Coronavirus news, updates, hotspots and information for 4-02-2021

This is Coronavirus 411, the latest COVID-19 info and new hotspots… Just the facts… for April 2nd, 2021.   The World Health Organization says Europe’s immunization campaigns are “unacceptably slow” and that’s risking prolonging the pandemic. Its regional director noted that to date, only 10% of Europe’s population has gotten one dose. The European Union sets that number for its 27 nations at only 5.6%.   Two more over the counter, rapid result COVID-19 tests that can be done at home are on the way in the U.S. FDA approval should vastly expand the availability of such tests even as U.S. testing numbers continue declining. The tests involve a nasal swab and a test strip with results in 10 to 20 minutes.   In Canada, Ontario is “pulling the emergency brake” as its Premier phrased it, entering a limited lockdown for 28 days Saturday. It’s just short of a stay-at-home order. It’s their third lockdown since the pandemic began. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses called the lockdown “unconscionable.”   A study in Britain as reported by the BBC says only 18% of people who have symptoms ask for a Covid-19 test, and only 43% with symptoms properly self-isolate. Men, younger people, those with young children, and the working class were less likely to self-isolate.   It’s one of the most frustrating parts of the pandemic; hearing things from official sources then hearing that you didn’t hear what you heard. The CDC yesterday walked back controversial comments made by director Rochelle Walensky suggesting those who are vaccinated never get infected or transmit the virus to others. That goes against precautions the CDC has been urging vaccinated people to take; keep wearing masks and gather only in limited circumstances with the unvaccinated. The agency said, “Dr. Walensky spoke broadly. It is possible some people who are fully vaccinated could get COVID-19. The evidence isn’t clear whether they can spread the virus to others.”   In the United States cases were up 17%, deaths are down 26%, and hospitalizations down 2% over 14 days. The 7-day average of new cases has been trending up since March 23.    There are now 6,923,637 active cases in the United States. The current top 5 states by number of active cases: California, New York, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland.   The top 10 counties with the highest number of recent cases per capita according to The New York Times: Kingsbury, SD. Huron, MI. St. Clair, MI. Dimmit, TX. Sanilac, MI. Pitkin, CO. Macomb, MI. Lapeer, MI. Otsego, MI. And Missaukee, MI.   The five states with the highest risk levels and most daily new cases per capita over 7 days are Rhode Island, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut.   There have been 553,120 deaths in the US reported as Covid-related, with a current national fatality rate of 1.82%.   The states with the most new deaths reported as COVID-related: California 137. Texas 136. New York 82. Florida 69. Georgia 64. Michigan 55. Massachusetts 32. New Jersey 30. And Pennsylvania and South Carolina 28.   The top 3 vaccinating states by percentage of population that’s had at least one dose, New Mexico at 38.1%, Connecticut at 35.4%, and South Dakota at 34.8%. The bottom 3 vaccinating states are Alabama at 23.6%, Georgia at 23.7%, and Mississippi at 24.7%.   Globally, cases were up 30% and deaths up 18% over 14 days, with the 7-day average trending up since March 5.     There are now 22,434,053 active cases around the world.   The five countries with the most new cases: Brazil 89,459. India 81,441. The United States 76,786. France 50,659. And Turkey 40,806.   There have now been 2,825,940 deaths reported as Covid-related worldwide.   For the latest updates, subscribe for free to Coronavirus 411 on your podcast app or ask your smart... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.