Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has warned in a Twitter thread on Tuesday that the world could be entering the worst stage in the pandemic as the Omicron Covid variant takes over from Delta, spurring infections in the global community even as countries rush to vaccinate their population.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced via twitter on Tuesday that he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms. He further announced that he is isolating himself till he recovers.
#BillGates #Covid19 #CovidVaccination
Increased Number of COVID-19 Deaths , Among Vaccinated Americans.
CNN reports as COVID-19 vaccines became available, there has been a stark divide in
deaths between those who received a
vaccine and those who did not. .
But experts say as vaccine
protection has diminished, .
more transmissible variants have made coronavirus deaths closer to an even split.
In recent months, breakthrough
infections have heightened risks
for vulnerable populations.
According to federal data, less than 25% of deaths occurred in vaccinated citizens during the peak of the Delta Variant.
Comparatively, vaccinated Americans accounted for over 40% of deaths at the height of Omicron.
Experts say those who have only received the first series of coronavirus vaccines may be three times more likely to die.
Almost no one in this country should be dying from Covid. , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN.
What we really should be worried about is getting the boosters that we need to stay up to date so with the new variants that we have... , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN.
...we don’t have unnecessary deaths
and hospitalizations. , Dr. Robert Califf, commissioner US FDA, via CNN
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Economy Shrunk , in the First Quarter of 2022.
The U.S. Commerce Department
released its findings on April 28.
According to the report, gross domestic product (GDP) in the U.S. fell by 1.4 percent during the first quarter.
When the percentage is adjusted for inflation,
GDP fell by less than half a percent.
By contrast, GDP during the first quarter of 2021 in the U.S. grew by 1.7 percent.
According to 'The New York Times,' international trade and inventories contributed the most to contraction.
Decreased spending by the U.S. government is also thought to have played a role.
Despite the numbers, consumer demand continues to grow.
This is reflected by a 0.7 percent increase in consumer spending for the first quarter.
Spending increased despite the onset
of the Omicron COVID variant.
Consumer spending is the aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean — it just keeps plowing ahead, Jay Bryson, Chief Economist for Wells Fargo,
via 'The New York Times'.
U.S. exports decreased due to strains on international economies.
The moral of the story is that the Omicron wave, the war in Ukraine and new lockdowns in China were more costly for growth abroad than they were at home, Diane Swonk, Chief Economist For Grant Thornton, via 'The New York Times'.
Despite the dismal report, underlying growth actually increased from the first quarter of 2021.
Domestic spending was remarkably resilient. It
actually accelerated, Diane Swonk, Chief Economist For Grant Thornton, via 'The New York Times'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Here's What To Know , About Rapid COVID Tests , and the BA.2 Variant.
Now that Omicron subvariant BA.2 is the dominant COVID strain in the U.S., you may have questions about the effectiveness of rapid tests.
Exerts say that rapid tests are no less accurate when it comes to detecting BA.2 than they are with other variants.
However, it may take longer for a BA.2 infection to be detectable by a rapid test.
There's usually a day or two delay between when you might test positive on a PCR versus when you might test positive on one of these at-home rapid
antigen tests, Dr. Celine Gounder, Kaiser Health News,
via NPR News.
But they do work to pick up an infection, and they should be used frequently, Dr. Celine Gounder, Kaiser Health News,
via NPR News.
This means that between the time a person is infected and a rapid test reads positive for BA.2, a person can infect more people because they are unaware they have COVID.
One aspect about Omicron [including the BA.2 subvariant] is biologically, it likely is more infective than the other
previous variants, Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineer,
via NPR News.
So the test might not even have time to pick it up before it
jumps from one person to
another person, Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineer,
via NPR News.
Experts seem to agree, however, that the accessibility of rapid tests and the speed at which they provide results should not be underestimated. .
Because these things are more available than PCR testing,
each person, if they're able
to get hold of them, can test
themselves serially, Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineer,
via NPR News.
That serial testing does end up mitigating the drawbacks of at least the accuracy of these types of tests compared to PCR tests, Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineer,
via NPR News.
Experts recommend if you're sick but continue to test negative, daily activities are fine as long as you do not encounter people who are immunocompromised.
Experts also say that rapid tests are
not necessarily inaccurate if used
after their expiration date.
A test will not go 'bad' immediately after the expiration date but will gradually degrade over time, Dr. Wilbur Lam, Biomedical Engineer,
via NPR News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Moderna Working on , Vaccine Booster That Targets, the Omicron Variant.
The Associated Press reports that Moderna
is developing an updated COVID-19 booster that
offers protection against the omicron variant.
On April 19, the pharmaceutical company
released data suggesting that work on
the updated booster was making progress.
Prior to the emergence of omicron, Moderna
had been developing a booster with added
protection against the beta variant of coronavirus.
According to the company, people who received
that specific booster produced more antibodies
capable of fighting a number of variants.
AP reports that the omicron variant is able
to more easily slip past the immune system's
defenses than the original coronavirus.
According to health officials, distributing
boosters every few months does not present
a practical solution to the mutating virus.
As a result, Moderna and its rival Pfizer are testing "bivalent" shots which mixes each company's original vaccine with an updated omicron version. .
As a result, Moderna and its rival Pfizer are testing "bivalent" shots which mixes each company's original vaccine with an updated omicron version. .
Moderna's bivalent shot
reportedly includes 32 variant
mutations of the coronavirus.
Studies on the new bivalent shots are currently underway in the United States and Britain. .
Results from the studies are expected by late June
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
People Urged to Mask Up, as COVID Cases Continue, to Rise in New York.
CBS reports that COVID-19 cases were
once again on the rise in New York as three
major holidays converged in one weekend. .
The city's Health Department
handed out about 600 free at-home COVID
tests as part of the "Easter Day of Action." .
The effort to distribute an additional 6.5 million tests
in April was joined by four churches
amid the busy holiday weekend.
The effort to distribute an additional 6.5 million tests
in April was joined by four churches
amid the busy holiday weekend.
Passover, Easter and Ramadan overlapped over
the weekend as the latest seven-day average of positive
cases in the city hit 4.46%, up from 3.30% a week ago.
New York City Health Commissioner
Ashwin Vasan has recommended that New Yorkers
once again mask up in indoor public spaces.
New York City Health Commissioner
Ashwin Vasan has recommended that New Yorkers
once again mask up in indoor public spaces.
According to Vasan, he believed
the holiday weekend could send the city's
risk level will from "low" to "medium.".
CBS reports that it would be the first time
since January's surge of Omicron cases
that the risk level would be raised. .
We are seeing an increase in cases
driven mainly by the BA.2 subvariant.
We're seeing cases rise pretty steadily. , Ashwin Vasan, New York City's
Health Commissioner, via CBS.
We are starting to message to New Yorkers that they need to be taking precautions, especially around masking in indoor settings regardless, especially when you don't know the vaccination status of those around you, Ashwin Vasan, New York City's Health Commissioner, via CBS.
Hospitalizations are largely flat,
maybe inching up a little in a few places.
We're going to have to pay very close
attention to this and see where this goes, Dr. Ashish Jha, White House COVID coordinator, via CBS
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Starbucks To Cover Travel Costs for , Employees Seeking Abortions, Gender-Affirming Surgeries.
CNBC reports that on May 16, the coffee chain revealed it will now pay for eligible travel expenses for its workers who seek the medical procedures.
If access to abortion or gender-affirming surgery isn't available within 100 miles of where an employee lives, Starbucks will reimburse their travel costs.
This offer extends to dependents
of Starbucks employees as well.
Other companies that have pledged to reimburse workers for travel costs in search of access to safe abortions include Amazon.
Other companies that have pledged to reimburse workers for travel costs in search of access to safe abortions include Amazon.
Apple, Microsoft and Salesforce.
Apple, Microsoft and Salesforce.
Apple, Microsoft and Salesforce.
The companies' promises come after a leaked Supreme Court draft revealed intentions to overturn Roe v. Wade.
CNBC reports Starbucks has long
championed liberal causes.
In addition to offering to cover travel costs
for certain medical procedures, .
Starbucks' health insurance has covered
gender reassignment surgery since 2012 and other gender-affirming procedures since 2018
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Stock Markets Advance , After Flirting With , Bear-Market Territory.
Al Jazeera reports that stocks managed
to make a minor comeback following
a chaotic week in financial markets.
Al Jazeera reports that stocks managed
to make a minor comeback following
a chaotic week in financial markets.
On the morning of May 13,
the S&P 500 rose 1.3%, while
the Nasdaq 100 rose 1.8%. .
On the morning of May 13,
the S&P 500 rose 1.3%, while
the Nasdaq 100 rose 1.8%. .
Other gains included the Stoxx Europe 600
by 1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
by 0.8% and the MSCI World index by 1.2%.
Other gains included the Stoxx Europe 600
by 1.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average
by 0.8% and the MSCI World index by 1.2%.
However, at the same time,
the euro, British pound
and Japanese yen all fell. .
In commodities, West Texas Intermediate
crude gained 2.8% to reach $109.10 a barrel,
while gold futures fell 1.3% to $1,801.20 an ounce.
In commodities, West Texas Intermediate
crude gained 2.8% to reach $109.10 a barrel,
while gold futures fell 1.3% to $1,801.20 an ounce.
Tech giants like Apple, Microsoft and Amazon all saw gains, while Twitter fell on news that
Elon Musk's takeover was "temporarily on hold.".
Tech giants like Apple, Microsoft and Amazon all saw gains, while Twitter fell on news that
Elon Musk's takeover was "temporarily on hold.".
Overall, the S&P has still
seen six straight weeks of decline,
the longest losing streak since 2011. .
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair
Jerome Powell said that interest rates are likely to rise
by half a percentage point at each of its next two meetings.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair
Jerome Powell said that interest rates are likely to rise
by half a percentage point at each of its next two meetings.
In a May 12 interview with Marketplace
public radio, Powell emphasized
the Fed's intention to fight inflation. .
In a May 12 interview with Marketplace
public radio, Powell emphasized
the Fed's intention to fight inflation. .
However, he also admitted that the central bank's ability to do that without triggering a recession depends upon factors outside of their control. .
However, he also admitted that the central bank's ability to do that without triggering a recession depends upon factors outside of their control.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Apple, Google, Microsoft , To Stop Using Passwords on Websites and Apps.
CNET reports that on May 5, the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) said it's working with the tech giants to do away with passwords.
CNET reports that on May 5, the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) said it's working with the tech giants to do away with passwords.
CNET reports that on May 5, the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) said it's working with the tech giants to do away with passwords.
CNET reports that on May 5, the FIDO Alliance (Fast Identity Online) said it's working with the tech giants to do away with passwords.
Alternative means of verifying identification may include using fingerprints, face scans or your phone.
Working with the industry to establish new, more secure sign-in methods that offer better protection and eliminate the vulnerabilities of passwords... , Kurt Knight, Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, via statement.
... is central to our commitment to building products that offer maximum security and a transparent user experience -- all with the goal of keeping users' personal information safe, Kurt Knight, Apple's senior director of platform product marketing, via statement.
The complete shift to a passwordless world will begin with consumers making it a natural part of their lives, Alex Simons, Microsoft's corporate vice president for identity program management, via statement.
CNET reports that Google can't wait for the day "the world can safely move away from the risk and hassle of passwords.".
While FIDO is already used by many device makers and service providers, .
the alliance hopes to streamline its efforts to make passwordless verification a technology standard.
the alliance hopes to streamline its efforts to make passwordless verification a technology standard.
CNET reports FIDO expects the new tools to become available from Apple, Google and Microsoft within the next year.
CNET reports FIDO expects the new tools to become available from Apple, Google and Microsoft within the next year.
CNET reports FIDO expects the new tools to become available from Apple, Google and Microsoft within the next year
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Activision Blizzard Shareholders , Vote in Favor of Microsoft’s, $68.7 Billion Takeover Bid.
Activision Blizzard Shareholders , Vote in Favor of Microsoft’s, $68.7 Billion Takeover Bid.
Engadget reports that on April 28, over 98%
of shareholders approved of the merger.
Activision's board of directors advised shareholders to vote in favor of the acquisition because it unanimously agreed the move was best for all parties.
Engadget reports that if the majority of shareholders had not approved of the merger, the deal would not have been able to move forward.
Engadget reports that if the majority of shareholders had not approved of the merger, the deal would not have been able to move forward.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
is currently reviewing the deal.
According to an SEC filing, the companies are also seeking regulatory approval from the UK, EU, China and other jurisdictions. .
According to an SEC filing, the companies are also seeking regulatory approval from the UK, EU, China and other jurisdictions. .
If all goes well, the deal is
expected to close by June 2023.
Aside from antitrust concerns, there are other issues that may affect the merger.
such as the fact that Activision has been hit with lawsuits pertaining to workplace harassment and discrimination.
Also, Engadget reports that QA workers at
Raven Software, Activision's studio,
are about to hold a union election
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
In a tragic incident that took place in Bengaluru on Saturday evening, a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike mowed down a 25-year-old youth, reportedly a Swiggy delivery boy, on Nagawara-Thanisandra main road. This is the fourth such incident reported in 2 months. According to the official police report, a speeding BBMP truck knocked down the bike and ran over him.
#BBMPGarbageTruck #Bengaluru #SwiggyDeliveryBoy
In a horrifying incident that took place in Ghaziabad on Wednesday evening, a juice seller was assaualted over payment of Rs 90 and later died owing to the critical injuries. He was allegedly assaulted by three suspects who refused to pay ₹90 for the lemonade they purchased at his stall near River Hindon Metro station.
#Ghaziabad #JuiceSellerAssaulted #GhaziabadJuiceSeller
Covid cases are surging once again in the country. India on Friday reported 3,688 fresh covid-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. With this the total tally of infections in the country jumped to 4,30,75,864.
#Covid19 #Covid19Cases #India
These Airlines Have , Made Masks Optional.
CNN reports that on April 18, U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle struck down the Biden administration's mask mandates for planes and other transportation. .
Judge Mizelle said the mandate surpassed the CDC's statutory authority and was therefore unlawful.
Following the ruling, several airlines announced they were changing their mask policies. .
Masks will now be optional
on board flights for the following airlines:.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.
While we are glad this means many of us get to see your smiling faces, we understand some might have mixed feelings. Please remember to be kind to one another and that wearing a mask while traveling is still an option, Alaska Airlines, via statement.
Face masks will no longer be required for our customers and team members at U.S. airports and on domestic flights. Please note face masks may still be required based on local ordinances, or when traveling to/from certain international locations based on country requirements. , American Airlines, via statement.
Southwest employees and customers will be able to choose whether they would like to wear a mask on flights, at domestic airports, and at some international locations. We encourage individuals to make the best decision to support their personal wellbeing. , Southwest Airlines, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Bill Gates, in a series of tweets intended to warn the public about the ominous nature of the current... IndiaVision - Published Also reported by •IndiaTimes •Zee News
The centre cleared two more vaccines today and one anti-viral drug to boost the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
#Omicron #Covid19 #Covovax #Corbevax #Molnupiravir
Today, the Karnataka assembly passed the anti-conversion bill amid protests by Congress MLAs; Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has outlined the city's preparations for the highly infectious Covid..
Prime Minister was among the top 10 most admired men of 2021, which had the names of people like Bill Gates, Christiano Ronaldo, Elon Musk to name a few. On this list, PM Modi stood at the 8th spot..
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