CDC says fully vaccinated Americans can safely travel, recommends against nonessential trips
Fully vaccinated individuals can safely travel inside the U.S. and internationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in new guidance released Friday, though they should still wear a mask when traveling on public transportation, including airplanes.
The CDC says recent research on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines indicates there is low risk to vaccinated individuals and that they can travel without a COVID-19 test or quarantining after traveling.
Still, the CDC is not "recommending" travel at this time due to the rising number of cases, according to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky.
The CDC is only recommending testing for travelers who are returning to the U.S. from international travel -- keeping in place an order it announced in mid-January that requires all US-bound passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding.
The CDC is still recommending unvaccinated people avoid all nonessential travel.
The new guidance comes as nearly a third of the country's adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC defines a person as "fully-vaccinated" two weeks after they’ve received their last dose. In the case of Johnson & Johnson, a one-shot vaccine, that means two weeks after the first and only shot. For Pfizer and Moderna, it's two weeks after the second shot.
The CDC has said it will continue to update guidance about how to socialize, travel and return to workplaces as more Americans get vaccinated.
Source-ABC
Twitter swoons over Verzuz battle between the Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire
Sunday evening's Verzuz battle between The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire was epic, to say the least. Social media enjoyed the legendary groups performing their timeless music alongside hosts Steve Harvey and Quarantine DJ D-Nice.
Ron Isley sang classics like "Hello It's Me," "(At Your Best) You Are Love," and "Groove with You," while Ernie Isley played his electric guitar.
Meanwhile, Earth, Wind & Fire took us back with their hits including "Shining Star," "Mighty Mighty" and, of course, "September," for the grand finale.
Fans also couldn't miss Steve Harvey's shiny purple suit and Ron's white beard and Chinchilla fur coat.
"I've never seen a holographic purple suit til last night. Steve Harvey is different," tweeted one fan, while Gabrielle Union said, "Ron Isley is the star of every one of my group chats right now. They ready to risk it all."
Still other fans focused on the music. One tweeted, "Last thing I'll say about the #verzuz from last night: Both bands went for over 4 hours without playing a single song that sounded like a repeat. Every single track was a uniquely different form of artistry. That's musicianship."
The Verzuz match-up closed with the video premiere for The Isley Brothers' new Snoop Dogg-assisted song, "Friends and Family." The accompanying music video features cameo appearances from Snoop, Ernie's daughter Alex Isley, Syleena Johnson and others.
The next Verzuz battle, between rappers Red Man and Method Man, takes places April 20th at 8 p.m. ET on Instagram Live and on the Triller app.
Source-ABC
IMF sees global economy improving despite uncertainties
Economic growth led by the United States and China is accelerating, amplifying the risks of an uneven global recovery, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday.
“In January we projected global growth at 5.5 per cent in 2021,” said IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva in an address ahead of the body's annual spring meeting co-hosted with the World Bank.
“We now expect a further acceleration,” she said ahead of the international organisation's official update of its forecast in a week.
Key factors in the improved outlook include the US passage of President Joe Biden's US$1.9 trillion economic relief package and an expected bounce from novel coronavirus vaccines increasingly available in larger economies, Georgieva said.
She also praised the “extraordinary effort” of workers throughout the health care universe, including doctors, nurses, and vaccine scientists.
Governments played a key role in averting a worldwide depression, Georgieva said, with some US$16 trillion in fiscal support and a “massive liquidity injection by central banks” averting complete disaster.
Without these steps, the worldwide economic contraction of 3.5 per cent in 2020 “would have been at least three times worse”, she said.
But the IMF is seeing increasing signs of a “multi-speed recovery” powered by the United States and China, which are on track to enjoy growth by the end of 2021 that outpaces their pre-crisis performance.
In general, the global outlook remains clouded by “extremely high uncertainty”, with economic activity still tied closely to the pandemic.
“So much depends on the path of the pandemic — which is now shaped by uneven progress in vaccination and the new virus strains that are holding back growth prospects, especially in Europe and Latin America,” she said.
European nations, however, are on a “sound recovery path” and can expect their pandemic-battered economies to bounce back in the second half of 2021, boosted by stepped-up vaccination drives.
The IMF expects European countries will recover “a quarter later” than the United States.
Especially vulnerable are emerging markets with more “fragile” government.
“Many are highly exposed to hard-hit sectors, such as tourism,” she said. “Now they face less access to vaccines and even less room in their budgets.”
A keen worry in a global economy fractured by different-paced recoveries would be a sudden rise in US growth that leads to a jump in interest rates and capital flight from emerging regions.
But Georgieva brushed aside concerns about potentially uncontrolled inflation in the United States due to massive stimulus packages, estimating that inflation should be around 2.25 per cent in 2022.
“Not something to be scared of,” she said.
“We expect inflation to remain contained, but faster US recovery could cause a rapid rise in interest rates, which could lead to a sharp tightening of financial conditions — and significant capital outflows from emerging and developing economies.”
Georgieva urges generous investment in the production and distribution of vaccines to facilitate the transition to the post-COVID economy.
She also backs increased investment for the most vulnerable countries, as well as spending on infrastructure, health and education so that “everyone can benefit from the historic transformation to greener and smarter economies”.
This group of nations requires US$200 billion over five years to overcome the pandemic and another US$250 billion to return to a trajectory of meeting richer countries, said Georgieva, citing a recent IMF study.
The IMF has already provided US$107 billion in financing and debt service relief for the 29 poorest nations. This includes support for sub-Saharan Africa at about 13 times the level previously.
Support within the international organisation is also building for lending some US$650 billion in special drawing rights to aid the most vulnerable nations, she said.
Source-AFP
Tourism Minister warns proof of vaccination for travel could be discriminatory
Jamaica's Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has cautioned global leaders that any requirement for proof of vaccination for travel, which does not take into account the unequal access and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally, could be considered discriminatory.
The minister made his comments in his capacity as chair of the Organization of American States (OAS), Inter-American Committee on Tourism (CITUR) Working Group 4, which was developed to create a recovery action plan for the airline and cruise industries.
Speaking recently during the group's third virtual meeting, Minister Bartlett said: “Effective management of COVID-19 and recovery of the global economy requires a concerted and collaborative effort from all member states. We need to move together on this or else we risk a deterioration of the situation in developing countries, the effects of which will inevitably spread to neighbours in the region and beyond.”
“This is the first step in ensuring that inequity in the distribution of vaccines does not hinder the restart of tourism and related services. Any requirement for proof of vaccination for travel which does not take into account this reality could very well be considered discriminatory,” he added.
Bartlett urged members to consider all the implications that a vaccine passport could have, primarily on tourism-dependent countries. He said it is pertinent for the Americas to be a strong voice in introducing the recovery recommendations that will work for the region.
“There can hardly be a harmonised position for digital passports and other bio-sanitary protocols when some countries and regions lag dramatically behind in their health response systems, including the vaccination process. If we remain committed to leaving no one behind, we are best positioned to move farther ahead,” said the minister.
Bartlett also called for an expeditious review and approval process to facilitate quicker roll-out of safe and effective vaccines, noting that “there have been reports of vaccines being administered which have not met with widespread acceptance and the World Health Organization has a role to play as the global norm and standard-setting specialised agency of the UN on public health matters.”
Source- Jamaica Observer
Microsoft to sell reality goggles to army
US tech giant Microsoft is to sell augmented reality headsets to the US army in a bumper deal worth up to $21.9bn (£15.9bn) over 10 years.
The headsets are based on its HoloLens product, which allows users to see holograms laid over their actual environment.
The contract is for more than 120,000 headsets, which will be manufactured in the US.
Microsoft shares surged 3% after the announcement was made on Wednesday.
Augmented reality differs from virtual reality, in that it adds graphics to the user's existing field of view instead of replacing it with an entirely new environment.
As a result, users can see "heads-up displays" or holographs, which can add more information to what they already see.
HoloLens is commercially available for $3,500 per headset, with Microsoft selling it primarily to businesses, who often pair it with customised software applications.
Architecture firms, hospitals, universities, car manufacturers and US space agency Nasa are among the technology's users.
Over the past two years, Microsoft has worked with the US Army on the prototyping phase of what is called the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), which is a military-grade version of the Hololens.
The company said that the Army had moved into the production phase of the project.
In a blog post, Microsoft said the headsets "will keep soldiers safer and make them more effective".
"The program delivers enhanced situational awareness, enabling information sharing and decision-making in a variety of scenarios," the post said.
After Microsoft announced the $480m IVAS contract in 2018, at least 94 workers petitioned the company to cancel the deal and stop developing "any and all weapons technologies".
Source-BBC
Cardi B, Burna Boy, Childish Gambino among the 2021 Brit Awards nominees
Cardi B, Burna Boy, Childish Gambino and more are among the nominees for the 2021 Brit Awards.
The U.K. equivalent of the Grammys has nominated the "WAP" rapper for International Female Solo Artist against Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, and Billie Eilish.
Cardi was previously nominated in 2019 following the release of her debut album, Invasion of Privacy.
Following his big win at the Grammys, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy received a nod for International Male Solo Artist. His competition includes Childish Gambino, The Weeknd, Bruce Springsteen and Tame Impala.
Burna Boy was likely nominated for his latest chart-topping album, Twice As Tall, which earned him his first Grammy for Best Global Album earlier this month.
The 2021 Brit Awards take place on May 11. For more info, visit Brits.co.uk.
Source-ABC
Lauren London, Snoop Dogg and Nas pay tribute to Nipsey Hussle on the second anniversary of his death
March 31st marks the second anniversary of the passing of Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle. His music and influence have continued to affect many -- including, not surprisingly, his longtime girlfriend, Lauren
London shared a photo of the rap legend Wednesday on her Instagram, along with a special message.
"The Day Of Ermias' transition changed the course of my life forever. Two years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time," London writes in the caption. "Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey. In Honor of His life and demonstration... May all of Heaven exalt your name for all you did on Earth and beyond. You are missed deeply. You will forever be. I love you eternally. Your Boogie."
London described Nipsey as a "brave and beloved soul" who was and is still "loved immensely."
Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle dated for five years until he was shot and killed outside of his Los Angeles clothing store, The Marathon, in 2019 at age 34. They share one son, Kross, and co-parented Lauren's son, Kameron, and Nipsey’s daughter, Emani, from a previous relationship.
Nip's friend and mentor Snoop Dogg also paid tribute with a Instagram video of himself dancing to Meli'sa Morgan's "Do You Still Love Me?"
"I wanna feel good today for my man Nip. I got this Nipsey blue on. Nevermind the tears, they're tears of joy," says Snoop, rocking a blue leather jacket and pant suit. "Get the whole attire, I'm with Nip today man."
Sharing his own tribute post on Instagram, Nas wrote, "The king still shines."
Source-ABC
Minister of Home Affairs Visit Her Majesty's Prison
On Thursday 25th March 2021, the Honourable Otis Morris, Minister for Home Affairs, Public Utilities & Transportation visited Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) accompanied by:
His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Nigel Dakin
Premier & Minister of Finance, Honourable Charles Washington Missick
Honourable Akerria Missick, Leader of Government Affairs & Minister of Infrastructure Honourable Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism & Environment
Honourable Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education: and
Ms. Althea Been, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities & Trans.
The Minister and the team had the opportunity to tour the entire facility and also held discussions concerning the current state of affairs at the Prison and the 2023 Prison Visionary Plan.
The site visitwith staff, management and inmates of HMP, was well received. Staff members were thanked for all their work, particularly, the work undertaken during an outbreak of Covid-19 among staff late last year, to keep prisoners and staff safe.
During his visit the Hon. Morris stated,"I know that this has been an incredibly difficult time for staff, prisoners and indeed for their families who have been unable to make physical visits to their loved ones since March 2020". The inmates were elated by the show by the show of interest by the Minister in their well-being.
This site visit was the second for Hon. Morris during the week, whereas a similar visit took place onTuesday 23rdMarch 2021as part of the Minister's tour of his departments. During this visit earlier in the week, he was accompanied by senior staff members of the Ministry, along with Honourable Rev. John Malcolm, who is a well-known local advocate in correctional facilities and rehabilitation.
WHO report details origins of COVID-19 breakout, rules out conspiracy theories
The World Health Organization on Tuesday released a report aimed to identify the source of the COVID-19 breakout, ruling that the infectious virus came from bats, was transferred to another animal before making its way to humans.
The study claims it was "possible to likely" that the virus was a result of direct transmission from animals to humans, noting the likelihood of the pangolin being the intermediary host of the virus before passing it onto people.
The study also says it is "possible" the virus was introduced to humans via the frozen food chain.
It also called the COVID-19 outbreak the result of a laboratory accident "extremely unlikely."
Despite the findings, the research has yet to find "ground zero" of the outbreak and dubbed the Hunan seafood market a "super spreader."
The joint-study was conducted between January 14 and February 10 in Wuhan, China. The report also acknowledged that it is the first step in a years-long investigation.
Said WHO Director Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, "This report is a very important beginning, but it is not the end... We have not yet found the source of the virus, and we must continue to follow the science and leave no stone unturned as we do."
However, the report is not without controversy, as 14 countries -- including the United States -- pointed out that the WHO team working on the report was "significantly delayed and lacked access to complete, original data and samples."
Adds the opposition, "Scientific missions like these should be able to do their work under conditions that produce independent and objective recommendations and findings."
"Together, we support a transparent and independent analysis and evaluation, free from interference and undue influence, of the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic," the countries expressing skepticism about the study's results maintained, "In this regard, we join in expressing shared concerns regarding the recent WHO-convened study in China."
As for how long it may take before an answer regarding COVID-19's origins is found, researchers have pointed to the 2003 SARS outbreak. SARS, a close cousin of COVID-19, was traced back to a single population of horseshoe crab bats -- a breakthrough that took over five years to discover.
COVID-19 has infected more than 128 million people globally, killing nearly three million. In the U.S., the total number of infections are closing in at 30.4 million and the death toll has surpassed 550,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Source-ABC
BCA, GCB 'mistake' has increased support for Skerritt, says Bassarath
Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board chief Azim Bassarath believes both the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) and Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) had more than enough time to peruse the audited financial statements sent by Cricket West Indies (CWI), leaving them with no excuse not to attend last Sunday's annual general meeting (AGM).
Further, Bassarath believes the decision by both boards to snub the virtual AGM and force its postponement until April 11 was “a mistake” and had resulted in a strengthening of support for incumbent President Ricky Skerritt, and Vice-President Dr Kishore Shallow.
The veteran administration said while CWI had sent out the financials late, the management had given “reasonable excuses” for doing so. And after territorial boards received the e-mail containing the financials just before midday last Friday, Bassarath believes there was sufficient time to have reviewed them.
“The management of the board had submitted a reason, an excuse for not submitting the financials on time,” Bassarath said.
“I think the Barbados Cricket Association did waive the notice as was asked for by the management team and then they withdrew.
“The other territorial boards, with the exception of the Guyana Cricket Board, did not waive so I don't think that should really be any major excuse and reason for not attending the meeting.”
He continued: “How long will you take to really peruse a financial statement? If you take six hours, you got the statement about 48 to 60 hours before the meeting, and if you take six hours to peruse the document, it was enough time.