AstraZeneca data questioned by Data Safety and Monitoring Board: https://www.npr.org/2021/03/23/980230571/astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-trial-data-questioned-by-safety-board . This issue is apparently that the reported data was as of an earlier date. Data through the end of the trial indicated additional infections. Including this information reduces the vaccine’s estimated efficacy by about 10%. AstraZeneca has made yet another unforced error, as Dr. Fauci has noted: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-astrazeneca-fauci/u-s-s-fauci-says-astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccine-likely-good-but-company-statement-caused-concern-idUSKBN2BF1HE . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/fallout-from-astrazeneca-data-snafu-could-be-bigger-than-it-seems-11616511451 . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-dispute-shines-spotlight-on-data-monitoring-boards-11616531763 . And: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-health-officials-raise-concerns-over-astrazeneca-vaccine-data-11616485793 . However, AstraZeneca contends that the earlier date was pre-agreed: https://www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-releases/2021/update-following-statement-by-niaid-on-azd1222-us-phase-iii-trial-data.html .
WSJ: Pfizer will pursue mRNA applications for other pathogens: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pfizer-goes-it-alone-to-expand-vaccine-business-beyond-covid-19-pandemic-11616491800 . This appears extremely promising for cancer research, which was Moderna’s original focus for mRNA. Medicine may be radically altered if this research bears fruit.
WSJ: Regeneron antibody drug effective: https://www.wsj.com/articles/regeneron-covid-19-antibody-drug-reduced-risk-of-hospitalization-death-by-70-in-late-stage-trial-11616479200 .
The importance of spike mutations in the variants: https://scitechdaily.com/supercomputer-analysis-reveals-why-uk-south-africa-coronavirus-variants-are-more-contagious-deadly/ .
WSJ: Addressing vaccine hesitancy in conservatives: https://www.wsj.com/articles/white-house-teams-with-groups-on-vaccine-hesitancy-campaign-it-hopes-will-sway-conservatives-11616472063 .
WSJ: Grandparents be free: https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-vaccine-grandparents-relish-long-awaited-reunions-with-families-11616513397 .
Philadelphia FEMA vaccination site cancelling thousands of inappropriately made appointments: https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-fema-philadelphia-convention-center-cancelled-appointment-20210323.html .
More on vaccination as a possible cure for long-haulers: https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-03-24/coronavirus-long-covid-could-the-vaccine-cure-it/100023114 .
ACA enrollment period extended: https://news.yahoo.com/obamacare-enrollment-period-extended-beyond-211343979.html . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-extends-enrollment-period-for-affordable-care-act-11616533263 . The obvious goal is to substantially boost enrollment in ACA insurance, building on the funding in the stimulus package.
WSJ: Hospitals press for relief payouts: https://www.wsj.com/articles/hospitals-stung-financially-by-covid-19-pandemic-seek-remainder-of-relief-fund-payouts-11616504400 .
WSJ: EU COVID burnout: https://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-despairs-as-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-stalls-and-pandemic-grinds-on-11616497200 . The AstraZeneca missteps are causing huge headaches for both personal health and the economy.
Ireland says travelers from 33 countries must quarantine: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-56494538 .
The Netherlands extends social restrictions as COVID cases surge: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-netherlands/dutch-curfew-curbs-extended-as-coronavirus-infections-surge-idUSKBN2BF2O0 . As far as we know, the cause is the UK variant.
Colombia imposes new restrictions as “preventative” measure: https://news.yahoo.com/colombia-imposes-restrictions-avoid-severe-014604763.html . The ICU’s in the major cities already have relatively high occupancy.
WSJ: Estimated net worth of Biden appointees: https://www.wsj.com/articles/bidens-wealthiest-cabinet-officials-zients-lander-rice-top-the-list-11616500809 .
WSJ: Doubling down on the East Coast sports bias: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ncaa-tournament-sweet-16-march-madness-11616504192 . Excuse me? The 9-1 Pac-12 record is a fact (it’s actually 10-1 including UCLA’s win in the First Four). The Pac-12 is the “so-called” “Conference of Champions” because of their incredible record in NCAA national championships: https://pac-12.com/champions . Ignoring facts is in vogue in “conservative” circles and the WSJ Editorial Board. It does not constitute “insight” in sports reporting.
Meanwhile, the Big 10 apologists work overtime: https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaabk/shannon-ryan-only-1-big-ten-team-remains-in-the-ncaa-tournament-after-a-record-9-bids-what-went-wrong/ar-BB1eTdTb?ocid=uxbndlbing . What went wrong? The short answer is, the opponents had better scouting and game plans.
WSJ: Hartford rejects Chubb bid: https://www.wsj.com/articles/hartford-rejects-bid-from-rival-insurer-chubb-11616508593 .
WSJ: The Post Office has a leadership crisis: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-postal-service-overhaul-calls-for-higher-prices-slower-mail-and-more-packages-11616509800 . Slower delivery is a problem for rural customers. It doesn’t work well for mailed prescriptions. DeJoy needs to go.