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Date is exactly
2021-01-24
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2021-01-24
Pandemic aftershocks overwhelm global supply lines
The Washington Post article discusses the disruptions in the supply chain and the repercussions such as inflated prices, failure to meet schedules, and effects on different industries. The domino effect was set off by the pandemic but we continue to see the fallout. Shipping artwork is a cost that galleries, advisories, collectors, and museums have to factor into their finances. Inflation in the cost of international shipping in particular and unpredictable delays negative effect openings and coordinating with clients and vendors. -
2021-01-24
Container Crisis
Container Crisis Brought About By COVID The US imports 3 containers of Chinese goods whilst exporting only 1 container of goods -
2021-01-24
HERMIT HERALD, ISSUE 95
REPUBLICAN INTRAPARTY PROBLEMS -
2021-01-24
Almost a Year of Virtual Girl Scout Meetings
When our Girl Scout troop transitioned online in the spring, we never foresaw the entire year being online. When my best friend/co-leader and I made the calendar in the summer, we originally made it through the end of 2020, thinking that by January we’d be back in person. I guess that shows how short sighted humans can be, a virus doesn’t run on a calendar, so it was silly to think things would be dramatically different without widespread access to a vaccine. So here we are in 2021, pushing through every other week. It has been really great to maintain the normalcy of meeting together, though. All the girls are either going to school on a hybrid (half the week in person, half at home) schedule or a full distance learning schedule, so it’s just nice to have the regular interaction with each other just like they did before quarantine. This also was a perfect opportunity to give the girls increased ownership of the troop. Now that they’re in fourth grade, we have made leadership roles, so the girls are responsible for different parts of the meeting. This takes the pressure off me for having to fill two hours on Zoom in a way that is fun and meaningful and doesn’t feel like school! I absolutely love seeing their creativity in making up games, activities, snacks, and issues/problems in our community they want to help fix. There also are some girls who used to be passive who have really loved this platform and have really stepped into being leaders. I am, however, running low on badges they want to earn that are easy to do over Zoom. The one shared here ended up pretty fun. To earn the “Simple Meals” badge, the girls worked in virtual groups to make different breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. Then they basically did their own cooking show by walking the other girls through making whatever the dish was. Bonus - everyone was nice and full by the end! I miss my girls terribly, but we are so fortunate to be able to have the girls continue to meet, share, and support each other while we patiently wait for the cases to decrease. -
2021-01-24
My Experience with the statistics.
The only statistic about COVID-19 that I know is that it's survival rate is over 99.9%. I personally feel that I cannot trust this, or any other statistic provided by anyone due to the lies about causes of deaths, cover ups about causes of deaths, and blinds eyes turned by political figures. I believe that at this point nothing about the matter can be trusted do to the political roots that have been planted inside the entire pandemic. I have known people to get COVID-19 and haven't known anyone who has died from it but I still will likely never know the truth about any stat or fact about this virus. -
2021-01-24
Community Members in AZ Getting the Vaccine
97-year-old Alexander White, a Holocaust survivor, got a vaccine with a push from Arizona lawmakers. -
2021-01-24
Surge of Student Suicides Pushes Las Vegas Schools to Reopen
This is my worst fear for my students. All of us are on high alert for our students right now. The feeling of hopelessness is overwhelming our children. The next town over a child ended their life a few months ago. At the school board meetings, the children are saying that they feel desperate. I had a student who would put on a 72 hour hold for attempting to take her life before Christmas. I worry about my own pre-teen who is the most adaptive child I know, but he is missing his friends and his whole world has changed. I know my district is worried for the wellbeing of our kids. They want to open now, even if the numbers are high and even if we are not vaccinated yet. Anything to get these kids back into the classroom. The thing is suicide and depression are nothing new with kids. We know this. But now, I do not greet them at the door every morning, I do not see if they fall asleep in class every day, I can't stop them on their way out and ask if they are ok because I noticed a change in their body language. That ability saved kids before and now teachers cannot use that superpower to catch the kids when they fall. I worry that I will receive an e-mail telling me that one of our students did not make it through. That is my biggest fear right now. -
2021-01-24
statistics of covid
there has been 3.19 million cases and 37,118 deaths in California alone. the us has 25.2 million cases and 419k deaths. in the whole world there are 99.4 million cases and 2.13 million deaths. the cases got more over the holidays but know is going down a little. no one I know has died but some of them have got it. hopefully this can all be over with soon than later and we get back to normal -
2021-01-24
An uneasy Quarantine
My experience during the pandemic was a little unsettled. My fiancee and were in the process of selling our house when this new SARS virus started to really spread throughout the United States. Surprisingly we received many good offers and one was too good to pass up. We had a house lined up in a rural area of Florida but that deal fell through. It seems as the pandemic got worse and spread rapidly in the major cities a lot of other people began buying properties in rural areas driving the prices up so the deal fell through. We then began looking for a house in the suburbs of Fort Myers, Florida. In the meantime, I had to live with my parents while we closed on a new house. This was an anxious time as both of them are over 60 years old and my father has existing lung problems I was and am dreadfully worried about him. However, with some luck and a great deal of vigilance and adherence to recommended conduct by the CDC, none of us ever got infected. My fiancee works in a large hospital because of her knowledge of safety procedures and warning signs our family has so far never gotten sick. Despite a few people close to us contracting the virus including our neighbor and her brother who was frail before contracting Covid and is now fighting for his life. These are scary and painfull times. -
2021-01-24
Despite mistrust, Native Americans' participation in vaccine development proves vital
The story details how the Navajo Nation is fighting back against COVID-19. In particular, an indigenous healer, Timothy Lewis, volunteers in a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial. -
2021-01-24
Navajo Nation COVID vaccine rolls out for elder population
Tséhootsooí Medical Center hosts drive-thru COVID-19 vaccine event. Elderly residents, 75 and older, of the Navajo Nation (Fort Defiance), are given the COVID-19 vaccine at Tséhootsooí Medical Center -
2021-01-24
Doctor On What It's Like To Fight The Coronavirus On The Navajo Nation
Interview between NPRs' Ari Shapiro and Chief Medical Officer of Indian Health Services, Dr. Loretta Christensen. Dr. Chirstensen discusses some of the challenges in covering an expansive area which includes Arizona, Utah, New Mexico. -
2021-01-24
International Students
For international students, there are concerns about accessing the vaccine abroad. The UK has plans to make the vaccine available to students who are there on international student visas with the Department of Health and Social Care stating, “international students will ‘be able to access these vaccinations, just as they are able to access healthcare’”. Students who had plans to study abroad are also planning on getting vaccines in their home countries before continuing their plans. Most potential international students see no reason to postpone their plans to study abroad. https://www.studyinternational.com/news/international-students-uk-covid-19-vaccine/ https://www.studyinternational.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-international-students/ -
2021-01-24
Differences in who receives the COVID vaccine
As of right now, some professors and University staff in various colleges are able to receive the COVID vaccine before students. Within the population of students, there is even more fracturing of who is able to receive the vaccine as some students may be high risk which then puts them in different vaccine categories. Tulane University is vaccinating, “School of Medicine, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and School of Social Work faculty, staff and students who work directly with others in the New Orleans community, Campus Health staff who work directly with infected students and employees and their close contacts, Frontline food service and custodial/operations staff who engage directly with the student body in dining halls, residential facilities and elsewhere, and Employees over 70 years of age.” Schools are also distinguishing which students specifically get the vaccine as some have begun providing it for medical students. https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tulane-to-receive-5000-covid-vaccine-doses/289-b7b9e80e-4538-4190-ba1e-7a7bfd879221 https://www.kwtx.com/2021/01/21/temple-college-nursing-students-qualify-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine/ -
2021-01-24
Indian Health Services (IHS) COVID-19 vaccine distribution
"The Indian Health Service is distributing the initial vaccine allocations of the Pfizer vaccine and Moderna vaccine. IHS supports CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations for vaccine release, including prioritization of health care workers and residents of long-term-care facilities." -Indian Health Services -
2021-01-24
Medical Students
As medical students begin to graduate and enter the workforce, they are being called upon to work with COVID patients and thus becoming eligible to receive the COVID vaccine. These students are able to circumvent their initial vaccine placement because they are frontline workers. In some cases, they are still eligible to receive the vaccine while students. For example, Tufts students in their third and fourth year are eligible to receive the vaccine. Other colleges have also started providing vaccines to students. The logic the Cooper Medical School uses for vaccinating their students is that the United States is currently facing a physician shortage, so they need their graduates ready to serve in the medical field immediately after graduating. https://now.tufts.edu/articles/tufts-medical-and-dental-students-start-receive-covid-19-vaccine https://cmsru.rowan.edu/about/news/details/2020-cmsru-students-being-receiving-covid19-vaccinations -
2021-01-24
Vaccine Requirement
Some colleges are considering requiring the COVID vaccine as students will return to in-person classes in the coming semesters. Universities site precedent in requiring other vaccines as a reason for why they would require the COVID vaccine especially considering the global and deadly nature of the virus. Some concerns over requiring the COVID vaccine is the slow nature of the roll-out with students being at the back of the line for receiving the vaccine. Another concern for requiring the vaccine is the lack of resources on the part of college campuses. Colleges lack the resources so making it a requirement puts a strain on both the student to receive the vaccine and the college to administer. https://www.inquirer.com/education/college-coronavirus-vaccine-requirement-2021-students-20210110.html https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/12/10/covid-vaccine-required-school-college/6495727002/ -
2021-01-24
Vaccinating for Classes
Over the past year, many college classes have been held online with limited in-person attendance. The goal for Universities is that with enough students vaccinated by the Fall 2021 semester they will be able to restart in-person operations. According to the Boston Globe Universities in Massachusetts are focused on determining who under their umbrella is eligible for vaccination. When discussing the Vaccine Dr. Fauci stated that getting students back into in-person classes is a priority. For college students returning to in-person classes is a top priority as college is meant to be an experience and many students are feeling as though they’re missing out and receiving a lower quality of education. The vaccine seems to be the only way that students will be able to return to in-person classes. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/21/metro/with-vaccines-horizon-most-colleges-are-back-line-get-them/ https://edsource.org/2020/fauci-puts-priority-on-getting-teachers-vaccinated-and-a-return-to-in-person-classes/645499 -
2021-01-24
Students Accessing the Vaccine
College students have been left out of many of the COVID relief efforts such as the stimulus payments. And now due to their status as healthy and young adults, many of them are now at the back of the line for receiving the COVID vaccine. An estimate reported by best colleges states that college students can expect to get the vaccine in April with the rest of the general population. North Carolina initially planned to prioritize college students but has now recently revised its plan so that this is no longer the case. For college students, the COVID process can be incredibly frustrating as they exist in an economically precarious place, as they are going to school and in many instances unable to work full time or worked service jobs that do not exist under COVID conditions. Vaccine access seems to be another area in which college students are disadvantaged due to their status and age. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/when-college-students-will-receive-covid19-vaccine/#:~:text=Most%20college%20students%20will%20wait,outstripped%20supply%20in%20many%20areas. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/north-carolina/articles/2021-01-14/nc-to-vaccinate-those-65-college-students-not-prioritized -
2021-01-24
Wearing Me Out
I am a contrarian. When the culture seems to be telling me to go outside and enjoy the sunshine and beaches (I'm on the coast of Florida) I always did the opposite. I was a shut-in for my entire life and had always disliked being adventurous, open, courageous. Probably, I was just anxious and scared. I was just beginning to open up at the beginning of the year and when COVID became the prime news and media and the culture seemed to flip and become about isolation and shutting-in... I snapped. I said no, I won't. I won't stay inside any longer. I won't isolate myself from others. I started taking better care of myself, doing yoga on the beach, watching my diet, working out daily, threw out half my wardrobe, and bought these boots. I put myself out there and met many people that changed my life for the better. I am now adventurous, courageous, forthcoming, and open to new people and experiences and, in my opinion, it is all thanks to the quarantine and shut-down. I did contract COVID and did isolate with my family who all also caught it (my mother brought it home from work, where they all wear masks). These boots carried me through this year and have made me feel confident in myself and what I can do for the first time in a long time. -
2021-01-24
Food, COVID-19, and my Mother
My mom raised her children around food. She made sure everything revolved around it just like the Earth revolves around the Sun. We ate whether we wanted to or not, as food was her way of showing love. Mom is now in her late 70's and still works miracles in the kitchen. When we visited my parents' house (pre-pandemic), she fed us until we could not eat anymore, then declared we were still hungry and loaded our plates with more. That is what Mexican moms do, she always says. Even though we protest, my husband, kids, and I love it. All of this changed once COVID-19 hit. Worried about my parents catching the virus, we did not see much of them in 2020. When we did, it was from a distance in their backyard and not for very long. It took an enormous toll on my mom. My parents cannot visit with their children and grandchildren, but almost just as worse, my mom has no one to cook for but my dad. Although she still enjoys cooking for him, it is not the same. Although we all know what food means to her, none of us realized just how much until this pandemic hit. Normally, she is rarely sick, loves to hike, and enjoys going to aerobics with her friends. However, lately, she has felt melancholy, is getting headaches, and is sleeping more. This is extremely unusual for her, which has us all very concerned. This pandemic is wearing on her both physically and emotionally. This feisty woman is slowing down, which is scary to us all. Over the past year, we continue to tell her we want to come over but would never forgive ourselves if we unknowingly pass the virus to her or my dad. Mom did not and still does not understand. She just wants what she wants, which is her family surrounding her. My dad is much more pragmatic about this situation, but mom will not have any of it. She is incredibly frustrated and is not afraid to tell us about it. Luckily, both of my parents just got their first dose of the vaccine last week. My dad said this gives them renewed hope that their family will be together again soon. I hear this hope when I speak on the phone with my mom. She is ready to get busy again in the kitchen. I cannot wait to eat her homemade tortillas straight off the stove, her spicy chili, and all of her other tasty dishes. People are now talking about the 'new normal.' I do not want a new normal. I want to get back all that this pandemic has taken from us, including my family crowding around a table full of my mom’s food. -
2021-01-24
My Student Staff Lost Their Graduations
I manage a staff of Math and Science student tutors for one of the Arizona State University campuses. In early 2020, five of my staff were seniors who started to get excited about their upcoming May graduations. As COVID-19 started spreading, they began to worry that their commencements would not take place. Sadly, they were correct. It was heartbreaking watching them try to accept that their last four to five years of study would not culminate into the graduations they were so looking forward to experiencing. I tried to comfort them by reminding them that all of their hard work these last several years was about to pay off in a future that would provide them many opportunities to succeed. It did not comfort them. Next, I tried to put into words that although their disappointment was valid, their ultimate goal was not walking across a stage but instead to realize their dreams of becoming scientists, mathematicians, medical doctors, etc. It did not help. In the end, it was what it was. There was nothing I could say to make them feel better. In retrospect, what could possibly have been said to comfort these students who may very well have been the first group since the Spanish Flu pandemic that would not experience a traditional university graduation? This was not a time for words. It was just a time to be there if they needed someone to listen and vent to without judgement. True to form, these five did apply to medical and graduate schools, and forensic science positions. I know great things are in store for them. Hopefully, if this pandemic has taught them anything, it is perseverance in the face of adversity. To not give up and keep moving forward. -
2021-01-24
Welcome to My Non-Smelly World
I am currently in the midst of a once in a lifetime experience that I never thought would occur. First, allow me to lay the foundation for this submission. I was born with a condition called Isolated Congenital Anosmia. In laymen's terms, I was born without a sense of smell. This is a rare disorder that affects between 1%-5% of the overall population.* I rarely volunteer that I cannot smell as it involves laborious conversations answering questions as to why and how it could have happened, what foods I can taste, or if I am sad or angry that I have this condition. People are well-meaning, but it gets old repeating this conversation multiple times, so I avoid it like the plague. Wait. Too soon? My preference to keep this close to the vest changed with the arrival of COVID-19. Those who have still not regained their smell after recovering from the virus are now temporarily just like me. It is surreal. Not so secretly, I admit I feel a tiny bit of satisfaction that they are experiencing a glimpse of my day to day life. As a result, I am now feeling the odd desire to tell anyone and everyone about my condition. I feel compelled to share advice and comments with this segment of society while wearing a hat bearing the words, "Welcome to my world!" Also, ideas of creating a Zoom course titled "How to Survive the No-Smell Apocalypse!" frequently come to mind. I can include concepts such as enlisting close friends or neighbors whom you force to smell your house before having people over, obsessively take the garbage out since you do not know if it smells, or the joys of surviving a dutch oven with zero consequence. Also, I will share my list of candle scents that anyone would enjoy smelling in your home. Hint: There is only one, vanilla. Trust me. I have tried them all using my family as guinea pigs. Finally, I feel like the art of 'fake smelling' is underrated and must now be remedied for society to interact with some sense of normalcy during this otherwise chaotic time. I will demonstrate the proper and accepted social reactions when smelling various odors such as used diapers, spoiled foods, lotions, perfumes, or (insert all world smells). The creme de la creme is learning how to emote false elation at the announcement of another semi-annual Bath and Bodyworks candle sale or when Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes come around again. The ability to avoid drawing attention to yourself via 'fake smelling' cannot be underestimated. In conclusion, this pandemic has provided a unique opportunity for others to experience life through my nose. It is not something I would ever wish permanently on others, yet knowing that it is a temporary condition, I have found it to be a bit of respite in a dark year full of so many unknowns. Now can someone confirm whether my Jeep honestly smells like stinky teenage feet or if my husband is messing with me again? *Disclaimer: This measurement may not still be accurate but comes from articles and journals I have read over the years. -
2021-01-24
Grabbing for Groceries
Grocery shopping is part of nearly everyone’s life. We’re used to going into a store at most hours of the day and night and finding what we need. Many of us eat out quite often so don’t stockpile food supplies at home and don’t cook at home very often. So grocery shopping pre-pandemic was a relatively easy and boring task. With the pandemic came restaurant closures and restrictions and people started eating at home more often. People started buying greater quantities of food and other grocery items (particularly toilet paper!), which led to shortages and quotas on the purchase of particular items. The grocery store became somewhat of a combat zone, with people battling each other for items and viewing others as the enemies who either were going to steal their food or give them the virus. The entire grocery shopping experience changed precipitously for most individuals and reflected a major shift in how society acquires and shares its food. -
2021-01-24
Home Food Delivery: What a Treat!
One of the most basic survival needs is food, so when the pandemic hit many individuals were struggling to meet this need with the changed food landscape. Restaurants were closing, grocery stores had restricted supplies, going grocery shopping could be dangerous in terms of exposure to the virus and exposure to people fighting over items, and many people weren’t in the habit of cooking at home every day. So this most basic of needs underwent significant shifts due to the pandemic. I dislike shopping, cooking, looking up a recipe, cleaning up the kitchen, and even eating. So I tend to eat out quite a bit. I pivoted during the pandemic to getting home food delivery and that change has been one of the few positive effects of the pandemic. It saves me time, reduces stress, and improves my health because of the healthy food choices. -
2021-01-24
Coffee Shops and a Sense of Normalcy During COVID-19
When COVID-19 started affecting Kansas City, little changed at first. We wore masks, used hand sanitizer, etc., but life went on as normal otherwise. As the virus progressed, we closed our offices and I started working from home. One of my pre-COVID rituals was a trip to Broadway Cafe close to my house for a great latte or macchiato. At least this ritual was still intact. Then, the coffee shops all closed. It sounds silly to say this affected me even more than going into the office. It was my normal routine for so many years though...that a trip to the coffee shop served as an anchor for feeling life would go on, regardless of how far the virus progressed. The audio file attached is my espresso machine at home. I now buy coffee beans for the house, grind them, and pour shots of espresso to drink straight or craft into a macchiato or latte. The sound of my machine grinding beans, pressing the grounds into a puck, and then pouring into shot glasses still did not replace the coffee shop, but it did become an anchor to help me adjust when I needed it most. Today, our coffee shops are open for pickup service. Between that and still pouring my own at home, using their beans, life is good. I look forward to a post-COVID world where the local roasters and coffee shops continue to play an important role in my personal sense of normalcy and the social health of our collective neighborhoods. -
2021-01-24
Major League Baseball Minor League Season Cancelled 2020
The article from the screenshot is about the Major league Baseball minor league cancelling their 2020 season and the economic impact that it had on the team's ownership (most of which are mom and pop owners) and the city's and towns that host these teams. With the cancelled season, these places and people were not receiving any revenues, and in many cases, these games were a major source for the money coming in. The athletes themselves were still paid, but did not play. This may impact the future of the game in unknown ways. Some of the things that are important for these athletes is that they continuously play which keeps their skills up as well as their physical condition, but most importantly, it allows for the teams to see their talent and promote them to the "big leagues." With the 2021 minor league season in jeopardy, the future of the game is in question. -
2021-01-24
Israel - The Leader in Vaccine Rollout
Israel is leading the vaccine rollout by a decent margin, with the United Arab Emirates close behind. Indeed, Israel hopes to have most of the population vaccinated by March. The advances in the vaccine rollout in these countries are an excellent chance to review the success rates in a larger population pool. There are many reasons for the success of Israel's rollout, including advance planning, an efficient healthcare system, and methodical shipping, storage, and distribution. -
2021-01-24
Results from Moderna Vaccine Study
As of today, there have been no deaths attributed to the vaccine and only 10 reported cases of severe reactions to it. -
2021-01-24
A Story of the Pfizer Vaccine
97-year-old Alexander White, a Holocaust survivor, got a vaccine with a push from Arizona lawmakers. -
2021-01-24
Common Symptoms of Both COVID-19 Vaccines
Many people are concerned with the symptoms that come with the vaccines and if they differ depending on which vaccine. Some of the common symptoms of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are: i. injection site pain ii. tiredness iii. headache iv. muscle pain v. chills vi. joint pain vii. fever viii. injection site redness or swelling ix. nausea x. feeling unwell xi. swollen lymph nodes. Bibliography: “Highlighted Infectious Diseases for Arizona.” n.d. Arizona Department of Health Services. az.gov. Accessed January 24, 2021. https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php?utm_source=google_grant&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=covid19&utm_term=covid#novel-coronavirus-faqs. CDC. 2020. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html. -
2021-01-24
Two Main Vaccines and Where to Find Them
1. Pfizer, mRNA vaccine – manufactured by Pfizer and BioNTech, offered across the U.S. in every state 2. Moderna, mRNA vaccine – manufactured by ModernaTX, offered across the U.S. in every state Bibliography: CDC. 2020. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html. Calgary, Open. n.d. “COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Allocations by Jurisdiction - Pfizer | Data | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Data.cdc.gov. Accessed January 25, 2021. https://data.cdc.gov/Vaccinations/COVID-19-Vaccine-Distribution-Allocations-by-Juris/saz5-9hgg. -
2021-01-24
Why Are There Different Forms of the Vaccine?
There are a couple of reasons as to why there are different forms of not only the COVID-19 vaccine but of vaccines in general. This is because not much is understood about the COVID-19 virus, so there are multiple vaccines in trial or tested in order to provide as much of a range of protection as possible The two main vaccines use mRNA, which is still relatively new but effective, but the vector vaccines have been used since the 1970s to treat viral diseases Bibliography: CDC. 2020. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html. “Covid-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.” 2021. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. https://www.nejm.org/covid-vaccine/faq?cid=DM108101_&bid=351587577. -
2021-01-24
Differences and Similarities Between the COVID-19 Vaccines
There are 3 types of vaccines that are or will be available in the U.S. 1. mRNA: uses part of the COVID-19 virus to create proteins in our bodies that our immune system can recognize and remember in order to fight the virus 2. Protein subunit: has pieces of the proteins that the COVID-19 vaccine uses (not the actual virus) that the body will recognize in the future that do not belong in the body 3. Vector: injection of a weakened but live virus that has the genetic material that causes COVID-19 (a vector virus) that will cause the body to make the proteins that cause COVID-19 and force the immune system to remember that protein and fight it in the future The two being offered across the U.S. right now are both mRNA vaccines that require 2 shots 21 days apart Both vaccines are tested with a 95% effectivity, but that effectivity is only proven to be true after both doses are administered and there is not substantial long-term effect research yet Bibliography: CDC. 2020. “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February 11, 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fvaccines%2Fabout-vaccines%2Fhow-they-work.html. “Covid-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.” 2021. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. https://www.nejm.org/covid-vaccine/faq?cid=DM108101_&bid=351587577. -
2021-01-24
Anxiety, confusion remain over COVID-19 vaccine rollout at mass vaccination site at CCSF
This article discusses the confusion over how vaccines are being rolled out to eligible individuals in San Francisco. A vaccination site is allowing individuals to get vaccinated without an appointment if there are extra doses at the end of the day. However, while texts are being sent out to let people know they are eligible, without an appointment there is no guarantee they will receive a vaccine if they go to the site; this is leading to people arriving, hoping to receive one of the leftover doses, only to be turned away. This is just one example of how confusion and misinformation about the vaccine is leading to anxiety and disappointment, and a desperate sense of hope that the kinks will be worked out soon so that the vaccination process will improve. -
2021-01-24
No Hands Across the Water: The Cancellation of Plans for International Travel
I was planning to go to London this year to present at an international conference of librarians and connect with librarians from all over the world. This conference is only held every three years, and it is an important forum to share thoughts, present ideas and projects, network and build international collaborations, and plan joint projects. Doing so through email and Zoom is a poor substitute for this type of one-on-one conference. I travel internationally frequently, and I was planning to fit in a trip to Ireland before the conference, to visit with the land of my ancestors. I’ve been involved in a genealogy project along with some of my relatives, and my trip to Ireland would have given me the opportunity to do some family research. When I travel, I travel very close to the ground: staying in small B&Bs or hotels, dining in local establishments, traveling by bus or rail, and really trying to fit into the community rather than be a tourist to the extent possible. International travel is so important for this divisive world these days to foster understanding and cooperation both personally and professionally. So the cancellation of my trip meant not only the loss of some fun times but also speaks to a greater loss. -
2021-01-24
SE NM’s Hospital COVID-Bed Capacity
This information displayed on this webpage contains an interactive map with corresponding data summary of the dedicated COVID beds and general capacity of hospitals in southeastern New Mexico for January 24th, 2021. This snapshot demonstrates a reasonably live and present condition of the availability for urgent and emergent COVID medical care within that geographic region and at that date and time. -
2021-01-24
Where did it come from?
It is my understanding that the COVID19/Coronavirus originated from Wuhan, China. Since the Chinese government delayed communicating to other countries about the Virus it was able to spread throughout the states at a rapid pace. The Virus can only spread if it has a host, when people would travel internationally at the time, they didn't know how bad the virus really was. People have a lot of theories as to where the virus came from but this is my point of view. -
2021-01-24
"Masks"
Pandemics play a role in history, as they shaped us. From Bubonic to Covid, this is something that felt startling and unsettling. The lockdown reduced us to our homes' safety, and academia halted; my friends and family caught this rapid disease; unfortunately, one did not survive. At first, all you could do was wait and watch the news, and I even tried to google and journals or documents of those who lived during the plague; Something that sparked in my mind was the memory of Italy's Black Death, how Venetian doctors with large canes to examine and keep distance would go house to house seeing the sick, but knowing half the people would not survive. What became notable in my mind at the fear of illness and responding to safety was our face mask. But the mask is something everyone would see, the mask that would ward of the “miasma.” But we know disease spreads rapidly, you must stay at home do your part. I felt the sense of time begin to dissipate, days and months blur the sensation of cabin fever sets in quick, must distance six feet apart and the feeling of hopelessness and dread set in, unable to see friends, fear of getting infected or others. Still, we must wear our masks to fight this plague. We could help the effort by sewing masks, something so simple as a cloth with a string to protect us from a violent, deadly disease. Something so small and so simple caused such a debate, became some people's fashion staples. For me, I enjoy historical fashion, and I began to wonder how to incorporate each one into every outfit, maybe one for each theme or to tribute to my interest. Being a goth, I sought this to make sure if I'm going to go out, let me be safe, but have some joy in the safety I wear. Maybe in the future, historians would see this object and see the symbolism it held as the protector in such an uncertain time. -
2021-01-24
The Vaccine Indonesians Are Getting & The Conditions
Indonesians are being distributed a vaccine called "CoronaVac" from a biopharmaceutical company based in China called Sinovac Biotech. They are working with PT Biofarma, which is an Indonesian-based company of a similar nature. On January 18, 2021, Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi from the Ministry of Health spoke publicly about the vaccine’s conditions. In accordance with the regulations set by the World Health Organization (WHO), certain conditions must be met before the vaccine can be administered. This article from the main Indonesian government website states nine of them. Among them are those who have not screened positive for COVID-19 or have been sick from COVID-19-like symptoms such as a runny nose or cough in the 7 days prior. This extends to those who are immuno-compromised, have cancer, and many similar illnesses. Pregnant women are also discouraged from getting the vaccine. There are more conditions listed, however I don’t entirely understand the potential medical jargon. The article provided by IDN Times is more for this doctor’s credibility as she is one of the COVID-19 spokespersons for Indonesia. She is also the manager for the national AIDS division at the Ministry of Health in Indonesia. These articles were personally translated. -
2021-01-24
Indonesia’s Vaccinations: In Progress
As of January 13, 2021, vaccinations have started its distribution across Indonesia — hitting 34 provinces. In light of this progress, it should also be noted that two (2) doses of the vaccine are recommended after a 14-day interval. A card will be issued to those who have had their first dose as well as a reminder for their second. The first article by Tirto concludes with instructions on what to do once the individual gets to the vaccination facility. The second article by Kompas says the same information, but also includes the reason why two (2) doses are necessary in the first place. These articles were personally translated. -
2021-01-24
Loosing My Education
Since Covid-19 hit, my college education has suffered enormously. I am currently paying for a full "college experience" for half of the benefits. My class through virtual and Zoom are now based on memorization and completing assignment rather than being geared towards retaining and applying information. -
2021-01-24
Public Vaccination by Indonesian President Joko Widodo
In hopes to raise awareness and rally more supporters of the vaccination, Indonesian President Joko Widodo made a public showing of him getting his first COVID-19 vaccination on January 13, 2021. The one administering the vaccination is the head doctor of the president’s medical team, Dr. Abdul Muthalib. As seen on the red banner behind the seated president, the text states that vaccination is safe and halal (safe for those practicing Islam). These articles were personally translated. -
2021-01-24
COVID-19 Vaccination Is Free For All Indonesians
Straight from the Indonesian COVID-19 website, it was published on December 19, 2020 that citizens would be given the vaccination for free and without any conditions. This goes for people who do and do not have health insurance. Since the vaccines hadn’t arrived yet at the date of publication, they also emphasized and encouraged that everyone should continue taking precautions (i.e. wearing masks, washing hands with soap). In addition to this publication, Indonesian news source Kompas reported similarly the day prior. President Joko Widodo (through a representative) confirmed that the vaccine would be free for all Indonesian citizens. The Jakarta Post had also confirmed this information. These articles were personally translated. -
2021-01-24
Complications in Health and Finances for Indonesians Seeking COVID-19 Vaccinations
It is of common knowledge to Indonesians that insurance is a luxury. This article, digitally published on January 24, 2021, by the Jakarta Post starts by saying that “a third of the population lacks health insurance.” The author goes on to describe the story of a family who had a diabetic relative. Government-funded as well as private medical facilities were not working quickly enough to provide the vaccination for them, and the hospitalization was becoming very costly for them. Corroborating with the predicament, an article by the Ministry of Health claims that roughly 22% of a total of 598,483 health workers have been vaccinated (as of January 22, 2021). They’ve lost an estimation of 600 health workers thus far, and are trying to rally the support of the citizens to get through the pandemic through vaccination. This article was personally translated. -
2021-01-24
Registration Methods for the COVID-19 Vaccination in Indonesia
In this Indonesian article on the main government website, they list out steps in which an individual can register to get themselves vaccinated. This article was digitally published on January 12, 2021, so the process is still ongoing. They provided four ways of registration: through a text message process when dialing *119#, through a phone application called “Pedulilindungi”, through the website http://pedulilindungi.id/ or through their local community officer. Furthermore, they did emphasize that their priority vaccinations, other than medical personnel, would include a numerous range of essential workers — such as the police, public transportation managers, and religious leaders. Indonesian news source Kompas digitally published the same information a few days prior while including that the text messages would not be charged. These articles were personally translated.