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[title] => Could Mono Virus or Fat Cells Be Playing Roles?
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/could-mono-virus-or-fat-cells-be-playing-roles/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 21:06:16 +0000
[category] => Health
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/could-mono-virus-or-fat-cells-be-playing-roles/
[description] => A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond. Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020. Rachel Pope, of Liverpool, took to Twitter […]
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A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.
Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.
Rachel Pope, of Liverpool, took to Twitter in late March 2020 to describe her bedeviling symptoms, then unnamed, after a coronavirus infection. Elisa Perego in Italy first used the term “long COVID,” in a May tweet that year. Amy Watson in Portland, Oregon, got inspiration in naming her Facebook support group from the trucker cap she’d been wearing, and “long hauler” soon became part of the pandemic lexicon.
FILE – This photo provided by Amy Watson of Portland, Ore., shows her with her dog during a trip to the Oregon Coast in June 2022.
Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.
Millions of people worldwide have had long COVID, reporting various symptoms including fatigue, lung problems, and brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Evidence suggests most recover substantially within a year, but recent data show that it has contributed to more than 3,500 U.S. deaths.
Here’s some of the latest evidence:
Women more at risk?
Many studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that women are more likely than men to develop long COVID.
There could be biological reasons.
Women’s immune systems generally mount stronger reactions to viruses, bacteria, parasites and other germs, noted Sabra Klein, a Johns Hopkins professor who studies immunity.
Women are also much more likely than men to have autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Some scientists believe long COVID could result from an autoimmune response triggered by the virus.
Women’s bodies also tend to have more fat tissue and emerging research suggests the coronavirus may hide in fat after infection. Scientists also are studying whether women’s fluctuating hormone levels may increase the risks.
Another possible factor: Women are more likely than men to seek health care and often more attuned to changes in their bodies, Klein noted.
“I don’t think we should ignore that,” she said. Biology and behavior are probably both at play, Klein said.
It may thus be no coincidence that it was three women who helped shine the first light on long COVID.
Pope, 46, started chronicling what she was experiencing in March 2020: flu-like symptoms, then her lungs, heart and joints were affected. After a month she started having some “OK” days, but symptoms persisted.
She and some similarly ill colleagues connected with Perego on Twitter. “We started sort of coming together because it was literally the only place where we could do that,” Pope said. “In 2020, we would joke that we’d get together for Christmas and have a party,” Pope said. “Then obviously it went on, and I think we stopped joking.”
Watson started her virtual long haulers group that April. The others soon learned of that nickname and embraced it.
Mono virus
Several studies suggest the ubiquitous Epstein-Barr virus could play a role in some cases of long COVID.
Inflammation caused by coronavirus infection can activate herpes viruses, which remain in the body after causing an acute infection, said Dr. Timothy Henrich, a virus expert at the University of California, San Francisco.
Epstein-Barr virus is among the most common of these herpes viruses: An estimated 90% of the U.S. population has been infected with it. The virus can cause mononucleosis or symptoms that may be dismissed as a cold.
Henrich is among researchers who have found immune markers signaling Epstein-Barr reactivation in the blood of long COVID patients, particularly those with fatigue.
Not all long COVID patients have these markers. But it’s possible that Epstein-Barr is causing symptoms in those who do, although scientists say more study is needed.
Some scientists also believe that Epstein-Barr triggers chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that bears many similarities to long COVID, but that also is unproven.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infections and scientists are trying to understand why.
Stanford University researchers are among those who have found evidence that the coronavirus can infect fat cells. In a recent study, they found the virus and signs of inflammation in fat tissue taken from people who had died from COVID.
Lab tests showed that the virus can reproduce in fat tissue. That raises the possibility that fat tissue could serve as a “reservoir,” potentially fueling long COVID.
Could removing fat tissue treat or prevent some cases of long COVID? It’s a tantalizing question, but the research is preliminary, said Dr. Catherine Blish, a Stanford infectious diseases professor and a senior author of the study.
Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center are studying leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that can influence the body’s immune response and promote inflammation.
They plan to study whether injections of a manufactured antibody could reduce leptin levels — and in turn inflammation from coronavirus infections or long COVID.
“We have a good scientific basis together with some preliminary data to argue that we might be on the right track,” said Dr. Philipp Scherer.
Duration
It has been estimated that about 30% of people infected with the coronavirus will develop long COVID, based on data from earlier in the pandemic.
Most people who have lingering, recurrent or new symptoms after infection will recover after about three months. Among those with symptoms at three months, about 15% will continue to have symptoms for at least nine more months, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Figuring out who’s at risk for years-long symptoms “is such a complicated question,” said Dr. Lawrence Purpura, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University.
Those with severe infections seem to be more at risk for long COVID, although it can also affect people with mild infections. Those whose infections cause severe lung damage including scarring may experience breathlessness, coughing or fatigue for more than a year. And a smaller group of patients with mild initial COVID-19 infections may develop neurologic symptoms for more than a year, including chronic fatigue and brain fog, Purpura said.
“The majority of patients will eventually recover,” he said. “It’s important for people to know that.”
It’s small consolation for the three women who helped the world recognize long COVID.
Perego, 44, developed heart, lung and neurologic problems and remains seriously ill.
She knows that scientists have learned a lot in a short time, but she says “there is a gap” between long COVID research and medical care.
“We need to translate scientific knowledge into better treatment and policy,” she said.
Watson, approaching 50, says she has “never had any kind of recovery.” She has had severe migraines, plus digestive, nerve and foot problems. Recently she developed severe anemia.
She wishes the medical community had a more organized approach to treating long COVID. Doctors say not knowing the underlying cause or causes makes that difficult.
“I just want my life back,” Watson said, “and it’s not looking like that’s all that possible.”
)
[post-id] => 46971
[summary] => A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond. Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020. Rachel Pope, of Liverpool, took to Twitter […]
[atom_content] =>
A British historian, an Italian archaeologist and an American preschool teacher have never met in person, but they share a prominent pandemic bond.
Plagued by eerily similar symptoms, the three women are credited with describing, naming and helping bring long COVID into the public’s consciousness in early 2020.
Rachel Pope, of Liverpool, took to Twitter in late March 2020 to describe her bedeviling symptoms, then unnamed, after a coronavirus infection. Elisa Perego in Italy first used the term “long COVID,” in a May tweet that year. Amy Watson in Portland, Oregon, got inspiration in naming her Facebook support group from the trucker cap she’d been wearing, and “long hauler” soon became part of the pandemic lexicon.
FILE – This photo provided by Amy Watson of Portland, Ore., shows her with her dog during a trip to the Oregon Coast in June 2022.
Nearly three years into the pandemic, scientists are still trying to figure out why some people get long COVID and why a small portion — including the three women — have lasting symptoms.
Millions of people worldwide have had long COVID, reporting various symptoms including fatigue, lung problems, and brain fog and other neurological symptoms. Evidence suggests most recover substantially within a year, but recent data show that it has contributed to more than 3,500 U.S. deaths.
Here’s some of the latest evidence:
Women more at risk?
Many studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that women are more likely than men to develop long COVID.
There could be biological reasons.
Women’s immune systems generally mount stronger reactions to viruses, bacteria, parasites and other germs, noted Sabra Klein, a Johns Hopkins professor who studies immunity.
Women are also much more likely than men to have autoimmune diseases, where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Some scientists believe long COVID could result from an autoimmune response triggered by the virus.
Women’s bodies also tend to have more fat tissue and emerging research suggests the coronavirus may hide in fat after infection. Scientists also are studying whether women’s fluctuating hormone levels may increase the risks.
Another possible factor: Women are more likely than men to seek health care and often more attuned to changes in their bodies, Klein noted.
“I don’t think we should ignore that,” she said. Biology and behavior are probably both at play, Klein said.
It may thus be no coincidence that it was three women who helped shine the first light on long COVID.
Pope, 46, started chronicling what she was experiencing in March 2020: flu-like symptoms, then her lungs, heart and joints were affected. After a month she started having some “OK” days, but symptoms persisted.
She and some similarly ill colleagues connected with Perego on Twitter. “We started sort of coming together because it was literally the only place where we could do that,” Pope said. “In 2020, we would joke that we’d get together for Christmas and have a party,” Pope said. “Then obviously it went on, and I think we stopped joking.”
Watson started her virtual long haulers group that April. The others soon learned of that nickname and embraced it.
Mono virus
Several studies suggest the ubiquitous Epstein-Barr virus could play a role in some cases of long COVID.
Inflammation caused by coronavirus infection can activate herpes viruses, which remain in the body after causing an acute infection, said Dr. Timothy Henrich, a virus expert at the University of California, San Francisco.
Epstein-Barr virus is among the most common of these herpes viruses: An estimated 90% of the U.S. population has been infected with it. The virus can cause mononucleosis or symptoms that may be dismissed as a cold.
Henrich is among researchers who have found immune markers signaling Epstein-Barr reactivation in the blood of long COVID patients, particularly those with fatigue.
Not all long COVID patients have these markers. But it’s possible that Epstein-Barr is causing symptoms in those who do, although scientists say more study is needed.
Some scientists also believe that Epstein-Barr triggers chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition that bears many similarities to long COVID, but that also is unproven.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 infections and scientists are trying to understand why.
Stanford University researchers are among those who have found evidence that the coronavirus can infect fat cells. In a recent study, they found the virus and signs of inflammation in fat tissue taken from people who had died from COVID.
Lab tests showed that the virus can reproduce in fat tissue. That raises the possibility that fat tissue could serve as a “reservoir,” potentially fueling long COVID.
Could removing fat tissue treat or prevent some cases of long COVID? It’s a tantalizing question, but the research is preliminary, said Dr. Catherine Blish, a Stanford infectious diseases professor and a senior author of the study.
Scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center are studying leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells that can influence the body’s immune response and promote inflammation.
They plan to study whether injections of a manufactured antibody could reduce leptin levels — and in turn inflammation from coronavirus infections or long COVID.
“We have a good scientific basis together with some preliminary data to argue that we might be on the right track,” said Dr. Philipp Scherer.
Duration
It has been estimated that about 30% of people infected with the coronavirus will develop long COVID, based on data from earlier in the pandemic.
Most people who have lingering, recurrent or new symptoms after infection will recover after about three months. Among those with symptoms at three months, about 15% will continue to have symptoms for at least nine more months, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Figuring out who’s at risk for years-long symptoms “is such a complicated question,” said Dr. Lawrence Purpura, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University.
Those with severe infections seem to be more at risk for long COVID, although it can also affect people with mild infections. Those whose infections cause severe lung damage including scarring may experience breathlessness, coughing or fatigue for more than a year. And a smaller group of patients with mild initial COVID-19 infections may develop neurologic symptoms for more than a year, including chronic fatigue and brain fog, Purpura said.
“The majority of patients will eventually recover,” he said. “It’s important for people to know that.”
It’s small consolation for the three women who helped the world recognize long COVID.
Perego, 44, developed heart, lung and neurologic problems and remains seriously ill.
She knows that scientists have learned a lot in a short time, but she says “there is a gap” between long COVID research and medical care.
“We need to translate scientific knowledge into better treatment and policy,” she said.
Watson, approaching 50, says she has “never had any kind of recovery.” She has had severe migraines, plus digestive, nerve and foot problems. Recently she developed severe anemia.
She wishes the medical community had a more organized approach to treating long COVID. Doctors say not knowing the underlying cause or causes makes that difficult.
“I just want my life back,” Watson said, “and it’s not looking like that’s all that possible.”
The girl was found near an apartment building at the 4900 block of North Salida Street on Monday morning, according to police. DENVER — A teenage girl was found dead Monday morning in east Denver, and police said they were investigating it as a homicide. The girl’s body was found about 6:10 am in the […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
The girl was found near an apartment building at the 4900 block of North Salida Street on Monday morning, according to police.
DENVER — A teenage girl was found dead Monday morning in east Denver, and police said they were investigating it as a homicide.
The girl’s body was found about 6:10 am in the 4900 block of North Salida Street in the Gateway-Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, east of Pena Boulevard and north of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, a spokesman for the Denver Police Department (DPD) said .
It wasn’t clear how the girl died, the spokesman said.
There was no suspect in custody.
The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office will release the girl’s name and the cause of her death after notification of next of kin.
This is a developing situation, and the story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or visit metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers works by assigning a code to people who anonymously submit a tip. Information is shared with law enforcement, and Crime Stoppers is notified at the conclusion of the investigation.
From there, an awards committee reviews the information provided and, if the information leads to an arrest, the tipster will be notified. Rewards can be collected using the code numbers received when the tip was originally submitted.
> More information about Metro Denver Crime Stoppers can be found here.
> Additional Crime Stoppers bulletins can be found here.
> Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you! Tell us about it by emailing [email protected].
Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for roku other fire tv
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV
)
[post-id] => 46969
[summary] =>
The girl was found near an apartment building at the 4900 block of North Salida Street on Monday morning, according to police. DENVER — A teenage girl was found dead Monday morning in east Denver, and police said they were investigating it as a homicide. The girl’s body was found about 6:10 am in the […]
[atom_content] =>
The girl was found near an apartment building at the 4900 block of North Salida Street on Monday morning, according to police.
DENVER — A teenage girl was found dead Monday morning in east Denver, and police said they were investigating it as a homicide.
The girl’s body was found about 6:10 am in the 4900 block of North Salida Street in the Gateway-Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, east of Pena Boulevard and north of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, a spokesman for the Denver Police Department (DPD) said .
It wasn’t clear how the girl died, the spokesman said.
There was no suspect in custody.
The Denver Medical Examiner’s Office will release the girl’s name and the cause of her death after notification of next of kin.
This is a developing situation, and the story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 or visit metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Metro Denver Crime Stoppers works by assigning a code to people who anonymously submit a tip. Information is shared with law enforcement, and Crime Stoppers is notified at the conclusion of the investigation.
From there, an awards committee reviews the information provided and, if the information leads to an arrest, the tipster will be notified. Rewards can be collected using the code numbers received when the tip was originally submitted.
> More information about Metro Denver Crime Stoppers can be found here.
> Additional Crime Stoppers bulletins can be found here.
> Do you have a news tip on this story or any other story? We want to hear from you! Tell us about it by emailing [email protected].
Watch more from 9NEWS on the free 9NEWS+ app for roku other fire tv
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS.
RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV
)
[2] => Array
(
[title] => China to End Quarantine on Arrival in Fresh COVID Rule Relaxation
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/china-to-end-quarantine-on-arrival-in-fresh-covid-rule-relaxation/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 18:03:16 +0000
[category] => Health
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/china-to-end-quarantine-on-arrival-in-fresh-covid-rule-relaxation/
[description] => Beijing — China said Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantine on arrival, further unwinding years of strict virus controls as the country battles a surge in cases. Having mostly cut itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, China is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in infections after abruptly lifting restrictions that […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
Beijing —
China said Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantine on arrival, further unwinding years of strict virus controls as the country battles a surge in cases.
Having mostly cut itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, China is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in infections after abruptly lifting restrictions that torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests.
And in a sudden end to nearly three years of strict border controls, Beijing said late Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantines for overseas travelers.
Since March 2020, all passengers arriving in China have had to undergo mandatory centralized quarantine. This decreased from three weeks to one week this summer, and to five days last month.
But under new rules that will take effect January 8, when COVID-19 will be downgraded to a Class B infectious disease from Class A, they will no longer need to.
“According to the national health quarantine law, infectious disease quarantine measures will no longer be taken against inbound travelers and goods,” the National Health Commission (NHC) said.
The move is likely to be greeted with joy from Chinese citizens and diaspora unable to return and see relatives for much of the pandemic.
But it comes as China faces a wave of cases that studies have estimated could kill around one million people over the next few months.
Many are now grappling with shortages of medicine, while emergency medical facilities are strained by an influx of undervaccinated elderly patients.
“At present, COVID-19 prevention and control in China are facing a new situation and new tasks,” President Xi Jinping said in a directive Monday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
“We should launch the patriotic health campaign in a more targeted way… fortify a community line of defense for epidemic prevention and control, and effectively protect people’s lives, safety and health,” he said.
‘Impossible’ to track
Hospitals and crematoriums across the country have been overflowing with COVID patients and victims, while the NHC on Sunday announced it would stop publishing daily nationwide infection and death statistics.
That decision followed concerns that the country’s wave of infections is not being accurately reflected in official statistics.
Beijing has admitted the scale of the outbreak has become “impossible” to track following the end of mandatory mass testing.
And last week, the government narrowed the criteria by which COVID-19 fatalities were counted — a move experts said would suppress the number of deaths attributable to the virus.
The winter surge comes ahead of two major public holidays next month, in which millions of people are expected to travel to their hometowns to reunite with relatives.
Authorities are expecting the virus to hit under-resourced rural areas hard, and on Monday called for the guaranteed supply of drugs and medical treatment during New Year’s Day and late January’s week-long Lunar New Year holiday.
In recent days, health officials in the wealthy coastal province Zhejiang estimated that one million residents were being infected per day.
The coastal city of Qingdao also predicted roughly 500,000 new daily infections and the southern manufacturing city of Dongguan eyed up to 300,000.
Unofficial surveys and modelling based on search engine terms suggest that the wave may have already peaked in some major cities like Beijing and Chongqing.
A poll of over 150,000 residents of the southwestern province of Sichuan organized by disease control officials showed that 63% had tested positive for COVID, and estimated that infections peaked Friday.
Only six COVID deaths have been officially reported since Beijing unwound most of its restrictions earlier this month.
But crematorium workers interviewed by AFP have reported an unusually high influx of bodies, while hospitals have said they are tallying multiple fatalities per day, as emergency wards fill up.
The main funeral service center in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou postponed all ceremonies until January 10 to focus on cremations due to the “large workload,” according to a notice published online Sunday.
China’s censors and mouthpieces have been working overtime to spin the decision to scrap strict travel curbs, quarantines and snap lockdowns as a victory, even as cases soar.
)
[post-id] => 46966
[summary] => Beijing — China said Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantine on arrival, further unwinding years of strict virus controls as the country battles a surge in cases. Having mostly cut itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, China is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in infections after abruptly lifting restrictions that […]
[atom_content] =>
Beijing —
China said Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantine on arrival, further unwinding years of strict virus controls as the country battles a surge in cases.
Having mostly cut itself off from the rest of the world during the pandemic, China is now experiencing an unprecedented surge in infections after abruptly lifting restrictions that torpedoed the economy and sparked nationwide protests.
And in a sudden end to nearly three years of strict border controls, Beijing said late Monday it would scrap mandatory quarantines for overseas travelers.
Since March 2020, all passengers arriving in China have had to undergo mandatory centralized quarantine. This decreased from three weeks to one week this summer, and to five days last month.
But under new rules that will take effect January 8, when COVID-19 will be downgraded to a Class B infectious disease from Class A, they will no longer need to.
“According to the national health quarantine law, infectious disease quarantine measures will no longer be taken against inbound travelers and goods,” the National Health Commission (NHC) said.
The move is likely to be greeted with joy from Chinese citizens and diaspora unable to return and see relatives for much of the pandemic.
But it comes as China faces a wave of cases that studies have estimated could kill around one million people over the next few months.
Many are now grappling with shortages of medicine, while emergency medical facilities are strained by an influx of undervaccinated elderly patients.
“At present, COVID-19 prevention and control in China are facing a new situation and new tasks,” President Xi Jinping said in a directive Monday, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
“We should launch the patriotic health campaign in a more targeted way… fortify a community line of defense for epidemic prevention and control, and effectively protect people’s lives, safety and health,” he said.
‘Impossible’ to track
Hospitals and crematoriums across the country have been overflowing with COVID patients and victims, while the NHC on Sunday announced it would stop publishing daily nationwide infection and death statistics.
That decision followed concerns that the country’s wave of infections is not being accurately reflected in official statistics.
Beijing has admitted the scale of the outbreak has become “impossible” to track following the end of mandatory mass testing.
And last week, the government narrowed the criteria by which COVID-19 fatalities were counted — a move experts said would suppress the number of deaths attributable to the virus.
The winter surge comes ahead of two major public holidays next month, in which millions of people are expected to travel to their hometowns to reunite with relatives.
Authorities are expecting the virus to hit under-resourced rural areas hard, and on Monday called for the guaranteed supply of drugs and medical treatment during New Year’s Day and late January’s week-long Lunar New Year holiday.
In recent days, health officials in the wealthy coastal province Zhejiang estimated that one million residents were being infected per day.
The coastal city of Qingdao also predicted roughly 500,000 new daily infections and the southern manufacturing city of Dongguan eyed up to 300,000.
Unofficial surveys and modelling based on search engine terms suggest that the wave may have already peaked in some major cities like Beijing and Chongqing.
A poll of over 150,000 residents of the southwestern province of Sichuan organized by disease control officials showed that 63% had tested positive for COVID, and estimated that infections peaked Friday.
Only six COVID deaths have been officially reported since Beijing unwound most of its restrictions earlier this month.
But crematorium workers interviewed by AFP have reported an unusually high influx of bodies, while hospitals have said they are tallying multiple fatalities per day, as emergency wards fill up.
The main funeral service center in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou postponed all ceremonies until January 10 to focus on cremations due to the “large workload,” according to a notice published online Sunday.
China’s censors and mouthpieces have been working overtime to spin the decision to scrap strict travel curbs, quarantines and snap lockdowns as a victory, even as cases soar.
)
[3] => Array
(
[title] => 2 dead in shooting at Jehovah’s Witness hall in Thornton, police say – ~ News
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-in-shooting-at-jehovahs-witness-hall-in-thornton-police-say-news/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 16:17:58 +0000
[category] => Crimecrime
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-in-shooting-at-jehovahs-witness-hall-in-thornton-police-say-news/
[description] =>
THORNTON — Investigators recovered and disabled three incendiary devices after a married couple died in an apparent murder-suicide at a Jehovah’s Witnesses worship hall in Thornton on Christmas morning, authorities said. The Jehovah’s Witnesses called Sunday’s incident an “unprovoked attack,” but police did not describe the nature of the devices, say where they were found […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
THORNTON — Investigators recovered and disabled three incendiary devices after a married couple died in an apparent murder-suicide at a Jehovah’s Witnesses worship hall in Thornton on Christmas morning, authorities said.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses called Sunday’s incident an “unprovoked attack,” but police did not describe the nature of the devices, say where they were found or explain their connection to the fatal shooting.
Thornton police said in a Sunday evening news release that they were not looking for any additional suspects, and that no other people were injured in the incident.
“There are no further concerns for the safety of the Thornton community,” police spokesman Joe Walker said in the news release.
The Thornton Police Department said it received an initial report at 9 am Sunday of a structure fire at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 951 Milky Way, according to an earlier news release.
That was followed by a report that an adult man shot and killed an adult woman at that location, and that the man then fatally shot himself, the police said in the news release, which was issued around 12:30 pm
The dead couple were married and former members of the Kingdom Hall’s congregation, Thornton police said. Their identities will be released later by the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life at our Kingdom Hall in Thornton,” the Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses said in a statement. “We are cooperating with the authorities as they carry out their investigation into the event.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others,” the statement continued. “We are praying for the families of all those affected.”
Police released little information about the Sunday incident. Efforts to reach officials at the Thornton Police Department by phone were unsuccessful Sunday, and officers at the scene declined to discuss the shooting with reporters.
The Kingdom Hall at Thornton holds three services every Sunday, congregants said. Jehovah’s Witnesses officials said there had been a service scheduled at that location at 9:30 am Sunday. The services were regular meetings since Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate Christmas.
Luis Sanchez lives across the street and heard two gunshots Sunday morning. He said he looked outside to see a woman lying on the ground outside.
“It’s very sad,” he said. “It’s Christmas.”
Brian Steeplton was on the way to the airport to return home to Virginia when he heard about the incident and stopped by Kingdom Hall to support his fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“We don’t fight, we don’t carry arms,” he said.
Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann, in a statement, said she was “saddened by the violent actions that took two lives in our city. This kind of violence is always shocking but particularly on Christmas Day.”
Adams County Sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Sherman first confirmed to The Post that Thornton police had responded to a shooting. He said he did not have additional details Sunday morning, and referred questions to the Thornton Police Department.
Thornton police tweeted about the incident for the first time at 10:30 am Sunday, saying they were investigating a homicide at Kingdom Hall, but that “there is no active threat.”
There was a large police, fire and ambulance presence around Kingdom Hall on Sunday morning, including the Adams County Sheriff’s Office’s Hazardous Materials Unit.
)
[post-id] => 46963
[summary] =>
THORNTON — Investigators recovered and disabled three incendiary devices after a married couple died in an apparent murder-suicide at a Jehovah’s Witnesses worship hall in Thornton on Christmas morning, authorities said. The Jehovah’s Witnesses called Sunday’s incident an “unprovoked attack,” but police did not describe the nature of the devices, say where they were found […]
[atom_content] =>
THORNTON — Investigators recovered and disabled three incendiary devices after a married couple died in an apparent murder-suicide at a Jehovah’s Witnesses worship hall in Thornton on Christmas morning, authorities said.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses called Sunday’s incident an “unprovoked attack,” but police did not describe the nature of the devices, say where they were found or explain their connection to the fatal shooting.
Thornton police said in a Sunday evening news release that they were not looking for any additional suspects, and that no other people were injured in the incident.
“There are no further concerns for the safety of the Thornton community,” police spokesman Joe Walker said in the news release.
The Thornton Police Department said it received an initial report at 9 am Sunday of a structure fire at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 951 Milky Way, according to an earlier news release.
That was followed by a report that an adult man shot and killed an adult woman at that location, and that the man then fatally shot himself, the police said in the news release, which was issued around 12:30 pm
The dead couple were married and former members of the Kingdom Hall’s congregation, Thornton police said. Their identities will be released later by the Adams County Coroner’s Office.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life at our Kingdom Hall in Thornton,” the Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses said in a statement. “We are cooperating with the authorities as they carry out their investigation into the event.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others,” the statement continued. “We are praying for the families of all those affected.”
Police released little information about the Sunday incident. Efforts to reach officials at the Thornton Police Department by phone were unsuccessful Sunday, and officers at the scene declined to discuss the shooting with reporters.
The Kingdom Hall at Thornton holds three services every Sunday, congregants said. Jehovah’s Witnesses officials said there had been a service scheduled at that location at 9:30 am Sunday. The services were regular meetings since Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate Christmas.
Luis Sanchez lives across the street and heard two gunshots Sunday morning. He said he looked outside to see a woman lying on the ground outside.
“It’s very sad,” he said. “It’s Christmas.”
Brian Steeplton was on the way to the airport to return home to Virginia when he heard about the incident and stopped by Kingdom Hall to support his fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“We don’t fight, we don’t carry arms,” he said.
Thornton Mayor Jan Kulmann, in a statement, said she was “saddened by the violent actions that took two lives in our city. This kind of violence is always shocking but particularly on Christmas Day.”
Adams County Sheriff’s Sgt. Adam Sherman first confirmed to The Post that Thornton police had responded to a shooting. He said he did not have additional details Sunday morning, and referred questions to the Thornton Police Department.
Thornton police tweeted about the incident for the first time at 10:30 am Sunday, saying they were investigating a homicide at Kingdom Hall, but that “there is no active threat.”
There was a large police, fire and ambulance presence around Kingdom Hall on Sunday morning, including the Adams County Sheriff’s Office’s Hazardous Materials Unit.
)
[4] => Array
(
[title] => 2 dead from murder-suicide at Colorado Jehovah’s Witnesses meeting hall – ~ News
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-from-murder-suicide-at-colorado-jehovahs-witnesses-meeting-hall-news/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 14:15:23 +0000
[category] => Crime
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-from-murder-suicide-at-colorado-jehovahs-witnesses-meeting-hall-news/
[description] => A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado — with an ongoing probe into “suspicious devices” also discovered at the grim scene, police said. Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself around 9 […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado — with an ongoing probe into “suspicious devices” also discovered at the grim scene, police said.
Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself around 9 am at the Kingdom Hall in the city about 11 miles from Denver.
The man and woman, who were not identified, were married and former members of the Kingdom Hall congregation, police said, adding the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Materials Unit was also investigating “suspicious devices” found at the scene.
Police originally tweeted there was a large law enforcement presence at the Kingdom Hall, but there was no active threat to the community.
Police and fire from multiple agencies are on the scene. Google Maps
The Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses said in a statement they were “shocked and deeply saddened” by the shooting.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life at our Kingdom Hall in Thornton. We are cooperating with the authorities as they carry out their investigation into the event,” the congregation told ABC 7 Denver.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others. We are praying for the families of all those affected.”
A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall. REUTERS
Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. REUTERS
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The news station also reported the Adams County Fire Rescue said the incident was domestic, though didn’t elaborate. REUTERS
advertisement
The Thornton Fire Department had initially responded to a reported fire at the Kingdom Hall, but when they arrived they didn’t spot a fire, instead discovering a “domestic issue,” the department’s public information officer told ABC 7 Denver.
The police department were then called to the scene to take over.
The news station also reported the Adams County Fire Rescue said the incident was domestic, though didn’t elaborate.
Several police and fire vehicles were at Kingdom Hall, according to ABC 7 Denver.
)
[post-id] => 46959
[summary] => A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado — with an ongoing probe into “suspicious devices” also discovered at the grim scene, police said. Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself around 9 […]
[atom_content] =>
A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Colorado — with an ongoing probe into “suspicious devices” also discovered at the grim scene, police said.
Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself around 9 am at the Kingdom Hall in the city about 11 miles from Denver.
The man and woman, who were not identified, were married and former members of the Kingdom Hall congregation, police said, adding the Adams County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Materials Unit was also investigating “suspicious devices” found at the scene.
Police originally tweeted there was a large law enforcement presence at the Kingdom Hall, but there was no active threat to the community.
Police and fire from multiple agencies are on the scene. Google Maps
The Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses said in a statement they were “shocked and deeply saddened” by the shooting.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life at our Kingdom Hall in Thornton. We are cooperating with the authorities as they carry out their investigation into the event,” the congregation told ABC 7 Denver.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others. We are praying for the families of all those affected.”
A husband and wife were found dead after a murder-suicide Christmas morning inside a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall. REUTERS
Thornton, Colo., police said a husband fatally shot his wife and then turned the gun on himself. REUTERS
advertisement
The news station also reported the Adams County Fire Rescue said the incident was domestic, though didn’t elaborate. REUTERS
advertisement
The Thornton Fire Department had initially responded to a reported fire at the Kingdom Hall, but when they arrived they didn’t spot a fire, instead discovering a “domestic issue,” the department’s public information officer told ABC 7 Denver.
The police department were then called to the scene to take over.
The news station also reported the Adams County Fire Rescue said the incident was domestic, though didn’t elaborate.
Several police and fire vehicles were at Kingdom Hall, according to ABC 7 Denver.
THORNTON, Colorado (CNN) — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said. Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
THORNTON, Colorado (CNN) — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said.
Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the gun himself, according to a statement from police.
The individuals were married and former members of the congregation, police said.
“The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined,” Thornton police said in a tweet.
The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined. A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit. Two adults are dead at the scene. Still no known threats to the Thornton community. Updates here…
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) December 25, 2022
“A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit.”
There is no known threat to the community at this time, police said.
No motive or further information is being released at this time.
Thornton is located about 10 miles north of Denver.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at theHuntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.
Additional resources
SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading theSafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-33888)
SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading theSafeUT Frontline app.
SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading theSafeUTNG app.
Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 am-11:00 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
Other community-based resources
Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.
)
[post-id] => 46953
[summary] =>
THORNTON, Colorado (CNN) — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said. Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned […]
[atom_content] =>
THORNTON, Colorado (CNN) — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said.
Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the gun himself, according to a statement from police.
The individuals were married and former members of the congregation, police said.
“The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined,” Thornton police said in a tweet.
The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined. A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit. Two adults are dead at the scene. Still no known threats to the Thornton community. Updates here…
— Thornton Police Dept (@ThorntonPolice) December 25, 2022
“A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit.”
There is no known threat to the community at this time, police said.
No motive or further information is being released at this time.
Thornton is located about 10 miles north of Denver.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at theHuntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.
Additional resources
SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading theSafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-33888)
SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading theSafeUT Frontline app.
SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading theSafeUTNG app.
Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 am-11:00 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.
Other community-based resources
Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers.
)
[6] => Array
(
[title] => One killed in Denver shooting on Christmas Day – ~ News
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/one-killed-in-denver-shooting-on-christmas-day-news/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 08:09:18 +0000
[category] => Crime
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/one-killed-in-denver-shooting-on-christmas-day-news/
[description] => One person has died after being shot Sunday night in Denver, according to Denver police. The shooting took place in the 4800 block of North Crowne Boulevard, according to a DPD tweet at 6:21 pm The victim was transported to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. UPDATE: The victim in this shooting […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
One person has died after being shot Sunday night in Denver, according to Denver police.
The shooting took place in the 4800 block of North Crowne Boulevard, according to a DPD tweet at 6:21 pm The victim was transported to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.
UPDATE: The victim in this shooting incident has been pronounced deceased. The #Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will provide victim ID and cause of death. Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to call @CrimeStoppersCO at 720-913-7867.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 26, 2022
Denver police is investigating this as a homicide. No information on the suspect or the victim has been released.
If anyone has information about this shooting, Denver police are urging them to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
)
[post-id] => 46949
[summary] => One person has died after being shot Sunday night in Denver, according to Denver police. The shooting took place in the 4800 block of North Crowne Boulevard, according to a DPD tweet at 6:21 pm The victim was transported to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. UPDATE: The victim in this shooting […]
[atom_content] =>
One person has died after being shot Sunday night in Denver, according to Denver police.
The shooting took place in the 4800 block of North Crowne Boulevard, according to a DPD tweet at 6:21 pm The victim was transported to a hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries.
UPDATE: The victim in this shooting incident has been pronounced deceased. The #Denver Office of the Medical Examiner will provide victim ID and cause of death. Anyone with information on this homicide is asked to call @CrimeStoppersCO at 720-913-7867.
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) December 26, 2022
Denver police is investigating this as a homicide. No information on the suspect or the victim has been released.
If anyone has information about this shooting, Denver police are urging them to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
)
[7] => Array
(
[title] => Beijing, Shanghai Residents Back to Work as China Limps Towards Living With COVID
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/beijing-shanghai-residents-back-to-work-as-china-limps-towards-living-with-covid/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 07:52:16 +0000
[category] => Health
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/beijing-shanghai-residents-back-to-work-as-china-limps-towards-living-with-covid/
[description] => BEIJING/SHANGHAI — Mask-wearing Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains on Monday, with China’s two biggest cities edging closer to living with COVID-19, as millions have been infected with the largely unchecked virus across the country. After three years of ruthless anti-coronavirus curbs, President Xi Jinping scrapped the country’s zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and relentless […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
BEIJING/SHANGHAI —
Mask-wearing Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains on Monday, with China’s two biggest cities edging closer to living with COVID-19, as millions have been infected with the largely unchecked virus across the country.
After three years of ruthless anti-coronavirus curbs, President Xi Jinping scrapped the country’s zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and relentless testing this month in the face of protests and a widening outbreak.
Health experts and residents worry that China’s statistics, which show no new COVID deaths reported for the six days through Sunday, do not reflect the actual number of fatalities, and that the country’s fragile health system is being overwhelmed.
After the initial shock of the policy U-turn, and a few weeks in which people in Beijing and Shanghai stayed indoors, either dealing with the disease or trying to avoid it, there are signs that life is on track to returning closer to normal.
Subway trains in Beijing and Shanghai were packed, while some major traffic arteries in the two cities were jammed with slow-moving cars on Monday as residents commuted to work.
“I am prepared to live with the pandemic,” said 25-year-old Shanghai resident Lin Zixin. “Lockdowns are not a long-term solution.”
This year, in an effort to prevent infections from spiraling out of control across the country, the 25 million people in China’s commercial hub endured two months of bitter isolation under a strict lockdown that lasted until June 1.
Shanghai’s lively streets were a sharp contrast with the atmosphere in April and May, when hardly anyone could be seen outside.
An annual Christmas market held at the Bund, a commercial area in Shanghai, was popular with city residents over the weekend. Crowds thronged the winter festive season at Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing’s Universal Studios on Sunday, queuing up for rides in Christmas-themed outfits.
People visit a Christmas market, as COVID-19 outbreaks continue, in Shanghai, China Dec. 24, 2022.
The number of trips to scenic spots in the southern city of Guangzhou this weekend increased by 132% from last weekend, local newspaper The 21st Century Business Herald reported.
“Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine,” said a 29-year-old Beijing resident surnamed Han. “The tense atmosphere has passed.”
China is the last major country to move toward treating COVID as endemic. Its containment measures had slowed the $17-trillion economy to its lowest growth rate in nearly half a century, disrupting global supply chains and trade.
The world’s second-largest economy is expected to suffer further in the short-term, as the COVID wave spreads toward manufacturing areas and workforces fall ill, before bouncing back next year, analysts say.
Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, bringing ahead a plan to pause most work at the plant in the last week of December. The company did not give a reason.
Rising Wave
The world’s most populous country has narrowed its definition for classifying deaths as COVID-related, counting only those involving COVID-caused pneumonia or respiratory failure, raising eyebrows among world health experts.
The country’s health care system has been under enormous strain, with staff being asked to work while sick and retired medical workers in rural communities being rehired to help, according to state media.
The provincial government of Zhejiang, a big industrial province near Shanghai with a population of 65.4 million, said on Sunday it was battling about a million new daily COVID-19 infections, a number expected to double in the days ahead.
Health authorities in the southeastern Jiangxi province have said infections would hit an apex in early January, adding that there could be other peaks as people travel next month for Lunar New Year celebrations, state media reported.
They warned that the wave of infections would last three months and that about 80% of the province’s 45 million residents could get infected.
The city of Qingdao, in the eastern Shandong province, has estimated that up to 530,000 residents were being infected each day.
Cities across China have been racing to add intensive-care units and fever clinics, facilities designed to prevent the wider spread of contagious disease in hospitals.
The Beijing municipal government has said the number of fever clinics in the city had increased from 94 to almost 1,300, state media said. Shanghai has 2,600 such clinics and has transferred doctors from less-strained medical departments to help out.
Worries remain about the ability of less-affluent cities in China to cope with a surge in severe infections, especially as hundreds of millions of rural migrant workers are expected to return to their families for Lunar New Year.
“I am worried the flow of people will be huge … (and) the epidemic will break out again,” said Lin, the Shanghai resident.
)
[post-id] => 46948
[summary] => BEIJING/SHANGHAI — Mask-wearing Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains on Monday, with China’s two biggest cities edging closer to living with COVID-19, as millions have been infected with the largely unchecked virus across the country. After three years of ruthless anti-coronavirus curbs, President Xi Jinping scrapped the country’s zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and relentless […]
[atom_content] =>
BEIJING/SHANGHAI —
Mask-wearing Beijing and Shanghai commuters crowded subway trains on Monday, with China’s two biggest cities edging closer to living with COVID-19, as millions have been infected with the largely unchecked virus across the country.
After three years of ruthless anti-coronavirus curbs, President Xi Jinping scrapped the country’s zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and relentless testing this month in the face of protests and a widening outbreak.
Health experts and residents worry that China’s statistics, which show no new COVID deaths reported for the six days through Sunday, do not reflect the actual number of fatalities, and that the country’s fragile health system is being overwhelmed.
After the initial shock of the policy U-turn, and a few weeks in which people in Beijing and Shanghai stayed indoors, either dealing with the disease or trying to avoid it, there are signs that life is on track to returning closer to normal.
Subway trains in Beijing and Shanghai were packed, while some major traffic arteries in the two cities were jammed with slow-moving cars on Monday as residents commuted to work.
“I am prepared to live with the pandemic,” said 25-year-old Shanghai resident Lin Zixin. “Lockdowns are not a long-term solution.”
This year, in an effort to prevent infections from spiraling out of control across the country, the 25 million people in China’s commercial hub endured two months of bitter isolation under a strict lockdown that lasted until June 1.
Shanghai’s lively streets were a sharp contrast with the atmosphere in April and May, when hardly anyone could be seen outside.
An annual Christmas market held at the Bund, a commercial area in Shanghai, was popular with city residents over the weekend. Crowds thronged the winter festive season at Shanghai Disneyland and Beijing’s Universal Studios on Sunday, queuing up for rides in Christmas-themed outfits.
People visit a Christmas market, as COVID-19 outbreaks continue, in Shanghai, China Dec. 24, 2022.
The number of trips to scenic spots in the southern city of Guangzhou this weekend increased by 132% from last weekend, local newspaper The 21st Century Business Herald reported.
“Now basically everyone has returned to a normal routine,” said a 29-year-old Beijing resident surnamed Han. “The tense atmosphere has passed.”
China is the last major country to move toward treating COVID as endemic. Its containment measures had slowed the $17-trillion economy to its lowest growth rate in nearly half a century, disrupting global supply chains and trade.
The world’s second-largest economy is expected to suffer further in the short-term, as the COVID wave spreads toward manufacturing areas and workforces fall ill, before bouncing back next year, analysts say.
Tesla suspended production at its Shanghai plant on Saturday, bringing ahead a plan to pause most work at the plant in the last week of December. The company did not give a reason.
Rising Wave
The world’s most populous country has narrowed its definition for classifying deaths as COVID-related, counting only those involving COVID-caused pneumonia or respiratory failure, raising eyebrows among world health experts.
The country’s health care system has been under enormous strain, with staff being asked to work while sick and retired medical workers in rural communities being rehired to help, according to state media.
The provincial government of Zhejiang, a big industrial province near Shanghai with a population of 65.4 million, said on Sunday it was battling about a million new daily COVID-19 infections, a number expected to double in the days ahead.
Health authorities in the southeastern Jiangxi province have said infections would hit an apex in early January, adding that there could be other peaks as people travel next month for Lunar New Year celebrations, state media reported.
They warned that the wave of infections would last three months and that about 80% of the province’s 45 million residents could get infected.
The city of Qingdao, in the eastern Shandong province, has estimated that up to 530,000 residents were being infected each day.
Cities across China have been racing to add intensive-care units and fever clinics, facilities designed to prevent the wider spread of contagious disease in hospitals.
The Beijing municipal government has said the number of fever clinics in the city had increased from 94 to almost 1,300, state media said. Shanghai has 2,600 such clinics and has transferred doctors from less-strained medical departments to help out.
Worries remain about the ability of less-affluent cities in China to cope with a surge in severe infections, especially as hundreds of millions of rural migrant workers are expected to return to their families for Lunar New Year.
“I am worried the flow of people will be huge … (and) the epidemic will break out again,” said Lin, the Shanghai resident.
)
[8] => Array
(
[title] => 2 dead in murder-suicide at Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado – ~ News
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-in-murder-suicide-at-jehovahs-witnesses-kingdom-hall-in-thornton-colorado-news/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Mon, 26 Dec 2022 05:05:41 +0000
[category] => Crime
[guid] => https://northdenvernews.com/2-dead-in-murder-suicide-at-jehovahs-witnesses-kingdom-hall-in-thornton-colorado-news/
[description] => THORNTON, Colo. — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said. Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the […]
[content] => Array
(
[encoded] =>
THORNTON, Colo. — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said.
Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the gun himself, according to a statement from police.
The individuals were married and former members of the congregation, police said.
“The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined,” Thornton police said in a tweet.
“A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit.”
There is no known threat to the community at this time, police said.
No motive or further information is being released at this time.
Thornton is located about 10 miles north of Denver.
Copyright 2022 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
)
[post-id] => 46943
[summary] => THORNTON, Colo. — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said. Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the […]
[atom_content] =>
THORNTON, Colo. — Law enforcement officials are investigating an apparent murder-suicide on Sunday at a Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton, Colorado, police said.
Police at Thornton responded to a call of fire at the congregation where they were told an adult female was shot and killed by an adult male who then turned the gun himself, according to a statement from police.
The individuals were married and former members of the congregation, police said.
“The investigation is still active, witnesses being interviewed, scene being examined,” Thornton police said in a tweet.
“A suspicious device found at the scene is being evaluated by the Hazardous Materials Unit.”
There is no known threat to the community at this time, police said.
No motive or further information is being released at this time.
Thornton is located about 10 miles north of Denver.
Copyright 2022 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
)
[9] => Array
(
[title] => Married couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide at suburban Denver Jehovah’s Witnesses church – ~ News
[link] => https://northdenvernews.com/married-couple-found-dead-in-suspected-murder-suicide-at-suburban-denver-jehovahs-witnesses-church-news/
[dc] => Array
(
[creator] => James Python
)
[pubdate] => Sun, 25 Dec 2022 21:58:20 +0000
[category] => Crimecrime
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