The "war has changed" against COVID-19 because of the highly contagious Delta variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said, proposing a clearer message, mandatory vaccines for health workers and a return to universal masking.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that the "war has changed" against COVID-19 because the Delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox, can be passed on by vaccinated people and may cause more serious disease than earlier strains.
That stark update came in an internal CDC document made public on Friday - which added that the fast-spreading variant required a new approach to help the public understand its danger.
While vaccinated people are less likely to become infected – and still greatly protected against severe disease and death - those contracting rare "breakthrough infections" might be just as likely as unvaccinated people to pass the disease on to others, the document said.
White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the CDC’s findings underscored the need for more Americans to get the shot.
"We need more people to get vaccinated.
That's the answer.
We need more people to get vaccinated, that's if we want to stop the spread of this variant and avoid mutations, we can." The CDC described the Delta variant as more transmissible than MERS, SARS, Ebola, smallpox, the common cold and seasonal flus.
The agency recommended making vaccines mandatory for health care professionals and a return to the universal wearing of face masks.
The CDC confirmed the authenticity of the document, which was first reported by the Washington Post.
The agency on Friday also released data from a study of an outbreak in Massachusetts in which it said three quarters of those infected had been fully vaccinated.
CDC director Rochelle Walensky in a statement said that study played a pivotal role in the agency’s decision earlier this week to again recommend that vaccinated people wear masks in some situations.
Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Today Is , World Autism
Awareness Day.
April 2, World Autism Awareness Day,
kicks off World Autism Month.
The special day and month,
marked by the color blue,
is meant to increase the
understanding of autism.
In 2023, the CDC reported that 1 in 36 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder.
A lot of research is being
conducted on the disorder.
and several groups have been formed
to raise more money for research.
Signs of autism can present
themselves in children as
young as 6 months old.
The symptoms become
more prevalent around
2 and 3 years old.
According to Autism Speaks,
symptoms include sensory sensitivities,
gastrointestinal disorders.
seizures and sleep issues, anxiety,
depression and attention issues
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:05Published
US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Study Investigates Link Between, COVID, Mental Health and Insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
As a sleep researcher, I received
many questions and complaints
from relatives, friends, and colleagues
about their sleep disturbances
after recovering from Covid-19, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
I found that the majority of papers
focused on hospitalized patients.
The environment of their treatment
and quarantine would differ greatly
from those with milder symptoms, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Of the 1,056 people surveyed, over 76.1% of
participants said they experienced insomnia.
22.8% of those surveyed reported
experiencing severe insomnia.
The study found that two groups experienced
a statistically significant increased rate of insomnia,
including those with depressive or anxious symptoms.
The authors of the study note that further
investigation of the connection between COVID,
mental health problems and insomnia is needed.
Since this is a cross-sectional
study, the relationship of anxiety
and depression with insomnia
cannot be fully investigated, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
In addition, collecting data
online and a convenience
sampling method can cause
recall bias and selection bias. , Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Announces Deal With Taiwan’s TSMC , to Ramp Up US Chip Production.
On April 8, the White House said that it has reached an agreement with TSMC to help build new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Arizona, 'The Hill' reports. .
The Biden administration will
provide up to $6.6 billion in funding
via the CHIPS and Science Act.
The president said that the money
will “support the construction of
leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities right here in the United States.” .
Funding would also go toward
training local workforces at the new facilities.
A year and a half ago, I toured
the site of TSMC’s first new
fab in Phoenix, Arizona, President Joe Biden, via statement.
TSMC’s renewed commitment
to the United States, and its
investment in Arizona.., President Joe Biden, via statement.
... represent a broader story for
semiconductor manufacturing that’s
made in America and with the strong
support of America’s leading technology firms
to build the products we rely on every day, President Joe Biden, via statement.
America's ability to produce its own microchips remains a key area of concern for Biden.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which was passed
with bipartisan support in 2022, is intended to
make the U.S. less dependent on foreign suppliers.
The White House has also made
agreements with Intel, GlobalFoundries
and Bae Systems, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Brussels, my love? explores the potential threat of Trump 2.0. What would happen if a NATO ally were attacked by Putin? Would Trump respond proportionately and in the interests of America's closest partners? Or would he take the view that he bore no responsibility to respond?
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 32:26Published
This Day in History:, The Boston Massacre.
March 5, 1770.
A skirmish in front of the Boston Custom House
between British soldiers and angry colonists ended in
violence when the troops opened fire on the crowd.
Three Americans were killed instantly and several
other men eventually died from their injuries.
The incident followed several years of tensions
and violence in colonial Massachusetts.
... partly due to revenue duties imposed on the colonists by
the Townshed Acts passed by British Parliament.
The violence turned colonial sentiment against
the British and King George in the years leading
up to the American Revolution.
John Adams wrote that the "foundation of
American independence was laid" by the massacre
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published
This Day in History: , Dr. Seuss Is Born.
March 2, 1904.
Theodor Seuss Geisel —
best known by his pen name
Dr. Seuss — was born in Springfield, MA.
Geisel first used the pseudonym
Seuss at Dartmouth College as a
contributor to the school's humor magazine.
After returning from his
studies at Oxford, Geisel
pursued cartooning full time.
His first book under the name Dr. Seuss,
'And to Think That I Saw it on Mulberry Street,'
was rejected 27 times.
In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote
The Cat in the Hat as a
vocabulary primer for children.
The book was a massive success
and a major turning point in
the career of Dr. Seuss.
Dr. Seuss published more than 60 books,
won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize, an Academy
Award, three Emmys and three Grammys.
His artwork shares space
in galleries with Rembrandt and Picasso
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:56Published
An internal CDC document said the variant, first detected in India and now dominant across the globe,... IndiaTimes - Published Also reported by •Indian Express
As the CDC reissued mask recommendations, local health departments say they're trying to alter their message to the public as they encourage people to protect themselves from COVID-19.
An alarming report from the CDC says people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 can transmit the Delta variant as easily as the unvaccinated. CBS2's Christina Fan reports.
A Covid-19 outbreak in Provincetown, Massachusetts, is highlighting the importance of being vaccinated as the vacation destination’s cluster has seen no deaths and only four hospitalizations...
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