Omicron may cause milder illness: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/omicron-appears-mild-illness-experts-early/story?id=81586239 . We previously suggested the scenario that Omicron might out-compete Delta. We also pointed out that the two will likely coexist for some period of time, and there is a risk that the two variants could combine. I therefore disagree with the doctor’s comments that a more virulent form of COVID is a desirable adaptation.
Omicron appears in Ohio: https://www.10tv.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/first-known-case-of-omicron-covid-19-variant-reported-in-ohio/530-dc251803-3044-45a5-b487-a888953851e4 . Note that the two men involved each had at least one vaccination but not a booster.
Study indicates Pfizer vaccine has only 22.5% efficacy against Omicron infection: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/pfizer-course-has-23percent-efficacy-vs-omicron-in-s-african-study/ar-AARIKnn?li=BBnb7Kz . Efficacy under 50% is considered not to be an effective vaccine. However, more protection is provided against severe illness. And, a booster shot significantly increases protection: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/585443-israeli-study-supports-pfizer-findings-that-booster-provides-strong .
WSJ: Merck/J&J vaccine manufacture partnership: https://www.wsj.com/articles/merck-jj-covid-vaccines-ship-11639161192 .
Australia shortens wait time for boosters as Omicron cases grow: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/australia-shortens-wait-time-for-covid-19-booster-doses-as-omicron-cases-rise/ar-AARIO0C?li=BBnb7Kz .
New Zealander vaccinated up to 10 times in one day: https://www.nydailynews.com/coronavirus/ny-man-gets-ten-covid-vaccine-shots-one-day-20211211-ndkxye5pbbfstcupknjaio5id4-story.html . Apparently, a significant percentage of adults think rules are made to be broken. One purpose of vaccine testing is to determine the lowest effective safe dose. This dimwit apparently skipped over that part.
Austrians protest mandatory vaccinations: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59625302 . WSJ: However, the measures appear to be working: https://www.wsj.com/articles/austrias-restrictions-on-the-unvaccinated-appear-to-be-working-11639234806 .
WSJ: The effect of the COVID pandemic on relationships: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-pandemic-affected-dating-marriages-relationships-11638914552 .
“Quad-state Tornado” may be longest continuous tornado in US history: https://www.aol.com/news/quad-state-tornado-crossed-four-153507855.html . The death toll is at least 70 and may rise above 100. Meanwhile, US COVID deaths near 800,000. More: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/tornado-survivor-kentucky-candle-factory-speaks-video-rcna8457 . There were at least 2 deaths at the collapsed Amazon warehouse: https://www.theverge.com/2021/12/11/22829363/amazon-warehouse-tornado-collapse-edwardsville-illinois . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/storms-hit-arkansas-nursing-home-illinois-amazon-warehouse-11639208012 .
Mark Meadows gave the January 6 select committee the PowerPoint detailing the OJ plan for overthrowing the 2020 election: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/election-denier-who-circulated-jan-6-powerpoint-says-he-met-with-meadows-at-white-house/ar-AARIvIW?li=BBnb7Kz .
January 6 defendant flees to Belarus: https://www.aol.com/news/california-man-charged-jan-6-013616871-182512314.html . So the guy tells the Capitol police, “I’m willing to die, are you?” before assaulting them. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he chooses to run to Belarus. Rarely do we see such a combination of brave talk, cowardice and stupidity. Oh wait, he listens to Orange Julius … guess he’s just trying to be like OJ. What a piece of garbage …