Global & Public Health (all articles)
193 countries adopt first-ever global agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.
30 Nov, 2021 | 10:16h | UTCNews Release: 193 countries adopt first-ever global agreement on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – United Nations
See Guidance: Outcome document: first draft of the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence – United Nations
WHO Technical Brief and Priority Actions: Enhancing Readiness for Omicron.
30 Nov, 2021 | 08:46h | UTCCommentaries:
The World Health Organization warns of very high risk posed by the omicron variant – NPR
Omicron Covid variant poses very high global risk, says WHO – The Guardian
See also the latest articles on the subject:
Statement On Omicron Variant – Infectious Diseases Society of America
Helen Salisbury: Omicron—panic mongering or appropriate caution? – The BMJ
The Omicron variant underscores the global stakes of Covid-19 vaccine inequity – STAT
EXPLAINER: What we know and don’t know about omicron variant – Associated Press
Omicron: How do you detect it? – BBC
Omicron: why the WHO designated it a variant of concern – The Conversation
It looks like Omicron causes milder illness – is this how COVID becomes endemic? – The Conversation
As Omicron spreads, studies suggest that travel bans alone don’t do much good – NPR
RCT: SARS-CoV-2 transmission was largely prevented through a comprehensive preventive intervention in a large, live, indoor gathering event.
30 Nov, 2021 | 08:43h | UTCInvited Commentary: Concerts and COVID: can the beat go on? – The Lancet Infectious Diseases
Related: No COVID-19 cases found after a well-controlled indoor concert.
Commentary on Twitter
SPRING :a non-inferiority, randomised, controlled trial 🇫🇷
In an indoor arena w/o physical distancing in which the audience tested negative,showed high compliance with medical mask wearing, and ventilation was optimised, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was rarehttps://t.co/OfmJTeJsDb— Antibiotic Steward Bassam Ghanem 🅱️C🆔🅿️🌟 (@ABsteward) November 27, 2021
New research Article: Prevention of #SARSCoV2 transmission during a large, live, indoor gathering (SPRING): a non-inferiority, randomised, controlled trial https://t.co/gClVGsa3l9 pic.twitter.com/3aYaLVR3Jr
— The Lancet Infectious Diseases (@TheLancetInfDis) November 28, 2021
WHO Update on Omicron + Several Articles on the Subject.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:38h | UTCUpdate on Omicron – World Health Organization
Classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529): SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern – World Health Organization
See also:
Omicron COVID-19 variant: Africa CDC statement
‘Patience is crucial’: Why we won’t know for weeks how dangerous Omicron is – Science
New Covid variant: Will new measures against Omicron work? – BBC
Vaccine inequity and hesitancy made the Omicron variant more likely, scientists say – CNN
Travel bans aren’t the answer to stopping new COVID variant Omicron – The Conversation
Scientists sharing Omicron data were heroic. Let’s ensure they don’t regret it – The Guardian
The Omicron variant reveals the true global danger of ‘vaccine apartheid’ – The Guardian
We Know Almost Nothing About the Omicron Variant – The Atlantic
Covid: New Omicron variant not a disaster, says Sage scientist – BBC
New Covid variant: Will new measures against Omicron work? – BBC
World is put on high alert over the Omicron coronavirus variant – CNN
Moderna Announces Strategy to Address Omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 Variant – Moderna
What’s known and unknown about Omicron, the coronavirus variant identified in South Africa – STAT
The new variant is worrying – but it doesn’t change how we tackle Covid – The Guardian
Omicron: everything you need to know about new Covid variant – The Guardian
Omicron variant unlikely to reboot Covid in UK, expert says – The Guardian
UK detects Omicron cases, as more countries eye new COVID-19 variant – CIDRAP
New COVID variant alarms researchers, triggers travel bans – CIDRAP
The omicron variant spreads across Europe as new travel bans take effect – NPR
What to know about omicron, the new COVID variant – NPR
What we know about the Omicron variant – CNN
The new Omicron variant is a pandemic gut check – CNN
What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus – The Washington Post
Commentary on Twitter (thread – click for more)
The Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution met today to review what is known about the #COVID19 variant B.1.1.529.
They advised WHO that it should be designated a Variant of Concern.
WHO has named it Omicron, in line with naming protocols https://t.co/bSbVas9yds pic.twitter.com/Gev1zIt1Ek— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 26, 2021
M-A: Observational data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
30 Nov, 2021 | 08:37h | UTC
Omicron Variant: Videos with opinions on the subject.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:33h | UTC- Omicron: What we know so far about the new COVID-19 variant | DW News
- OMG Omicron? | A Doctor Explains, LIVE – ZDoggMD
Milestone Moment for Pandemic Treaty in Geneva – Calls for Tough Decisions by Countries.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:28h | UTCSee also:
Countries prepare for pandemic treaty decision – The Lancet
WHO nears consensus on future international pact to prevent pandemics – diplomats – Reuters
The WHO is seeking a new treaty on handling future pandemics. It could be a hard sell – NPR
Commentary on Twitter
Pandemic treaty decision: "I think…there's enough support to begin negotiations over a legally binding agreement", @LawrenceGostin tells The Lancet.@jzarocostas reports from Geneva ahead of a Special Session of the World Health Assembly. https://t.co/rKdbPi8Bwo
— The Lancet (@TheLancet) November 27, 2021
Too early to tell, but preliminary information from doctors in South Africa suggests the new Covid variant Omicron may be associated with less severe disease.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:35h | UTC- The Omicron Variant: What Matters Most Is… – by Dr David L. Katz
- New Covid Variant Omicron: South African medical association says Omicron variant causes ‘mild disease’ – Times of India
- Video: Omicron symptoms mild so far, says South African doctor who spotted it – BBC
- South African doctor who raised alarm about omicron variant says symptoms are ‘unusual but mild’ – The Telegraph
[Press release – not published yet] Merck’s new Covid-19 pill Molnupiravir updated data shows reduced efficacy (30%) for preventing hospitalization and death compared to initial results (50%). Absolute risk reduction of hospitalization and death fell from 7% to 3%.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:30h | UTCCommentary: New data, analyses take some of the shine off Merck’s Covid pill – STAT
Related:
8 lingering questions about the new Covid pills from Merck and Pfizer.
The U.K. approves Merck’s COVID-19 antiviral pill, calling it a world first.
Merck to allow other nations to produce new COVID-19 antiviral.
Video: Merck’s Covid pill could transform treatment. Here’s how it works.
How antiviral pill Molnupiravir shot ahead in the COVID drug hunt.
What we know — and don’t know — about Merck’s new Covid-19 pill.
Merck’s Covid-19 pill is great news but may not be a game-changer.
Video | A Pill For COVID? A Doctor Explains Molnupiravir.
Commentaries on Twitter
Disappointing!!
💥Merck Provides Update on Results from MOVe-OUT Study of Molnupiravir, an Investigational Oral Antiviral Medicine, in At Risk Adults With Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19
N=1433
RRR fell from 50% to 30%
Absolute Risk reduction only 3% #IDTwitter https://t.co/aX2b3xrdnB pic.twitter.com/uXUSQRNWC7— Antibiotic Steward Bassam Ghanem 🅱️C🆔🅿️🌟 (@ABsteward) November 26, 2021
Disappointing from Merck. Updated data for efficacy of their Molnupiravir pill in full trial drops down to 30% from 50%, absolute reduction to 3 from 7 per 100 at interim analysis https://t.co/PyfIBnFNC7 pic.twitter.com/SBDL92aG5M
— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) November 26, 2021
European countries mandate medical-grade masks over homemade cloth face coverings.
28 Nov, 2021 | 21:26h | UTCEuropean countries mandate medical-grade masks over homemade cloth face coverings – CNN
Editorial: Vax the world.
26 Nov, 2021 | 08:40h | UTC
Commentary from the author on Twitter
VAX THE WORLD!
is our wish/plea on #Thanksgiving day
Read our editorial in @ScienceMagazine by @yodifiji and me
Grateful to Lisa Chong, @hholdenthorp & @MeaganPhelan https://t.co/NiwMiEyCld pic.twitter.com/xbj0RF4lQe
— Madhu Pai, MD, PhD (@paimadhu) November 25, 2021
EMA recommends approval of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11.
26 Nov, 2021 | 08:47h | UTCRelated:
RCT: Pfizer vaccine shows 90.7% efficacy for preventing Covid-19 in children 5 to 11 years of age.
What COVID vaccines for young kids could mean for the pandemic.
CDC advisers endorse Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for kids 5-11.
FDA advisory panel recommends Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine be authorized for children ages 5 to 11.
Commentary on Twitter
‼️ EMA recommends approval of BioNTech/Pfizer’s #COVID19vaccine, Comirnaty, for children aged 5 to 11.
In this population, the dose of #Comirnaty will be lower than that used in people aged 12 and above.
Read the full press release: https://t.co/uqqBAklVvl pic.twitter.com/NZQhli4SDl
— EU Medicines Agency (@EMA_News) November 25, 2021
Heavily mutated coronavirus variant puts scientists on alert – “Researchers are racing to determine whether a fast-spreading variant in South Africa poses a threat to COVID vaccines’ effectiveness”.
26 Nov, 2021 | 08:42h | UTCHeavily mutated coronavirus variant puts scientists on alert – Nature
See also:
Covid: New heavily mutated variant B.1.1.529 in South Africa raises concern – BBC
Scientists warn of new Covid variant with high number of mutations – The Guardian
South Africa detects new COVID variant with many mutations – MedicalXpress
Related commentary on Twitter (thread – click for more)
THREAD on the new variant B.1.1.529 summarising what is known from the excellent South African Ministry of Health meeting earlier today
TLDR: So much uncertain but what *is* known is extremely worrying & (in my opinion) we should revise red list immediately.
This is why: 1/16
— Prof. Christina Pagel – @chrischirp.bsky.social (@chrischirp) November 25, 2021
M-A: Comparing the clinical efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
26 Nov, 2021 | 08:37h | UTC
[Preprint] Serological responses to COVID-19 booster vaccine in England.
26 Nov, 2021 | 08:34h | UTCSerological responses to COVID-19 booster vaccine in England – medRxiv
Commentary from the author on Twitter (thread – click for more)
1/ Our preprint on #SARSCoV2 antibody responses in UK adults receiving a #COVID19 vaccine booster with the Pfizer vaccine at least 6 months after primary immunisation with Pfizer or AZ vaccine, which was given at an extended interval (8-12 wks) … 🧵
— Shamez Ladhani (@ShamezLadhani) November 25, 2021
WHO Interim statement on COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:49h | UTCInterim statement on COVID-19 vaccination for children and adolescents – World Health Organization
Perspective: COVID-19 vaccine makers plan for annual boosters, but it’s not clear they’ll be needed.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:43h | UTCCOVID-19 Vaccine Makers Plan for Annual Boosters, but It’s Not Clear They’ll Be Needed – JAMA
COVID-19 reinfection: the role of natural immunity, vaccines, and variants.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:45h | UTC
Do vaccines protect against long COVID? What the data say – “Vaccines reduce the risk of developing COVID-19 — but studies disagree on their protective effect against long COVID”.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:41h | UTCDo vaccines protect against long COVID? What the data say – Nature
Related:
EuGMS Guidance: Management of post-acute COVID-19 patients in geriatric rehabilitation.
Addressing Post-COVID Symptoms: A Guide for Primary Care Physicians.
Update to post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: Caring for the ‘long-haulers’.
Systematic Review: Short-term and long-term rates of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
WHO Consensus: A clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition (Long Covid).
Characterizing long COVID: a living systematic review.
Long Covid – The illness narratives.
New guidelines to help doctors manage long COVID patients published.
M-A: More than 50 long-term effects of COVID-19. (several articles on the subject)
Commentary on Twitter
Vaccines reduce the risk of long COVID by lowering the chances of contracting COVID-19. But studies suggest that vaccination might only halve the risk of long COVID, or have no effect on it at all, in a breakthrough infection. Read the @Nature report. https://t.co/MEkzXyO7hD
— Nature Portfolio (@NaturePortfolio) November 25, 2021
Cuba’s bet on home-grown COVID vaccines is paying off.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:39h | UTCCuba’s bet on home-grown COVID vaccines is paying off – Nature
A population-based cohort study in Qatar showed reinfections had 90% lower odds of resulting in hospitalization or death than primary infections.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:46h | UTC
WHO releases HIV drug resistance report 2021.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:36h | UTCNews Release: WHO releases HIV drug resistance report 2021 – World Health Organization
Report: HIV drug resistance report 2021 – World Health Organization
Fact Sheet: HIV Drug Resistance – World Health Organization
Commentary on Twitter
🆕 Check out WHO’s latest HIV Drug Resistance Report & find out:
💊 how drug resistance is growing
💊 steps countries are taking to ensure people will receive effective medicine to treat & prevent HIVhttps://t.co/76teEHFrVV— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 24, 2021
Global epidemiology of stroke and access to acute ischemic stroke interventions.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:27h | UTCGlobal Epidemiology of Stroke and Access to Acute Ischemic Stroke Interventions – Neurology
Access to cancer medicines deemed essential by oncologists in 82 countries: an international, cross-sectional survey.
25 Nov, 2021 | 10:23h | UTCCommentaries:
Related: WHO prioritizes access to diabetes and cancer treatments in new Essential Medicines Lists.
WHO issues guidelines on the treatment of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19.
24 Nov, 2021 | 08:51h | UTCGuideline: Living guidance for clinical management of COVID-19 – World Health Organziation
Related:
An Update on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Related to SARS-CoV-2.
Ten Things to Know About Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).
Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: An Overview and Comparison.
Cohort study: Six month follow-up of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
Clinical Update: Acute covid-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children
Cutaneous findings in SARS-CoV-2-associated Multisystem Inflammatory Disease in Children (MIS-C)
SR: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children related to COVID-19