Scientists Urge WHO To Examine Non-Animal Origins For Covid

Bloomberg: WHO Should Look Beyond Animals On Covid Origin, Scientists Say
The World Health Organization should convene another investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic that looks beyond animal sources, a group of scientists said in an open letter. The signatories proposed specific steps on what any new probe should take into account. Suggestions include ensuring that a team can undertake studies without the “unnecessary presence” of government officials of the host country, removing any veto powers in the member-selection process and a mandate for broad access to data, records and samples. (Gretler, 4/30)

CIDRAP: Obesity Studies Highlight Severe COVID Outcomes, Even In Young Adults
Two new, large studies from England and Mexico provide new details on obesity as a risk factor for poor COVID-19–related outcomes, including death, with the UK study noting the highest hospitalization rate in young adults. ... It is the largest study to date assessing body weight and COVID outcomes. (Van Beusekom, 4/29)

CIDRAP: Severe Diabetes Linked To Worse COVID-19 Outcomes
A study that included 17,687 people with diabetes and confirmed COVID-19 identified key diabetic risk factors that are linked to severe COVID-19 outcomes, including high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and treatment with insulin. The study was published yesterday in Diabetologia. The meta-analysis is based on 22 studies and was conducted by researchers at the German Diabetes Center (Deutsches Diabetes-Zentrum, or DDZ). As in the general population, increasing age and being male was associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes: Men with diabetes were 28% more likely to die from COVID-19 than diabetic women were, and people with diabetes aged over 65 with diabetes were more than three times more likely to die than younger patients were. (4/29)

In updates on the covid surge —

CBS News: Pacific Northwest Faces COVID-19 Surge As Other States Reopen 
Millions in the Pacific Northwest are facing new shutdowns, including an indoor dining ban, as COVID-19 cases rise at an alarming rate. Washington state, the first to be hit when the pandemic began, is seeing another surge in coronavirus cases, with hospitalizations up 15%. In neighboring Oregon, hospitalizations rose 18%. Governor Kate Brown extended the state of emergency for another 60 days, saying "lives are at stake."  (Battiste, 4/3)

Bloomberg: Covid Surge In Oregon Shows U.S. Fight Against Pandemic Not Over
A Covid-19 surge in Oregon is sweeping through a partially vaccinated population, with steep rises in case rates among the young -- an indication that the U.S. may struggle with distinct outbreaks for months to come. The state reported 888 confirmed and presumed cases on Tuesday and a 6.5% test positivity rate, bringing the seven-day average to 832, according to the Oregon Health Authority. (Querolo and Kharif, 4/29)

Las Vegas Review-Journal: Nevada’s New COVID Cases Remain Far Above Average As Deaths Rebound
Nevada on Thursday reported 458 new coronavirus cases and 11 additional deaths over the preceding day. Updated figures posted by the Department of Health and Human Services on the state’s coronavirus website brought totals in the state to 314,928 COVID-19 cases and 5,459 deaths. New cases were well above the moving 14-day average of daily recorded cases, which stood at 258. Deaths were nearly four times the two-week average of three fatalities per day and represented an increase from Wednesday, when the state reported four deaths. (Dylan, 4/29)

WWMT: Michigan Schools Experience Post-Spring Break Surge Of COVID-19 Outbreaks 
Schools in Michigan saw a surge in new COVID-19 cases and outbreaks following the resumption of classes after spring break. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported April 26, 2021, an additional 42 outbreaks over the last week, which led to at least 193 cases among students and staff at the schools. (Feather, 4/26)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: No Spring Break COVID Surge Seen In Cobb, Douglas Counties
COVID-19 cases in Cobb and Douglas counties did not spike in the wake of Spring Break, said Janet Memark, district health director for the two-county public health department. As of Monday, there were 212 cases per 100,000 people in Cobb County and 242 cases per 100,000 people in Douglas County over a two-week period. These are the lowest COVID-19 rates observed in the two counties in a while, Memark said. (Wilkins, 4/28)