Scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine cast doubt on effectiveness of booster shots after comparing serum samples from 135 patients infected with the BA2 strain of the Omicron variant. Source link
Read More »China’s savings glut is no guarantee of recovery via ‘revenge spending’
Stuck at home during repeated lockdowns as part of the country’s zero-Covid policy, Chinese households amassed trillions in savings last year. Some are pinning hopes of economic recovery on ‘revenge spending’, but those savings could be a sign of uncertainty rather than pent-up demand. Source link
Read More »China’s Covid deaths down almost 90 per cent since infection peak: report
Chinese health officials also record sharp decrease in Covid-19 patients at hospitals and fever clinics since illness wave crested in January. Source link
Read More »Merck’s Covid-19 drug linked to new virus mutations, study says
Lagevrio works by creating mutations in the Covid-19 genome that prevent the virus from replicating in the body, reducing the chances it will cause severe illness. Some scientists had warned before it was authorised in late 2021 that by virtue of how it works, the drug could give rise to …
Read More »Hong Kong must not return to being a shopping mall for tourists
While Hong Kong did well during the pandemic, there are several unaddressed issues that must be resolved as the city gets back on its feet. Rather than restore the status quo, leaders must fix the city’s healthcare infrastructure and heavy reliance on outside demand. Source link
Read More »Manpower shortage delayed Covid-19 quarantine for ill Hongkonger, inquest told
Residential estate evacuations drained resources from task force designated to monitor Covid-19 patients, Coroner’s court told. Source link
Read More »China’s Australian coking coal order another sign of fast-thawing ties
Before the Lunar New Year, 80,000 tonnes of coking coal was ordered from the Moranbah North mine in Queensland to be shipped to China in February and March – China has not imported Australian coal since 2020 amid conflict involving an investigation into the origins of coronavirus. Source link
Read More »How climate change is helping to drive the rise of Germany’s far right
The effects of climate change are pushing more people to leave Africa and the Middle East for the wealthier, more temperate climes of Europe. Governments must look to ease costs in key sectors such as housing, energy and heathcare to reduce the far-right’s appeal amid the influx of migrants. Source …
Read More »North Korean capital under lockdown after respiratory illness outbreak
A government notice didn’t mention Covid-19, but said that residents in the city are required to stay in their homes through the end of Sunday and must submit to temperature checks multiple times each day. Source link
Read More »Culture shock for mainland Chinese pupils returning to Hong Kong after 3 years
Parents, teachers worry that children who attended online lessons during the pandemic will face adjustment problems. Source link
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