Check daily for COVID-19 news. Latest update

A digital event from The Economist discusses injections, infections, vaccines, and variants around the world:

Genome Alberta is here to help you stay informed with reliable COVID-19 information, links, and news. This page is updated regularly. You should also visit our COVID blog pages for more in-depth stories about COVID research.

Research Insights

Canadian researchers are among the many scientists around the world finding ways to meet the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a small sample of research at home and abroad:

Cuba’s promise of a homegrown COVID-19 vaccine. Despite recent political turmoil, Cuba can still point to a self-sufficient health care system that take care of its citizens. The latest brag is about the Abdala vaccine.
The Future of Genomics in a Post Pandemic World. Like many businesses, research labs have changes the way the work or re-focused to tackle pandemic challenges. This is how one lab at the University of British Columbia dealt with the situation.
A new COVID-19 screening test developed in Laval. Relief from the special long-handled swab going up your nose and seemingly tickling your brain. A Canadian company has a PCR test that simply takes a swab from the back of your throat.
Untangling introductions and persistence in COVID-19 resurgence in Europe. The latest spread of SARS-CoV-2 continues to come down to the variants. They seem to be very good at hitching a ride on travelers.
Research proves that testing hospital wastewater for COVID-19 can help catch localized outbreaks faster. Researchers at the University of Calgary have a new tool to monitor public health.

Editor's Picks

News you can trust because we have checked it for you first. The facts and figures around the pandemic change rapidly so we will be updating this section regularly. Here are some headlines for July 30^th.

Listen: Alberta removes public health protocols as part of preparing for other diseases this fall. The provinces chief medical officer of health explains why in this 12-minute interview from CBC Calgary.
Delta's threat: CDC reveals data on why masks are important for the vaccinated and unvaccinated. "The delta variant is showing every day its willingness to outsmart us". While we can ease some restrictions, it is important to remember viruses can be cagey little bugs.
90% of Canada’s COVID-19 cases are among unvaccinated, feds say. Includes an interactive graphic so you can look at vaccination rates around the world.
Unraveling the mysterious mutations that make delta the most transmissible COVID virus yet. 92% of new infections in the U.S. are from thew Delta variant. No need to hide out in your basement, but wear a mask in common areas.
From Alpha to Delta, Why Virus Mutations Cause Alarm. Bloomberg News walks you through the most prevalent COVID-19 variants facing us right now.
Watch: Breakthrough coronavirus infections are on the rise. Here is how you can stay safe. A breakthrough infection is when a fully vaccinated person becomes sick with COVID-19. Why? The 2 main reasons are waning immunity and the variants.

Myths and Misinformation

10 types of COVID-19 vaccine misinformation swirling online, fact-checked. Vaccines work, they have been tested, they are not mandatory, and no they are not micro-chipped. These and several other fact checked gems to keep things clear and on target for us all.
Fact check: False claim that COVID-19 vaccine isn't effective because you're not charged for it. While you get what you pay for may be true if you are buying a toaster oven, it does not apply to vaccine. This and other false pandemic claim get the fact checking treatment.
No, No, and No ! Coffee consumption linked to lower risk of COVID-19 infection. Another myth busted, but wouldn't it be nice....
Woman Accidentally Spreads Vaccine Misinformation With Microchip 'Joke' Viral Video. It was a joke, that quickly took on a life of its own that was never intended.

Resources

Watch: How your mask protects other people – video explainer. There are people, places, and occasions when masks remain a good idea.
Free rapid tests for your employees. The Government of Canada, some provincial/territorial governments, and distribution partners are providing free rapid COVID-19 tests to organizations for regular workplace screening of close-contact employees. Check the web link for details.
Essential Vocab For COVID-19: From Asymptomatic To Zoonotic. This is a handy guide to help you not only understand what you are reading in the news, but to help you talk about the pandemic.

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COVID News - July 30thVariants & Vaccines

COVID News - July 30th
Variants & Vaccines