Health agency sees big global increase in antibody levels
More than two-thirds of the world’s population probably have significant levels of COVID-19 antibodies, meaning they have either been infected or were vaccinated, the World Health Organization said.
What are termed seroprevalence rates surged to 67% in October from 16% in February of 2021, the WHO said in a summary of studies from around the globe. Given the emergence of the fast-spreading omicron variant, the figure is probably even higher now.
The WHO’s roundup offers a snapshot of how well the world is increasing resistance to the pandemic. While vaccines provide only modest protection against infection from omicron, the WHO still urged countries to boost vaccination rates, especially for people in high-risk groups, because immunization gives higher levels of protection against severe disease than a previous COVID infection.
People who have both been infected with COVID and vaccinated have the best protection against severe outcomes, according to most studies, though it’s unclear if that will be true with new variants, the WHO said.
Data show lower levels of seroprevalence in children aged 9 and under and in people over 60 compared with those in their 20s, the WHO said. In low- and middleincome countries, most seroprevalence indicates past infections rather than vaccinations.
The presence of antibodies generally wanes over time and the level and persistence of immunity depend on a host of factors, the health body said, adding that further studies are necessary to determine how quickly protection diminishes.
Dragon boat racing tradition returns
The dragon boat tradition has returned in parts of China for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic in late 2019, as restrictions are lifted along with a major drop in COVID-19 cases.
The historic Lychee Bay scenic area in the southern Chinese manufacturing hub of Guangzhou staged boat displays and other scaled-back celebrations Friday to mark the holiday commemorating the death more than 2,200 years ago of revered poet and government minister Qu Yuan.
Restrictions on the length of events and the size of crowds remained in place but did little to dampen the mood.
Along with the displays and boat races — featuring teams of up to a dozen or more paddlers — the holiday is marked by community gatherings.
While travel restrictions, testing requirements, quarantines and mask mandates remain, China is gradually emerging from its hardline “zero-COVID” policy that has throttled the domestic economy and severely constricted global supply chains.
Guangzhou native June He said it was a relief to finally be able to enjoy the festival again after the cancellations of the previous two years.
“I feel particularly excited and happy,” said He, who was among the spectators watching the crews from Pantang village paddle the decorated boats, some as long as 125 feet.
The dragon boat tradition dates back 500 years in Pantang, and residents a century ago began displaying the boats as works of folk art and craftsmanship, said Liu Yongzhou, head of the dragon boat association from one of the village’s districts.
The return of dragon boat festivities also delighted small businesses in the area.
“It’s good for various parties, including tourists. There will be lively scenes here again,” said Ji Tuhui, the owner of a bakery selling traditional Cantonese pastries.