2021   Timeline

January                  26,185,362            441,319                                  3,310,949                40,702

February                 28,602,101            513,137                                  3,563,578                51,953

March                    30,459,874             552,072                                  3,668,277                59,240

April                        32,225,012            574,280                                  3,742,115                62,078

May                        33,261,284             594,468                                 3,789,227                63,247

June                       33,624,871             603,966                                 3,814,890                63,569

July                         34,434,136             610,859                                 3,903,052                64,231 

August                   39,057,368             638,700                                 4,326,204                 65,757 

September            43,471,906             698,149                                 4,720,860                 69,130

October                 45,979,056            746,021                                 4,915,796                 71,950

November             48,214,360             776,586                                5,060,666                 74,152

December            54,859,966             825,816                                5,515,250                  76,520

2022 Timeline

January                74,333,528              884,265                               8,292,735                   79,801

February               79,025,644              949,957                               8,961,636                   85,043

March                   81,780,503           1,007,320                              9,102,677                   89,052

April                       82,658,881          1,018,326                               9,192,666                   90,145

May                      86,065,680           1,032,094                               9,574,768                  91,591

June                      86,967,132          1,015,938                              10,024,838                 92,113

July                       90,733,888           1,027,886                             10,367,437                  92,784

August                  94,199,489          1,043,864                             11,052,866                  94,959

September           96,067,772          1,506,416                             11,233,276                  95,796

October               97,450,859          1,070,266                             11,363,979                  96,892

November            98,568,849          1,079,197                            11,492,488                  97,437

December         100,751,994          1,092,674                             11,829,499                  98,637

2023 Timeline

January              104,196,861          1,132,935                             11,964,001                  99,944

February             105,345,992          1,146,142                             12,084,297                100,816                                   

The JHU stopped collecting data as of 10 March 2023.  John Hopkins updates pandemic dashboard for the last time.  March 10, 2023.    Johns Hopkins University published the final update to its free COVID-19 dashboard.  Researchers announced government sources for real-time tallies had drastically declined, making it difficult to offer accurate reporting on Coronavirus Resource Center.   In the U.S., only New York, Arkansas and Puerto Rico still publish case and death counts daily.    

UPDATED WEEKLY – Worldometer, Last updated on 26 March 2023, 6:58 pm PST,

POPULATION - is 336,365,718 of 26 March 2023, 6:58 pm PST, based on Census U.S. and World Population Clock.

      * updated information

    ** no updated information at this reporting

Cases Worldwide

                              Worldometer       

• TOTAL CASES      -    683,334,093

              Recovered       -    656,273,827

• TOTAL DEATHS    -       6,826,925

Cases in the U.S.

• TOTAL CASES       -   106,102,029

              Recovered        -   103,792,786

• TOTAL DEATHS     -       1,153,730
  • Employment increased by 311,000 jobs in February
  • Unemployment rose slightly to 3.6 %

Cases in California

• TOTAL CASES       -     12,155,825                         

              Recovered        -     11,934,599

• TOTAL DEATHS     -         101,798    
  • Fully vaccinated      –  29,545,389     85 %*
  • Additional Booster   -  16,403,744,     42 % *
  • Employment increased by 96,700 jobs, 19% of the nation’s overall non-farm job growth
  • Unemployment rose slightly to 4.2 % in January 2023

                     *  no updated information at this reporting

03/26/2023 (WHO)               Cases             Deaths      Recovered    Fully Vaccinated, %*** (USA Facts)

• Texas                    -    8,538,335         93,964        8,385,972           18,371,668         63 %
• Florida                  -   7,542,869         87,141         7,431,410          14,932,254          70 %
• New York             -    6,984,669         77,331        6,895,151          15,735,707          81 %
• Illinois                    -   4,100,818         41,618         4,011,108           9,042,341           71 %       
• Pennsylvania       -   3,539,135         50,623        3,472,680            9,411,562          74 %
• N. Carolina          -   3,477,321         28,475            N/A                 7,050,641          67 %
• Ohio                     -   3,415,254         41,924        3,346,702            7,074,737          60 %
• Georgia               -   3,073,461         42,571        3,015,077           7,272,014           68 %  
• Tennessee           -   2,522,587          29,322        2,490,404           3,845,330          56 %
• Arizona                -  2,451,062           33,190        2,402,250          4,812,115           66 %
• Alabama*           -  1,648,385           21,114        1,678,326          2,608,244           53 %
• Louisiana             -  1,580,708          18,835         1,549,232           2,558,930          55 %
• W. Virginia***      -     645,710            8,011             N/A               1,070,667           60 %

 *   Tied with Wyoming, rating last in national vaccine distribution

**  correction

           ***  no updated information at this reporting

United States progress                                       Updated 26 March 2023, 6:58 pm PST,

• Doses Distributed                                                      971,469,075
• Doses Administered                                                 673,465,377
• 1st dose administered                                             269,835,963           81.3 %                    
• Primary series administered                                    230,283.056           69.4 %
• Bivalent Booster**                                                      54,579,043           16.4 %
• Total population                                                       336,365,718

   * Updated information

               ** No updated information at this reporting

• https://usafacts.org/visualizations/covid-vaccine-tracker-states/
• https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/us-states
• https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/
• https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/us-states
• https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations
• https://usafacts.org/visualizations/weekly-unemployment-claims/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=ND-Jobs&msclkid=b11efd9b16dc12762fd79d422c12da27
• https://www.edd.ca.gov/newsroom/unemployment-may-2021.htm
• https://www.bls.gov/
• https://www.bls.gov/news.release/laus.nr0.htm
• https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/us-population/

MARCH  BLOG

COVID UPDATE

California's COVID emergency is ending. How will it change your life?  Tue, February 28, 2023 at 10:48 AM PST.   California's 3-year-old COVID-19 state of emergency will lift Tuesday, 7 March, a development that reflects the next phase of the pandemic, even as officials and experts say continued vigilance and preparation are necessary. 

The global pandemic is not over.  Rescinding the health emergencies issued during the outbreak's early days acknowledges the degree to which the COVID threat has ebbed

Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition Roadmap.  February 9, 2023.  Based on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, to expire at the end of the day on May 11, 2023.

VARIANT UPDATE

OMICRON  XBB.1.5.  Updated: February 26, 2023 7:51 PM IST.  COVID-19 is not over yet, it is a virus that will mutate and stay in the environment.  In a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, revealed the omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5 is wreaking havoc in the United States.

According to the data, the highly transmissible variant contributed to 85% of the total coronavirus cases, making it the dominant strain in the country followed by BQ.1.1, which remains the second most prevalent strain.  Per experts, XBB.1.5 variant spreads 120 % faster than BQ.1.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the XBB.1.5 variant is highly transmissible and has the ability to infect those fully vaccinated!

The best way to stay clear of the virus is by maintaining safety precautions such as wearing a properly fitted face mask, using a good quality hand sanitizer, maintaining social distancing, and tracking the symptoms.

COVID-19 'may cause brain hemorrhages in unborn babies'.  January 23, 2023.  ·Evidence has emerged that  might be linked to brain hemorrhages in unborn children with COVID-19 infections.  Scientists who examined fetus tissues said it was "extremely unusual" for the number of brain hemorrhages detected to have occurred, but the cause is unclear.

The King's College London researchers study suggests COVID might affect the fetal brain during the earliest stages of gestation, highlighting a need for further research into the potential impact on subsequent neurological development.  Scientists studied 26 samples of human fetal tissue from a total sampling of 661, collected between July 2020 and April 2022.  Coronavirus was present in all of the samples with hemorrhages.

Possible explanations:

• a direct consequence of the infection or
• an indirect consequence of the maternal immune response

It is important for follow ups for children that were prenatally exposed to COVID-19 to establish if there are long-lasting neuro-developmental effects.  The study highlights the need for pregnant women to be vaccinated against COVID-19, whatever the cause,  to avoid complications for both mother and baby.

VACCINE UPDATE

FDA advisors recommend first-ever RSV vaccine from Pfizer, despite possible Guillain-Barre risks.  FEB 28 20234:30 PM EST.  The Food and Drug Administration’s, FDA, independent advisors recommended the RSV vaccine, a shot from Pfizer, for adults ages 60 and older.  Currently, there is no vaccine to protect older adults from the respiratory syncytial virus.   Pfizer’s shot could become the first to receive FDA approval.

The FDA and advisory committee members had concerns about two cases in 20,000 vaccine recipients presenting with Guillain-Barre syndrome.   Guillain-Barre, a rare neurological disorder, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves.  Symptoms range from brief weakness to paralysis.  In most patients, even severe cases, recover!

The Pfizer shot is 86 % protective against lower respiratory tract illness presenting with three or more symptoms and 66.7 % effective with two or more symptoms.  Symptoms included:

• wheezing,
• shortness of breath,
• rapid and shallow breathing,
• mucus production

The Centers for Disease Control Prevention indicated, RSV causes 6,000 to 10,000 deaths and 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations per year in adults 65 and older.  The risk of hospitalization increases with age.  Adults 70 and older are more vulnerable.

A promising RSV drug could soon be available for babies.  February 28, 20235:51 PM ET.  Drugmaker Sanofi, which is partnering with AstraZeneca, says its trial shows the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, is 75% effective at preventing severe infection throughout an RSV season. The FDA is currently reviewing its application to get approved in the U.S.  Nirsevimab is already OK'd in Europe.  If approved in the U.S., it would be available later this year.

Dr. Vandana Madhavan, clinical director of pediatric infectious disease at Mass General for Children, indicated nirsevimab is a significant development.  It’s expected to be available for all babies facing their first season of RSV protecting them for about five months.

Sanofi’s monoclonal antibody for infants and toddlers.  Updated 3:05 p.m. ET Feb. 27, 2023.   A monoclonal antibody from Sanofi and AstraZeneca, nirsevimab, helps prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in newborns and infants entering or during their first RSV season.

The FDA accepted nirsevimab to review for approval in January.  If approved, it would be the second monoclonal antibody on the market for infants.  The other, palivizumab, is only recommended for high-risk infants who were born severely premature at 29 weeks or earlier.

The 50-milligram dose of nirsevimab will be available for all infants up to 24 months, regardless of whether they were born to term or preterm, according to Jon Heinrichs, Sanofi's global head of innovation and emerging sciences.

Nirsevimab technically, is not a vaccine but experts think it should get vaccine perks, such as:

• Monitoring by the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
• Making nirsevimab available at no cost to families through the Vaccines For Children program,
• Appearing on immunization records.

The CDC panel reviewed previous data that found: 

• The monoclonal antibody was 80% effective against medically attended RSV lower respiratory tract infections in infants born at 35 weeks or later.
• Nirsevimab reduced infections by 70% in healthy preterm infants born between 29 and 35 weeks compared to the placebo.   

According to research reviewed by the panel, the antibody would be best for:

• All babies at birth, born October through March
• Babies born April through September, who should get nirsevimab within eight months of their first RSV season, preferably during their two-, four- or six-month wellness visit
• High-risk babies entering their second RSV season

.

Merck's Covid drug is causing new virus mutations, study warns — amid fears its use in virus-stricken China could create entirely new variant.   PUBLISHED: 10:45 EST, 2 February 2023.  A Covid drug just approved in China causes the coronavirus to mutate in new ways, a study warns.   US and UK researchers and the Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London and other UK institutions, identified the new mutations in viral samples taken from patients given Merck's antiviral Lagevrio.

Lagevrio has rarely been used in the US or UK.  One expert warns this can lead to the emergence of new variants.   Concerns arose around the time Lagevrio received authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late 2021.

The drug works by creating mutations in the Covid genome that prevent the virus from replicating in the body.  Initially seen as a breakthrough, Pfizer's Paxlovid overtook Lageviro as the Covid antiviral of choice worldwide, sidelining Merck's drug for the past year.

The nucleic makeup of RNA strands was analyzed, for indications the virus mutated because of the drug.  Evidence showed the drug had caused replication in nearly all of the sample detections gathered in 2022 - the year it was made available worldwide - indicating Lagevrio is at fault. 

The poor, essentially zero efficacy of molnupiravir against SARS-CoV-2, the high mutagenic activity and its contribution to the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2, is disturbing that molnupiravir is being used anywhere, at any time, for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, stated Dr William Haseltine, world's leading expert in human genome analysis. 

Merck’s Covid-19 drug linked to new virus mutations, study says.  Published: 10:51am, 2 Feb, 2023.  Merck & Co’s Covid-19 pill is giving rise to new mutations of the virus in some patients, according to a study that underscores the risk of trying to intentionally alter the pathogen’s genetic code.

The drug-linked mutations haven’t shown to be more immune-evasive or lethal yet, according to the study.  Their very existence highlights what some scientists say are potential risks in wider use of the drug, which was recently cleared in China.  Some scientists had warned before it was authorized in late 2021, by virtue of how it works, the drug could give rise to mutations that could turn out to be problematic.  

China is tracking the emerging, more transmissible ‘Orthrus’ Covid variant.  1 Feb 2023.  “There’s always been an underlying concern that the drug could contribute to a problem generating new variants,” said Jonathan Li, a virologist at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Merck disputes the view that its drug is causing problematic variants.  “There is no evidence to indicate that any antiviral agent has contributed to the emergence of circulating variants,” Merck spokesman Robert Josephson said about the study. “Based on available data we do not believe that Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is likely to contribute to the development of new meaningful coronavirus variants.”

The study authors assume the mutations were associated with molnupiravir treatment, but don’t have direct proof that the mutations arose in patients who took their drug.  Josephson indicated, researchers drew their conclusions from “circumstantial associations between viral sequence origin and time frame of sequence collection in countries where molnupiravir is available,” Josephson said.

China’s Covid crisis: What went wrong and how bad is it?  Major scientific journals don’t publish studies until the completion of a “peer review” process in which the research is scrutinized by outside experts.  During the pandemic, scientists increasingly started publishing their research on what are known as “preprint servers” prior to exhaustive reviews, in attempt to advance the science more quickly and share urgent findings.

The researchers looked at some 13 million viral genomes in databases around the world.  The drug-linked mutations were proportionally more common in countries and groups where Lagevrio was likely to be used, especially the US and Australia, where it was introduced early.  The signature mutations are less frequent in Canada, France, and other countries where the drug isn’t used.

Japan downgrades Covid risk, but will social ‘pressure’ to wear masks fade?  31 Jan 2023.  Theo Sanderson, a Crick Institute geneticist who led the study indicated, “It appears people are being treated, some aren’t clearing their infections and some are passing them on.”  The risk of drug-linked mutations is too great to continue using Merck’s drug. 

The US should explore authorizing drugs used in other countries to control Covid-19, like Xocova from Japan-based Shionogi & Co, and discontinue use of Lagevrio, said Michael Lin, a Stanford University antiviral drug researcher who consulted the authors but not involved in the study.  There’s no evidence that any of these mutants is worse in any way – not yet – but it’s well agreed that you’re playing with fire if you’re creating random mutations and hoping nothing bad will come of it.

China gives green light to 2 home-grown Covid-19 antiviral treatments.  30 Jan 2023.   Covid treatment options are dwindling.  Variants have mutated to evade Covid antibodies made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Eli Lilly & Co and Vir Biotechnology Inc.   AstraZeneca PLC’s Evusheld, the last one to retain effectiveness, was just removed from the US market.

Some patients aren’t eligible to take Paxlovid because it contains a component, called ritonavir, that has adverse interactions with therapies for other conditions like heart disease, that are common in people vulnerable to severe Covid.

How to Protect Yourself?  Getting vaccinated is your best bet!

IT’S NOT OVER!

Stay safe.  Mask.  Social distance.  Frequent hand washing.  Avoid crowds

ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

• https://news.yahoo.com/covid-19-may-cause-brain-haemorrhages-in-unborn-babies-153059953.html
• https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11706119/Mercks-Covid-drug-causing-new-virus-mutations-study-warns.html
• https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/new-omicron-variant-xbb-1-5-explodes-in-united-states-experts-warn-of-severe-symptoms-956883/
• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/28/rsv-vaccine-fda-committee-votes-on-pfizer-shot-for-older-adults.html
• https://www.npr.org/2023/02/28/1160158005/a-promising-rsv-drug-could-soon-be-available-for-babies
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/02/23/rsv-vaccine-update-babies-adults/11310978002/
• https://news.yahoo.com/californias-covid-emergency-ending-change-184825910.html
• https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/02/09/fact-sheet-covid-19-public-health-emergency-transition-roadmap.html