Vulnerable groups covid 19

HATTERAS, N.C. (AP) — Ferry service along the North Carolina coast is experiencing interruptions because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in crew members and mechanical issues on the vessels themselves. The Virginian-Pilot reports the Cedar Island, Swan Quarter and Hatteras routes are affected, the N.C. Department of Transportation said in a news release. Last Thursday, three ferries on the Pamlico Sound routes and one on the Hatteras route were out of service due to mechanical issues. In addition, COVID-19 cases are on the rise locally and have impacted recent departure schedules on the Hatteras route. The news release said that while nearly all recent cases have recovered and returned to work, future cases can't be predicted and could lead to other interruptions. Bad weather and sand build up created major delays on the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry operation over the past few months. The Ocracoke Express passenger-only ferry began for the season this week and should ease some … [Read more...] about North Carolina ferries hit by COVID-19, mechanical issues

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network): Adenovirus infection and post-Covid-19 infection are among a number of working hypotheses the government is investigating regarding the mysterious cause of the outbreak that has infected children across the globe. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said on Monday (May 23) that one of the likely causes of the acute hepatitis outbreak was adenovirus infection among children. Adenovirus is a common pathogen that spreads from person to person and typically causes respiratory illness. “But, as regards to why [adenovirus infection] has suddenly popped up among children, we are still investigating that. We know that around 70 per cent of the children [with acute hepatitis] were infected with the adenovirus,” Dante said during a meeting with the House of Representatives Commission IX, which oversees demographic affairs, health and manpower. Another possibility, Dante said, was that the hepatitis outbreak could have been a … [Read more...] about Adenovirus, Covid-19 potential cause of hepatitis outbreak: Indonesia

STOCKHOLM (AP) – Sweden is recommending a fifth COVID-19 vaccine dose for people with an increased risk of becoming seriously ill, including pregnant women and anyone aged 65 and over, authorities said Tuesday, adding that the country must “be prepared for an increased spread during the upcoming autumn and winter season.” “The vaccine is our strongest tool for preventing serious illness and death,” Swedish Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren said, adding the pandemic is not over. As of Sept. 1, Sweden recommends that another booster shot is given to people aged 65 and older and people over 18 in the risk groups. The Swedish Public Health Agency said the latter includes pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and people with heart and lung disease. “In general, the risk of serious illness is assessed as low for adults under the age of 65 who have been vaccinated with three doses, but the risk increases with age and varies within the group,” agency chief Karin … [Read more...] about Sweden Rolls Out Fifth Covid Shot

Jinho of Pentagon [ILGAN SPORTS] Boy band Pentagon’s Jinho tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday, Cube Entertainment announced Wednesday. Jinho has received two shots of a vaccine. “Jinho will not be making appearances until he recovers from the virus,” said the label in a statement. That includes in “Show! Champion,” a music program on MBC M, in which Pentagon was planning to appear on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Oh My Girl member Hyojung, who said she saw a positive result after using a self-test kit on Tuesday said she received the same result on Wednesday after a PCR test. Hyojung’s agency WM Entertainment said she’ll be treated at home and halt all activities. Hyojung has received two shots of a vaccine and a booster. Actor Lee Sang-yeob who appears in tvN’s variety show “Six Sense” and its head producer also tested positive on Wednesday, according to tvN. As a result, the premiere of the third season of the program, which was scheduled for March 11, will be pushed back a … [Read more...] about More entertainers test positive as Covid cases surge

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): The Covid-19 Steering Committee on Tuesday (May 24) announced the discontinuation of the Early Endemic Phase under the National Covid-19 Recovery Framework which is set to end on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, paving the way for more lifting of restrictions. At the daily Covid-19 press conference at the Ministry of Health building in Commonwealth Drive, Berakas, Minster at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Second Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew Abdullah (pic) said from June 1, 2022, the guidelines for Covid-19 control measures will be updated including: No limitation on the capacity of mass gatherings at home or in halls. All sporting activities including competitions or matches are allowed with no limitation on the number of spectators. Food preparation for any event at any premises is allowed without any restrictions including buffet meals. No age restriction for all congregations … [Read more...] about Brunei to end early endemic phase o May 31

From left, Kim Chang-beom, former Korean ambassador to Indonesia, moderates a panel discussion at the Korea-Asean RCEP Forum at the Westin Josun Seoul on Tuesday, as Cambodian Ambassador to Korea Chring Botumrangsay, Indonesian Ambassador Gandi Sulistiyanto, the Philippines Ambassador Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega, Singapore’s Deputy Chief of Mission Adrian Li, Thai Ambassador Witchu Vejjajiva and Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tung share their respective governments’ views on RCEP and expectations for its implications on trade relations with Korea. [PARK SANG-MOON] Diplomats from six Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member countries emphasized that their trade pact will be beneficial for all 15 members at the Korea-Asean RCEP Forum, with Korea positive about joining more trade agreements with Asean countries. "As a small country, our trade is still minimal and RCEP will open up more opportunities for us to reach into the supply chain and provide trading of goods … [Read more...] about RCEP diplomats emphasize benefits of trade pact

Health Minister nominee Chung Ho-young prepares to speak about favoritism allegations in regards to his two children on April 17. Chung withdrew as health minister nominee on Monday. [YONHAP] Chung Ho-young abandoned his nomination as health minister Monday night as controversy over his two children failed to die, raising concerns over a leadership vacuum that could disrupt major decisions in health and welfare. Chung withdrew his nomination in a statement released around 9:30 p.m. Monday, saying, "I will serve as a small foundation for the success of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties. “I proved many allegations to be false, but apart from that, there have been parts that failed to meet the public's expectations,” Chung explained, “and I would like to humbly accept such criticism.” He added, “Now I will return to the community as a medical expert to support the success of the Yoon administration.” The withdrawal came … [Read more...] about Chung Ho-young abandons health minister nomination

Yeom Jae-ho The author is a professor emeritus and former president of Korea University. In the presidential race, which was marred by negative campaigning, Yoon Suk-yeol from the opposition People Power Party (PPP) defeated Lee Jae-myung from the ruling Democratic Party (DP) by a 0.73 percent margin. Yoon got 247,077 more votes than Lee in the election. The gap was smaller than the 307,542 votes that were declared invalid. After the frustrating loss, the DP established an emergency committee led by floor leader Yoon Ho-joong and Park Ji-hyun, a 26-year old activist on a crusade to eradicate digital sex crimes, to help reenergize the party. Before and after the election, President Moon Jae-in enjoyed approval ratings hovering above 40 percent for 11 consecutive weeks, and DP candidate Lee dominated other contestants in personal appeal. In terms of strength, the PPP was the underdog as inferred by the shabby number of seats it has in the National Assembly (35.9 percent vs. 58.3 … [Read more...] about Common sense matters

Grocery inflation has hit its highest level in 13 years - with almost a quarter of shoppers struggling to make ends meet, according to closely-watched industry data. Kantar Worldpanel said its measure of inflation in supermarkets had risen to 7% from 5.9% just a month ago. Prices were rising fastest in markets such as dog food, savoury snacks and fresh beef, the research revealed. Cheapest supermarkets listed; interest UK pays on debt to 'soar'; what Britons are cutting back on revealed | Cost of living latest It reflected the surging costs from things such as energy, fertiliser, fuel and animal feeds being passed down the supply chain in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine. Advertisement Prices had already been rising in advance of the war in February as worker shortages coupled with high demand to force up shipping costs, hampering the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It would also seem that the food inflation problem has far from … [Read more...] about Cost of living: Products hit hardest by soaring prices revealed as grocery inflation at highest level in 13 years

This weekend, the Catholic Church made the news yet again over its views on abortion – this time concerning US House speaker Nancy Pelosi ’s ability to receive the sacrament of communion due to her pro-choice stance. While it’s no secret that the Catholic Church, and other churches, have been long-term vocal opponents of abortion , this move to block a sacrament from a politician is absolutely over the top. Religious organisations that involve themselves in politics in this way should lose their tax exempt status. Religious organisations are already not required to comply with rules that secular spaces must follow. For example, the Catholic Church has been blessed by the government with tax exemptions , as much as $3.5bn in government Covid-19 aid and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) bypassing . The requirements for these benefits are given to them under the condition of their religious organisation status. This status has responsibilities attached to … [Read more...] about If the Catholic Church can’t stay out of politics, it should start paying taxes