As the impact of the Omicron variant is subsiding in most parts of the world, COVID-19-related rules …
and mandates are being relaxed in many parts of the World. Overall, the number of COVID-19 cases due to the most recent Omicron variant eclipsed (by far), all other previous waves. In general, COVID-19 cases have been tracked meticulously – and the Johns Hopkins University tracker has to be acknowledged for excellence in data dissemination. Of course, there are errors and it widely accepted that the numbers of reported cases underrepresent the true number of COVID-19 cases; deaths due to COVID-19 and probably “excess deaths”, represent more reliable estimations.
Unfortunately, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine will significantly skew the data in many parts of Europe. In Ukraine, massive drop in number of COVID-19 cases has been observed in the days following the invasion; the curve does not follow the expected trajectory; obviously, testing and reporting COVID19 cases is not the key priority of the population right now. Given the much larger number of active cases in Russia, it reasonable to expect that cases will significantly increase in Ukraine in the coming days. Apart from the main two players, Belarus and countries accepting Ukrainian refugees (predominantly Poland), will also be affected; the data will be very sketchy. Hopefully, the impacts will not add extra devastation.
On the invasion note, many people are happy to take cheap shots at Joe Rogan these days – this time he fell for a meme involving Steven Seagal, and the parts of the internet were happy to lay in the boots. Many people wouldn’t know is that the actor is an ongoing meme in the MMA community and the picture in question was more funny than anything else; even though it was disseminated most people realised it was a parody – no big deal. Again with the COVID-19 misinformation, it would be good to listen to recent and historical episodes with Dr Michael Osterholm – it pretty clear that Joe has taken a balanced approach…. more importantly with respect to MMA … it is Masvidal vs Colby week – great week for fans of the sport!
Finally, we have to mention “Zelensky” … once again – apart from being a superhero, he taken time out to receive a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine – a great inspiration and leader for his people! I’m sure the current 35% vaccination in Ukraine will skyrocket in the coming weeks, despite the conflict.
Until next time …