New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations up
Here are the most important things to know about the coronavirus in Connecticut:
COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations rise
On Monday, the state announced 1,191 new cases, 12 more deaths and 11 new hospitalizations. The positivity rate (the percentage of total tests that are positive) has decreased to 1.7. percent from 2.4 percent on Friday.
Study shows organ damage in some hospitalized patients
A new study of patients who have been in the hospital with a COVID-19 infection “suggests a potential link between chronic inflammation and ongoing organ damage among survivors,” as Reuters reports. About 60 percent of patients showed abnormalities of the lungs, 29 percent had kidney issues, 26 percent had heart problems and 10 percent had abnormalities in the liver.
CVS hiring 15,000 to help handle vaccines
CVS is adding 15,000 workers across the United States to handle vaccinations for both the flu and a potential rollout of a coronavirus vaccine, the company said in a statement. “We’re estimating a much greater need for trained pharmacy technicians this year given the continued presence of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Lisa Bisaccia, CVS’ chief human resources officer.
Notre Dame: Lockdowns prevent thousands of deaths linked to pollution
A study from researchers at Notre Dame University showed that virus
related lockdowns in China and Europe prevented tens of thousands of deaths related to pollution. Researcher Paola Crippa and her colleagues looked at the average number of deaths associated with pollution, the number of similar deaths that happened during pandemic lockdowns and the decrease in airborne particulate matter. The study estimated that 24,200 deaths associated with particulate matter were prevented in China, and another 2,190 pollution-related deaths were avoided in Europe, compared to the average.
WHO trial finds COVID-19 associated drugs did not clearly impact patient outcomes
The WHO Solidarity trial found that four drugs — Remdesivir, Hydroxychloroquine, Lopinavir and Interferon — have “have little or no effect,” on hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Research found that none of these drugs clearly reduced mortality, initiation of ventilation or hospitalization duration.