San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Europe unprepared as second wave hits
Europe’s second wave of coronavirus infections has struck well before flu season even started, with intensive care wards filling up again and bars shutting down. Making matters worse, authorities say, is a widespread case of “COVIDfatigue.”
Record high daily infections in several eastern European countries and sharp rebounds in the hardhit west have made clear that Europe never really crushed the COVID19 curve as hoped, after springtime shutdowns.
Epidemiologists and residents alike are pointing the finger at governments for having failed to seize on the summertime lull in cases to prepare adequately for the expected autumn onslaught, with testing and ICU staffing still critically short.
The Czech Republic’s “Farewell Covid” party in June, when thousands of Prague residents dined outdoors at a long table across the Charles Bridge to celebrate their victory over the virus, seems painfully naive now that the country has the highest per capita infection rate on the continent, at 398 per 100,000 residents.
INDIA
Nation’s cases near 7 million
India’s confirmed coronavirus cases are nearing 7 million with another 73,272 reported in the past 24 hours.
The Health Ministry on Saturday also reported 926 additional deaths, taking total fatalities to 107,416. India is seeing a slower pace of coronavirus spread since midSeptember, when the daily infections touched a record of 97,894 cases.
It’s averaging more than 70,000 cases daily so far this month, while the recovery rate has exceeded 85%. But health experts have warned that congregations during major festivals later this month and in November have the potential for the virus to spread.
BRITAIN
Queen honors virus heroes
Queen Elizabeth II has used her delayed birthday honors list to celebrate the selfless work of people — some more famous than others — in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
In addition to honoring the work of doctors and nurses, the queen handed awards late Friday to delivery drivers, fundraisers and volunteers. In total, 1,495 honors make up this year’s list, with health and social care workers making up 14%.
MYANMAR
Surge in new infections
The daily number of reported new coronavirus cases in Myanamar has exceeded 2,000 for the first time, as the Southeast Asian nation struggles to control the spread of the disease.
The 2,158 cases announced Saturday brings the total to 26,064 since March. The total includes 598 deaths. Myanmar had recorded just 353 virus cases at the beginning of August.