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Tag: COVID19

  • State health leaders to update New Mexico’s COVID-19 trends

    State health leaders to update New Mexico’s COVID-19 trends

    NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – As New Mexico is reporting practically 2,000 new COVID-19 circumstances Wednesday, state wellness leaders say a record amount of people are currently being hospitalized with the virus heading into December. At the very least 643 sufferers have been receiving COVID therapies in New Mexico hospitals Wednesday as point out well being officials up-to-date the most current COVID-19 traits in a digital information convention.

    The briefing masking booster and youngsters vaccine administration, the omicron variant, changes to vaccine specifications and caseloads amongst the state’s growing older population marks the 1st update from well being leaders in roughly two weeks, considering the fact that in advance of the Thanksgiving holiday break. On Wednesday, New Mexico noted 1,887 new COVID-19 situations, 12 more deaths and 643 hospitalizations.

    Wednesday’s noted virus-relevant hospitalizations noted Wednesday marks the most hospitalizations for the virus in 2021 so considerably, in accordance to details delivered by NMDOH Acting Secretary Dr. David Scrase. For the duration of the information convention, Dr. Scrase highlighted Monday’s lesser amount of 633 hospitalizations as the most the point out has charted in 2021, shortly before the most up-to-date numbers had been launched.

    In Albuquerque, Presbyterian and the College of New Mexico Medical center claimed Tuesday their respective hospitals were at 120{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} and 140{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} capacity. Presbyterian states roughly 28{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of their existing client load is in the hospital for COVID-19 remedy, an boost from about 20{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} in the weeks prior. Of those people hospitalized, Presbyterian notes 85{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all those sufferers are not vaccinated.

    Above the final month, condition totals show 79{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of people hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. The state described Wednesday conditions are increasing in each age team, but are climbing larger in age teams from 5 to 17 and 65 and more mature.

    Booster Doses, Young children Vaccines Ramping Up

    Though hospitalizations are on the rise, so too are booster doses which are now open to all people eighteen and more mature in New Mexico. Because August 1, 2021, New Mexico has dolled out far more than 370,082 COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, working forward of the national common.

    The latest knowledge reveals a lot more than a 15{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} maximize in the quantity of boosters presented out in the last 7 days, in comparison to the 7 days prior. Nevertheless, the point out suggests it is operating into difficulties in acquiring areas for larger sized vaccination clinics and more compact suppliers.

    “As we go into the booster phase of this, COVID vaccination actually ought to get started getting position in medical doctors and nurse practitioners and medical professional assistants’ offices,” explained Dr. Scrase. “One of our essential shortages correct now facilities in which to give vaccinations … specially in Santa Fe, Espanola, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, if you know of a facility that you would like to volunteer that we could use notably for a mass vaccination web-site, for a working day, or a day a 7 days, or each and every working day for that make a difference, you should allow us know.”

    In the realm of vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, the state said it was “on track” Wednesday with its projections on how a lot of doses would be supplied out to the youngest eligible age group. More than 30,246 doses of Pfizer’s vaccine have been specified to New Mexico’s kids aged 5 to 11 as of Wednesday. There are 188,866 young ones ages 5 to 11 in New Mexico.

    In the meantime, NMDOH’s Point out Epidemiologist Dr. Christine Ross claims the more youthful age teams amongst to 4 and 5 to 17 a long time aged remain an “area of vulnerability.” “We certainly have a means to go and hope to see continued uptake of vaccination in that age band and then we’ll see a lessened burden of condition in all those school-aged little ones,” Dr. Ross mentioned.

    Alterations to Vaccination Specifications Before long

    Dr. Scrase acknowledged Wednesday New Mexico health and fitness officers are practically all set to announce new requirements relevant to whole vaccination and booster doses. During Wednesday’s information meeting, Dr. Scrase explained though the state would keep the federal definition of “fully vaccinated,” indicating two doses of Pfizer or Moderna’s mRNA vaccine or one particular dose of Johnson and Johnson’s adenovirus vaccine. Having said that, Dr. Scrase claimed point out they will transform quite a few worker specifications.

    “We will be switching the specifications for well being treatment staff, educational institutions, and point out employees to contain a prerequisite for a booster if one is because of,” Scrase mentioned these improvements would be formally announced in the coming “days.”

    Omicron Variant

    As federal health officials declared Wednesday the to start with acknowledged circumstance of the new Omicron variant in the U.S. discovered in the areas of San Francisco, California, New Mexico overall health officials were reserved about expressing problem on the variant. Dr. Ross suggests the variant has not been detected in New Mexico to date.

    “We never have more than enough information and facts nonetheless on Omicron to declare a new section in the pandemic or a transform in approach,” Dr. Ross stated. “Scientists and different professionals are all in settlement that we seriously need to have to concentration on the tried using and real, in other phrases, the similar avoidance tips hold real correct now, and vaccination remains our greatest device to safeguard an particular person, a group and New Mexico.”

    Declared a “variant of concern” by the Entire world Overall health Group very last Friday, Dr. Ross elaborated on why there’s cause for problem around the variant. “There’s a huge variety of mutation … which sit in an spot named the spike protein, which has lifted alarms, in essence for the reason that exactly where individuals mutations are sitting down, and also mainly because of the sheer selection of mutations.”

    Dr. Ross says New Mexicans must nevertheless be involved with the Delta variant at this stage, noting the scenario surge New Mexico is at present suffering from has been solely induced by Delta. “We know that Delta is at the very least two periods as transmissible or contagious, and we feel it is a important contributor to what’s occurring in New Mexico with this existing surge.”

    Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated Lifestyle Span

    Condition well being leaders introduced details Wednesday indicating a COVID-19 vaccine has helped insert as quite a few as 14-several years to the ordinary age span of individuals who’ve contracted the virus. The details is centered on the median age of those people who’ve died from a COVID-19 infection and their vaccination position. In accordance to state knowledge, the regular age of those who’ve died from a COVID-19 infection who are vaccinated is 78.9 years old. Meanwhile, the normal age of those people who’ve died from a COVID-19 an infection who are not vaccinated is 64.9 years old.

    “We get tons of questions about why really should I be vaccinated and is it actually important, I’m more youthful, do I truly will need it?” Dr. Scrase claimed. “I like to look at this data and imagine about the point that you can insert 14 decades to your everyday living by currently being vaccinated if you are in the unlucky party if you get COVID.”

  • ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ERIE COUNTY, NY – The Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) is providing an update on COVID-19 data. For the week ending November 27, 2021, ECDOH received reports for 4,271 new COVID-19 cases among Erie County residents, a 2{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} decrease from the previous week. This decline may be attributable to fewer tests occurring in the latter half of that week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. This also represents a 145{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} increase in COVID-19 cases in the past six reporting weeks, and a 59{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} increase in the past four reporting weeks. Erie County’s COVID-19 case rate of 448 cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days for the week ending November 27 is slight decrease from the previous week’s case rate of 456. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set a case rate threshold of 100 or more cases per 100,000 residents in the past seven days for a community to be considered to have “high transmission.”

    30{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of new COVID-19 cases last week were among city of Buffalo residents. For reference, city of Buffalo residents make up 29{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all Erie County residents. This past week the ZIP codes with the highest seven-day case rates per 100,000 persons were: 14025 (Boston, 32 cases), 14086 (Lancaster, 225 cases), 14141 (Springville, 52 cases), 14004 (Alden, 77 cases) and 14057 (Eden, 52 cases). 17 ZIP codes had a case rate of more than 500 new cases per 100,000 residents over seven days.

    Contact tracing case investigations continue to note family and household clusters of COVID-19 cases. With the holiday season approaching, ECDOH encourages people who plan to gather with friends and family to stay home and away from others if ill. Also, COVID-19 testing is a tool to make sure you know your COVID-19 status before small gatherings, especially if other guests are elderly, have chronic medical or immunocompromising conditions, are pregnant, or unvaccinated.

    About 43,200 COVID-19 test reports were received last week, a small decrease from the previous week’s total. Weekly test reports have remained very stable over the past four weeks. ECDOH and health care providers within Erie County still have substantial diagnostic testing capacity. People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, should strongly consider a diagnostic COVID-19 test. The New York State Department of Health maintains a list of testing locations. ECDOH created a list of community COVID-19 testing resources for parents and caregivers. Free COVID-19 NAAT tests are available through ECDOH by calling 716-858-2929 to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required for COVID-19 testing through ECDOH. Wait times for ECDOH appointment telephone line are longest in the morning. Callers may choose to call after 10 a.m. if they want to avoid a wait.

    The weekly positivity rate was 9.9{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}, up from 9.4{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for the week ending November 20. This is the highest weekly positivity percentage since the earliest stages of the pandemic in May 2020. The 30-39-year-old age group had the highest number of COVID-19 cases last week, which represents a seven-day case rate of 693 per 100,000 persons in that age group. The age groups with the highest positivity rates were school-aged children: 12.6{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 5-10-year-olds; 14.8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 11-13-year-olds; and, 13.7{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} for 14-17-year-olds. These higher positivity rates may reflect lower relative numbers of tests in these age groups, and a higher likelihood that symptomatic children and adolescents will seek a COVID-19 test for return to school purposes. Every age group, except ages 80 and older, had a positivity rate of more than 8{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.

    For children under age 18 years, case totals decreased by 53 COVID-19 cases last week from the previous week, to 1,072 COVID-19 cases. Cases among children under 18 years comprised 25{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of all cases reported for last week, an increase from October 2021 when that proportion was ~22-23{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}.

     

    The school team in the ECDOH Office of Epidemiology is managing a large volume of cases among k-12 students and school staff. Data for the week ending November 13 and November 20 are incomplete* because official test reports are pending. These weekly totals remain higher than at any other point in this academic year or the previous academic year.

    ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PROVIDES COVID-19 DATA UPDATE FOR WEEK ENDING NOVEMBER 27, 2021

    ECDOH announced that it was piloting a “Test to Stay” program with Grand Island Central School District starting December 6. Broadly, in a school using TTS, k-12 students who are not fully vaccinated and close contacts of a COVID-19 case from a school exposure would have a rapid COVID-19 test before each school day as part of a modified quarantine. Students with a household exposure would not be eligible, nor would school staff. The student would attend school that day if their test result was negative. A positive test result would mean the student is excluded from school and placed in isolation at home. ECDOH will evaluate pilot program outcomes and decide on next steps.

    With 334 COVID-19 hospitalizations reported in Erie County hospitals on November 28, 2021, the number of patients admitted to Erie County hospitals with COVID-19 has ranged from a low of 203 hospitalizations to a high of 334 hospitalizations over the past two weeks [See chart at end of release]. 211 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (63{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) were not fully vaccinated. Among those patients, 42 (69{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) of 61 patients admitted to the ICU were not fully vaccinated; and, 32 (70{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c}) of 46 patients with an airway assist were not fully vaccinated. Vaccines work to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) publishes statewide data for COVID-19 cases over time by vaccination status, and daily hospital admissions over time by vaccination status.                                                           

    ECDOH is reporting COVID-19 mortality data. ECDOH received reports of 8 COVID-19 associated deaths in the past seven days. Total COVID-19-related deaths from March 2020 to November 25, 2021 now stand at 2,151, with 875 reported in 2021. CDC publishes national rates of COVID-19 related cases, hospitalizations and deaths by vaccination status at https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#rates-by-vaccine-status.                        

    With data compiled by the ECDOH epidemiology office through November 29, 2021, 21{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of 5-11-year-olds in Erie County have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Additional data, including vaccination estimates by ZIP code, are posted to the ECDOH web site. NYSDOH also updates vaccination data by demographics, by county and by ZIP code.         

    ECDOH has an active schedule of COVID-19 vaccine clinics, listed at www.erie.gov/vax. Clinics for 5-11-year-olds are listed at www.erie.gov/vax. ECDOH will also vaccinate any eligible Erie County resident at their home. Call (716) 858-2929 for the “Vax Visit” program.

    ECDOH encourages Erie County residents who are not fully vaccinated to begin their COVID-19 vaccine series. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for youth and families attending school or child care.

    ECDOH vaccine clinics will provide a COVID-19 booster dose to anyone age 18 and older as long as enough time has elapsed from their initial series completion (6 months for Pfizer and Moderna; 2 months for J&J). ECDOH encourages people to review the recommended booster eligibility criteria, evaluate their risk factors and talk to their own physician with questions. NYSDOH has further information about booster doses.

    Chart: Erie County Hospitalization Data, last two weeks (November 15, 2021-November 28, 2021); data for Nov. 25, 2021 not available due to Thanksgiving holiday.
    Data Sources: New York State Department of Health and Erie County hospitals

     

    #

    ECDOH, COVID-19 vaccine info & clinic schedule: http://www.erie.gov/vax

    ECDOH, COVID-19 Information Line: (716) 858-2929 – foreign language interpretation available

    ECDOH, COVID-19 Weekly Data Updates: https://www2.erie.gov/health/index.php?q=covid-19-media-data

    New York State Department of Health, COVID-19 Boosters: http://ny.gov/boosters

    ###

  • How to Start Working Out if the COVID-19 Pandemic Derailed Your Routine

    How to Start Working Out if the COVID-19 Pandemic Derailed Your Routine

    1. Set Ambitions and a Timeline

    Just one way to inspire oneself, claims Dr. Houle, is by location tiny, realistic, and measurable aims that you can generate down in a checklist and check off a single by a person.

    For case in point, Houle claims, if you’re making an attempt to get stronger by executing press-ups, you can start off by carrying out a selection that is manageable for you, either just about every day or on certain times of the week. Then try to little by little increase that variety as time goes on. The very same basic principle can apply to any activity, these as functioning or jogging a certain distance or length of time.

    For quite a few people, scheduling exercises in advance is a important to start with action toward really performing them, adds Waite. “I feel putting some thing on your schedule, on the calendar as an appointment that you block off, means you’re much more most likely to adhere to it,” she points out.

    But be reasonable, states Houle. If you like to workout in the night, it can be a excellent way to blow off steam, he claims. If you like to knock out your workouts at the commencing of the day (in advance of you get distracted with other things), plan them for 1st factor in the morning.

    Related: How to Begin Operating Out and Adhere With It

    2. Maintain By yourself Accountable

    Getting a further person keeping you accountable to exercising normally implies you’re a lot more possible to stick to as a result of with your ambitions, states Houle. And an accountability spouse doesn’t always need to join you in individual, he adds.

    “I’ve experienced people call or text each other. Or on different applications you can share routines,” Houle describes. “That sort of things can be motivating and exciting.”

    And, of course, turn to know-how. “There are a range of applications and wearable gadgets that can assistance help folks in moving additional,” Dr. Lin notes. Some deliver difficulties and comprehensive work out designs, when other folks just have you monitoring movement (like laps swum, miles run, or wheelchair pushes), she provides.

    Relevant: The Ideal Physical fitness Apps

    3. Ease Back Into Exercising

    No make any difference how match you are — or were — if you have put in a interval of time (more time than a few months) out of an workout routine, it is critical to little by little get the job done again up to that similar intensity.

    “Where I see a great deal of individuals get discouraged is if they feel, How occur I can not do it the way I employed to do it? That’s sort of unfair,” says Houle. It is important to accept that your schedule has been disrupted, rather than consider to prove you are nonetheless as in good shape as you utilised to be, he advises.

    As a typical rule, says Waite, if you’ve been inactive for extended than a thirty day period, you should really resume your bodily exercise at 25 to 50 p.c of the degree you ended up formerly accustomed to (both for time or depth). For most people, she states, 50 {fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} is a very good starting off stage. Then enhance it by about 10 to 15 percent for each 7 days, which she endorses as “a great guideline to stay away from personal injury.”

    And really don’t be discouraged if you will need to enhance the time or intensity much more slowly. Waite claims, “Some men and women have to increase it by 10 p.c just about every 2 weeks. You have to listen to your system.”

    4. Crack It Up

    Obtaining in a workout does not usually suggest you have to block off an uninterrupted hour of your time. In reality, there are rewards to shorter exercise routines all over the working day.

    “We know that the typical American sits about seven hours a working day, and that has unfavorable wellbeing outcomes,” claims Lin. Using regular breaks from sitting to do a 5- or 10-minute overall body pounds exercise, or even just to move all around, can add up for cumulative well being added benefits.

    If you do not have the time or stamina to go for an hour-extensive operate, Lin indicates operating or jogging in intervals of 5 to 10 minutes. Or attempt a 5- to 10-minute strength instruction training that you can do in whichever space you have readily available, she claims.

    Similar: 5-Moment, Total-Body Toughness Training With Kelsey Wells

    It could possibly help you to visualize shorter exercise sessions is as “fitness snacking,” rather than a substantial “meal” that you would get from a for a longer time exercise, Waite states. In the close, numerous health treats through the working day may well increase up to just one large food.

    But really don’t conquer you up if you only manage to get a one health snack on some times. “Even a 15-moment exercise is greater than no exercise routine,” Waite claims.

  • Aaron Rodgers says he’s unvaccinated, sought alternative treatment instead of COVID-19 vaccine

    Aaron Rodgers says he’s unvaccinated, sought alternative treatment instead of COVID-19 vaccine

    Spelled out: Aaron Rodgers vaccine scandal

    Soon after screening beneficial for COVID-19, Eco-friendly Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers uncovered he had not been vaccinated in opposition to the virus.

    Eco-friendly BAY, Wis. – Eco-friendly Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers explained Friday he sought choice remedies rather of the NFL-endorsed COVID-19 vaccinations simply because of an allergy he has to elements in two of the Fda-authorized pictures.

    Rodgers, who has been examined every day as component of NFL protocols for the unvaccinated, arrived up favourable for the coronavirus on Wednesday. He explained he didn’t really feel well on Thursday but was a great deal superior on Friday. He cannot rejoin the Packers for 10 days, lacking Sunday’s recreation at Kansas Metropolis. Rodgers should have a unfavorable examination to return to the group on Nov. 13.

    Speaking on the Pat McAfee exhibit Friday, Rodgers admitted to getting ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug that has turn into popular among some individuals who have declined COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC has frequently questioned the community to refrain from taking the drug, citing the fact that there is no info supporting the claim that it prevents or treats COVID-19 infections.

    Rodgers turned to ivermectin just after consulting podcaster Joe Rogan, he explained.

    In Friday’s 46-minute interview, Rodgers denied remaining “anti-vax,” even though repeating some of the misinformation now debunked by gurus.
     

    “I’m not some type of anti-vax, flat earther. I am any person who is a important thinker. You guys know me, I march to the conquer of my possess drum,” Rodgers instructed McAfee. “I imagine strongly in body autonomy, and the capability to make choices for your overall body. Not to have to acquiesce to some woke society or crazed persons that say you have to do anything.”

    Rodgers instructed McAfee he has fears about potential fertility concerns had he taken one particular of the vaccinations.

    Quite a few experts, which include 3 medical practitioners who specialize in reproductive well being, vouched for the protection of vaccinations for partners who want to have a little one and urged people today to seek out their medical practitioners or nurse practitioners with any queries. The Facilities for Illness Handle and Avoidance and obstetrician teams also advise COVID-19 vaccines for expecting persons.

    Dr. Stephanie Broadwell of Sanford Wellbeing Fargo, Dr. Stephanie Foughty of Altru Wellbeing Devils Lake and Dr. Ana Tobiaz of Sanford Health Bismarck said to get the vaccine.

    “I can have an understanding of that persons are worried, persons are anxious,” Broadwell stated. “I feel often there can be details that can be valuable and some that can be fairly misleading. I imagine it is just actually challenging to digest all the details that is out there and tales that are filtering by way of that possibly even come from reliable sources.”

    Rodgers claimed to be allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not use mRNA, but Rodgers also declined to acquire it.

    The Food and drug administration briefly halted the use of the J&J photographs this spring thanks to really scarce blood clotting gatherings among six woman recipients.

    Rodgers explained his have study led him to a treatment that he did not detail, and he stated the NFL was mindful of the cure protocol he was making use of, which took “numerous months.”

    “The league was completely conscious of it upon my return to the Packers (in August),” Rodgers said. “It was at that place that I petitioned them to settle for my immunization less than their vaccination protocol.”

    That petition and a subsequent appeal had been denied by the NFL, players’ union and independent infectious condition consultants.

    “And I also reported, how arrive there is no exemption for healthcare exemptions, spiritual exemptions, pre-existing situations?” Rodgers extra. “And they mainly mentioned all those are all mainly exempted but you would be place in the non-vaccinated group.”

    The league did not immediately answer to a ask for for remark.

    For months, Rodgers experienced offered himself as “immunized” from the virus. He notably did not comply with the protocols demanded of unvaccinated NFL staff – likely maskless on the sidelines and during news conferences.

    “Needing to use a mask at a podium when every single individual in the space is vaccinated and sporting a mask would make no sense to me,” Rodgers said.

    The CDC recommends all those who are unvaccinated need to have on a mask in indoor general public areas and follow social distancing. Wisconsin is presently viewed as a higher transmission space.

    Rodgers strongly questioned the NFL’s protocols, along with any organization forcing wellbeing prerequisites on folks.

    “I imagine strongly in bodily autonomy and the capacity to make choices for your physique, not to have to acquiesce to some woke tradition or crazed group of individuals who say you have to do anything,” he stated. “Wellness is not a just one-sizing matches all for everybody, and for me it concerned a large amount of examine in the offseason.

    “If you weren’t in the vaccinated group you had been in a various category which associated some draconian steps and protocols you would have to adhere (to), which in my feeling ended up not primarily based on science and have been more based mostly in a disgrace-centered ecosystem to test and get as several men to get vaccinated as possible, so that the league appears better to the rest of the earth. That was the concentration of these protocols …”

    The NFL coronavirus protocols ended up created in conjunction with CDC pointers and impartial infectious ailment professionals.

    Linked: Aaron Rodgers COVID diagnosis: Will he, Packers facial area fines?

    Here’s an explanation of the NFL’s protocols and a breakdown of Rodgers’ circumstance:

    Who is responsible for figuring out a player’s vaccine standing?

    Just about every of the 32 NFL groups. Gamers must post proof of vaccination to the workforce, not to the league place of work.

    What is viewed as enough vaccination?

    Players ought to get two shots of one particular of the permitted vaccinations less than NFL protocols – Pfizer or Moderna – or a person dose of the Johnson & Johnson in get to be regarded completely vaccinated versus COVID-19. As Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s main clinical officer, has defined, gamers who have been beforehand documented as owning had COVID-19 could be deemed protected with a person shot of those people vaccines.

    There is also the possibility of a player having antibody stages that display a former case of the coronavirus, and they can receive one shot to be guarded.

    “We have incredibly obvious protocols on vaccination necessities and what can be considered as currently being totally vaccinated less than people protocols,” Sills reported.

    NFL protocols, established in conjunction with the players’ union, oversee not only team services but also stadiums, motels and any vacation arrangements.

    Associated: Rodgers’ COVID prognosis: Holistic overall health specialist weighs in

    Did the NFL know Aaron Rodgers was unvaccinated?

    Certainly, as did the Packers and the NFL Gamers Affiliation.

    Rodgers approached the NFLPA for the duration of the summertime in search of approval of the treatment he took, particulars of which have not been produced public. Dr. Thom Mayer, the union’s professional medical director, consulted with Sills and with infectious disease consultants jointly agreed on by the NFL and the union. They identified that Rodgers’ cure did not meet the qualifications or protocols to be viewed as a vaccine.

    Rodgers has been expected to don a mask at the Packers’ facility and to abide by protocols intended for unvaccinated gamers. He is 1 of about 5{fe463f59fb70c5c01486843be1d66c13e664ed3ae921464fa884afebcc0ffe6c} of the league’s players considered unvaccinated.

    Will any individual be penalized?

    Quite likely – if the NFL’s investigation, which also consists of looking into a Halloween bash attended by Rodgers – finds violations of the protocols.

    Most responsible would be the Packers for not doing away with any violations. They could be fined and stripped of draft possibilities. For example, the Las Vegas Raiders have been fined $500,000 past yr – when there ended up no vaccinations accessible – for breaking protocols. But no teams lost picks in the 2021 draft for COVID-19 violations.

    Rodgers, in a natural way, could be sanctioned by the NFL, way too. That in all probability would involve a fine relatively than a suspension.

    Sills has been extremely distinct that enforcement of the protocols is “major small business.”

    This tale was described from Atlanta. The Affiliated Press contributed to this tale. 

    Signal UP Right now: Get day-to-day headlines, breaking information email messages from FOX6 News

  • Rodgers sought treatments instead of COVID-19 vaccine

    Rodgers sought treatments instead of COVID-19 vaccine

    Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Friday he sought alternative treatments instead of the NFL-endorsed COVID-19 vaccinations because he is allergic to an ingredient in two of the FDA-approved shots.

    Speaking on “The Pat McAfee Show on YouTube and SiriusXM,” Rodgers said: “I’m not an anti-vax, flat-earther. I have an allergy to an ingredient that’s in the mRNA vaccines. I found a long-term immunization protocol to protect myself and I’m very proud of the research that went into that.”

    Rodgers, who turns 38 on Dec. 2, did not say what ingredient he was allergic to, or how he knows he is allergic.

    Rodgers, who has been tested daily as part of NFL protocols for the unvaccinated, found out he contracted COVID-19 on Wednesday. The reigning NFL MVP said he didn’t feel well on Thursday but was much better on Friday.

    Rodgers can’t rejoin the Packers for 10 days, missing Sunday’s game at Kansas City. He must have a negative test to return to the team on Nov. 13.

    During the interview with McAfee, Rodgers misquoted the CDC website and offered his explanation for why hasn’t taken the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

    Rodgers said the CDC’s website says “should you have an allergy to any of the ingredients, you should not get one of the mRNA vaccines. So those two (Moderna and Pfizer) were out already.”

    Instead the CDC site says, “If you have had a severe allergic reaction or an immediate allergic reaction — even if it was not severe — to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.”

    Rodgers did not say he had an allergic reaction.

    He said with some of the public issues involving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — clotting issues and his “hearing of multiple people who had had adverse events around getting the J&J … the J&J shot was not even an option at that point.”

    The COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. were tested in tens of thousands of people and proven to be both safe and effective at dramatically reducing the risk of serious disease and death. The vaccines now have been given to more than 200 million Americans and that real-world use plus extra government safety tracking have made clear that serious side effects are extremely rare — and that any risk is far lower than the risks posed by COVID-19.

    Rodgers’ research led him to a treatment he did not detail, and he said the NFL was aware of the treatment protocol he was using, which took “multiple months.”

    “The league was fully aware of it upon my return to the Packers (in August),” Rodgers said. “It was at that point that I petitioned them to accept my immunization under their vaccination protocol.”

    A member of the Packers’ medical staff inquired to the NFL Players Association’s medical director on behalf of an anonymous player who asked if an alternative homeopathic treatment could render him as “fully vaccinated” under the protocols. That player was Rodgers.

    The NFLPA’s medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, shared an email from the team and related materials from Rodgers with Dr. Allen Sills, the league’s medical chief, and with an independent infectious disease expert, who were asked for an opinion.

    The expert, hired jointly by the league and union, said he could not find in his research that the treatment offers reliable and robust COVID-19 protection — that the treatment was not the equivalent of receiving one of the three endorsed vaccines. There was a lack of scientific data demonstrating whether and how well the treatments Rodgers wanted approved would work.

    The union and the doctors were never contacted again by Rodgers after his petition and a subsequent appeal were denied.

    “And I also said, how come there’s no exemption for medical exemptions, religious exemptions, pre-existing conditions?” Rodgers added. “And they basically said those are all basically exempted but you would be put in the non-vaccinated category.”

    Rodgers also told McAfee he has concerns about potential fertility issues had he taken one of the vaccinations.

    Many scientists, including three doctors who specialize in reproductive health, have vouched for the safety of vaccinations for couples who want to have a baby and urged people to seek out their doctors or nurse practitioners with any questions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and obstetrician groups also recommend COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant individuals.

    Dr. Stephanie Broadwell of Sanford Health Fargo, Dr. Stephanie Foughty of Altru Health Devils Lake and Dr. Ana Tobiaz of Sanford Health Bismarck said at a virtual North Dakota town hall in July to get the vaccine.

    “I can understand that people are scared, people are nervous,” Broadwell said. “I think sometimes there can be information that can be helpful and some that can be somewhat misleading. I think it’s just really hard to digest all the information that is out there and stories that are filtering through that maybe even come from trusted sources.”

    Rodgers strongly questioned the NFL’s protocols, along with any organization forcing health requirements on individuals.

    “I believe strongly in bodily autonomy and the ability to make choices for your body, not to have to acquiesce to some woke culture or crazed group of individuals who say you have to do something,” he said. “Health is not a one size fits all for everybody, and for me it involved a lot of study in the offseason.”

    ___

    More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

  • COVID-19 update for Nov. 20-21: Here’s the latest on coronavirus in BC

    COVID-19 update for Nov. 20-21: Here’s the latest on coronavirus in BC

    Here’s your daily update with everything you need to know on the novel coronavirus situation in B.C.

    Author of the article:

    Tiffany Crawford, David Carrigg

    Publishing date:

    Nov 20, 2021  •  16 hours ago  •  5 minute read  •  6 Comments

    Here's your daily update with everything you need to know on the novel coronavirus situation in B.C.
    Here’s your daily update with everything you need to know on the novel coronavirus situation in B.C. Photo by Gilnature /iStock/Getty Images

    Here’s your daily update with everything you need to know on the novel coronavirus situation in B.C. for Nov. 20-21, 2021.

    We’ll provide summaries of what’s going on in B.C. right here so you can get the latest news at a glance. This page will be updated regularly throughout the day, with developments added as they happen.

    Check back here for more updates throughout the day. You can also get the latest COVID-19 news delivered to your inbox weeknights at 7 p.m. by subscribing to our newsletter here.

    B.C.’S COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS

    As of the latest figures given on Nov. 19:

    • Total number of confirmed cases: 214,636 (3,420 active)
    • New cases since Nov. 18: 497
    • Total deaths: 2,293 (three additional deaths)
    • Hospitalized cases: 358
    • Intensive care: 109
    • Total vaccinations: 4,209,651 received first dose; 4,034,962 second doses
    • Recovered from acute infection: 208,702
    • Long-term care and assisted-living homes, and acute care facilities currently affected: 21

    IN-DEPTH:   Here are all the B.C. cases of the novel coronavirus in 2021 | in 2020

    B.C. GUIDES AND LINKS

    • COVID-19: Here’s everything you need to know about the novel coronavirus

    • COVID-19: B.C.’s vaccine passport is here and this is how it works

    • COVID-19: Here’s how to get your vaccination shot in B.C.

    • COVID-19: Look up your neighbourhood in our interactive map of case and vaccination rates in B.C.

    • COVID-19: Afraid of needles? Here’s how to overcome your fear and get vaccinated

    • COVID-19: Five things to know about the P1 variant spreading in B.C.

    • COVID-19: Here’s where to get tested in Metro Vancouver

    • B.C. COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool

    LATEST NEWS on COVID-19 in B.C.

    Three more deaths, a new outbreak in health-care setting

    B.C. reported 497 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths on Friday, pushing the death toll from the virus to 2,293.

    The Health Ministry says 3,420 infections are active across the province, including 358 people in hospital, with 109 in intensive care.

    It says 87 per cent of eligible B.C. residents aged 12 and up have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, while nearly 91 per cent have had one.

    British Columbia reported 497 new cases of COVID-19 Friday and three additional deaths.

    Of the new cases, 138 were in the Fraser Health region, 64 were in Vancouver Coastal Health, 146 were in Interior Health, 78 were in Northern Health and 71 were in Island Health, provincial health officials said in a statement.

    The deaths occurred to persons in the Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Northern Health regions.

    Also Friday, a new COVID-19 outbreak was reported in Northern Health’s Laurier Manor assisted-living facility while an outbreak in Fraser Health’s Rosemary Heights Seniors Village had been declared over.

    – Sarah Grochowski

    Quebec zoo hoping to vaccinate wild animals against COVID-19 over coming weeks

    After millions of Quebecers rolled up their sleeves for COVID-19 vaccines, it could soon be zoo animals’ turn to get the shot.

    The Granby Zoo, east of Montreal, says it is hoping in the coming weeks or months to vaccinate against COVID-19 about 90 animals, including gorillas, big cats and other creatures deemed susceptible to the disease. The vaccines are in the United States awaiting clearance to Canada.

    “Hopefully, we can start at least a few species by Christmas. I’m crossing my fingers for that,” Emilie Couture, a veterinarian with the zoo, said in a recent interview.

    She said the zoo is planning to vaccinate the species that appear to be the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Primates and big cats such as tigers, jaguars and leopards top the list, she said, adding that the zoo is also including some other mammals such as red pandas.

    There has been a “worrying” rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in North American zoos, especially among large felines such as lions and leopards, Couture said. Last week, three snow leopards died at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, in Nebraska, of complications from COVID-19 — an event that she said shocked the North American zoo community.

    —The Canadian Press

    Ottawa to drop need for COVID-19 test after short-term U.S. visits as of Nov. 30

    The federal government says that as of Nov. 30, fully vaccinated Canadians and permanent residents who are visiting the United States for less than 72 hours won’t need a costly molecular test for COVID-19 in order to return home.

    The Public Health Agency of Canada also says that by the end of the month, travellers who received the Sinopharm, Sinovac and Covaxin vaccines will be considered fully vaccinated for travel purposes.

    Critics in both countries have been complaining for weeks about the need for what’s known as a PCR test, which can run between $150-$300 per swab, saying it’s a major deterrent to the resumption of cross-border travel.

    Travellers who are out of the country for more than 72 hours, however, will still be required to present a negative molecular test at the border on their way home.

    —The Canadian Press

    B.C. health officials welcome approval of vaccine for kids

    B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix are welcoming the news that Health Health Canada has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged five to 11.

    “The rigorous review confirms that this first vaccine formulated for younger children is safe and effective,” they said, in a joint statement Friday.

    “We look forward to making the pediatric vaccine available for 360,000 young British Columbians as soon as possible.”

    Henry and Dix said while children are at a lower risk of severe disease from COVID-19, it can still result in serious outcomes in some children, including hospitalization and long-term symptoms.

    B.C. parents and guardians can register their children to get vaccinated at  www.getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca    or by calling 1 833 838-2323 toll-free.

    Already, more than 75,000 children have been registered for their vaccine and are on the list to be contacted to book an appointment and get their COVID-19 paediatric vaccine, according to the government.

    —Tiffany Crawford

    Health Canada approves first COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5 to 11

    Health Canada has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 in Canada.

    Pfizer and its partner BioNTech submitted a request for approval of a child-sized dose of its mRNA vaccine for COVID-19 on Oct. 18.

    The companies say the results of their trials in children show comparable safety and efficacy to those recorded in a previous Pfizer-BioNTech study in people aged 16 to 25.

    After a thorough review of the data, the department has determined the benefits of the vaccine for children between five and 11 years of age outweigh the risks, Health Canada said in a statement Friday.

    B.C. MAP OF WEEKLY COVID CASE COUNTS, VACCINATION RATES

    Find out how your neighbourhood is doing in the battle against COVID-19 with the latest number of new cases, positivity rates, and vaccination rates:

    B.C. VACCINE TRACKER

    LOCAL RESOURCES for COVID-19 information

    Here are a number of information and landing pages for COVID-19 from various health and government agencies.

    • B.C. COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool

    • Vancouver Coastal Health – Information on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

    • HealthLink B.C. – Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page

    • B.C. Centre for Disease Control – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

    • Government of Canada – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update

    • World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

    –with files from The Canadian Press

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