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Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Warning new Covid wave could be coming
Prof Michael Baker says the new NB.1.8.1 is becoming dominant in a number of countries. Photo via RNZ A sudden surge in Covid-19 detections - along with the emergence of a new, and what's thought to be more infectious, subvariant - should be a warning to take action, an epidemiologist says. NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong. ABC News reports it is also driving up infections in Australia. Here, the latest available ESR wastewater testing to May 11 shows the sub-variant making up 21.6 percent of readings. Epidemiologist Michael Baker said it came as overall Covid-19 detections were surging. "We've had a long period when Covid levels have been relatively low in New Zealand. It's about 11 months since our last big wave, the sixth wave, in June last year." Baker said there were numerous surveillance systems giving an idea of how the virus was spreading, and most were not showing changes. However, that was not the case for wastewater testing. "There's quite a striking spike in the wastewater samples and the positivity detected there. And numbers are really shooting up across the country, so for the first time in around 11 months we're seeing what looks like the beginning of a wave." Baker cautioned it was too early to see a clear picture, and further results over the next week or two would help. "But I think it is a strong warning that we should be taking more action around Covid-19 in various ways." Baker said NB.1.8.1 was becoming dominant in a number of countries and it would "almost certainly" do the same in New Zealand. "We see many new subvariants and most of the time they're not translating at the moment into a rise in cases. "But that's why this one is different - we are seeing that early increase, but we're not seeing it in all the surveillance systems yet, so we just need to keep watching. "I think the message is very clear that we're moving into winter, we have got this rise in cases - and if anyone has been putting off getting their Covid-19 booster, now would be a good time to get it." Baker said health authorities should also be taking additional precautions in hospitals, residential care facilities in particular. He said the existing vaccine gave added protection against the new subvariant, which descended from a variant the vaccine is based on. "I think it's all adding up to a picture of the need to take precautions against this infection."
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Covid-19: New wave could be coming after 11-month reprieve
Professor Michael Baker says the new NB.1.8.1 is becoming dominant in a number of countries and would "almost certainly" do the same in New Zealand. Photo: Supplied to RNZ A sudden surge in Covid-19 detections - along with the emergence of a new, and what's thought to be more infectious, subvariant - should be a warning to take action, an epidemiologist says. NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong. ABC News reports it is also driving up infections in Australia. Here, the latest available ESR wastewater testing to 11 May shows the sub-variant making up 21.6 percent of readings. Epidemiologist Michael Baker said it comes as overall Covid-19 detections surge . "We've had a long period when Covid levels have been relatively low in New Zealand. It's about 11 months since our last big wave, the sixth wave, in June last year." Baker said there were numerous surveillance systems giving an idea of how the virus was spreading, and most were not showing changes. However that was not the case for wastewater testing. "There's quite a striking spike in the wastewater samples and the positivity detected there. And numbers are really shooting up across the country, so for the first time in around 11 months we're seeing what looks like the beginning of a wave." Wastewater testing reveals a spike in Covid-19 cases nationally. Photo: Supplied / ESR Baker cautioned it was too early to see a clear picture and further results over the next week or two would help. "But I think it is a strong warning that we should be taking more action around Covid-19 in various ways." Baker said NB.1.8.1 was becoming dominant in a number of countries and it would "almost certainly" do the same in New Zealand. "We see many new subvariants and most of the time they're not translating at the moment into a rise in cases. "But that's why this one is different - we are seeing that early increase, but we're not seeing it in all the surveillance systems yet, so we just need to keep watching. "I think the message is very clear that we're moving into winter, we have got this rise in cases - and if anyone has been putting off getting their Covid-19 booster, now would be a good time to get it." Baker said health authorities should also be taking additional precautions in hospitals, residential care facilities in particular. He said the existing vaccine gave added protection against the new subvariant, which descended from a variant the vaccine is based on. "I think it's all adding up to a picture of the need to take precautions against this infection." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
5 Best waterproof phone pouches for swimming that let you snap pics, scroll, and float!
Taking your phone into the water used to feel like tempting fate. Now, with the right waterproof phone pouch, you can keep it by your side without a second thought. These clever accessories aren't just about protection. They let you keep using your phone while you're swimming, floating or even just splashing about in the shallows. You might be filming underwater clips or texting from the hot tub. The best waterproof phone pouch does more than keep things dry. With proper sealing, clear plastic, and easy-to-use locking systems, these pouches are changing how we treat our tech around water. From pool days to beach trips, a reliable waterproof phone cover is one bit of gear that's surprisingly handy and worth having. CASEOLOGY by Spigen brings a waterproof phone pouch with a clever vacuum seal that hugs your camera lens for sharp underwater shots. It fits smartphones up to 8.3 inches, even with bulky cases. The pouch allows smooth touch and button access, has anti-fog tech, and includes a long adjustable strap for versatile wear. Perfect for active outdoor use. What are buyers saying on Amazon?Reliable seal, solid underwater performance and surprisingly clear photos. Users praise the vacuum feature, though a few find it slightly pricey. CASEOLOGY by Spigen Waterproof Mobile Pouch up to 8.3 for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12 Series, iPhone Pro Max, Samsung S25 S24 S23 Ultra, Pixel Series, Vacuum Pump Mobile Waterproof Pouch - Charcoal Grey The Spigen Waterproof Mobile Pouch (A601) is a clear, lightweight pouch that fits phones up to 8.2 inches. With IPX8 certification, it protects your device up to 30 metres underwater. The soft PVC lets you scroll with ease, even while submerged. It also holds essentials like cash and cards, making it a solid pick for swimming and travel. What are buyers saying on Amazon?Buyers love the secure seal, crystal clarity, and easy touchscreen use. It's compact enough yet roomy for the essentials. Spigen Waterproof Mobile Pouch (A601) for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and All Other Smartphones up to 8.2 Inches, Mobile Waterproof Pouch (IPX8 Certified, Pack of 1) - Crystal Clear The ESR waterproof phone pouch is built for the iPhone 14 Pro Max and 15 Pro Max, combining full underwater touch sensitivity with a float-ready design. Certified IPX8, it keeps your device dry up to 30 metres deep. Its snug fit, responsive buttons, and buoyant sponge layer make it a reliable pick for beach trips and underwater activities. What are buyers saying on Amazon?Praised for its snug fit, solid waterproofing and floating design, though some note the case must be removed before use. ESR 1 Pack Waterproof Phone Pouch for iPhone 15 Pro Max/14 Pro Max, Underwater Touch Sensitivity, IPX8 Floating Waterproof Cellphone Case with Lanyard, Dry Bag for Snorkeling, Black The BOBO Universal Waterproof Pouch is a practical dry bag-style case that fits a wide range of smartphones. With IPX8 certification, it offers reliable water, snow and dirt protection. Its transparent build keeps your phone visible on both sides, making it handy for snapping photos or checking notifications. Great for the beach or pool, with a basic snap lock and neck strap. What are buyers saying on Amazon?Appreciated for keeping phones dry and looking neat, though the screen response and fit vary across different phone sizes. BOBO Universal Waterproof Pouch (Big Size) Cellphone Dry Bag Case for Smartphone – Transparent (Pack of 1) The JOTO waterproof phone pouch is made for smartphones up to 6 inches, offering protection for beach days and poolside lounging. It features clear windows on both sides for easy photo-taking and screen visibility. The IPX8 rating promises water resistance up to 30 metres, while the simple snap lock and included neck strap keep things practical and hands-free. What are buyers saying on Amazon?Buyers like the fit and affordability. Opinions are mixed on water resistance and touchscreen performance during underwater use. JOTO Pouch Case For Apple iPhone 6S 6,6S Plus, SE 5S 7, Samsung Galaxy S7, S6 Note 5 4, HTC LG Sony Nokia Motorola up to 6.0 ( Polyvinyl Chloride|Black ) For anyone after a waterproof phone pouch for swimming that's reliable, touch-friendly and travel-ready, these options offer solid protection without fuss. Keep your phone dry and your snaps coming. Zouk: Meet modern vegan designs, rooted in Indian artistry Vegan handbags for the modern professional: Work smarter, carry kinder Vegan leather handbag brands that will transform the way you style! Bag the one you want: Get handbags that speak your language. Yes, many waterproof phone pouches are designed specifically for swimming and offer protection up to 30 metres underwater. Most pouches have a clear, touch-sensitive window allowing smooth screen use underwater or on land. Check the pouch's maximum device size; many fit phones up to around 8.3 inches diagonally. Yes, they are made to be durable and reusable for multiple water activities with proper care. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
The Print
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Print
Only 1 of Mumbai's 24 wards gets round-the-clock water supply—Praja Foundation report
This was made known in non-profit Praja Foundation's 'Report on the Status of Civic Issues in Mumbai' unveiled at its annual meeting Tuesday at Mumbai Press Club. The meeting focused on water, sewerage, solid waste management, toilets and air quality in the city. While non-slum areas received 135 litres per capita per day (lpcd) of water, slum areas received only 45 lpcd through metered connections. Further, most slum populations rely on water tankers and other sources for water instead of metered water. This cost them more than Rs 700 per month compared to Rs 25 per month for non-slum households in 2024. Mumbai: Only one of 24 wards in Mumbai receives round-the-clock water supply, while average supply is just 5.37 hours per day despite a project launched in 2014 for uninterrupted water supply. Mumbai faced a 15 percent water shortage in 2024—the supply was 3,975 MLD, as against the total demand of 4,664 MLD. 'Mumbai's water supply struggles with significant disparities between the available water resources and how they are distributed throughout the city. Despite the guidelines prescribed by the ministry of housing and urban affairs of 135 lpcd of water, slum households depend on additional water sources for 90 lpcd,' Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation, said. The report highlighted that water supply in Mumbai stands at 3,975 MLD, compared to its demand of 4,664 MLD, resulting in supply shortage of 689 MLD. The Praja Foundation report also underlined a spike in pollution levels in Mumbai's Mithi river. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels in the river stood at 210 mg/l in 2023, compared to 80 mg/l in 2022. BOD is a measure that states levels of water pollution. The higher the BOD level, more the pollution in the water. Between 2020 and 2024, complaints linked to waterborne diseases in the city rose by 52 percent. The report further found that the city's more affluent wards generated the highest per capita waste in 2024 compared to suburban wards. According to a response received under Right to Information (RTI) by Praja Foundation, waste collected from all wards stood at 24,37,420 metric tonnes last year. Speaking at the event, Shreyas Chorgi, Manager, Research and Analysis, Praja Foundation, said waste management complaints in the city have surged by 380 percent since 2015, while Mhaske pointed out that the Bombay High Court had directed civic officials to look for a dumping ground other than Kanjurmarg, where most of the waste is dumped. The report noted that the Mumbai civic body can save Rs 1,485 crore annually with a decentralised solid waste management system, focusing on localising waste processing through community-based waste management facilities. Such a system handles segregation, composting, and recycling of waste at the source. Mhaske also said data from the Environment Status Report (ESR) released annually by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation was at odds with the civic data they had got via RTI. 'ESR is an important tool that needs to be used for the betterment of civic issues in the city, and in the absence of elected representatives, administrators need to be more vigilant about these concerns,' he said. Also Read: Rs 17,000 cr revamp for Mumbai's British-era BDD chawls: Residents hopeful, planners have doubts Status of public toilets The status of public toilets in the city also painted a dire picture. For every four public toilet seats in 2024, only one was for women, according to RTI data accessed by Praja. Of the 6,800 public toilets in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, only 2,973 are functional, while 3,827 lack electricity and water. As many as 69 percent of community toilet blocks lack water connections, and 60 percent lack electricity connections. In 2023, against the Swachh Bharat Mission norm of one community toilet seat for every 35 male users and 25 female users, one seat was available for 86 men and one for 81 women. According to Chorgi, 1.15 lakh complaints were received on Mumbai's Centralised Complaint Registration System (CCRS) last year relating to water, waste, sewage, pollution and toilets. This was an increase of 70 percent from 2015. The CCRS helps in tracking and complaint resolution by the BMC. 'To strengthen service delivery, BMC must improve CCRS by ensuring timely complaint redressal, and introduce a citizen feedback system for greater accountability for democratic empowerment as per the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act,' Mhaske said. Pooja Bhatia is an intern with ThePrint. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Mumbai homes are making a giant mess. Over 2,000 buildings being torn down, built back up
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
‘Only 4% of city gets 24/7 supply': Report flags massive disparity in Mumbai's water distribution
Mumbai received only an average of 5.37 hours of water per day in 2024, with only four per cent of the city pockets receiving round-the-clock supply, a report published by Praja foundation on Tuesday found. Flagging stark disparity in water supply in the metropolis, the study shows that slum pockets only receive 45 litres per capita per day (lpcd) as against 135 lpcd water supplied in the non-slum belts of the city. Titled The Status of Civic Issues in Mumbai, the Praja Foundation on Tuesday released its annual report surveying civic amenities ranging from water, sewage, solid waste management, toilets and air quality. The data, procured through RTI and the civic environmental status report (ESR) report, shows that Mumbai faces a shortfall of 15 per cent in its daily water supply. 'The total water supply to the city is 3,975 million litres per day (MLD), while the total demand is 4,664 MLD, resulting in a water supply gap of 689 MLD,' the report flagged. Amid the shortfall, slum pockets bear the highest brunt with the report finding that only 45 lpcd water is supplied in slums daily. This is a stark departure from the 135 lpcd water supplied in other parts of the city, which is in tune with the norms of Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation. With the lack of adequate water supply in slums, residents here are also compelled to shell out Rs 729 per month for water tankers — which is much higher than the monthly cost of Rs 25.76, which is spent on water supply per day in non-slum areas. 'The promise of 24/7 water supply remains unfulfilled, with only eight per cent of the city zones receiving round-the-clock water supply in 2024. Mumbai's water supply system struggles with significant disparities between the available water resources and how they are distributed throughout the city,' said Milind Mhaske, CEO of Praja Foundation. According to the report, while only four per cent areas — in T ward — received 24 hours of water supply in 2024, 42 per cent areas across nine wards in places like Colaba, Bandra and Andheri got ten hours of average water supply. Meanwhile, wards like B ward (Mazgaon) and C ward (Chandanwadi, Kalbadevi) received only two hours of average water supply. 'Out of the 287 zones, 206 zones (71 per cent) receive only upto four hours of water supply,' the report added. Amid low average supply and disparities, complaints related to water supply saw a rise of 88 per cent in the past decade. Over 14,522 water supply related complaints were raised by citizens on the CCRS portal whereas 7,728 complaints had been raised in 2015. 'In 2024, of the total complaints, 44 per cent pertained to the shortage of water,' said manager of research and analysis at Praja, Shreyas Chorgi. As complaints surged, the time taken to resolve these issues also saw a spike. According to the report, overall complaints registered by citizens saw a spike of 70 per cent in the past decade even as the resolution time for the complaints rose from 32 days in 2023 to 41 days in 2024. While 1.15 lakh complaints were raised on an array of civic issues on Mumbai's Centralised Complaint Registration System (CCRS) in 2024, the total complaints registered in 2015 was much lower at 67,773. Amongst the highest complaints, solid waste management related complaints saw a jump of a staggering 380 percent in the past decade. Over 25,031 SWM related complaints were registered in 2024 as against 5,213 complaints in 2015. Meanwhile, pollution related complaints have also seen a spike of 334 percent between 2015 and 2024.
