Recent news about COVID-19 has highlighted various aspects of the pandemic, including the emergence of new variants, vaccination campaigns, and the impact on different populations. Reports have discussed the challenges of vaccine distribution, concerns about rare side effects, and the debate over terminology and public health messaging. Tragic stories of individuals, including children, succumbing to the virus have also been featured, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It quickly spread globally, leading to widespread illness, death, and significant disruptions to daily life. The pandemic prompted various responses from governments and health organizations, including lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccination campaigns. Efforts to understand the virus, develop treatments, and mitigate its impact have been ongoing, with scientists and healthcare professionals working tirelessly to combat the disease. The long-term effects of COVID-19 on public health, economies, and society continue to be a major focus of attention worldwide.
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We need to be smarter about how we talk about mental illness.
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Yet Zhang Zhan’s supporters and human rights activists who had followed her case said they could not reach her or her family members.
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As the AZ Covid jab is withdrawn, fear-mongering about its very rare side effects will only fuel vaccine scepticism.
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Thousands of Americans believe they experienced rare but serious side effects. But confirming a link is a difficult task.
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Scientist defends collaboration with Wuhan lab as yielding ‘direct public health benefits’ for the US, with virus work saving ‘countless lives’.
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Unvaccinated four-year-old girl infected with influenza A died at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.
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Exclusive: Vaccinations rise amid national campaign, but reported measles cases have increased by 40% since March
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Exclusive: Andrea Waddington, who went three months without NHS psychiatric appointment, died after inquiry cut-off date
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Many countries experiencing heat waves are torn between closing schools or leaving them open, both of which negatively affect children's learning.
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There's still no official pandemic prison death toll.
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While the discussion may seem trivial, terminology carries important economic and public health consequences.
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Lab tests show ageing adult nose cells contain 100 times more virus soon after an infection.
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Dozens of infants have died from the highly contagious yet preventable respiratory tract infection in the Philippines already this year – and the outbreak is only expected to spread.
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Exclusive: Multi-dose vials could push up charge per patient, while experts warn high cost could widen inequalities
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The 100-day challenge, to contain a virus while a vaccine is readied for the public, looks ever more remote, says Guardian columnist Devi Sridhar
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Number of severely absent children was 150% higher last year than pre-Covid, with one in 50 children missing at least half of lessons
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The mystery of so-called Havana Syndrome, which struck down dozens of US diplomats, deepened as new research found no tangible evidence of brain injury in those affected.
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Families say Vaughan Gething’s ‘arrogance is astonishing’ after he reveals loss of WhatsApp messages
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The pandemic era came crashing into existence 4 years ago today.
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A health system "at breaking point" is causing delays in diagnosis and treatment, says ombudsman.