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The United States took a step forward in the fight against the coronavirus on Wednesday. This is because the FDA has approved the first pill to fight COVID-19. This has been shown to be very effective. However, supply is a problem.
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let’s start.
The FDA has approved Pfizer Pill to treat COVID-19 significantly in advance
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new COVID-19 treatment from Pfizer on Wednesday. This means that the first pills to treat the virus will be available.
The pill, known as Paxlovid, is seen as a major step forward in the fight against the virus. The fact that it is a pill should be easier to access and take than previous treatments that required injections. It has also shown very promising results in tests to reduce the worst consequences of the virus, leading the country on the path to eliminating the incitement to COVID-19.
Studies have shown that the risk of hospitalization or death for high-risk patients is reduced by 89%.
Disadvantage: Experts have warned that supply will be limited in the short term and are calling on the Biden administration to take action, such as asking other manufacturers to support supply.
According to the company, about 180,000 courses will be available this year. This is not enough, given that more than 100,000 COVID-19s occur daily in the United States alone.
Another challenge: Treatment is intended to begin within 5 days of the onset of symptoms. Thorough testing is needed to ensure that people are infected with COVID-19 and that results can be obtained by the time they can seek treatment.
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Omicron may not be so serious, according to South African studies
A new study in South Africa found that the Omicron variant may be significantly less severe than the previous new coronavirus strain.
The Research found People with Omicron infection are 80% less likely to be hospitalized compared to other cases of COVID-19.
However, researchers are uncertain how much less severe Omicron is by nature than previous strains and how much lower immunity in the population than in previous waves from both previous infections and vaccinations. I warned.
“It is difficult to elucidate the relative contribution of the inherent lower toxicity to the higher levels of previous herd immunity and the severity of the lower disease observed,” said a study that has not yet been peer-reviewed. ..
Still, the findings may provide some good news.
“A new preprint from South Africa suggests that Omicron is far less severe than Delta, at least among those vaccinated and previously infected,” said the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tom Frieden, the former director of the center, tweeted. “Does that apply to the populous United States? We’ll see in the coming weeks.”
South African studies add earlier signs that Omicron may not be as serious, even though researchers are still collecting data.
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OBAMACARE OPEN ENROLLMENT HITS RECORD NUMBERS
According to officials from the Biden administration, the number of people who have taken out health insurance due to the reform of the medical insurance system has reached a record high of 13.6 million, and it is only one month before the end of general enrollment.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), from the start of open registration to December 15, 2022, HealthCare.gov was used to enroll more than 9.7 million Americans in 33 state coverage.
Secretary of Health and Welfare Xavier Besera
Xavier Becerra Overnight Healthcare — Biden lays out Omicron Playbook Warren and Democrats urge federal government to resume tracking groundbreaking cases Overnight Healthcare — presented by Astra Zenca and Friends of Cancer Research — Biden Speech focuses on testing, vaccines Much of the progress was due to increased outreach and premium support from the American Rescue Plan, which helped make coverage more affordable.
According to the CMS, 92% of people in 33 states with federally operated exchanges who signed up for the plan by December 15 will receive a premium tax credit. Becerra said nine out of ten consumers have plans for less than $ 10 a month.
The Biden administration and Congressional Democrats are trying to expand their premium support through a $ 1.7 trillion buildback better plan, although the outlook has been hit hard by Sen. Joe Manchin
The Joe Manchin Biden administration is promoting two major solar projects in California. Nuclear power has no business case and can exacerbate climate change. (DW.Va.) And at best, it’s uncertain.
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DC requires COVID-19 vaccination in indoor public spaces
Washington DC will soon need to enter many indoor public spaces with proof of coronavirus vaccination, mayor Muriel Bowser
Muriel BowserDC recorded more than 3,700 new COVID-19 cases last weekend. Manchin-Biden Aftershocks Overnight Healthcare — Presented by Astra Zenca and Friends of Cancer Research — Biden’s Speech Focusing on Testing and Vaccines MORE (D) Announced on Wednesday.
After January 15th, patrons over the age of 12 must present evidence of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter places such as restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theaters and gyms. .. Negative coronavirus tests are not accepted.
After February 15th, patrons will be required to receive two doses of mRNA vaccine or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccination. DC officials emphasized that the requirement is only regular customers, not staff. The new rule does not require booster shots.
Chapels, retail stores and grocery stores are exempt. Vaccine requirements also do not apply to museums.
How to use: Vaccine requirements match DC with other cities that have already implemented or recently announced vaccine requirements, such as New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Companies need to check a copy of the vaccine record, such as a photo or printed matter, or a verification app such as VaxYes or CLEAR. Negative tests are not counted.
“If you are a resident who has not been vaccinated yet but wants to continue to enjoy these activities, now is the time to get vaccinated,” Bowser said at a press conference.
Record-breaking week: This move happened because DC broke records of coronavirus cases many times over the past week.
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Next Steps to Obligation: California Demands Boosters for Healthcare Professionals
In California, all healthcare professionals are required to receive a COVID-19 booster.
Governor of California in a tweet posted on Tuesday. Gavin Newsom
Why Judge Gavin Newsom Opposes San Diego Schools’ Vaccination Obligations Why Progressivists Should Resist the Temptation to Mimic Texas Law Mayor Auckland Asks State to Help Fight Violent Crime (D) announced: “California will require healthcare professionals to get their boosters. As Omicrons are on the rise, we protect Californians and our hospitals. Is taking immediate action to ensure that is prepared. “
The The governor’s office said Newsum will officially announce “New State Actions to Protect California Citizens” on Wednesday, including a booster order when visiting the COVID-19 vaccine and testing site in Alameda County.
News of additional measures in the Golden State is raising concerns from public health and government officials about the epidemic of Omicron variants. First discovered in South Africa, this variant has become the predominant strain in the United States amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.
California has reverted to its previous pandemic-related policies to counter the recent rise in infectious diseases. Revive the state-wide indoor mask man date At least until January 15th. But Los Angeles officials said things weren’t as dire as last year.
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What we are reading
- When the Omicron surges, the flu causes an unwelcome comeback (New York Times).
- The hospital wrestles with Omicron — and a legal brawl over vaccination staff (Politico).
- Biden attempts to carry out COVID and avoids new statutes that divide (Associated Press).
State by state
- Virus cases are skyrocketing in New York City prisons where less than half of detainees are vaccinated. ((((New York Times).
- Massachusetts reports a record number of daily coronavirus cases (Boston herald).
- Minnesota dials back the COVID-19 antibody strategy when Omicron rises to 50% of new cases (Star Tribune).
That’s it for today. Thank you for reading. Check out Hill’s healthcare page for the latest news and coverage. See you tomorrow.
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