Delta Variant of Covid-19 Surges Across Unvaccinated Africa
Source: WSJ
JOHANNESBURGThe more-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is surging across Africa, the continent with the least vaccines and weakest healthcare systems, feeding fears among epidemiologists and political leaders of a public-health disaster that could echo the tragedy that unfolded in India in the spring.
The speed of the takeover of the variant, which was first identified in India and is forcing governments around the globe to tighten restrictions on social and economic activities, has shocked health experts in Africa, a continent thatin part thanks to its younger populationhas recorded fewer Covid-19 deaths than other regions. Some are warning that previous infection from another strain of the virus may not protect against Delta, leaving swaths of the population that were believed to be immune once again vulnerable.
In South Africa, families have been driving ailing relatives across state lines to try to secure one of the countrys few remaining intensive-care beds. On a recent June night, every one of the 30 Covid-19 patients in the intensive-care unit of Ugandas largest hospital died as the oxygen supplies ran out. In Zambias capital, Lusaka, doctors say the mortuaries have run out of space.
We are in the grip of a devastating wave that by all indications seems like it will be worse than those that preceded it, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Sunday in a televised address in which he imposed new lockdown measures. The rapid spread is extremely serious, he said.
Read more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/delta-variant-of-covid-19-surges-across-unvaccinated-africa-11624896315
Only 1.1% of people living in Africa are fully vaccinated.
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)speak easy
(9,249 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)mpcamb
(2,870 posts)"The United States is awash in coronavirus vaccines, with free beer, plane tickets and million-dollar prizes dangled as inducements to persuade the reluctant to get a shot."
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/06/27/why-black-americans-arent-being-vaccinated/
Send the used portions from the red states first since they campaign against its.
speak easy
(9,249 posts)mpcamb
(2,870 posts)speak easy
(9,249 posts)jimfields33
(15,801 posts)speak easy
(9,249 posts)jimfields33
(15,801 posts)Why dont they vote in better leaders? I believe some do have fair elections and democracy.
jimfields33
(15,801 posts)speak easy
(9,249 posts)until India cut off the supplies.
jimfields33
(15,801 posts)Its a huge continent and many are not poor. Egypt for example could easily make vaccines. South Africa could too.
speak easy
(9,249 posts)And AstraZeneca will license their IP without charge. Somebody has to take the intuitive and build the facilities. Before the Delta variant, there was not much Covid around (other than in South Africa), and their leaders became complacent.
jimfields33
(15,801 posts)Response to jimfields33 (Reply #11)
speak easy This message was self-deleted by its author.
progree
(10,907 posts)after having fallen for months.
daily new cases, 7 day moving average
360,433 < - - 7 days ending June 20
372,118 < - - 7 days ending June 27
+3.2%
vs. the 7 day average 2 weeks prior its down 1.8%
U.K. is up 109% over 2 weeks (7 day mvg avg ending June 27 vs 7 day mvg avg ending June 13)
U.K. fully vaccinated: 48% (compare to U.S. 46%)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-cases.html
progree
(10,907 posts)after having fallen for months
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html
U.S. daily new cases, 7 day moving average
14,569 < -- average of 7 day period ending June 13
11,139 < -- average of 7 day period ending June 20
11,881 < -- average of 7 day period ending June 27
11,881/11,139 = +6.7%
11,881/14,569 = -18.4%
12 states have rising numbers vs. 2 weeks ago (7 days ending June 27 vs. 7 days ending June 13)