TCI Observes World Mental Health Day
For many residents in the Turks & Caicos Islands, the issue of mental health touches close to home. Whether it stems from our own intrapersonal experiences or, something that we may have witnessed a colleague, child, or loved one struggle through, Turks & Caicos Islands residents like others in the region face the challenges of mental health and wellbeing and can appreciate the role it has in our everyday experiences.
As the annual celebration of World Mental Health Day (October 10th), approaches, The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD), has the opportunity to again hold public interest to raise awareness about the importance of cultivating open dialogue around mental health and inclusivity.
The World Foundation for Mental Health has chosen to pair this year’s theme ‘Mental health in an unequal world’ with the slogan ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality'. Highlighting how detrimental ostracism, barriers and lack of support opportunities are global. Fortunately, mental health services and support avenues in The Turks & Caicos Islands are free courtesy of the island's government and readily available to those seeking assistance. Whilst limitations are apparent, we recognize the battles of those coping with mental health challenges, their caretakers and loved ones, whose experiences rest at the very core of our efforts to improve each initiative.
In recognition of the unprecedented challenges of coping with mental health and wellbeing, the below activities will take place. These efforts will aid us in shifting negative perceptions, increasing dialogue and actions relating to mental health and encouraging help-seeking behaviour to ensure each resident has equal access to the quality care they deserve.
- Monday October 4th
#MindfulnessMonday: Appearance on HealthMatters
7pm on Radio Turks & Caicos - Tuesday October 5th
#ConversationinMentalHealth: VirtualSupport Group for Parents of Special NeedsKids
7pm via Zoom (link will be advertised on www.facebook.com/DMHSDTCI) - Friday October 8th
#MentalHealthConference: Generalpublic
10AM-12:30 PM Ocean Club East Resort ( Contact the department to register) - Saturday October 9th
#IAmAMentalHealthAdvocate: Awareness Walk
5Am Providenciales (Start: Sam Harvey’s Building Complex, Down Town) 6 Pm Grand Turk (Start: Ministry of Health Parking lot)
Let us all become advocates for mental health!
For further information on World Mental Health Day, kindly contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department at 338-3613 in Grand Turk, or 338-4737in Providenciales or visit www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD or https://www.gov.tc/dmhsd/
7th Annual Mental Health Conference
Mental Health Awareness Walk
Ministry of Health issues warning on Lotrimin® and Tinactin® spray products manufactured by Bayer Consumer Health
The Ministry of Health and Human Services (MoHHS), in response to an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory, is advising all local healthcare facilities, other local suppliers and the general public to discontinue the sale and/or use of specific Lotrimin® AF and Tinactin® antifungal spray products manufactured by Bayer Consumer Health.
Lotrimin® AF and Tinactin® are used to treat fungal infections that cause tinea pedis, the skin condition known as athlete’s foot.
The advisory results from a voluntary recall due to the presence of benzene (human carcinogen) - a substance that could potentially cause cancer depending on the level and extent of exposure - in these products. The impacted products are:
Product Description: Lotrimin Spray® AF and Tinactin Spray®
Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal Jock Itch (AFJI) Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
Lotrimin® AF Athlete's Foot Liquid Spray
Lotrimin® AF Athlete’s Foot Daily Prevention Deodorant Powder Spray
Tinactin® Jock Itch (JI) Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray
Based on the recall, benzene is not an ingredient in any of the spray products.
The MoHHS, therefore, implores all local healthcare facilities and other local suppliers to:
- Stop supplying the brands listed above immediately.
- Notify your overseas suppliers.
- Quarantine all remaining stock(s) of the identified brands for possible disposal by the Environmental Health Department.
Additionally, the MoHHS wishes to implore consumers to stop using the affected products and contact their respective local suppliers. Consumers may contact the Environmental Health Department at 338-2142 for more information on how best to dispose of these spray products. In addition, consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have any questions, concerns or have experienced any problems related to the use of these spray products. Consumers/Patients should also be advised to report any side effects via the MoHHS’ Adverse Drug Reaction form found at https://gov.tc/docs/ADR.pdf.
The MoHHS’ top priority is to ensure public health safety and will therefore continue to monitor this situation as investigations continue.
For further information, please contact the MoHASHS at 338-3072.
BAHAMAS 3-DAY PUBLIC FORECAST
THIS IS THE BAHAMAS 3-DAY PUBLIC FORECAST FOR 6:00 AM, TODAY AND TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, 6THOCTOBER, 2021, ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY.
GENERAL SITUATION: A NORTHWESTWARD MOVING TROUGH CONTINUES TO SPARK POCKETS OF SHOWERS, AS A HIGH PRESSURE RIDGE PROGRESSIVELY BUILDS ACROSS THE ISLANDS OF THE BAHAMAS THROUGH TONIGHT.
SPECIAL WARNINGS: BOATERS SHOULD BE VIGILANT FOR THE SLIGHT RISK OF WATERSPOUT ACTIVITY. BEACHGOERS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION ALONG EAST COAST BEACHES DUE TO THE THREAT OF RIP CURRENTS. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED TO REMAIN HYDRATED DUE TO HIGH HEAT INDICES.
AREA: FOR ALL AREAS
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY, HOT AND A BIT BREEZY WITH ISOLATED TO WIDELY SCATTERED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS. BECOMING MOSTLY FAIR TONIGHT.
ADVISORY: SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EASTERLY AT 15 TO 25 KNOTS IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET OVER OCEAN IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. 5 TO 8 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
TODAY’S HIGH TEMPERATURE: 90°F / 32°C
OVERNIGHT LOW TEMPERATURE: 75°F / 24°C
HEAT INDEX: 101°F / 38 °C
SUNRISE: 7:04 AM
SUNSET: 6:49 PM
MOONRISE: 7:07 AM
MOONSET: 7:18 PM
*NEW MOON: 7:05 AM*
HIGH TIDE: 8:11 AM
LOW TIDE: 2:30 PM
HIGH TIDE: 8:31 PM
LOW TIDE: 2:45 AM THU.
EXTENDED FORECAST (FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS): RIDGING OVER THE BAHAMAS WILL SUSTAIN MODERATE TO LOCALLY FRESH WINDS, AHEAD OF A FRONTAL BOUNDARY EXPECTED TO MOVE EASTWARD NEAR THE EXTREME NORTHWEST BAHAMAS ON FRIDAY.
FORECAST FOR THURSDAY
WEATHER: PARTLY TO MOSTLY SUNNY AND HOT WITH THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EASTERLY AT 15 TO 20 KNOTS CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. 4 TO 6 FEET OVER THE OCEAN IN THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
FORECAST FOR FRIDAY
WEATHER: VARIABLY CLOUDY, A BIT BREEZY AND HOT WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS AND THE CHANCE OF ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS MAINLY IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.
WINDS: EAST TO SOUTHEAST AT 10 TO 15 KNOTS IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS. EASTERLY AT 15 KNOT BUT GUSTY AT TIMES IN THE SOUTHEAST BAHAMAS.
SEAS: 2 TO 4 FEET IN THE NORTHWEST BAHAMAS.3 TO 5 FEET OVER THE OCEAN.
TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK: DISORGANIZED SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUE IN ASSOCIATION WITH A SURFACE TROUGH CENTERED ABOUT 100 MILES NORTHEAST OF THE NORTHWESTERN BAHAMAS. THIS SYSTEM HAS A LOW OR 10 PERCENT CHANCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE NEXT FIVE DAYS.
FORECASTER: S. SEARS / AC
Deputy Governor's World Teachers' Day Message
On this World Teachers Day which is observed on October 5th each year, we pay homage to our teachers here in the Turks and Caicos Islands that continue to play the important roles of educators, nurturers and nation builders.
As Karl Menninger states that “what a teacher is, is more important than what he teaches”, we thank you for your continued dedication, sacrifice, ingenuity and resilience throughout this pandemic.
May you continue to strive for excellence as you seek to impart knowledge into your students and may God continue to grant you wisdom, strength and endurance as you continue your educational journey.
Today and always we express our profound thanks and admiration to you!
H.E. Anya Williams
Deputy Governor
Turks and Caicos Islands
'Ebola is defeated', says Congolese professor who discovered virus
Ebola has been defeated. Vaccines and medical treatments have brought the deadly and terrifying disease under control, says Jean-Jacques Muyembe, the Congolese professor who first discovered the virus more than 40 years ago.
The 79-year-old virologist was speaking at a ceremony in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa marking the arrival on the market of the "Ebanga" treatment, which was approved last December by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Together with more effective clinical treatments, the availability of vaccines means the highly infectious haemorrhagic fever that once proved almost always fatal can now be contained.
"For 40 years I have been a witness and a player in the fight against this terrifying and deadly disease and I can say today: it is defeated, it is preventable and curable," Muyembe said.
"I'm the happiest of Congolese people."
Ebanga, a human monoclonal antibody that prevents the virus from entering a cell and reduces the risk of dying, is "the Congolese molecule", as US biologist Nancy Sullivan put it, having done research in America with Muyembe.
- 'Samples with bare hands' -
Muyembe first came across the virus in 1976 as a field epidemiologist when he was called to the village of Yambuku in northern DRC, which was then called Zaire.
A mysterious illness had just appeared.
He took a sample from a sick nun, sent it to Belgium, where microbiologist Peter Piot isolated the virus for the first time -- and is widely miscredited as the man who "discovered" the disease.
The virus was named Ebola after a river close to Yambuku.
"At the time, I took samples with my bare hands, as blood was flowing", Muyembe told AFP before the ceremony in his laboratory, equipped with gloves, a gown, boots and a protective cap.
After 1976, the disease plunged back into obscurity until 1995 when an epidemic of "red diarrhoea" erupted in Kikwit, a 400,000-strong city in western DRC
.
Muyembe tried treating eight patients with transfusions of blood from someone who was recovering. Seven survived.
That gave him the idea for Ebanga, which was eventually tested for the first time in 2018.
"Here we do the diagnosis," said the professor in his lab. "It's very important in the field to know if a patient has Ebola."
If the disease rears its head, "we interrupt the chain of transmission, we vaccinate all those around a positive case, and we treat those who are ill," he said.
"If the outbreak is declared in time, it can be over in a week," added the virologist, who heads up the DRC's National Biomedical Research Institute and also coordinates the fight against Covid-19 in the country.
Since it appeared, Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people.
The main symptoms are a temperature, vomiting, bleeding and diarrhoea.
The biggest epidemic hit Western Africa between 2013 and 2016, killing 11,000 people.
DRC meanwhile experienced its 12th epidemic this year, which lasted three months.
- Source - AFP
Putin says Russia needs to work with the Taliban
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia needs to work with the Taliban government in Afghanistan, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a meeting of a China- and Russia-led security bloc, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Speaking via video link at the conference held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, Putin said Russia supported a United Nations conference on Afghanistan and that world powers should consider unfreezing Afghanistan's assets.
Tropical Storm Nicholas threatens Gulf Coast with heavy rain
HOUSTON (AP) — Tropical Storm Nicholas strengthened just off the Gulf Coast and could blow ashore in Texas as a hurricane Monday as it brings heavy rain and flooding to coastal areas from Mexico to storm-battered Louisiana.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami said top sustained winds reached 60 mph (95 kph). It was traveling north at 12 mph (19 kph) on a forecast track to pass near the South Texas coast later Monday, then move onshore along the coast of south or central Texas by late Monday afternoon or evening.
Several schools in the Houston and Galveston area were closed Monday because of the incoming storm.
Nicholas was centered roughly 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of the mouth of the Rio Grande River in deep South Texas, and 140 miles (225 kilometers) south of Port O’Connor, Texas, as of Monday morning.
As of 10 a.m. CDT, the storm was “moving erratically” just offshore of the southern coast of Texas, the National Hurricane Center said.
A hurricane watch was issued from Port Aransas to San Luis Pass, Texas. Nearly all of the state’s coastline was under a tropical storm warning as the system was expected to bring heavy rain that could cause flash floods and urban flooding.
Rainfall totals of 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 centimeters) were expected along the middle and upper Texas coast with isolated maximum amounts of 20 inches (50 centimeters) possible. Other parts of Texas and southwest Louisiana could see 5 to 10 inches (12.5 to 25 centimeters) of rain over the coming days.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state has placed rescue teams and resources in the Houston area and along the Texas Gulf Coast.
“This is a storm that could leave heavy rain, as well as wind and probably flooding, in various different regions along the Gulf Coast. We urge you to listen to local weather alerts, heed local warnings,” Abbott said in a video message.
Nicholas is headed toward the same area of Texas that was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. That storm made landfall in the middle Texas coast then stalled for four days, dropping more than 60 inches (152 cm) of rain in parts of southeast Texas. Harvey was blamed for at least 68 deaths.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards on Sunday night declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm’s arrival in a state still recovering from Hurricane Ida and last year’s Hurricane Laura and historic flooding.
“The most severe threat to Louisiana is in the southwest portion of the state, where recovery from Hurricane Laura and the May flooding is ongoing. In this area heavy rain and flash flooding are possible. However, it is also likely that all of south Louisiana will see heavy rain this week, including areas recently affected by Hurricane Ida,” Edwards said.
The storm was expected to bring the heaviest rainfall west of where Hurricane Ida slammed into Louisiana two weeks ago. Although forecasters did not expect Louisiana to suffer from strong winds again, meteorologist Bob Henson at Yale Climate Connections predicted rainfall could still plague places where the hurricane toppled homes, paralyzed electrical and water infrastructure and left at least 26 people dead.
“There could be several inches of rain across southeast Louisiana, where Ida struck,” Henson said in an email.
Across Louisiana, just under 120,000 customers remained without power Monday morning, according to the utility tracking site poweroutage.us.
The storm is projected to move slowly up the coastland and could bring torrential rain over several days, said meteorologist Donald Jones of the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
“Heavy rain, flash flooding appears to be the biggest threat across our region,” he said.
While Lake Charles received minimal impact from Ida, the city saw multiple wallops from Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Delta in 2020, a winter storm in February as well as historic flooding this spring.
“We are still a very battered city,” Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said.
He said the city is taking the threat of the storm seriously, as it does all tropical systems.
“Hope and prayer is not a good game plan,” Hunter said.
In Cameron Parish in coastal Louisiana, Scott Trahan is still finishing repairs on his home damaged from last year’s Hurricane Laura that put about 2 feet of water in his house. He hopes to be finished by Christmas. He said many in his area have moved instead of rebuilding.
“If you get your butt whipped about four times, you are not going to get back up again. You are going to go somewhere else,” Trahan said.
Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said via Twitter that Nicholas is the 14th named storm of 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Only 4 other years since 1966 have had 14 or more named storms by Sept. 12: 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2020.
Phil Collins suffering from health problems, can 'barely hold' drum sticks
(CNN) Phil Collins says he is no longer able to play the drums due to health issues.
The musician, who is 70, appeared on BBC Breakfast with his Genesis band members to promote the group's reunion tour, and Collins said his son, Nic Collins, will be drumming with the band going forward.
As for not drumming, Collins said, "I'd love to but you know, I mean, I can barely hold a stick with this hand. So there are certain physical things that get in the way."
He admitted that he'd love to be up there playing with his son, saying, "I'm kind of physically challenged a bit which is very frustrating because I'd love to be playing up there with my son." Instead, he will will sing with the band.
When this upcoming tour, delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, ends, Collins isn't sure if he'll be touring any longer.
"We're all men of our age, and I think to some extent, I think it probably is putting it to bed," he said. "I think yeah, I think just generally for me, I don't know if I want to go out on the road anymore."
Collins had had a series of fractures over the years and in 2015 underwent back surgery which left him with nerve damage. In 2017 he fell, which resulted in him using a cane to assist with walking.
Premier League managers criticise Fifa ruling that could see players banned
Premier League bosses have criticised a Fifa ruling that could see their Brazilian players banned this weekend over Covid-19 protocols.
Under Fifa rules, players not released for the recent South American World Cup qualifiers can be banned for five days.
The Premier League, the relevant national associations and Fifa are continuing to try to resolve the issue.
However, BBC Sport has been told clubs are seriously considering ignoring Fifa and fielding the players in question.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said he is unsure if Alisson and Fabinho are available, while Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is hopeful Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will play.
But Newcastle's Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron and Wolves' Mexico striker Raul Jimenez can play.
Bruce did not reveal the details as to why Almiron is available, but said "common sense prevailed". Paraguay had made a complaint to Fifa after the midfielder did not report for international duty.
"It's gone on behind the scenes constantly, but what I can say is that he is available, but there is still live debates as we speak," Bruce said.
Mexico have withdrawn their complaint, so Jimenez is available to face Watford on Saturday.
In total, 11 Premier League players - from four countries, across eight clubs - were the subject of complaints to Fifa after not reporting for the latest round of South American World Cup qualifiers, played between 2 and 9 September:
- Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino (Liverpool and Brazil)
- Ederson and Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City and Brazil)
- Thiago Silva (Chelsea and Brazil)
- Raphinha (Leeds and Brazil)
- Fred (Manchester United and Brazil)
- Miguel Almiron (Newcastle and Paraguay)
- Raul Jimenez (Wolves and Mexico)
- Francisco Sierralta (Watford and Chile)
In addition, Everton forward Richarlison did not report for Brazil's World Cup qualifiers. But it is understood that Brazil have not asked for him to be prevented from featuring for Everton against Burnley in the Premier League on Monday because the club allowed him to play at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo.
While Almiron is now clear to play for Newcastle, and Jimenez for Wolves, Liverpool's Firmino would have been absent this Sunday anyway because of an injury sustained before the international break.
All of the South American qualifiers took place in countries on the government's red travel list. Anyone entering - or returning - to the UK from those countries has to quarantine for 10 days.
As a result, several players did not report for international duty, resulting in the affected South American national associations asking Fifa to implement bans.
Premier League officials have been talking to clubs in an attempt to resolve the issue.
However, a short meeting with the clubs involved on Thursday only confirmed a solution was yet to be found.
Asked about the availability of Fabinho and Alisson, Klopp said: "I can say what I know: I don't know in the moment. We will see, there are meetings going on."
Manchester City face being without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson for Saturday's Premier League match at Leicester. That could mean a rare appearance for 36-year-old Scott Carson, as second-choice keeper Zack Steffen is unavailable because of a positive coronavirus test.
"We are going to wait until tomorrow - right now I'm thinking they'll play," said Guardiola.
"Hopefully they can play. We wait to see tomorrow if there is some good news."
The ruling could also affect Premier League clubs beyond the weekend, with Chelsea defender Thiago Silva and Manchester United midfielder Fred set to be prevented from playing in the Champions League next Tuesday. Chelsea host Zenit St Petersburg; Manchester United travel to Swiss club Young Boys.
'Nobody cares'
Klopp suggested clubs were being punished over a reorganisation of the international calendar that resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.
South America's teams each played three qualifiers during the September international break, instead of the usual two, and the same will apply during the next break in October.
The Liverpool boss believes the qualifiers should have been spread out over the summer as well - which was instead taken up by the rearranged Copa America, postponed from 2020 because of the pandemic.
"People decide without us these kinds of things," he continued.
"OK, nobody cares, that's how it is. They play a Copa America, then they still have more games to play.
"Then a week or 10 days before the international break, we get, 'OK, we play now three games and the last game is on Thursday night.'
"We have nothing to do with that. We cannot decide anything about it, we just read these things."
Klopp added "it's not our decision" to make players quarantine for 10 days on returning to the UK, saying they would "lose everything" isolating in a hotel room for that long.
"Then the decision was made, not by us: if that's like this then the players cannot go," he said.
"And now, the next thing, we have a football game to play again and they tell us we cannot play our Brazilian players.
"It's like, 'Huh?' So, we did nothing. We didn't organise the Copa America, we are not responsible for the games they couldn't have played.
"We didn't invite players, we didn't say when they come back there's no exemption. We all didn't do that.
"But in the end the only [people] who get punished are the players and the clubs - and we have nothing to do with the whole organisation around."
'A no-win situation' - Villa boss Smith Emiliano Buendia
The players who did report for international duty in South America are also out of this weekend's Premier League matches as they quarantine.
Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is is without Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia after they travelled to be part of the Argentina squad.
Goalkeeper Martinez played in a World Cup qualifier against Brazil that was abandoned because Brazilian health officials said four England-based Argentina players had broken quarantine rules.
The pair are quarantining in Croatia.
Smith described it as a "no-win situation", adding: "Legally I don't think we had any right to ban our players. Obviously I didn't want them to travel as I didn't want them to miss Aston Villa games."
WHO more doubtful about Covid jabs ending pandemic
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AFP)— The head of the WHO Europe was Friday pessimistic about vaccines' ability to put an end to the COVID pandemic, as new variants dash hopes of reaching herd immunity.
Faced with the possibility that the virus may be around for many years, health officials must now "anticipate how to gradually adapt our vaccination strategy," in particular on the question of additional doses, Hans Kluge told reporters.
In May, the WHO director had said "the pandemic will be over once we reach 70 percent minimum coverage in vaccination."
Asked by AFP if that figure was still a target or whether more people would need to be vaccinated, Kluge acknowledged that the situation had changed due to new, more transmissible variants, such as Delta.
"I think it brings us to the point that the aim of a vaccination is first and foremost to prevent more serious disease, and that's mortality," he said.
"If we consider that COVID will continue to mutate and remain with us, the way influenza is, then we should anticipate how to gradually adapt our vaccination strategy to endemic transmission and gather really precious knowledge about the impact of additional jabs," he added.
Epidemiologists now suggest that it is unrealistic that herd immunity can be reached solely with the use of vaccines, though they remain crucial to contain the pandemic.
High vaccination rates are also necessary to "to unload the pressure from healthcare systems" that desperately need to treat other diseases pushed to the backburner by COVID, Kluge said.
The Delta variant is considered to be 60 per cent more transmissible than the previous dominant variant Alpha, and twice as contagious as the original virus.
The more contagious the virus, the higher the bar for reaching herd immunity, which is when enough people are immune that the virus stops circulating. That can be obtained either by vaccination or natural infection.