday catastrophe. wsws.org This year's Christmas festivities will be an unprecedented super-spreader event as Omicron leaves European countries facing hospital collapse in January.
(2021-12-24). COVID-Omicron is Killing Christmas — And Beyond. Financial Crash, Inflation, Digitization. globalresearch.ca First Delta, then Omicron. Neither one of the two has ever been isolated. The vast majority of people of the 193 UN member countries — swallow the lie with fear and respect, as if it were the truth…
(2021-12-24). After Sterling Heights Assembly worker and husband die of suspected COVID-19, Stellantis management announces plant will run through Christmas Eve. wsws.org The provocative announcement of Christmas Eve shifts comes at the end of a "critical status" period in the plant, where workers were forced to work for 90 consecutive days to make up for lost production at the plant due to widespread supply chain problems.
(2021-12-24). Wildfire surge of omicron confirms: Health care for profit more deadly than coronavirus. workers.org 
The ominous toll of 800,000 deaths from COVID-19, reached in the U.S. Dec. 14, confirms that health care for profit is more deadly than the virus itself. The U.S. has consistently had the most COVID-19 deaths of any country. (tinyurl.com/3nunmuv7) Since the omicron variant surfaced here Dec. 1, infection rates . . . |
(2021-12-24). Anger mounts as New York Democrats fail to protect population from Omicron surge. wsws.org New York City has plunged into a health crisis this week as record numbers of people test positive for COVID-19, primarily its Omicron variant.
(2021-12-24). Omicron variant hits California. america.cgtn.com 
California is bracing for another dramatic surge in coronavirus cases, as the highly contagious Omicron variant continues to spread across communities. It comes as millions of residents are traveling and gathering with their families during the holiday week. Despite an increased demand for booster shots …
(2021-12-24). Omicron Less Likely To Cause Severe Symptoms: UK Scientists Say. telesurenglish.net On Thursday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) released an study stating that people with Omicron are significantly less likely to develop severe symptoms. | RELATED: | Early results suggest people are 30-45 percent less likely to go to emergency health services if they are infected with Omicron than with Delta. They are also 50-70 percent less likely to need to be admitted to hospital. However, the UKHSA warned that the ne…
(2021-12-24). First Omicron cases detected in Indonesia. wsws.org Faced with the dangerous new variant, the Indonesian government, in line with governments around the world, has implemented no serious health measures to stop its spread.
(2021-12-24). Latest excess deaths estimate places worldwide toll of pandemic above 18 million. wsws.org The Omicron variant has been detected in at least 89 countries and in all 50 US states.
(2021-12-24). WHO Says Omicron in 110 Countries, Cases Double Every 2-3 Days. telesurenglish.net The omicron variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus has now been detected in 110 countries and continues to spread exponentially, with cases doubling in communities where it is transmitted in a matter of two to three days, the World Health Organization (WHO) said today. | The Omicron variant has been reported in at least 110 countires, the WHO announced. Dec 24, 2021.
(2021-12-24). Omicron: It didn't have to be Groundhog Day. mronline.org 
Standing at the precipice of another major, acute coronavirus crisis, the country is rightly asking how the Tories have let this happen again.
(2021-12-24). Markets continue to rise as Omicron spreads. wsws.org Wall Street's S&P 500 reached a new record high yesterday on the back of a speech by US President Biden indicating that nothing meaningful would be done to reduce the growing Omicron threat.
(2021-12-24). As Omicron Takes Over America, No. 3 Ranking Democrat Rep. Jim Clyburn Says He Has Covid. moguldom.com The Omicron variant is raging across America — and it's no respecter of persons. The highly contagious mutation of covid-19 is causing numerous new infections among the vaccinated and unvaccinated alike. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn announced he was among its victims. "Tonight, I received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This is a breakthrough case, and I …
(2021-12-24). Senators Against Generic COVID Vaccines Have Received Twice as Much Pharma Cash. truthout.org 
This article was produced by In October 2020, India and South Africa issued a landmark proposal at the World Trade Organization that parts of its Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agr…
(2021-12-24). WHO Endorses COVID-19 Vaccine Made by Argentina and Mexico. telesurenglish.net On Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) included in its "Emergency Use Listing" the AstraZeneca vaccine jointly produced by Argentina and Mexico. | RELATED: | While the active pharmaceutical ingredient for this recombinant vaccine is manufactured by mAbxience in Argentina, Liomont Lab mixes and finishes the product for its final distribution from Mexico. | "This is an important milestone for Latin America and highlig…
(2021-12-24). The Coronavirus Pandemic has Widened Global Inequalities. zcomm.org The prices asked by Big Pharma for Covid vaccines are exorbitant…
(2021-12-24). Youth, Women Among Most Vulnerable to Job Loss in Southeast Asia During COVID-19. moderndiplomacy.eu Southeast Asia's youth and women bore the brunt of job losses during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, according to an Asian Development Bank (ADB) report released today. The report, A Crisis Like No Other—COVID-19 and Labor Markets in Southeast Asia, finds that people ages 15 to 24, who represent less than 15% of the workforce …
(2021-12-24). Podemos leader Yolanda Diaz admits she covered up danger from COVID-19. wsws.org As the COVID-19 pandemic began, Podemos ministers knew the Spanish government was massively downplaying the danger from the disease but kept their mouths shut.
(2021-12-24). Some More Worthy Than Others: Where Was Overdose Protection For Drug Users During The Crack Epidemic? moguldom.com Recently, New York City opened two overdose prevention centers (OPC), allowing drug users to receive medical care and services to prevent drug overdose deaths. In other words, drug users are sanctioned to legally consume illegal drugs in the presence of a medical professional. OPCs are an example of public policy that honors the humanity of …
(2021-12-24). After repeated appeals, UNSC approves resolution for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. peoplesdispatch.org 22.8 million people in Afghanistan are facing potentially life-threatening food insecurity this winter. The World Food Programme has warned that 8.7 million people are nearing famine-like conditions.
(2021-12-24). A reply to President Biden from California health care workers: "No, the country is not better prepared for COVID than last year!" wsws.org We issue this blunt warning to workers and the general public: The hospital system is worse off now than it was in March 2020. We have been worn to the bone after two years of the pandemic.
(2021-12-24). Here's to our Health: Well, To the Health of the Profiteers! dissidentvoice.org 
"You know what I think?" she says. "That people's memories are maybe the fuel they burn to stay alive. Whether those memories have any actual importance or not, it doesn't matter as far as the maintenance of life is concerned. They're all just fuel. Advertising fillers in the newspaper, philosophy books, dirty pictures in a …
(2021-12-24). California nurse Elizabeth gives testimony for the Global Workers' Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic. wsws.org In this interview, Elizabeth speaks on her experiences and those of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2021-12-24). Trains with Flawed Electrical Systems Caused Caracas Subway Explosions. orinocotribune.com Wednesday, December 22, the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and the Minister of Transportation, Hipólito Abreu, reported that investigations by engineers from the Caracas Metro found the cause of explosions that affected several trains of the public company in previous weeks. They also responded to threats of a lawsuit from by the Spanish Export Credit Insurance Company (CESCE), which is claiming compensation for ‚Ǩ138 million. | "A fault was discovered that caused explosions as a result of the electrical overload," explained President Nicolás Maduro at a ceremony at the Teresa Carreño T…
(2021-12-24). A come to Jesus sermon from the Rev. Chris Hedges. scheerpost.com 
[Journalist and minister, Chris Hedges. [Photo courtesy of Chris Hedges] | Click to subscribe on: Another holiday season plagued with high Covid-19 rates and fears of infecting loved ones has come around, this time amid supply chain shortages and other economic woes. As runaway American capitalism tries to sell us consumerism as the answer to our current crises ev…
(2021-12-24). 2021 Year in Review: The COVID-19 pandemic. america.cgtn.com 
The world rang in 2021 on an optimistic note despite being in the midst of a brutal wave of COVID-19 infections as vaccines were coming on line and going into arms. But the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. CGTN's Jim Spellman reports.
(2021-12-24). Workers, supporters demand'Amazon, recognize the Union now!'. workers.org 
Steps away from Broadway shows shut down by spiking COVID-19 numbers in New York City, a crowd of more than 80 people gathered in Times Square Dec. 22 to demand Amazon recognize the union being organized by the Amazon Labor Union at the company's Staten Island warehouse, as well as . . . |
(2021-12-24). The Sinister Convergence of Klaus Schwab's Great Reset with the Vatican and Liberation Theology. journal-neo.org 
Amid the 2020 global covid lockdowns and economic dislocations it has caused, Klaus Schwab, a previously low-profile founder of a Swiss-based business forum, emerged on the world stage calling for what he called a Great Reset of the entire world economy, using the pandemic as driver. He even published a book in July 2020 outlining …
(2021-12-24). Por qué Cuba no tiene un movimiento antivacunas. workers.org 
Por Marc Vandepitte y Toon Danhieux Traducido del neerlandés por Sven Magnus. Versión cortada por Mundo Obrero. Cada vez más, amplios sectores de la población europea expresan abiertamente su desconfianza hacia las políticas para combatir en COVID-19. La reacción de la política tradicional es de pánico y se caracteriza por . . . |
(2021-12-24). Urgent action is necessary to stop viral transmission, save lives and end the pandemic. wsws.org The Zero COVID strategy must be implemented in every country, aimed at progressively stopping human-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ever-broader geographic regions until the virus is eliminated globally.
(2021-12-24). Leaked files expose Syria psyops veteran astroturfing BreadTube star to counter Covid restriction critics. thegrayzone.com By covertly recruiting popular YouTube influencer Abigail Thorn to counter growing opposition to UK gov't Covid restrictions, psy-ops pros are bringing home the tactics they honed in the Syrian dirty war. Leaked documents have revealed a state-sponsored influence operation designed to undermine critics of the British government's coronavirus policies by astroturfing a prominent founder of the BreadTube clique of "anti-fascist" YouTube influencers. The project aims to conduct psychological profiling on British citizens dissenting against policies such as mandatory vaccination and …
(2021-12-24). Gabriel Boric Responds to Jair Bolsonaro's Statements. telesurenglish.net On Friday afternoon after receiving the booster dose against COVID-19 President-elect Gabriel Boric made statements on the greetings by the president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, referring also to the comments issued by his son, in which he indicates that Boric "will take the country to a situation similar to the one Venezuela reached with Nicolás Maduro." | RELATED: | "I had not seen it, we will analyze it later. I am…
(2021-12-24). An intensive care physician's report to the Global Workers' Inquest into the COVID-19 Pandemic. wsws.org The physician's report clearly shows the ongoing physical and psychological strains for those working in intensive care and why the path to the elimination of COVID-19 can only proceed via the independent mobilisation of the working class.
(2021-12-24). Leaked Files Expose Syria Psyops Veteran Recruiting Youtube Influencer to Counter Covid Restriction Critics. libya360.wordpress.com Kit Klarenberg and Max Blumenthal By covertly recruiting popular YouTube influencer Abigail Thorn to counter growing opposition to UK gov't Covid restrictions, psy-ops pros are bringing home the tactics they honed in the Syrian dirty war. Leaked documents have revealed a state-sponsored influence operation designed to undermine critics of the British government's coronavirus policies by…
(2021-12-24). Austria: Boost labour supply and foster green and digital transitions. moderndiplomacy.eu Austria's economy is recovering well from the COVID-19 crisis thanks to decisive policy action, although challenges remain in the form of labour and skills shortages. Efforts should now focus on increasing the labour force participation of women and older workers, adjusting public finances once the recovery is fully self-sustained, and accelerating the shift to a …
(2021-12-24). "My campaign is spearheading a fightback": Victimised London bus driver David O'Sullivan's hearing set for January. wsws.org Metroline bus company sacked O'Sullivan after he warned colleagues about the spread of COVID-19 at Cricklewood bus garage in northwest London.
(2021-12-24). Russia, Iran, Turkey to hold Syria summit in Tehran in February or March. moderndiplomacy.eu Russia, Iran and Turkey have agreed to hold the next Astana format summit in Tehran in February or March 2022, depending on the coronavirus situation, senior assistant to Iranian foreign minister for special political affairs Ali Asghar Khaji told TASS in Nur Sultan, on Wednesday. "Yes, it [the summit] is planned. We are preparing to …