Early lockdowns in the U.S. and Europe had little impact in reducing COVID-19 deaths, finds Johns Hopkins University researchers, notes Grumpy Editor.
That event during the early phase of the pandemic two years ago reduced mortality by about 0.2 percent, note researchers.
“We find no evidence that lockdowns, school closures, border closures and limiting gatherings have had a noticeable effect on COVID-19 mortality," they add.
In addition, the researchers say the lockdowns did have “devastating effects” on the economy and “contributed to reducing economic activity.”
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS SOURCES MISSED THESE…
Pentagon trespasser
CHICKEN ENTERS PENTAGON SECURITY AREA. A wandering chicken — a brave hen — walks around a security area near the Pentagon. Apparently the answer to “why did the chicken cross the road” is to get to the Pentagon, posts the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Virginia. Security people grab her.
DESIGNERS DISCONTINUE FUR ITEMS. Some major designer brands are discontinuing fur in their products. However, famous fashion label Gucci stopped using fur in 2018 and switched to faux furs in fashions, using a blend of modacryl, acrylic and polyester.
LASER BEAMS HIT AIR FLIGHTS NEAR SEATTLE-TACOMA. Four air flights near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are hit recently by a laser as a record 9,723 laser incidents are reported by pilots last year — a 41 percent jump from 2020.
ARMY EXPELS THOSE WHO NIX VACCINE. The U.S. Army begins to expel service members who decide against receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth orders commanders to begin "involuntary administrative separation proceedings" against those who refuse to get vaccinated or don't have an approved or pending exemption.
MORE PEOPLE HIT BY OMICRON IN RECENT WEEKS. Omicron likely has gotten more people sick in the past six weeks than in any similar period since the 1917-18 flu pandemic, reports The Wall Street Journal. Although Omicron has peaked in many places, this month likely will bring similar caseloads “as the variant continues to spread before it flames out,” adds The Journal.
CALIFORNIA AIMS TO PROP MEDIA. Three California state senators propose a measure aimed at propping up media organizations that cover local news after decades of consolidation and closings in the journalism field. "A vibrant local press that informs the public and acts as a government watchdog has been vital to the survival of American democracy,” says Sen. Steve Glazer.
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