In Colorado, massive wildfires that erupted in December have led to the evacuation of two towns with tens of thousands of residents. High wind gusts are exacerbating the situation, fueling several fast-moving fires. Traffic for evacuees has ground to a halt in certain areas:
[Embedded content]
"Boulder-area wildfires are causing mass evacuations as winds reaching 100 mph fan the flames," tweeted Andrew Freedman. "This dangerous and highly unusual situation is unfolding due to long-term drought conditions combined with strong winds. Snow is expected tomorrow!"
Currently, renewables account for roughly 20% of the U.S. energy grid. Researchers at Stanford suggest that with increased investments in wind, water, solar, and energy storage solutions, the U.S. could achieve a fully renewable energy grid by 2050. This grid would offer greater stability than the current one. However, significant financial commitment would be necessary to make these projections a reality.
The good news is that the U.S. is banning surprise medical bills, including charges from out-of-network doctors at emergency rooms. Some routine medical services are also covered under the new law.
Globally, there are now 285.5 million confirmed COVID cases. In the past week alone, there have been 7.3 million new cases. The death toll stands at over 5.4 million. In the U.S., there have been 54.7 million cases, with over 2.1 million new cases reported in the last week. Over 844,000 Americans have died from the virus, with approximately 10,000 additional deaths in the past week. The U.S. continues to lead in daily case increases, followed by India, Brazil, the UK, and Russia. On Wednesday, the U.S. recorded over 465,000 new cases, partly due to delayed data uploads following holidays.
Despite these delays, case counts continue to exceed previous peaks:
[Embedded content]
Hospital systems across the U.S. are once again overwhelmed as COVID patients flood facilities. Sixteen states are reporting severe staffing shortages in at least 25% of their hospitals.
Israel is experimenting with a fourth COVID vaccine dose as new variants emerge:
[Embedded content]
Pediatric COVID cases are surging in the U.S., likely driven by the Omicron variant:
[Embedded content]
While Omicron appears to be displacing Delta, there is concern that the two could hybridize, creating a more dangerous strain. Omicron has already incorporated genetic material from another common coronavirus:
[Embedded content]
The CDC recently recommended that asymptomatic COVID-positive individuals can end isolation after five days. I question how much of this guidance is scientifically sound versus influenced by industry pressures. Data continues to emerge about viral shedding and persistence in infected individuals. I personally wouldn't want colleagues returning to work while still testing positive on rapid antigen tests.
On a positive note, the CDC is advising everyone to avoid cruise ships entirely, regardless of vaccination status. If you do decide to cruise and contract COVID, you can always dock in Mexico for treatment.
Some people argue that few people die from COVID. It's important to consider these figures carefully:
[Embedded content]
NINGBO MACEY EDUCATION PRODUCT CO.,LTD , https://www.maceycreative.com