COVID-19 Daily News Digest – September 9, 2020
UN launches Action Plan to fight against Covid-19 in Amazonia
According to the UN Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, 10.4 million dollars will be allocated to support the responses of those governments to the urgent needs of the population of the area over 2021.
Due to the absence of medical facilities and the limited existence of tests to detect the novel coronavirus, it is estimated that the numbers of cases and deaths may be even higher than those recorded now.
Coronavirus vaccine status update: Complete list of vaccine candidates which could give early breakthrough in India
Several global pharma companies producing Covid-19 vaccines have entered into agreements to produce their vaccine doses in India along with conducting human trials in the country. In addition to the foreign vaccine candidates, indigenous pharma players such as Bharat Biotech and Zydus Cadila have also started human trials of their own vaccine candidates. At a time when there is fierce competition among several vaccine makers on the global stage, it would be pertinent to understand what the overall scenario related to Covid-19 vaccine remains in the country.
First Nations Criticize Government Response as Pandemic Fears Rise
“When we were in isolation, things were strange, but we felt in control,” said Sayers. But when the province moved into phase three, “we felt like we had lost control.”
“We’re in this for the long haul. People keep saying, ‘When’s it going to end?’ We don’t know the answer to that. And it may never be the same as it was before this,” she says. “We’re looking forward to an effective, safe vaccine, but that’s going to take a while. So, we just have to get used to how we work in a safe way and how we have relationships through all of that.”
https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/09/08/First-Nations-Criticize-Gov-As-Pandemic-Fears-Rise/
Vancouver Mayor introduces options to provide emergency COVID-19 relief for unsheltered residents
“It’s clear that we are approaching a tipping point, not just in Strathcona, but in terms of how we support all of our marginalized neighbours,” said Stewart. “I’ve spent the summer months talking to community members, business owners, advocates, and health care experts, and it’s clear to me that once the summer is behind us, we will be in a dangerous place between the start of wet and cold weather and a vaccine yet to be available.
OIPRD reinvestigation report delayed due to COVID-19
McNeilly said the initial investigations by the Thunder Bay Police Service were deficient and inadequate and the cases should be reopened.
“However, the current pandemic has created some challenges with in-person interviews and travel that has resulted in some delays, as has the volume of information that needs to be carefully considered. We are now anticipating having the investigations completed late fall with the report submitted by the end of 2020.”
https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/oiprd-reinvestigation-report-delayed-due-to-covid-19-2696225
Next Generation: Grappling with loss of life and connection, Native youth transform into the leaders of tomorrow
“During this time of COVID, the next generations underneath are starting to feel like, ‘Oh, we don’t have our elders anymore. Now it’s our turn. It’s up to us to preserve our history, our culture, our faith, our beliefs,’” Sarah said.
Outside the Navajo Nation, organizations like the Aspen Institute’s Center for Native American Youth are looking for ways to create virtual communities to ensure young people don’t feel deserted as the pandemic and social distancing persist.
COVAXIN, India’s coronavirus vaccine, may be launched in early 2021: AIIMS doctor
In the first phase of the Covaxin trial, around 375 participants were studied across 12 locations. From July 20 onwards, AIIMS began human trials of Covaxin on 100 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 55 years. In Phase 1, the blood samples collected from the volunteers were monitored for side effects.
Covaxin is an “inactivated” vaccine, which injects doses of the virus that have been killed, aiming to prompt the body to build antibodies, and in this process the virus does not pose a threat.
Brazil: Indigenous leader warns Covid-19 could reach uncontacted tribe
In a video message to Survival, Kura says: “We are very worried about our uncontacted relatives” and that the virus has spread because “the Brazilian state is irresponsible” and “lacks transparency”.
He calls for the authorities to mount health check points in the Javari Valley to control who enters and leaves, stop the spread of coronavirus, and monitor the territory to prevent illegal invasions by loggers, miners and poachers.