PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 12.02.21 | Biden outlines the US' winter pandemic strategy, Germany introduces new restrictions, and scientists uncover a potential cause of blood clots from AstraZeneca shots. But first, here's this week's big story: |  | In the past week, news of Omicron, a new variant first identified in South Africa, has been making headlines. Arguably the most noteworthy aspect of the strain, at least as of right now, is that its spike protein has a significant number of mutations. This is also part of the reason why the WHO identified it as a "variant of concern." But experts can't yet say for certain whether Omicron will wreak havoc. The reality is that scientists need time to understand the workings of a new variant: where it came from, how easily it spreads, if and how it will make people sicker than previous strains. Already, authorities have figured out that the earliest case we know of, at least so far, was actually in the Netherlands, not sub-Saharan Africa. And whether or not Africa is where Omicron actually originated, there's no scientific rationale for reimposing travel restrictions on people coming from that region. In fact, doing so will actually impede research into the new variant. And by the time experts uncover and start looking at a strain, it's likely already spread. As of this week, there are reported cases of Omicron in the US too. | | Today, Biden outlined the US' pandemic strategy for this coming winter, which includes new vaccination sites, testing requirements for travelers, and reimbursements for at-home Covid tests. He also encouraged all adults to get a booster shot. (New York Times) With cases on the rise, Germany will soon bar unvaccinated people from nonessential stores, restaurants, and other venues, reimpose a national mask mandate, and more. Parliament is also weighing a vaccine mandate. (Associated Press) Last spring it became clear that a small number of people who received the AstraZeneca shot suffered from rare blood clots. Now, scientists say they may have figured out why this happened. (Washington Post) The chief of the World Trade Organization recently stated that she is "very concerned" about the persistence of vaccine inequity, saying that it could have a ripple effect on global economic recovery. (CNBC) UK officials approved a second monoclonal antibody treatment, called sotrovimab, that's been found to decrease the risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk adults. Scientists add that there's some evidence to suggest it will work well against new variants, including Omicron. (BBC) | | One year ago, Timnit Gebru tweeted that she had been fired from Google for speaking out about the ethics of the company's work in AI. Now, she's launching a new research institute to tackle some of those questions. | | Michael Silvester is a New Zealander with an unexpected—and essential—hobby. In his free time, he mans @CAFireScanner, a Twitter account providing critical information on California wildfires for evacuees and their loved ones. | |
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