In the United States, there is no compulsory mask in large supermarkets
Customers who have received two doses of the anti-Covid vaccine will be able to enter Walmart, the largest retail chain in the United States, without wearing a mask, and the same rule will apply to employees as of next Tuesday. The company itself announced this, explaining that the decision is based on the latest recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rule – writes Cnbc – will not apply in those countries that would still maintain mandatory pandemic containment. The CDC noted today that people who are fully vaccinated can avoid wearing the mask outside, but also inside, in most cases.
Taiwan records its negative record
The island of Taiwan, which is considered one of the largest successful cases in the response to Covid-19, today imposed new restrictions on the capital to confront the worst crisis since the start of the epidemic: 180 new cases, while the previous record was 164 cases. “Level 3”, masks must be worn outside in Taipei, and gatherings of more than 5 people indoors and 10 outdoors will not be allowed. Indoor theaters, museums, indoor swimming pools and amusement parks.
Poland abolishes the obligation to wear masks in the open air
Poland eases anti-COVID measures: Starting at midnight, Poles will be able to take off their masks in the fresh air and sit in bars and restaurants, but only outdoors, for at least the next two weeks. This is what the government decided after the decrease in the number of injured, which decreased during the past 24 hours to 3288 people with 289 deaths. Masks will still be mandatory in stores and on public transport. This is an additional cautious pull to the restrictions; Malls have already reopened since May 4, hotels have already reopened since May 8 (but can only accommodate 50% of guests), while cinemas and theaters will reopen within a week. According to Minister of Health Adam Niedzelski, 70-80% of Poles should be vaccinated already in the summer; Currently, more than 15 million vaccines have been manufactured and over 4 million people, ranging from the elderly, have already received the two doses. Prime Minister Matthews Murawiecki reiterated today that “reopening depends on vaccinations.” Approximately 420,000 vaccines are vaccinated daily, but a survey by the BioStat Center showed that 33.6% of 38.5 million Poles have no intention of vaccination at this time. Against this resistance, a government advertising campaign has begun, and the vaccine will also be available starting Monday for 16-year-olds.
Brazil, deaths are declining but not new cases
Brazil recorded 2,211 new deaths and 85,536 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the highest number of infections this week. This was announced yesterday by the Ministry of Health. There are already 432,628 victims overall, while 15,519,525 million people have been infected in the country since the first case was ratified on February 26, 2020. Data from recent weeks show that deaths have slowly decreased, but infections have increased again.
Tokyo, Paralympics attendance low
The International Paralympic Committee (ICC) intends to cut the number of employees who will visit Tokyo to attend the Summer Paralympic Games by 60%, in an effort to stem the risks of the spread of the Coronavirus. Attendance containment will be primarily concerned with members of sports federations, while the collective group needed to run the games will not change, as determined by the CPI. Employees who are part of the organization that governs Paralympic sports will also see a 25% decrease in the number of travelers to Tokyo. In terms of qualifications for the sporting event, affected by logistical delays caused by the health emergency, the number of athletes who have secured participation in the Games is currently 3092, which is nearly 70% of the required ration. In an interview with the Japanese public channel NHK, CPI Chairman Andrew Parsons assured that every effort will be made to ensure the safety of the Games, and the Tokyo government has made the same assurances. The Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 24 to September 5.
Canada, vaccination director resigns
Major General Danny Fortin, the former commander of the NATO mission in Iraq and responsible for coordinating the vaccination campaign against Covid-19 in Canada, left his position at the Public Health Agency “awaiting the results of a military investigation.” This was announced by the Ministry of National Defense, without providing further details.
Fortin was appointed last November by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to coordinate the logistics of the largest vaccination campaign in Canadian history.
The military has been rocked in recent months by a flurry of investigations of high-ranking officers accused of sexual harassment within the army.
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