- WHO still working to identify origins of COVID-19 | KSL.com: The WHO is still trying to identify the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Energy Department has concluded that it likely originated from a Chinese laboratory leak, but the WHO Director-General said all hypotheses remain on the table.
- Pushing for a post-COVID rebound, China targets GDP growth of “around 5%” this year | WXXI News: China is targeting growth of “around 5%” this year and will take steps to catalyze a rebound after its economy stalled due to COVID-19. Last year’s goal was “around 5.5%”, but the economy only grew 3%. The government will focus on increasing consumer spending and boosting investment in infrastructure.
- 4 residents dead after COVID-19 outbreak at Cape Cod nursing home – Boston 25 News: Four residents have died after a COVID-19 outbreak at Windsor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Yarmouth. 74 recent residents and 19 staff members have tested positive for the virus, and the state has sent a Rapid Response Team to help with clinical care, hand hygiene, and personal protective equipment audits. An admissions freeze has been issued.
- A Year After Acute Infection, Adults With Long COVID Had Increased Adverse Outcomes: Long COVID is a term used to describe the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, which includes fatigue, cough, pain in the joints, throat, or chest, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, thromboembolic conditions, and neurocognitive difficulties. It affects approximately 1 in 8 people who have had COVID-19 and can last for more than 4 weeks after initial infection.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Increased Rates and Severity of Depression – Even for People Not Infected: A study of 136,000 patients from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City found that the severity of depression and depressive symptoms were significant among all patients, regardless of whether they had COVID-19 or not. The pandemic has caused stress and isolation which has impacted the mental health of many Americans.
- The endless — and potentially harmful — debate over COVID’s origins – Yahoo News: The US Department of Energy recently reported that the most likely source of the coronavirus pandemic was an accidental leak from a Chinese virology lab. Debate over the origins of COVID-19 has been ongoing for three years, but there is still no clear answer. The DOE’s determination only shows how much uncertainty remains.
- Covid-19 Pandemic Spiked Depression Whether People Were Infected Or Not: Study: A new study has revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic has increased rates and severity of depression among all patients, regardless of whether they were infected or not. Quarantining, social distancing, and other disruptions have created stress and isolation that has had a negative impact on mental health.
- Joe Battenfeld: Origins of COVID: Discounted ‘conspiracy theory’ proved right: A recent Energy Department report suggests that the COVID-19 virus may have leaked from a lab in China, lending credibility to former right wing conspiracy theories. This has undermined trust in government and social media companies who had previously labeled these theories as “debunked” and censored them on their platforms.
- Opinion: The clock is ticking. When will Congress fund updated Covid-19 treatments? – CNN: My family was infected with Covid-19 in April 2020, and again in January 2021. Despite being up to date on vaccinations and wearing masks, we were still infected. This highlights the importance of following public health guidelines to reduce the risk of infection.
- George Russell: COVID emergency is over, but so is much of the aid: Marin officials are worried about changes to federal food aid and Medi-Cal registration requirements as the coronavirus crisis ends.
- Health experts release study surrounding “Long COVID” as many are impacted: A new study has found that many people are suffering from long-term symptoms of COVID-19, known as “Long COVID”. Symptoms can range from fatigue and breathlessness to anxiety and depression.
- Woman Drops Religious Discrimination Suit Over COVID Vaccine Policy – MyNewsLA.com: A former NARS Cosmetics makeup artist has dropped her lawsuit against the company, in which she alleged she was forced to resign after refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. The court papers do not state if a settlement was reached or why the case was dropped.
- Maryland Youth Mental Health Affected by COVID-19, Finds State Survey: The 2021-2022 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Youth Tobacco Survey results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health of Maryland youth. The survey also found a decrease in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among high school students, but an increase in alcohol initiation and prescription drug misuse at the middle school level. Female students were more likely to report feeling sad or hopeless.
- These Biden administration agencies have admitted COVID lab leak is plausible – WFIN: FBI Director Chris Wray has stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is “most likely” to have originated from a Chinese lab leak. This contradicts earlier statements from Democrats, major news outlets, scientists and social media companies who dismissed the lab leak theory as “misinformation”.
- COVID-19 cases up by two in Columbia County | Local News | magnoliareporter.com: Columbia County has had 6,792 cumulative cases of COVID-19, with 36 active cases and 105 deaths. Lafayette County has had 1,505 cumulative cases, with 3 active cases and 30 deaths. Nevada County has had 2,768 cumulative cases, with 6 active cases and 4 deaths.
- OMAG calls upon WHO and government to end Covid-19-induced restrictions: The Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG) has called upon the World Health Organisation and Indian government to officially announce the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and the withdrawal of all restrictions. The body’s past Presidents have urged for the removal of restrictions, as it is high time to do so.
- Matt Hancock: Leaked messages suggest plan to frighten public – BBC News: Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested to an aide that they “frighten the pants off everyone” about Covid in order to ensure people complied with lockdown rules. The head of the Civil Service, Simon Case, also suggested using the “fear/guilt factor” in messaging. Over 100,000 WhatsApp messages were leaked to the Sunday Telegraph by journalist Isabel Oakeshott, who has been a vocal critic of lockdowns.
Daily News Pulse for March 13, 2023
Summary: Princeton students have seen an overall improvement in course satisfaction since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Japan, many people are still wearing masks despite the government’s easing of guidelines.
