USA’s vaccine rollout envied by Canadians

The U.S. vaccine rollout may be bumpy, but it’s the envy of our neighbors to the north.

“Meanwhile in Canada” is trending on social media as Canadians lament their wobbly vaccination program. More than 30% of Americans have received at least one vaccine dose compared with about 12% of Canadians, according to public health statistics from both nations.

“The good news for Americans has prompted a slew of jealousy, and criticism from Canadians asking why our provinces are so far behind,” the Toronto Star writes.

Conservative Canadian parliament member Michelle Rempel Garner took note on Twitter of the U.S. push to open up vaccination appointments to all adults. She also noted that the Oakland Zoo plans on vaccinating some of its most at-risk animals this summer.

“Most Americans aged 16 and over will have access to a vaccine in the next week or two,” she tweeted. “In Canada, that milestone is far away. In fact, these zoo animals in the United States might have access to a vaccine before many Canadian adults will.”

Social media users were quick to point out that on one recent day, the U.S. administered about 4 millions shots while Canada performed about 72,000 jabs.

“Meanwhile in Canada we are pondering vaccine approval with same rigger as a paint color for your living room,” one frustrated Canadian tweeted. Another offered that “Meanwhile in Canada we’re stuck waiting for American vaccines because our integrated economies mean we don’t have the facilities to make them.”

The U.S. has more than 30.6 million confirmed coronavirus cases and 554,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. At least 204 million vaccine doses have been distributed in the U.S. and 158 million have been administered, according to the CDC.

Reports of NCAA tournament fan dying

The Marion County health department is investigating whether anyone in Indianapolis was exposed by any Alabama residents after news reports of an NCAA fan dying of complications of COVID-19. Luke Ratliff, a 23-year-old student at the University of Alabama, died after a brief illness days after attending the NCAA Tournament in Indianapolis, his father has confirmed. Multiple people told The Tuscaloosa News that he had died of complications related to COVID-19.

Ratliff, a major fan of the school’s basketball team, was hospitalized shortly after returning to Tuscaloosa on March 29. He had attended the school’s game against UCLA at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis the night before. It is unclear whether he had contracted the virus before, during or after his visit to Indianapolis, or where he contracted the virus. It’s also unknown whether he was symptomatic while in Indianapolis.

Pope delivers Easter message

Pope Francis gave his Easter message at Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica with the pandemic front and center. Francis denounced armed conflicts in Africa, the Mideast, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe amid the global health crisis and pleaded for equity of care. “The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor. Nevertheless – and this is scandalous – armed conflicts have not ended, and military arsenals are being strengthened,” Francis said.

Kuwait’s citizens-first mantra controversial

Foreigners who power tiny, oil-rich Kuwait’s economy and make up 70% of its population are struggling to get vaccines. Kuwait has come under fire for vaccinating its own people first, leaving legions of laborers from Asia, Africa and elsewhere still waiting for their first doses, despite bearing the brunt of the pandemic. Authorities imposed targeted lockdowns and published surging virus counts with a breakdown of nationalities.