Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
England On Alert For Tiered Lockdown System As Resurgence Hits Europe
AP: England To Have 3-Tier Lockdown System Amid 'Tipping Point'
Millions of people in northern England are anxiously waiting to hear how much further virus restrictions will be tightened in coming days as the British government confirmed Sunday that it will be introducing a new system for local lockdowns. In response to the virus’ resurgence, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce in Parliament on Monday a three-tier local lockdown system, formally known as “Local COVID Alert Levels,” for England, his office said. (Pylas, 10/11)
AP: Lesson Not Learned: Europe Unprepared As 2nd Virus Wave Hits
Europe’s second wave of coronavirus infections has struck well before flu season even started, with intensive care wards filling up again and bars shutting down. Making matters worse, authorities say, is a widespread case of “COVID-fatigue.” Record high daily infections in several eastern European countries and sharp rebounds in the hard-hit west have made clear that Europe never really crushed the COVID-19 curve as hoped, after springtime lockdowns. (Winfield, 10/10)
In other global news —
AP: China To Test 9 Million After Fresh Outbreak
Chinese health authorities will test all 9 million people in the eastern city of Qingdao for the coronavirus this week after nine cases linked to a hospital were found, the government announced Monday. The announcement broke a two-month streak with no virus transmissions within China reported, though China has a practice of not reporting asymptomatic cases. The ruling Communist Party has lifted most curbs on travel and business but still monitors travelers and visitors to public buildings for signs of infection. (10/12)
CNN: Chained And Locked Up, Why Some Nigerians Turn To Religion First To Treat The Mentally Ill
In parts of Nigeria, it is common to attribute mental illness to supernatural factors such as witchcraft or repercussion for sins against God, according to a report in the Integrative Journal of Global Health. As a result, people with perceived symptoms of disorders are believed to be possessed or in need of unorthodox healing from traditional healing centers, and at Christian and Islamic faith-based facilities. (Salaudeen, 10/10)
