thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--7 Deaths, Over 170 COVID-19 Cases Linked To Maine Wedding Reception

At least seven people have died due to a coronavirus outbreak linked to an indoor wedding reception in Millinocket , Maine .
One of those deaths occurred in a Millinocket hospital while six were at the Maplecrest Rehabilitation Center in Madison , a nursing home where 19 confirmed COVID-19 cases emerged last week .
The nursing home is roughly 100 miles southwest of the Big Moose Inn , Cabins and Campground , where the wedding reception was held on Aug. 7 .
A spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention previously told HuffPost that one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as an employee of the nursing home .
The wedding , which saw attendance from more than 60 guests who did not wear masks or socially distance , is now linked to 176 COVID-19 cases in Maine , including an outbreak in York County Jail , which is over 220 miles southwest of Big Moose Inn .
One of the wedding guests worked at the jail , according to the Bangor Daily News .
Amanda Roy , whose mother Anna Littlejohn resides at Maplecrest Rehabilitation Center and tested positive for COVID-19 , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry at the wedded couple for the resulting virus spread .
“ I ’ m glad they got the greatest day of their life , ” Roy told the paper .
“ But it made a nightmare and probably the worst days of some other people ’ s lives.
” During a media briefing this week , Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah stressed that all Maine locals needed to remain vigilant to quell the spread of COVID-19 .
The state was facing over 4,400 confirmed cases and had seen 138 deaths as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not on the other side of the fence , ” Shah said .
“ It is in our yards.
” Shah also stressed the importance of face masks , pointing out that wearing masks had not been the norm in the York County Jail , likely contributing to the outbreak .
“ The one theme that runs through all of [ these incidents ] is mask wearing , ” Shah said .
“ Face coverings both at a molecular level and now at a population level have been well associated at reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does it eliminate the likelihood ?
No , there ’ s no intervention in medical science that eliminates anything .
But they greatly reduce the likelihood .
”

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At least seven people have died due to a coronavirus outbreak linked to an indoor wedding reception in Millinocket, Maine.
One of those deaths occurred in a Millinocket hospital while six were at the Maplecrest Rehabilitation Center in Madison, a nursing home where 19 confirmed COVID-19 cases emerged last week.
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The nursing home is roughly 100 miles southwest of the Big Moose Inn, Cabins and Campground, where the wedding reception was held on Aug. 7. A spokesperson for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention previously told HuffPost that one of the wedding guests was in the same household as an employee of the nursing home.
The wedding, which saw attendance from more than 60 guests who did not wear masks or socially distance, is now linked to 176 COVID-19 cases in Maine, including an outbreak in York County Jail, which is over 220 miles southwest of Big Moose Inn. One of the wedding guests worked at the jail, according to the Bangor Daily News.
Amanda Roy, whose mother Anna Littlejohn resides at Maplecrest Rehabilitation Center and tested positive for COVID-19, told the Bangor Daily News that she is angry at the wedded couple for the resulting virus spread.
“I’m glad they got the greatest day of their life,” Roy told the paper. “But it made a nightmare and probably the worst days of some other people’s lives.”
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During a media briefing this week, Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah stressed that all Maine locals needed to remain vigilant to quell the spread of COVID-19. The state was facing over 4,400 confirmed cases and had seen 138 deaths as of Tuesday.
“COVID-19 right now is not on the other side of the fence,” Shah said. “It is in our yards.”
Shah also stressed the importance of face masks, pointing out that wearing masks had not been the norm in the York County Jail, likely contributing to the outbreak.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--Belgium Diners Can Once Again Enjoy Meals 164 Feet Above Ground

BRUSSELS , Sept 16 ( Reuters ) - Belgians looking for a different culinary experience will once again be able to eat 50 meters ( 164 feet ) above the ground as the dining-in-the-sky experience returns from COVID-19 lockdown with a new , socially distanced feel .
Belgium-based Dinner in the Sky , which has been set up in some 60 countries since its 2006 launch , involves diners strapped into seats at a table suspended from a crane while well-known chefs cook and serve from the center .
Their original platform sat 22 people together along the perimeter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 32 diners will now reserve four-person private tables spaced apart from .
The chefs and servers also have a little more space to roam .
“ It means all the public are sitting in sort of a bubble , ” said co-CEO Stefan Kerkhof at the crane base in the center of the Belgian capital .
Dinner in the Sky offers three sittings - for lunch and two for dinner over the coming two weeks .
The price is 295 euros ( $ 350 ) per head or 150 euros for weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.8430 euros )

Yves Herman / reuters A nine tons structure that can accommodate a total of thirty two guests, suspended from a crane at a height of fifty meters is seen during an event known as "Dinner in the Sky 2.0 New Generation” in Brussels, Belgium September 16, 2020. REUTERS/Yves Herman
BRUSSELS, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Belgians looking for a different culinary experience will once again be able to eat 50 meters (164 feet) above the ground as the dining-in-the-sky experience returns from COVID-19 lockdown with a new, socially distanced feel.
Belgium-based Dinner in the Sky, which has been set up in some 60 countries since its 2006 launch, involves diners strapped into seats at a table suspended from a crane while well-known chefs cook and serve from the center.
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Their original platform sat 22 people together along the perimeter, but in the COVID-19 era, up to 32 diners will now reserve four-person private tables spaced apart from. The chefs and servers also have a little more space to roam.
“It means all the public are sitting in sort of a bubble,” said co-CEO Stefan Kerkhof at the crane base in the center of the Belgian capital.
Dinner in the Sky offers three sittings - for lunch and two for dinner over the coming two weeks. The price is 295 euros ($350) per head or 150 euros for weekend afternoon cocktails.($1 = 0.8430 euros)


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--CDC Director: Masks Are 'The Most Important, Powerful Public Health Tool We Have'

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again urged Americans to wear face masks as much as possible and stressed their effectiveness in containing the spread of the coronavirus , in contrast to President Donald Trump ’ s lax attitude toward masks .
“ These face masks are the most important , powerful public health tool we have , and I will continue to appeal for all Americans , all individuals in our country , to embrace these face coverings .
I have said if we did it for six , eight , 10 , 12 weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , ” CDC Director Robert Redfield said during a Senate hearing on Wednesday .
“ We have clear scientific evidence they work and they are our best defense.
” Redfield went on to speculate that masks may even be more effective than a COVID-19 vaccine , particularly for people who don ’ t respond to a vaccine .
“ I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID than when I take a COVID vaccine , because it may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get an immune response , the vaccine is not going to protect me , ” he said .
“ This face mask will.
” Redfield also addressed the progress of vaccine development .
The Trump administration has pushed to have a vaccine widely available by January , if not sooner .
But questions have mounted on whether administration officials might rush through approval of a vaccine without proper safety and efficacy protocols in order to benefit Trump ’ s reelection chances in November .
Earlier on Wednesday , the CDC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccines free of charge for all Americans , possibly beginning as soon as later this year .
Each person would need two doses , three to four weeks apart .
Anticipating initial shortages , officials would prioritize the vaccine for essential workers and people in high-risk groups , before expanding access to everyone .
In his testimony , Redfield appeared more cautious , saying that a vaccine would be available in “ very limited supply ” sometime between November and December .
But for “ the general American public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine would be available probably in the second or third quarter of 2021 .
Contrary to Redfield ’ s advice , Trump rarely wears masks in public and mocks those who do , including Democratic opponent Joe Biden .
He frequently questions the effectiveness of masks , despite the overwhelming scientific evidence that wearing them helps contain the spread of COVID-19 .
Trump and his supporters have also defied public health guidance by holding crowded campaign rallies , like an indoor event in Las Vegas on Sunday , where few attendees were seen @ @ @

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The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention again urged Americans to wear face masks as much as possible and stressed their effectiveness in containing the spread of the coronavirus, in contrast to President Donald Trump’s lax attitude toward masks.
“These face masks are the most important, powerful public health tool we have, and I will continue to appeal for all Americans, all individuals in our country, to embrace these face coverings. I have said if we did it for six, eight, 10, 12 weeks, we would bring this pandemic under control,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said during a Senate hearing on Wednesday. “We have clear scientific evidence they work and they are our best defense.”
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Redfield went on to speculate that masks may even be more effective than a COVID-19 vaccine, particularly for people who don’t respond to a vaccine.
“I might even go so far as to say that this face mask is more guaranteed to protect me against COVID than when I take a COVID vaccine, because it may be 70%, and if I don’t get an immune response, the vaccine is not going to protect me,” he said. “This face mask will.”
Redfield also addressed the progress of vaccine development. The Trump administration has pushed to have a vaccine widely available by January, if not sooner. But questions have mounted on whether administration officials might rush through approval of a vaccine without proper safety and efficacy protocols in order to benefit Trump’s reelection chances in November.
Earlier on Wednesday, the CDC and other federal health officials rolled out a plan for distributing COVID-19 vaccines free of charge for all Americans, possibly beginning as soon as later this year.
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Each person would need two doses, three to four weeks apart. Anticipating initial shortages, officials would prioritize the vaccine for essential workers and people in high-risk groups, before expanding access to everyone.
In his testimony, Redfield appeared more cautious, saying that a vaccine would be available in “very limited supply” sometime between November and December. But for “the general American public,” he told senators, the vaccine would be available probably in the second or third quarter of 2021.
Trump and his supporters have also defied public health guidance by holding crowded campaign rallies, like an indoor event in Las Vegas on Sunday, where few attendees were seen wearing masks.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--Trump Health Official Taking Leave Of Absence After CDC, Election Conspiracies Rant

Michael Caputo , the politically appointed assistant secretary for public affairs at the nation ’ s health department , is taking a leave of absence , the agency announced Wednesday .
This follows his posting a video of himself accusing the government scientists fighting the coronavirus pandemic of having a “ resistance unit ” and of plotting to undermine President Donald Trump .
Caputo ’ s science adviser , Dr. Paul Alexander , will also leave the Department of Health and Human Services entirely , the agency said in a statement .
A former Trump campaign official who was appointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , Caputo will step aside for 60 days “ to focus on his health and the well-being of his family , ” according to a department statement .
The announcement followed reports that Caputo had issued an apology on Tuesday to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and his staff about his conduct in a live video posted to Facebook on Sunday .
In the video , Caputo spews disturbing warnings about the upcoming presidential election and shares conspiracy theories about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ’ s efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientists who work for this government who do not want America to get well , not until Joe Biden is president , ” he says , without providing any supporting evidence , according to copies of the video shared by various news outlets .
Politico reported last week that Caputo and Alexander had been pressuring the CDC to change its COVID-19 reports so that the information reflects better on the president .
At one point in the video , Caputo encourages Trump supporters to buy ammunition for their guns , fearing that Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m not going anywhere .
They ’ re going to have to kill me and unfortunately , I think that ’ s where this is going , ” he says .
Michael Caputo , a former Trump campaign official , was appointed as assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services in April .
With his apology on Tuesday during an emergency staff meeting , Caputo shared that he was considering a leave of absence to address physical health problems , The New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the situation .
Caputo mentions in his video that he has been physically and mentally unwell and that he “ really wants to leave ” the Department of Health and Human Services .
“ Obviously , some of those statements are concerning , ” Azar told The Tennesseean on Tuesday when asked about Caputo ’ s comments .
“ I ’ m not going to comment on somebody ’ s personal social media posts.
” Caputo has no medical or scientific background and his online profile on the department ’ s website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an author and a media commentator .
”

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Michael Caputo, the politically appointed assistant secretary for public affairs at the nation’s health department, is taking a leave of absence, the agency announced Wednesday. This follows his posting a video of himself accusing the government scientists fighting the coronavirus pandemic of having a “resistance unit” and of plotting to undermine President Donald Trump.
Caputo’s science adviser, Dr. Paul Alexander, will also leave the Department of Health and Human Services entirely, the agency said in a statement.
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A former Trump campaign official who was appointed as top spokesperson for the department in April, Caputo will step aside for 60 days “to focus on his health and the well-being of his family,” according to a department statement.
The announcement followed reports that Caputo had issued an apology on Tuesday to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and his staff about his conduct in a live video posted to Facebook on Sunday.
NEW: We have the Michael Caputo video from Facebook Live.
It’s...uncomfortable watching.
More, and story, below.https://t.co/pfZX744Trl pic.twitter.com/QLBJEqNOxN — Alexander Nazaryan (@alexnazaryan) September 16, 2020
In the video, Caputo spews disturbing warnings about the upcoming presidential election and shares conspiracy theories about the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s efforts to fight COVID-19.
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“There are scientists who work for this government who do not want America to get well, not until Joe Biden is president,” he says, without providing any supporting evidence, according to copies of the video shared by various news outlets.
Politico reported last week that Caputo and Alexander had been pressuring the CDC to change its COVID-19 reports so that the information reflects better on the president.
At one point in the video, Caputo encourages Trump supporters to buy ammunition for their guns, fearing that Biden will not accept the November election results.
“I’m not going anywhere. They’re going to have to kill me and unfortunately, I think that’s where this is going,” he says.
Michael Caputo, a former Trump campaign official, was appointed as assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services in April. Mark Wilson via Getty Images
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With his apology on Tuesday during an emergency staff meeting, Caputo shared that he was considering a leave of absence to address physical health problems, The New York Times reported, citing a person familiar with the situation.
Caputo mentions in his video that he has been physically and mentally unwell and that he “really wants to leave” the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Obviously, some of those statements are concerning,” Azar told The Tennesseean on Tuesday when asked about Caputo’s comments. “I’m not going to comment on somebody’s personal social media posts.”
Caputo has no medical or scientific background and his online profile on the department’s website describes him as a “film maker, an author and a media commentator.”
It’s not clear what, if any, long-term repercussions the video may have on Caputo’s government career.
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A representative with the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s requests for comment on Wednesday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--The Most (And Least) Risky Activities For Spreading COVID-19

When it comes to spreading COVID-19 , not all activities are created equal .
That ’ s according to a fascinating infographic that ’ s been shared on social media , charting the riskiest activities that encourage the virus to spread .
Club-goers will be sad to see the heat map suggests nightclubs are the ultimate high-risk activity , followed by seeing a concert or play , attending an indoor party , visiting an indoor bar , attending a sporting event and going to church .
Also considered high risk ― but less so than the above activities ― is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or shaking hands , stopping wearing a face mask , going out with someone you don ’ t know well , visiting an amusement park and eating at a buffet .
Other relatively low-risk activities , according to the heat map , include : going to the beach , food shopping , outdoor dining , visiting a library or museum , going away for one night ( if driving ) , visiting your doctor , going on vacation with another family and walking in a busy town ( outdoors ) .
The chart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to the activities .
These include : how many people there are , how close the contact is between these people , how long they are exposed to each other , whether they ’ re indoors or outside , the surfaces ( is there lots to touch ? )
, how many cases there are in the local area and how likely they are to comply to COVID-19 rules in that area .
While the heat map is certainly intriguing to look at , Simon Clarke , an associate professor of cellular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , reiterates there are many factors that may determine where activities lie on the risk spectrum .
“ The positioning of different activities [ on this map ] is quite absolute , ” he says .
So , it ’ s important to remember the factors that might make an activity more , or less , risky .
An empty flight is lower risk than a full one , for example , so this could change where it sits on the chart .
Quentin Leclerc , a PhD researcher in mathematical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HuffPost UK being indoors , having people in close proximity , poor ventilation and environments that are relatively cold , seem to facilitate greater transmission of the virus .
This can help explain why visiting a nightclub , for example , could be more problematic than camping ― you have lots of people crowded into a poorly ventilated space , as opposed to fewer people spread out in their own tents in an outdoor ( and well-ventilated ) space .
It might also be helpful to remember the three Cs , which are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with poor ventilation , crowded places with lots of people nearby , and close contact settings such as close-range conversations .
In July , doctors from the Texas Medical Association ( TMA ) shared a similar graphic charting high and low-risk activities .
Low-risk activities included opening the mail , getting a takeout , getting gas , playing tennis and camping .
High-risk activities included going to the gym , eating at a buffet , going to an amusement park , going to the movies , attending a concert , visiting a sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 500+ people and going to a bar .
Experts are still learning about COVID-19 .
The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication , but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus .
Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations .

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When it comes to spreading COVID-19, not all activities are created equal. That’s according to a fascinating infographic that’s been shared on social media, charting the riskiest activities that encourage the virus to spread.
Club-goers will be sad to see the heat map suggests nightclubs are the ultimate high-risk activity, followed by seeing a concert or play, attending an indoor party, visiting an indoor bar, attending a sporting event and going to church.
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Also considered high risk ― but less so than the above activities ― is attending a wedding or funeral, hugging or shaking hands, stopping wearing a face mask, going out with someone you don’t know well, visiting an amusement park and eating at a buffet.
The graphic, produced by Information Is Beautiful, the brainchild of London-based designer and writer David McCandless, sourced the information from 500 epidemiologists and experts quoted in the media.
Medium-risk activities, as suggested by the graph, include: staying at a hotel, hosting a small indoor dinner party, using a public pool, visiting a shopping center, getting a haircut, going on a plane, and sending kids to school or nursery.
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Low-risk activities, however, include eating a takeout, exercising outdoors, playing tennis, playing golf, having a friend use your bathroom, going to a petrol station, older kid playdates and camping.
Other relatively low-risk activities, according to the heat map, include: going to the beach, food shopping, outdoor dining, visiting a library or museum, going away for one night (if driving), visiting your doctor, going on vacation with another family and walking in a busy town (outdoors).
The chart caveats there are factors to consider in addition to the activities. These include: how many people there are, how close the contact is between these people, how long they are exposed to each other, whether they’re indoors or outside, the surfaces (is there lots to touch?), how many cases there are in the local area and how likely they are to comply to COVID-19 rules in that area.
While the heat map is certainly intriguing to look at, Simon Clarke, an associate professor of cellular microbiology at the University of Reading in the UK, reiterates there are many factors that may determine where activities lie on the risk spectrum. “The positioning of different activities [on this map] is quite absolute,” he says.
So, it’s important to remember the factors that might make an activity more, or less, risky. An empty flight is lower risk than a full one, for example, so this could change where it sits on the chart.
Advertisement
Quentin Leclerc, a PhD researcher in mathematical modeling of infectious disease, previously told HuffPost UK being indoors, having people in close proximity, poor ventilation and environments that are relatively cold, seem to facilitate greater transmission of the virus. This can help explain why visiting a nightclub, for example, could be more problematic than camping ― you have lots of people crowded into a poorly ventilated space, as opposed to fewer people spread out in their own tents in an outdoor (and well-ventilated) space.
It might also be helpful to remember the three Cs, which are popular in Japan: avoiding closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with lots of people nearby, and close contact settings such as close-range conversations.
In July, doctors from the Texas Medical Association (TMA) shared a similar graphic charting high and low-risk activities. Low-risk activities included opening the mail, getting a takeout, getting gas, playing tennis and camping. High-risk activities included going to the gym, eating at a buffet, going to an amusement park, going to the movies, attending a concert, visiting a sports stadium, attending a religious service with 500+ people and going to a bar.
An analysis by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) found care homes, bars, religious settings and workplaces were associated with more clusters of cases. There have also been some incidences at weddings, sporting events and conferences where large numbers of people became ill. This post originally appeared in HuffPost UK.
Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--CDC Rolls Out COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

CDC Rolls Out COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

In a report to Congress and an accompanying “ playbook ” for states and localities , federal health agencies and the Defense Department sketched out complex plans for a vaccination campaign to begin gradually in January or possibly later this year , eventually ramping up to reach any American who wants a shot .
The Pentagon is involved with the distribution of vaccines , but civilian health workers will be the ones giving shots .
The campaign is “ much larger in scope and complexity than seasonal influenza or other previous outbreak-related vaccination responses , ” said the playbook for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention .
— For most vaccines , people will need two doses , 21 to 28 days apart .
Double-dose vaccines will have to come from the same drugmaker .
There could be several vaccines from different manufacturers approved and available .
— Vaccination of the U.S. population won ’ t be a sprint but a marathon .
Initially there may be a limited supply of vaccines available , and the focus will be on protecting health workers , other essential employees , and people in vulnerable groups .
The National Academy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first phase .
A second and third phase would expand vaccination to the entire country .
— The vaccine itself will be free of charge , and patients won ’ t be charged out of pocket for the administration of shots , thanks to billions of dollars in taxpayer funding approved by Congress and allocated by the Trump administration .
— States and local communities will need to devise precise plans for receiving and locally distributing vaccines , some of which will require special handling such as refrigeration or freezing .
States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans .
Some of the broad components of the federal plan have already been discussed , but Wednesday ’ s reports attempt to put the key details into a comprehensive framework .
Distribution is happening under the umbrella of Operation Warp Speed , a White House-backed initiative to have millions of doses ready to ship once a vaccine is given what ’ s expected to be an emergency use approval by the Food and Drug Administration .
Several formulations are undergoing final trials .
But the whole enterprise is facing public skepticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d get vaccinated in an Associated Press poll taken in May .
Of those who wouldn ’ t get vaccinated , the overwhelming majority said they were worried about safety .
To effectively protect the nation from the coronavirus , experts say upwards of 70 % of Americans must either be vaccinated or have their own immunity from fighting off COVID-19 .
Since the poll , questions have only mounted about whether the government is trying to rush COVID-19 treatments and vaccines to help President Donald Trump ’ s reelection chances .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the FDA granted authorization for treatment of COVID-19 patients with plasma from people who have recovered , even though some government scientists were not convinced the clinical evidence was sufficiently strong .
And last week it was reported that Michael Caputo , a Health and Human Services Department political appointee , tried to gain editorial control over a weekly scientific publication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ We are working closely with our state and local public health partners ... to ensure that Americans can receive the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence , ” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement Wednesday .
“ Americans should know that the vaccine development process is being driven completely by science and the data.
” That could be a tough sell .
In the AP poll , 1 in 5 Americans said they would not get a coronavirus vaccine , and 31 % said they were unsure .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government outlined a sweeping plan Wednesday to make vaccines for COVID-19 available for free to all Americans, even as polls show a strong undercurrent of skepticism rippling across the land.
In a report to Congress and an accompanying “playbook” for states and localities, federal health agencies and the Defense Department sketched out complex plans for a vaccination campaign to begin gradually in January or possibly later this year, eventually ramping up to reach any American who wants a shot. The Pentagon is involved with the distribution of vaccines, but civilian health workers will be the ones giving shots.
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The campaign is “much larger in scope and complexity than seasonal influenza or other previous outbreak-related vaccination responses,” said the playbook for states from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Among the highlights:
— For most vaccines, people will need two doses, 21 to 28 days apart. Double-dose vaccines will have to come from the same drugmaker. There could be several vaccines from different manufacturers approved and available.
— Vaccination of the U.S. population won’t be a sprint but a marathon. Initially there may be a limited supply of vaccines available, and the focus will be on protecting health workers, other essential employees, and people in vulnerable groups. The National Academy of Medicine is working on priorities for the first phase. A second and third phase would expand vaccination to the entire country.
— The vaccine itself will be free of charge, and patients won’t be charged out of pocket for the administration of shots, thanks to billions of dollars in taxpayer funding approved by Congress and allocated by the Trump administration.
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— States and local communities will need to devise precise plans for receiving and locally distributing vaccines, some of which will require special handling such as refrigeration or freezing. States and cities have a month to submit plans.
Some of the broad components of the federal plan have already been discussed, but Wednesday’s reports attempt to put the key details into a comprehensive framework. Distribution is happening under the umbrella of Operation Warp Speed, a White House-backed initiative to have millions of doses ready to ship once a vaccine is given what’s expected to be an emergency use approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Several formulations are undergoing final trials.
But the whole enterprise is facing public skepticism. Only about half of Americans said they’d get vaccinated in an Associated Press poll taken in May. Of those who wouldn’t get vaccinated, the overwhelming majority said they were worried about safety. To effectively protect the nation from the coronavirus, experts say upwards of 70% of Americans must either be vaccinated or have their own immunity from fighting off COVID-19.
Since the poll, questions have only mounted about whether the government is trying to rush COVID-19 treatments and vaccines to help President Donald Trump’s reelection chances.
Before the Republican National Convention in August, the FDA granted authorization for treatment of COVID-19 patients with plasma from people who have recovered, even though some government scientists were not convinced the clinical evidence was sufficiently strong. And last week it was reported that Michael Caputo, a Health and Human Services Department political appointee, tried to gain editorial control over a weekly scientific publication from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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As public confidence in core health agencies has taken a beating, Trump administration officials have been forced to play defense.
“We are working closely with our state and local public health partners ... to ensure that Americans can receive the vaccine as soon as possible and vaccinate with confidence,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement Wednesday. “Americans should know that the vaccine development process is being driven completely by science and the data.”
That could be a tough sell. In the AP poll, 1 in 5 Americans said they would not get a coronavirus vaccine, and 31% said they were unsure.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--West Coast Wildfires Spark Headaches and Hospital Visits

“ I get out of bed to eat and drink water , and go back to bed , ” said the 64-year-old retired software engineer , who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu .
“ It ’ s like there ’ s not enough oxygen in the air.
” Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region , where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday , compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic .
Air pollution , in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma , lung cancer , heart disease and early death .
“ I can ’ t see out my window past two cars , ” said Dr. Gopal Allada , a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine .
Allada ’ s office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing , wheezing , throat irritation , headache and racing heartbeat .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sky darkened by the smoke from California wildfires in San Francisco , California , U.S. , September 9 , 2020 .
REUTERS/Stephen Lam TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers , known as PM2.5 , is the key measure for harmful air pollution .
The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair , small enough to burrow deep into a person ’ s lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream .
But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buildings such as asbestos , synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals .
These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils .
A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials , even as some smoke started to abate .
About 40 sites , including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills , had higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days running , state data showed .
In San Francisco , an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean , levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California ’ s standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days .
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems , said Dr. Afif El-Hasan , a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association .
Wildfire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 , he said , and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients , making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them .

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - The splitting headaches began when smoke from wildfires rolled in around Tim Hunt’s suburban Seattle home. Next came a debilitating fatigue.
As deadly wildfires rage across the U.S. West, Hunt and others are struggling with some of the world’s worst air pollution.
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“I get out of bed to eat and drink water, and go back to bed,” said the 64-year-old retired software engineer, who suffered lung damage in 2017 from a bad case of the flu. “It’s like there’s not enough oxygen in the air.”
Enormous plumes of ash and smoke have spread from the region, where nearly 5 million acres were ablaze on Tuesday, compounding the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic.
In California, levels of lung-polluting particulate matter have jumped far beyond the summertime norm, bathing skies in eerie tones of orange and sepia.
Hospitals in hard-hit Oregon report a 10% increase in emergency room visits for breathing problems. Doctors are being inundated with calls from worried patients.
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“It’s really putting a burden on our asthmatic patients,” said Dr. Paul Williams, an allergy and immunology specialist in Everett, Washington. “They’re calling us more often and they’re requiring additional medications.”
Air pollution, in the case of wildfire measured by the amount of fine particulate matter swirling in the air, is considered a serious health hazard linked to diseases including asthma, lung cancer, heart disease and early death.
Pollution has hit historic levels in five Oregon cities - Portland, Eugene, Bend, Medford and Klamath Falls, the state said Tuesday.
“I can’t see out my window past two cars,” said Dr. Gopal Allada, a pulmonologist who teaches at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine. Allada’s office is swamped with calls from patients experiencing breathing problems and asking for advice on what to do about symptoms that include coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, headache and racing heartbeat.
“We’re just trying to field the calls,” Allada said. “I would have loved to have had more people answering phones.”
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In Washington where Hunt lives, the air quality on Tuesday ranged from unhealthy to hazardous at every site monitored by the state.
Residents were stuffing towels in door cracks or sleeping in face masks to cope.
The Bay Bridge is seen under an orange sky darkened by the smoke from California wildfires in San Francisco, California, U.S., September 9, 2020. REUTERS/Stephen Lam TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Stephen Lam / reuters
Particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5, is the key measure for harmful air pollution. The particles are smaller than the width of a human hair, small enough to burrow deep into a person’s lungs and even find its way into the bloodstream.
Wildfire smoke mostly carries particulates from burning trees and plants, which are already harmful.
But smoke from devastated communities can also contain toxic chemicals from burned plastic and other manmade materials in cars and buildings such as asbestos, synthetic rubber compounds and heavy metals. These can then pollute not only air but nearby waterways or soils.
A Reuters analysis of California air quality data showed moderate to hazardous air quality on Sunday and Monday at all but about 20 of more than 120 sites monitored by environmental officials, even as some smoke started to abate. About 40 sites, including San Luis Obispo along the Pacific Coast and large swaths of the agricultural Central Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills, had higher levels of pollutants than usual for six days running, state data showed.
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In San Francisco, an area usually spared poor air because of its proximity to the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean, levels of PM2.5 pollution have been three times California’s standard limit of 35 micrograms per cubic meter for at least six days.
“I can’t recall a time when we’ve had this amount of smoke for this long a time,” said Sylvia Vanderspek, chief of the Air Quality Planning Branch of the California Air Resources Board.
COMPOUNDING COVID-19
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is also complicating efforts to help people at risk for lung and breathing problems, said Dr. Afif El-Hasan, a pediatrician in Southern California who volunteers with the American Lung Association.
Wildfire pollution can make people more susceptible to COVID-19, he said, and the best masks for filtering smoke are the same N-95 face coverings desperately needed by doctors and nurses treating COVID patients, making medical professionals hesitant to recommend that patients buy them.
It has also been difficult to help people find respite from the bad air, other than to recommend staying home and indoors.
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“Normally when we give air quality alerts we say where people can go,” said Dylan Darling, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. “Often the Oregon coast can provide refuge or the mountains. But right now there is not a place that’s good to go for fresh air.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--Trump’s Bonkers Coronavirus ‘Herd Mentality’ Claim Lights Up Twitter

President Donald Trump on Tuesday night raised the notion of Americans developing herd immunity to the coronavirus , which he referred to as a “ herd mentality.
” Speaking at an ABC town hall event , Trump repeated his claim that the virus was going away .
“ It ’ s probably gon na go away now a lot faster because of the vaccine , ” he said .
“ It would go away without the vaccine.
” “ It would go away without the vaccine ?
” Stephanopoulos asked .
Herd mentality is defined by Merriam-Webster as “ the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to think and behave in ways that conform with others in the group rather than as individuals.
” Herd immunity is when enough people are immune to a virus that it ’ s no longer able to effectively spread .
It can happen either from a vaccine or from so many people getting sick that the virus runs out of people to infect .
Last month , The Washington Post estimated that a herd immunity strategy without a vaccine would lead to nearly 3 million deaths in the United States .
Twitter users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inability to tell the difference as well as the idea that the president may be entertaining herd immunity as a public health strategy : This is the key point .
Everyone on Twitter is mocking Trump 's misstatement ( `` herd mentality '' v `` herd immunity '' ) .
That 's a goof .
But if Trump 's strategy is to simply let the virus `` run its course , '' that could mean 2m deaths in the next 12 months .
That 's the real headline .
https : //t.co/RxeTWUMDfl — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 16 , 2020 Herd mentality ?
?
You mean herd immunity ?
That 's what you 're pursuing for us as a country , and you do n't even know what it is ?
And you think it might be the same thing as herd mentality ?
pic.twitter.com/9anh7OUZnq — Maddow Blog ( @ MaddowBlog ) September 16 , 2020 At the town hall , Trump just said “ herd mentality ” when he meant “ herd immunity.
” But in Trumpland the former is so prevalent you can almost excuse Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( @ GeorgeTakei ) September 16 , 2020 Donald Trump battles the English language in an attempt to let voters know he now supports herd immunity ( 3 million US deaths ) as the solution to COVID : “ You ’ re going to develop , you ’ re going to develop herd mentality ; it ’ s going to be , going to be herd developed.
” https : //t.co/vJVp0kcyFF — Joe Scarborough ( @ JoeNBC ) September 16 , 2020 It 's hard to have much faith in our President 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his alleged strategy `` herd mentality '' , not herd immunity .
Shocking incompetence .
— Michael McFaul ( @ McFaul ) September 16 , 2020 .
@ realDonaldTrump says tonight @ ABC the coronavirus will disappear , will go away , even without a vaccine it will go away over time “ you ’ ll develop like a herd mentality , it ’ s going to be herd developed ” ... says “ we ’ re rounding the corner ” Contrary to what Dr Fauci told me Friday .
— Andrea Mitchell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Sweaty and confused , Trump says that the virus will go away with a `` herd mentality '' .
Mentality .
I do n't want to hear one more fucking word about Joe Biden 's mental fitness for office .
Not one.
# TrumpIsNotWell # TrumpTownHall pic.twitter.com/TbFUrUUmu6 — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly ( @ AynRandPaulRyan ) September 16 , 2020

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President Donald Trump on Tuesday night raised the notion of Americans developing herd immunity to the coronavirus, which he referred to as a “herd mentality.”
Speaking at an ABC town hall event, Trump repeated his claim that the virus was going away.
“It’s probably gonna go away now a lot faster because of the vaccine,” he said. “It would go away without the vaccine.”
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Host George Stephanopoulos seemed incredulous by that comment.
“It would go away without the vaccine?” Stephanopoulos asked.
“Sure,” Trump replied. “Over a period of time. Sure, with time.”
“And many deaths,” Stephanopoulos said.
“You’ll develop like a herd mentality,” Trump explained. “It’s gonna be herd-developed and that’s gonna happen.”
Pres. Trump says COVID-19 will go away even without a vaccine in part because of ... “herd mentality.” pic.twitter.com/PhrU06GJJo — The Recount (@therecount) September 16, 2020
Herd mentality is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the tendency of the people in a group to think and behave in ways that conform with others in the group rather than as individuals.”
Herd immunity is when enough people are immune to a virus that it’s no longer able to effectively spread. It can happen either from a vaccine or from so many people getting sick that the virus runs out of people to infect.
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Last month, The Washington Post estimated that a herd immunity strategy without a vaccine would lead to nearly 3 million deaths in the United States.
Twitter users were stunned by both Trump’s inability to tell the difference as well as the idea that the president may be entertaining herd immunity as a public health strategy:
This is the key point. Everyone on Twitter is mocking Trump's misstatement ("herd mentality" v "herd immunity"). That's a goof.
But if Trump's strategy is to simply let the virus "run its course," that could mean 2m deaths in the next 12 months. That's the real headline. https://t.co/RxeTWUMDfl — Ronald Klain (@RonaldKlain) September 16, 2020
Herd mentality??
You mean herd immunity?
That's what you're pursuing for us as a country, and you don't even know what it is?
And you think it might be the same thing as herd mentality? pic.twitter.com/9anh7OUZnq — Maddow Blog (@MaddowBlog) September 16, 2020
“Herd mentality” is what his cult followers have. “Herd immunity” without vaccine is deadly. Trump’s idiocy on science is killing us. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/NmGJHPXCzD — Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) September 16, 2020
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“You’re going to develop, like, a herd mentality”
pic.twitter.com/RdkTBCt0wU — Arlen Parsa (@arlenparsa) September 16, 2020
What is “herd mentality”? Just asking. — Valerie Jarrett (@ValerieJarrett) September 16, 2020
At the town hall, Trump just said “herd mentality” when he meant “herd immunity.” But in Trumpland the former is so prevalent you can almost excuse Trump’s apparent cognitive decline. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) September 16, 2020
Donald Trump battles the English language in an attempt to let voters know he now supports herd immunity (3 million US deaths) as the solution to COVID:
“You’re going to develop, you’re going to develop herd mentality; it’s going to be, going to be herd developed.” https://t.co/vJVp0kcyFF — Joe Scarborough (@JoeNBC) September 16, 2020
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“Herd mentality” = 2.5 million dead Americans. Please tell us more about your plan, @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/SCUVMoeM60 — Reed Galen (@reedgalen) September 16, 2020
It's hard to have much faith in our President's ability to fight COVID when he calls his alleged strategy "herd mentality", not herd immunity. Shocking incompetence. — Michael McFaul (@McFaul) September 16, 2020
.@realDonaldTrump says tonight @ABC the coronavirus will disappear, will go away, even without a vaccine it will go away over time “you’ll develop like a herd mentality, it’s going to be herd developed”...says “we’re rounding the corner” Contrary to what Dr Fauci told me Friday. — Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) September 16, 2020
Dr. Freud... paging Dr. Freud. Trump says "herd mentality" — he's thinking of his cult followers. #FreudianSlip https://t.co/L4Tsv1dHVV — Dr. Jack Brown (@DrGJackBrown) September 16, 2020
Sweaty and confused, Trump says that the virus will go away with a "herd mentality".
Mentality.
I don't want to hear one more fucking word about Joe Biden's mental fitness for office.
Not one.#TrumpIsNotWell #TrumpTownHall
pic.twitter.com/TbFUrUUmu6 — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) September 16, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-16--India Hits New Milestone, Surpasses 5 Million Coronavirus Cases

The Health Ministry reported 90,123 new cases in the past 24 hours , raising the nation ’ s confirmed total to 5,020,359 , about 0.35 % of its nearly 1.4 billion population .
It said 1,290 more people died in the past 24 hours , for a total of 82,066 .
India ’ s total coronavirus caseload is closing in on the United States ’ highest tally of more than 6.6 million cases and expected to surpass it within weeks .
But authorities ruled out imposing a second countrywide lockdown as recoveries were growing at more than 78 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far lower than 3 % each in the United States and Brazil , according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine and University .
Dr. Gagandeep Kang , an infectious diseases expert from Christian Medical College in the southern Indian state of Vellore , said that the number of cases increasing in India was inevitable .
But the country still had the opportunity to try and restrict cases through a strategy of testing and isolating the affected places .
She said that “ the goal was for India to do enough testing to bring down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests that test positive to less than 5 percent or even less than 1 percent.
” Most of India ’ s deaths are concentrated in its large cities — Mumbai , Delhi , Bengaluru , Chennai and Pune .
But smaller urban centers in Mahrashtra like Nagpur or Jalgaon have also reported more than 1,000 deaths .
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Tuesday that only about 6 % of the coronavirus patients in India were on oxygen — 0.31 % on ventilators , 2.17 % on intensive care unit beds with oxygen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maharashtra state with more than 1 million cases remains the worst affected region in India , followed by Andhra Pradesh , Tamil Nadu , Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh .
These states account for more than 60 % of coronavirus cases in the country .
India ’ s meager health resources are poorly divided across the country .
Nearly 600 million Indians live in rural areas , and with the virus spreading fast across India ’ s vast hinterlands , health experts worry that hospitals could be overwhelmed Nationwide , India is testing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceeding the World Health Organization ’ s benchmark of 140 tests per 1 million people .
But many of these are antigen tests , which look for virus proteins and are faster but less accurate compared to RT-PCR , the gold standard for confirming the coronavirus by its genetic code .
With the economy contracting by a record 23.9 % in the April-June quarter leaving millions jobless , the Indian government is continuing with relaxing lockdown restrictions that were imposed in late March .
The government in May announced a $ 266 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing are yet to recover .

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NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s coronavirus confirmed cases crossed 5 million on Wednesday, still soaring and testing the country’s feeble health care system in tens of thousands of impoverished towns and villages.
The Health Ministry reported 90,123 new cases in the past 24 hours, raising the nation’s confirmed total to 5,020,359, about 0.35% of its nearly 1.4 billion population. It said 1,290 more people died in the past 24 hours, for a total of 82,066.
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India’s total coronavirus caseload is closing in on the United States’ highest tally of more than 6.6 million cases and expected to surpass it within weeks.
India reported a record daily high of 97,570 cases on Sept. 11 and has added more than 1 million cases this month alone.
People wait in line to receive COVID-19 tests at a government hospital in Jammu, India on Tuesday. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Experts warned that India’s case fatality rate could increase in coming weeks with lockdown restrictions relaxed except in high-risk areas.
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But authorities ruled out imposing a second countrywide lockdown as recoveries were growing at more than 78%. Its fatality rate is 1.6%, far lower than 3% each in the United States and Brazil, according to the Johns Hopkins Medicine and University.
Dr. Gagandeep Kang, an infectious diseases expert from Christian Medical College in the southern Indian state of Vellore, said that the number of cases increasing in India was inevitable. But the country still had the opportunity to try and restrict cases through a strategy of testing and isolating the affected places.
She said that “the goal was for India to do enough testing to bring down test positivity rate, or fraction of tests that test positive to less than 5 percent or even less than 1 percent.”
Most of India’s deaths are concentrated in its large cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune. But smaller urban centers in Mahrashtra like Nagpur or Jalgaon have also reported more than 1,000 deaths.
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Tuesday that only about 6% of the coronavirus patients in India were on oxygen — 0.31% on ventilators, 2.17% on intensive care unit beds with oxygen and 3.69% on oxygen beds.
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Maharashtra state with more than 1 million cases remains the worst affected region in India, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. These states account for more than 60% of coronavirus cases in the country.
The Health Ministry said 155 health workers, including 46 doctors, have died so far due to COVID-19.
India’s meager health resources are poorly divided across the country. Nearly 600 million Indians live in rural areas, and with the virus spreading fast across India’s vast hinterlands, health experts worry that hospitals could be overwhelmed
Nationwide, India is testing more than 1 million samples per day, exceeding the World Health Organization’s benchmark of 140 tests per 1 million people. But many of these are antigen tests, which look for virus proteins and are faster but less accurate compared to RT-PCR, the gold standard for confirming the coronavirus by its genetic code.
With the economy contracting by a record 23.9% in the April-June quarter leaving millions jobless, the Indian government is continuing with relaxing lockdown restrictions that were imposed in late March. The government in May announced a $266 billion stimulus package, but consumer demand and manufacturing are yet to recover.
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A large number of offices, shops, businesses, liquor shops, bars and restaurants have reopened. Restricted domestic and international evacuation flights are being operated every day along with train services.
Schools will reopen for senior students from 9-12th standards for consultation with teachers next week.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--California Church Caves To Public Health Orders After Racking Up Over $100,000 In Fines

About two weeks after California ’ s North Valley Baptist Church shot into the national spotlight over its refusal to follow local coronavirus guidelines , its lead pastor has changed his tune .
Faced with fines of more than $ 100,000 for defying Santa Clara ’ s public health order prohibiting indoor worship services , Pastor Jack Trieber has agreed to move his services to the parking lot of the Bay Area church .
Parishioners remained in their cars during two Sunday services this week as Trieber preached from a podium draped in patriotic bunting .
Trieber said that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fasting and counsel , ” he felt compelled to stand aside and let God lead the battle to reopen churches .
“ I have confidence that [ city officials ] are going to try their best ... to help to get churches open at the right time , ” Trieber said during his sermon .
“ Your job and my job is to keep letting God fight this battle.
” North Valley Baptist is an independent fundamental Baptist church with a 3,000-seat auditorium and an affiliated Bible college .
After initially shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Valley Baptist resumed indoor services in late August .
The church ’ s actions caught the attention of officials , who started imposing fines for each violation of the county health order .
The church was reportedly fined $ 5,000 for each large service it held , in addition to other penalties .
Trieber , who has led the congregation since 1976 , started posting videos online , insisting that the government had overstepped its bounds by restricting congregational singing and indoor worship .
( Indoor choir rehearsals and performances have been linked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
He insisted that the death toll from the virus wasn ’ t that serious .
Trieber also said that the church had taken steps to protect public health , such as cutting down its indoor capacity and seating people in every other row .
“ I beg you , look at the stats , look at the scientists ... there ’ s not a pandemic here , ” Trieber said in an Aug. 24 video .
“ Yes , let ’ s be safe , let ’ s be careful .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If I get COVID , it is going to be a great funeral , ” Trieber said , according to The Mercury News .
“ If I get it I really don ’ t care .
… We ’ ve social-distanced to death.
” But the fines kept piling up .
The church eventually accrued $ 112,750 in fines , The Mercury News reported Friday .
Santa Clara County officials also announced that they were planning to file a temporary restraining order against the church , the paper reported .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across our county were successfully holding outdoor services , drive-in services , remote services — and have been — just completely undermines the notion that they needed to have an indoor gathering and create that huge risk of danger , ” James Williams , a lawyer representing the county , told The Mercury News .
On Sunday , Trieber said during his morning sermon that he feared that pastors will be sent to jail for holding services in violation of public health orders .
Still , he said he had made peace with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he took inspiration from a Bible verse from the book of Exodus , taken from a chapter in which God saves the Israelites from the persecution of a pharaoh by making a path for them through the Red Sea .
“ The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace , ” the pastor quoted from the Bible as the members of his congregation honked their cars .

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About two weeks after California’s North Valley Baptist Church shot into the national spotlight over its refusal to follow local coronavirus guidelines, its lead pastor has changed his tune.
Faced with fines of more than $100,000 for defying Santa Clara’s public health order prohibiting indoor worship services, Pastor Jack Trieber has agreed to move his services to the parking lot of the Bay Area church. Parishioners remained in their cars during two Sunday services this week as Trieber preached from a podium draped in patriotic bunting.
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Trieber said that, “after a great deal of prayer, fasting and counsel,” he felt compelled to stand aside and let God lead the battle to reopen churches.
“I have confidence that [city officials] are going to try their best ... to help to get churches open at the right time,” Trieber said during his sermon. “Your job and my job is to keep letting God fight this battle.”
It was a significant about-turn from the pastor’s position mere weeks ago.
Pastor Jack Trieber preaches from a makeshift pulpit outside of North Valley Baptist Church in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday. North Valley Baptist Church / Facebook
North Valley Baptist is an independent fundamental Baptist church with a 3,000-seat auditorium and an affiliated Bible college. After initially shutting its doors for the pandemic, North Valley Baptist resumed indoor services in late August. The church’s actions caught the attention of officials, who started imposing fines for each violation of the county health order. The church was reportedly fined $5,000 for each large service it held, in addition to other penalties.
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Trieber, who has led the congregation since 1976, started posting videos online, insisting that the government had overstepped its bounds by restricting congregational singing and indoor worship. (Indoor choir rehearsals and performances have been linked to outbreaks of COVID-19 around the world.) He insisted that the death toll from the virus wasn’t that serious.
Trieber also said that the church had taken steps to protect public health, such as cutting down its indoor capacity and seating people in every other row.
“I beg you, look at the stats, look at the scientists ... there’s not a pandemic here,” Trieber said in an Aug. 24 video. “Yes, let’s be safe, let’s be careful. But this area needs the church.”
Days later, Trieber told the congregation he didn’t care if he contracted COVID-19.
“If I get COVID, it is going to be a great funeral,” Trieber said, according to The Mercury News. “If I get it I really don’t care. … We’ve social-distanced to death.”
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But the fines kept piling up. The church eventually accrued $112,750 in fines, The Mercury News reported Friday. Santa Clara County officials also announced that they were planning to file a temporary restraining order against the church, the paper reported.
“The reality that churches and other religious institutions across our county were successfully holding outdoor services, drive-in services, remote services — and have been — just completely undermines the notion that they needed to have an indoor gathering and create that huge risk of danger,” James Williams, a lawyer representing the county, told The Mercury News.
After weeks of holding indoor services that violated local health orders, parishioners gather in a parking lot to attend a service at North Valley Baptist Church on Sunday. Facebook / North Valley Baptist Church
On Sunday, Trieber said during his morning sermon that he feared that pastors will be sent to jail for holding services in violation of public health orders. Still, he said he had made peace with the church’s change of plans.
He said he took inspiration from a Bible verse from the book of Exodus, taken from a chapter in which God saves the Israelites from the persecution of a pharaoh by making a path for them through the Red Sea.
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“The Lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace,” the pastor quoted from the Bible as the members of his congregation honked their cars.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--'Let Me Finish My Question': Voter Confronts Trump Over Efforts To Undermine Obamacare

An undecided voter confronted President Donald Trump over his efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act during a town hall event on Tuesday , asking how the White House planned to protect those with preexisting conditions while actively fighting to undermine protections already in place .
Ellesia Blaque , an assistant professor , pressed Trump during an ABC News town hall with voters in Philadelphia .
During a tense moment , Blaque detailed her experience with a lifelong disease that costs her thousands of dollars annually in insurance copayments .
“ Mr .
President , I was born with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day I was born , I was considered uninsurable , ” Blaque said .
“ That disease started in my skin , moved to my eyes , into my optic nerves , and when I went to graduate school , into my brain .
… With copays , I ’ m still paying almost $ 7,000 a year in addition to the copay.
” The questioning grew tense after Trump interrupted to dispute claims that the ACA , also known as Obamacare , had already protected those with preexisting conditions .
Blaque : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into ― brought to fruition ― be removed… Blaque : Please stop and let me finish my question , sir .
Should that be removed , within a 36- to 72-hour period , without my medication , I will be dead .
The moment highlighted Trump ’ s efforts to repeal the ACA .
The president has pledged for years to do so , even after Congress — then controlled by Republicans in both chambers — failed to pass replacement legislation in 2017 .
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which could end coverage for nearly 23 million Americans as well as protections for people like Blaque who have preexisting conditions .
The president has vowed to use his executive powers to issue an order mandating insurance companies cover all preexisting conditions , falsely saying such action had “ never been done before.
” “ What we ’ re doing is we ’ re going to be doing a health care plan — preexisting , protecting people with preexisting conditions ― as an example , yourself , it sounds like that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , lambasting efforts to protect Obamacare by his Democratic competitor , former Vice President Joe Biden .
“ That ’ s exactly what we ’ re talking about .
We ’ re going to be doing a health care plan very strongly and protect people with preexisting conditions.
” Stephanopoulos : You ’ re trying to strike down the whole law .
Trump : George , we have run it really well .
But we also have now other … we have other alternatives to Obamacare that are 50 % less expensive , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump : George , it ’ s been 40 years since you had good health care ― you ’ ve never really had good health care in this country .
This country has never had it .
We want to know what you ’ re hearing on the ground from the candidates .
If you get any interesting ― or suspicious !
― campaign mailers , robocalls or hear anything else you think we should know about , email us at scoops @ huffpost.com .

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An undecided voter confronted President Donald Trump over his efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act during a town hall event on Tuesday, asking how the White House planned to protect those with preexisting conditions while actively fighting to undermine protections already in place.
Ellesia Blaque, an assistant professor, pressed Trump during an ABC News town hall with voters in Philadelphia. During a tense moment, Blaque detailed her experience with a lifelong disease that costs her thousands of dollars annually in insurance copayments.
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“Mr. President, I was born with a disease called sarcoidosis, and from the day I was born, I was considered uninsurable,” Blaque said. “That disease started in my skin, moved to my eyes, into my optic nerves, and when I went to graduate school, into my brain. … With copays, I’m still paying almost $7,000 a year in addition to the copay.”
The questioning grew tense after Trump interrupted to dispute claims that the ACA, also known as Obamacare, had already protected those with preexisting conditions.
Blaque: Should preexisting conditions ― which Obamacare brought into ― brought to fruition ― be removed… Trump: No. Blaque: Please stop and let me finish my question, sir. Should that be removed, within a 36- to 72-hour period, without my medication, I will be dead.
"You've been trying to strike down pre-existing conditions."
In a @ABC2020 town hall, @GStephanopoulos presses Pres. Trump on claim he's preserving pre-existing conditions—as his administration argues in court against Obamacare, which protects them. Watch the full exchange. pic.twitter.com/GuOyqUKhen — ABC News (@ABC) September 16, 2020
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The moment highlighted Trump’s efforts to repeal the ACA. The president has pledged for years to do so, even after Congress — then controlled by Republicans in both chambers — failed to pass replacement legislation in 2017.
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court in June to overturn the full Affordable Care Act, which could end coverage for nearly 23 million Americans as well as protections for people like Blaque who have preexisting conditions. The president has vowed to use his executive powers to issue an order mandating insurance companies cover all preexisting conditions, falsely saying such action had “never been done before.”
He repeated those claims Tuesday.
“What we’re doing is we’re going to be doing a health care plan — preexisting, protecting people with preexisting conditions ― as an example, yourself, it sounds like that’s exactly perfect,” Trump said, lambasting efforts to protect Obamacare by his Democratic competitor, former Vice President Joe Biden. “That’s exactly what we’re talking about. We’re going to be doing a health care plan very strongly and protect people with preexisting conditions.”
ABC News host George Stephanopoulos pushed back, noting Obamacare already protects Americans like Blaque.
Stephanopoulos: You’re trying to strike down the whole law. Trump: George, we have run it really well. But we also have now other … we have other alternatives to Obamacare that are 50% less expensive, and they’re actually better. Stephanopoulos: It’s been 3½ years. Trump: George, it’s been 40 years since you had good health care ― you’ve never really had good health care in this country. This country has never had it.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--Black And Hispanic Kids Die From Coronavirus More Than White Kids Do, CDC says

NEW YORK ( AP ) — A detailed look at COVID-19 deaths in U.S. kids and young adults released Tuesday shows they mirror patterns seen in older patients .
The report examined 121 deaths of those younger than 21 , as of the end of July .
Like older adults , many of them had one or more medical condition — like lung problems , including asthma , obesity , heart problems or developmental conditions .
Deaths were also more common among those in certain racial and ethnic groups , according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were Hispanic , 35 were Black , and 17 were white , even though overall there are far more white Americans than Black and Hispanic .
“ It ’ s really pretty striking .
It ’ s similar to what we see in adults , ” and may reflect many things , including that many essential workers who have to go to work are Black and Hispanic parents , said Dr. Andrew Pavia , a pediatric infectious diseases expert at the University of Utah .
He was not involved in the CDC study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small though .
They represent about 0.08 % of the total U.S. deaths reported to CDC at the time , though children and college-age adults make up 26 % of the U.S. population .
Fifteen of the deaths were tied to a rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome , which can cause swelling and heart problems .
The report also found nearly two-thirds of the deaths were in males , and that deaths increased with age .
There were 71 deaths among those under 17 , including a dozen infants .
The remaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Scientists are still trying to understand why severe illnesses seem to become more common as children age .
One theory is that young children have fewer sites on their airway surfaces that the coronavirus is able to attach to , Pavia said .
Another is that children may be less prone to a dangerous overreaction by the immune system to the coronavirus , he added .
Thus far this year , the COVID-19 toll in children is lower than the pediatric flu deaths reported to the CDC during a routine flu season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years .
But comparing the two is difficult for a number of reasons , including that most schools weren ’ t open during the spring because of the pandemic .
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute ’ s Department of Science Education .
The AP is solely responsible for all content .

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NEW YORK (AP) — A detailed look at COVID-19 deaths in U.S. kids and young adults released Tuesday shows they mirror patterns seen in older patients.
The report examined 121 deaths of those younger than 21, as of the end of July. Like older adults, many of them had one or more medical condition — like lung problems, including asthma, obesity, heart problems or developmental conditions.
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Deaths were also more common among those in certain racial and ethnic groups, according to the report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC found 54 were Hispanic, 35 were Black, and 17 were white, even though overall there are far more white Americans than Black and Hispanic.
“It’s really pretty striking. It’s similar to what we see in adults,” and may reflect many things, including that many essential workers who have to go to work are Black and Hispanic parents, said Dr. Andrew Pavia, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at the University of Utah. He was not involved in the CDC study.
The numbers of young deaths are small though. They represent about 0.08% of the total U.S. deaths reported to CDC at the time, though children and college-age adults make up 26% of the U.S. population.
Fifteen of the deaths were tied to a rare condition called multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which can cause swelling and heart problems.
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The report also found nearly two-thirds of the deaths were in males, and that deaths increased with age. There were 71 deaths among those under 17, including a dozen infants. The remaining 50 deaths were ages 18 to 20.
Scientists are still trying to understand why severe illnesses seem to become more common as children age. One theory is that young children have fewer sites on their airway surfaces that the coronavirus is able to attach to, Pavia said. Another is that children may be less prone to a dangerous overreaction by the immune system to the coronavirus, he added.
Thus far this year, the COVID-19 toll in children is lower than the pediatric flu deaths reported to the CDC during a routine flu season, which has been about 130 in recent years. But comparing the two is difficult for a number of reasons, including that most schools weren’t open during the spring because of the pandemic.
___


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--San Francisco To Give $1,000 Per Month To Pregnant Black And Pacific Islander Women

The city of San Francisco wants to test a novel approach to get at the decades-long , pernicious problem of Black and brown women dying at far higher rates than whites in pregnancy and childbirth : Give them money .
On Monday , Mayor London Breed announced the launch of the Abundant Birth Project , a pilot program that would give about 150 low- and middle-income Black and Pacific Islander expectant parents $ 1,000 per month throughout their pregnancies and for at least six months after the birth of their children — no conditions attached .
The idea of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the San Francisco Department of Public Health , is to ease one of the biggest factors adversely affecting pregnant people ’ s health — and particularly the health of pregnant Black and brown women : stress .
“ We ’ re trying to address the racism directly and instead of trying to change Black women — because there isn ’ t anything wrong with them — we ’ re trying to change the environment so it doesn ’ t have to be so stressful , ” Malawa said .
Nationwide , Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die from pregnancy-related complications than whites .
Black families represent only 4 % of births in San Francisco , but half of the city ’ s maternal deaths are those of Black women and 15 % of infant deaths are those of Black babies , while Pacific Islander babies are the second most likely group to die at birth , the mayor ’ s office says .
The two groups also have the highest preterm birth rates in San Francisco .
Meanwhile , Black and Pacific Islander families are at the bottom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , with median household income around $ 30,000 for Black families and around $ 67,000 for Pacific Islander families , compared to over $ 104,000 for residents of the city at large .
The study will look at how participants ’ health is affected and could expand to other counties if it ’ s found to be successful .
The project will be the first of its kind in the U.S. , Malawa said , to test if an income supplement for pregnant people reduces maternal mortality , low birth weight and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helps close the racial gap in those outcomes .
“ For a very long time , Black mothers and other mothers of color have been in crisis , and this country has not done anything to support or help them from the manifestations of our racism , ” Malawa said .
“ My goal is that , in the U.S , no matter your race , you can have a healthy pregnancy .
That ’ s all I want .
Unfortunately , that feels huge.
” The project — which is a public-private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 200,000 from the San Francisco Department of Public Health and over $ 1 million in philanthropic funds — will enroll its 150 or so participants over the next two years .
The idea of a basic income , or free money with no conditions , to improve economic and other outcomes for low-income people is not new .
It ’ s been tested at significant scale in countries such as Kenya and India with positive results like improved nutrition , and in Finland , where preliminary results showed improved health and well-being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ topic in the Democratic presidential primary when candidate Andrew Yang pushed it .
Here in the U.S. , the young mayor of Stockton , California , is currently running a pilot program giving $ 500 to 125 residents , and so far , recipients have spent it largely on food and utility bills .
And a small-scale program in Mississippi gave $ 1,000 per month to Black moms , who said it made a difference .
A larger-scale , more similar initiative in the Canadian province of Manitoba gave about $ 60 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of low-income pregnant people , starting in 2001 , and there were positive results in lowering the rates of pre-term and low birth weight babies , according to a 2018 study .
However , free money isn ’ t the only way to help close the racial disparities in health outcomes for pregnant people , Malawa cautioned .
“ Racism has many different manifestations and economic alienation is only one , ” she said .
Her initiative at the San Francisco Department of Public Health , Expecting Justice , also has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to doulas , who can provide support pre- and post-partum and help advocate for their patients ’ care .
Malawa is optimistic about the outcomes of providing cash support to Black and Pacific Islander expectant parents , particularly in San Francisco — a city that prides itself on its liberal politics but where years of gentrification have pushed out families of color to the point that “ there are more Black Lives Matter signs than Black people , ” she said .
“ I feel like people want to address anti-Black racism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , especially at a government level , ” Malawa said .
“ What feels exciting about this project , in this moment , is we are demonstrating what it looks like to address racism in health equities , because rather than trying to change moms , we ’ re trying to change the system .
”

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The city of San Francisco wants to test a novel approach to get at the decades-long, pernicious problem of Black and brown women dying at far higher rates than whites in pregnancy and childbirth: Give them money.
On Monday, Mayor London Breed announced the launch of the Abundant Birth Project, a pilot program that would give about 150 low- and middle-income Black and Pacific Islander expectant parents $1,000 per month throughout their pregnancies and for at least six months after the birth of their children — no conditions attached.
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The idea of the project, led by Dr. Zea Malawa at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, is to ease one of the biggest factors adversely affecting pregnant people’s health — and particularly the health of pregnant Black and brown women: stress.
“We’re trying to address the racism directly and instead of trying to change Black women — because there isn’t anything wrong with them — we’re trying to change the environment so it doesn’t have to be so stressful,” Malawa said.
In an expensive city like San Francisco, the monthly stipend would go a long way toward covering necessary expenses for a healthy pregnancy, like transportation to health appointments, secure housing and food in the fridge.
Nationwide, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than whites. Black families represent only 4% of births in San Francisco, but half of the city’s maternal deaths are those of Black women and 15% of infant deaths are those of Black babies, while Pacific Islander babies are the second most likely group to die at birth, the mayor’s office says. The two groups also have the highest preterm birth rates in San Francisco.
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Meanwhile, Black and Pacific Islander families are at the bottom of a stark racial wealth gap in the city, with median household income around $30,000 for Black families and around $67,000 for Pacific Islander families, compared to over $104,000 for residents of the city at large.
The study will look at how participants’ health is affected and could expand to other counties if it’s found to be successful. The project will be the first of its kind in the U.S., Malawa said, to test if an income supplement for pregnant people reduces maternal mortality, low birth weight and premature babies — and specifically whether it helps close the racial gap in those outcomes.
“For a very long time, Black mothers and other mothers of color have been in crisis, and this country has not done anything to support or help them from the manifestations of our racism,” Malawa said. “My goal is that, in the U.S, no matter your race, you can have a healthy pregnancy. That’s all I want. Unfortunately, that feels huge.”
Black families represent half of all maternal deaths, and 15% of infant deaths in SF. Pacific Islander babies are the second most likely to die at birth.
This is what inequality looks like.
We're launching a basic income program to try to change that.https://t.co/gd5sOzCMCX — London Breed (@LondonBreed) September 14, 2020
The project — which is a public-private partnership, funded so far with about $200,000 from the San Francisco Department of Public Health and over $1 million in philanthropic funds — will enroll its 150 or so participants over the next two years.
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The idea of a basic income, or free money with no conditions, to improve economic and other outcomes for low-income people is not new. It’s been tested at significant scale in countries such as Kenya and India with positive results like improved nutrition, and in Finland, where preliminary results showed improved health and well-being. And basic income became a popular topic in the Democratic presidential primary when candidate Andrew Yang pushed it.
Here in the U.S., the young mayor of Stockton, California, is currently running a pilot program giving $500 to 125 residents, and so far, recipients have spent it largely on food and utility bills. And a small-scale program in Mississippi gave $1,000 per month to Black moms, who said it made a difference.
But these programs haven’t focused specifically on pregnant women and their health outcomes.
A larger-scale, more similar initiative in the Canadian province of Manitoba gave about $60 per month, no strings attached, to thousands of low-income pregnant people, starting in 2001, and there were positive results in lowering the rates of pre-term and low birth weight babies, according to a 2018 study.
However, free money isn’t the only way to help close the racial disparities in health outcomes for pregnant people, Malawa cautioned. “Racism has many different manifestations and economic alienation is only one,” she said. Her initiative at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Expecting Justice, also has a program to provide Black pregnant people access to doulas, who can provide support pre- and post-partum and help advocate for their patients’ care.
Malawa is optimistic about the outcomes of providing cash support to Black and Pacific Islander expectant parents, particularly in San Francisco — a city that prides itself on its liberal politics but where years of gentrification have pushed out families of color to the point that “there are more Black Lives Matter signs than Black people,” she said.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--Bill Gates: The FDA Has 'Lost A Lot Of Credibility' Under Trump Administration

In a conversation with Bloomberg on Tuesday , billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates argued that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been hijacked by politics and is clearly facing pressure to speedily approve an eventual COVID-19 vaccine .
“ We saw with the completely bungled plasma statements that when you start pressuring people to say optimistic things , they go completely off the rails , ” Gates said , referencing the FDA ’ s public relations nightmare in late August when the organization overstated the efficacy of blood plasma for treating COVID-19 .
FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back those claims , but not before President Donald Trump touted them , heralding ahead of the Republican National Convention “ a truly historic announcement ... that will save countless lives.
” “ The FDA lost a lot of credibility there , ” Gates said , a marked reversal from his praise for the organization in early August for not bending to political pressure .
“ I think in the FDA , there ’ s a lot of professionals , ” Gates continued .
“ Historically , just like the [ Centers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the best in the world , the FDA had that same reputation as a top-notch regulator .
But there ’ s been some cracks with some of the things they ’ ve said at the commissioner level .
Hopefully , the staff isn ’ t pulled in that direction.
” Gates was referring to revelations last week that Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Michael Caputo , a former Trump campaign official , had been pressuring CDC scientists to use more positive language in their reports in an effort to paint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a better light .
“ The CDC ’ s largely being written out of the picture because you have people at the White House who aren ’ t epidemiologists saying what a great job they ’ ve done , ” Gates said .
Gates , who has argued for years that the world needs to be wary of pandemics , was more optimistic about the nine private medical companies that have pledged to prioritize safety over speed in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine .
The philanthropist previously pledged $ 1.6 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immunization , with $ 100 million going toward COVID-19 vaccine development .
“ We need to bring this pandemic to a close , ” Gates said .
“ Thank goodness that we have this private sector expertise that we want to shape into a global public good that gets to everybody on the planet .
”

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In a conversation with Bloomberg on Tuesday, billionaire and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates argued that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been hijacked by politics and is clearly facing pressure to speedily approve an eventual COVID-19 vaccine.
“We saw with the completely bungled plasma statements that when you start pressuring people to say optimistic things, they go completely off the rails,” Gates said, referencing the FDA’s public relations nightmare in late August when the organization overstated the efficacy of blood plasma for treating COVID-19.
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FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn was forced to issue an apology and walk back those claims, but not before President Donald Trump touted them, heralding ahead of the Republican National Convention “a truly historic announcement ... that will save countless lives.”
“The FDA lost a lot of credibility there,” Gates said, a marked reversal from his praise for the organization in early August for not bending to political pressure.
“I think in the FDA, there’s a lot of professionals,” Gates continued. “Historically, just like the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] was viewed as the best in the world, the FDA had that same reputation as a top-notch regulator. But there’s been some cracks with some of the things they’ve said at the commissioner level. Hopefully, the staff isn’t pulled in that direction.”
Gates was referring to revelations last week that Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Michael Caputo, a former Trump campaign official, had been pressuring CDC scientists to use more positive language in their reports in an effort to paint the Trump administration’s COVID-19 progress in a better light.
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“The CDC’s largely being written out of the picture because you have people at the White House who aren’t epidemiologists saying what a great job they’ve done,” Gates said.
Gates, who has argued for years that the world needs to be wary of pandemics, was more optimistic about the nine private medical companies that have pledged to prioritize safety over speed in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. The philanthropist previously pledged $1.6 billion to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, with $100 million going toward COVID-19 vaccine development.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-09-15--Pfizer Says Late-Stage Coronavirus Vaccine Study Shows Mild, Moderate Side Effects

( Reuters ) ― Pfizer Inc. said on Tuesday participants were showing mild-to-moderate side effects when given either the company @ @ @ @ @ or a placebo in an ongoing late-stage study .
Over 12,000 study participants had received @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , Pfizer executives said on an investor conference call .
The company has enrolled @ @ @ @ @ its 44,000-volunteer trial to test the experimental COVID-19 vaccine it is developing with German partner @ @ @ @ @ was continuously scrutinizing the safety and tolerability of the vaccine in its study .
An @ @ @ @ @ recommend pausing the study at any time , but has not done so till date @ @ @ @ @ The comments follow rival AstraZeneca ’ s COVID-19 vaccine trials being put on hold worldwide @ @ @ @ @ serious side effect was reported in a volunteer in Britain .
AstraZeneca ’ s trials @ @ @ @ @ on Monday following the green light from British regulators , but remain on hold in @ @ @ @

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(Reuters) ― Pfizer Inc. said on Tuesday participants were showing mild-to-moderate side effects when given either the company’s experimental coronavirus vaccine or a placebo in an ongoing late-stage study.
Over 12,000 study participants had received a second dose of the vaccine, Pfizer executives said on an investor conference call.
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The company has enrolled more than 29,000 people in its 44,000-volunteer trial to test the experimental COVID-19 vaccine it is developing with German partner BioNTech.
Pfizer said it was continuously scrutinizing the safety and tolerability of the vaccine in its study.
An independent data monitoring committee could recommend pausing the study at any time, but has not done so till date, the company said.
The comments follow rival AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine trials being put on hold worldwide on Sept. 6 after a serious side effect was reported in a volunteer in Britain.
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