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Forbes
an hour ago
- Health
- Forbes
COVID-19 Disease Burden Remains High, Study Shows
A recent study has shown that COVID-19 remains a significant threat. Our public health response ... More needs to reflect this continued disease burden. Photographer: Graham Hughes/Bloomberg Researchers in Denmark conducted a large-scale evaluation of the disease burdens associated with COVID-19 and influenza. Their conclusion? COVID-19 has a greater impact than influenza, resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths. These findings, they note, emphasize the continued need for a strong public health response. To compare the disease burden of COVID-19 and influenza, the researchers evaluated data available from Danish health registries from May 16, 2022 to June 7, 2024. The results were published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. A commentary about the findings was published in the same issue of the journal. During this period, the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 was approximately two times higher than the risk of hospitalization due to influenza. The risk of death was approximately three times higher. The researchers note that these increased risks were greater during the first year of the study period but still were evident during the second year. The risk of mortality, for example, was five times greater for COVID-19 during the first year of the study. That increased risk dropped during the second year, but COVID-19 still had a two and a half times greater risk of mortality than influenza. Infectious disease experts often cite the case fatality rate of an infectious agent as one measure of its disease burden. Simply, the CFR represents the proportion of people diagnosed with an infectious disease who die from the disease. Five years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 780 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide, resulting in over 7 million deaths, according to data provided by the World Health Organization. The ratio in the U.S. is similar. About 103 million cases and 1.22 million deaths have been reported. These numbers indicate a CFR of approximately 1%. This rate is significantly lower than the rates associated with other recent coronavirus outbreaks like SARS (CFR = 11%) and MERS (CFR = 34%). However, the CFR of COVID-19 far exceeds the CFR of seasonal influenza. The disease burden of COVID-19 certainly has dropped over the course of the pandemic. Various factors most likely have contributed to this change. Most people today possess some degree of natural or vaccine-induced immunity. As a result, rates of severe disease, hospitalization, and death should be lower. But the disease burden remains significant. We must continue our efforts to prevent new infections and develop effective treatments for infected individuals. In their article, Bager et al. note, 'These results highlight the continued need for attention and public health efforts to mitigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2.' In the accompanying commentary, Dr. Yan Xie, a researcher at the Washington University School of Medicine, noted that there exists, 'a profound disconnect between empirical evidence and public health policy, particularly in vaccine prioritisation strategies.' He added, 'Governments must prioritize robust surveillance and monitoring systems, data collection, analysis, and clear communication about the state of infectious threats, including COVID-19's ongoing impacts.' When asked to elaborate on these points, Dr. Xie commented, 'The disconnect arises primarily from the notion that COVID-19 has become less severe and in the eyes of many an inconsequential infection.' The empirical evidence, however, suggests otherwise. COVID-19 remains a significant public health problem. Yet, our efforts to address the disease are waning. In recent weeks, the Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Martin A. Makary wrote that future formulations of the COVID-19 vaccine would need to undergo extensive clinical trials before being approved for use in healthy people between 6 months and 64 years and age. And Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the COVID-19 vaccine would be removed from the CDC immunization schedule for healthy children and healthy pregnant women. These changes undoubtedly will reduce access to the vaccines and thus increase people's risk of becoming infected. COVID-19 has not gone away. We must remain vigilante and committed to addressing this ongoing threat. Now is not the time to relax our efforts. As Dr. Xie remarked, 'Aligning policies with reality is crucial to effectively protect public health. Wishful thinking is just that - wishful thinking.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LAFC, Club América are anticipating their 'massive' play-in match to join Club World Cup field
Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, right, and Timothy Tillman, left, celebrate after Bouanga's penalty kick goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) America's coach Andre Jardine and his players stand on the pitch with their second place medals after losing 0-2 against Toluca during the Mexican soccer league second leg final match at Nemesio Diez stadium in Toluca, Mexico, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) Los Angeles FC's Olivier Giroud reacts after scoring against CF Montreal during second-half MLS soccer match action in Montreal, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) Los Angeles FC's Olivier Giroud reacts after scoring against CF Montreal during second-half MLS soccer match action in Montreal, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) Los Angeles FC's Denis Bouanga, right, and Timothy Tillman, left, celebrate after Bouanga's penalty kick goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, May 11, 2025. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press via AP) America's coach Andre Jardine and his players stand on the pitch with their second place medals after losing 0-2 against Toluca during the Mexican soccer league second leg final match at Nemesio Diez stadium in Toluca, Mexico, Sunday, May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) Los Angeles FC's Olivier Giroud reacts after scoring against CF Montreal during second-half MLS soccer match action in Montreal, Saturday, May 24, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) — Olivier Giroud has won the World Cup and UEFA Champions League during his decorated career, yet even Los Angeles FC's famed French striker is impressed by the extraordinary nature of the stakes when his team hosts Club América on Saturday night. The winner of this one-game play-in match gets the final spot in the FIFA Club World Cup and the remarkable chance for a North American team to face world soccer powers in the biggest-ever edition of this summer competition. Advertisement 'To get the opportunity to play that kind of competition is a big chance for the boys,' Giroud said. 'We need to grab the opportunity.' What's more, the winning team at BMO Stadium will be guaranteed at least $9.55 million for its Club World Cup berth, along with a shot at nearly $100 million from the tournament's biggest-ever prize pool of nearly $1 billion. Even the setting is tantalizing: Thanks to equal ticket distribution, LAFC's sold-out arena will be packed with raucous supporters of both the home team and the biggest professional club in Mexico. Los Angeles' passion for all forms of Mexican soccer is famously rabid, and América has legions of Southern California fans. No wonder the players and coaches involved are expecting a career-defining experience in this big-money match. Advertisement 'It's massive,' LAFC center back Aaron Long said. 'I think the stakes are probably as high as it can get. Two titans of North America battling it out. I'm sure BMO will be on a different level. I'm sure fans from both sides are going to be going all-in, giving 100%. If you're a fan, these are the games you want to go and see. It's going to be incredible.' The Club World Cup includes 32 teams for the first time, and it is being held across the U.S. one year before the FIFA World Cup returns to North America. Two Major League Soccer clubs and two Liga MX clubs have already qualified for the event, and LAFC or América will join them based on the results of this one match. Giroud has done just about everything in world soccer — except this. Chelsea won the Champions League with Giroud in 2021 to earn a Club World Cup spot, but Giroud left for AC Milan before it happened. 'This is the kind of match you need to play at 110%,' Giroud said. "I've never played in it. It could be nice to meet Chelsea again, but obviously it will be a massive game (first).' Advertisement Indeed, the winner of the play-in match will face Chelsea, Brazil's Flamengo and Tunisia's ES Tunis in group play. LAFC and América got this opportunity after FIFA disqualified León because of its rules against participation by multiple clubs owned by the same entity. León and fellow Liga MX qualifier Pachuca are owned by the same group, and León lost its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after attempting to change its ownership structure. The decision was only finalized 3 1/2 weeks ago, necessitating this quick one-game playoff for the final spot. The matchup will also serve as an informal referendum on the usually friendly competition between MLS and Liga MX for unofficial recognition as North America's top professional league. LAFC and América already met in a preseason friendly in Los Angeles this year, but the play-in is a different animal. Advertisement 'I believe this game will be prepared like a final,' said LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, another World Cup champion. 'It's going to be interesting to face one of the best Mexican clubs, and it's going to be tough, challenging, but it's also what you play football for," Lloris added. "When I signed for LAFC, I didn't expect to have this type of opportunity. I know that in life and in football, when you have this kind of opportunity, you have to do everything to take it.' LAFC has enjoyed steady success since its MLS debut in 2018, winning the MLS Cup playoff championship in 2022 and earning two Supporters' Shields for the best regular-season record. LAFC is unbeaten in eight matches since a CONCACAF Champions League qualifier loss to Club World Cup invitee Inter Miami last April. América is generally considered both the most popular and the most decorated club in Mexico, and Las Águilas have been on top of Liga MX for much of the previous three seasons. Their Brazilian coach, André Jardine, attracted international praise while his team won three straight titles before losing the Clausura final to Toluca last Sunday night, falling just short of becoming only the second team in Mexico's history to win four consecutive championships. ___ AP soccer:
Toronto Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Carney's defence spending will add up to $46 billion to economy, CIBC says
Published May 28, 2025 • 1 minute read A Canadian flag on the sleeve of a member of the Canadian Armed Forces at the Decarie Square Covid-19 vaccination site in Montreal, on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. Photo by Graham Hughes / Bloomberg The economic gains of Prime Minister Mark Carney's defence spending boost will likely be worth more than double the planned investment costs, according to Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce economists. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The $31 billion that Carney's government has earmarked for additional defence outlays through the fiscal year ending in 2029 may boost Canada's economy by as much as $64 billion, CIBC's Benjamin Tal and Katherine Judge said in a report Wednesday. That's because the economy is expected to expand in response to the ramp-up in defence spending, production, procurement and employment. But if the outlay is financed by higher taxes or cuts to other programs, the effect would be smaller, they said. Debt financing may also reduce the size of the multiplier via higher long-term rates. Carney's pledge to strengthen the Canadian Armed Forces is compelled in part by U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism that the northern nation isn't spending enough on its military and counts on Americans for protection from foreign powers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Some of that is true. Having spent only 1.4% of gross domestic product on defence last year, Canada is at the bottom end of the spectrum globally, Tal and Judge wrote. The country is also 'under-performing' on purchases of new equipment, they said. Carney has promised to exceed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's obligation of spending 2% of GDP on defence by 2030 — though the alliance is swiftly moving toward raising that target to 5%. Carney has also promised to bolster partnerships with Europe and move away from the U.S., where he says 75% of Canada's defence spending was previously destined. The prime minister told the CBC on Tuesday that he hopes to sign on to a major European defence procurement initiative called Readiness 2030, formerly known as Rearm Europe, by July 1. His defence minister, David McGuinty, said Wednesday the government is taking 'immediate and decisive action' to rebuild Canada's defence capacity. Canada Music Editorial Cartoons Tennis Crime
CTV News
5 days ago
- CTV News
Technical issue interrupts REM again
A Réseau express métropolitain (REM) train makes its way towards downtown in Montreal, Thursday, November 14, 2024. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press) A technical issue is causing interruptions on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) Monday morning. According to the network, the situation is creating trouble in both directions between Gare Centrale and the Panama station in Brossard. 'Service resumption time is currently unknown,' the REM notes. For information on shuttle buses, click here.
Toronto Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Canada retail sales rose again in April despite tariff war
Published May 23, 2025 • 2 minute read Hoodies in a souvenir store in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. US President Donald Trumps threats have spurred many Canadians to band together in response, touting national unity and boycotting American products. Photo by Graham Hughes / Bloomberg (Bloomberg) — Canadian consumers kept on spending last month, defying a tariff war that threatens their employment and wealth. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account An advance estimate suggests receipts for retailers rose 0.5% in April, Statistics Canada said Friday. That extended a 0.8% gain in March, which beat the median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists. The better-than-expected March figures came after retail sales fell in January and February on a seasonally-adjusted basis. Overall, they were up 1.2% in the first quarter, the fourth consecutive quarterly increase, as sales were boosted in the latter half of 2024 when the Bank of Canada's interest-rate cuts boosted spending before US tariffs soured consumer confidence. March's strong gain was driven by higher sales of cars and trucks, likely a result of Canadians trying to beat price hikes related to the Trump administration's tariffs. The motor vehicle and parts sector rose 4.8%, up for the first time in three months, with higher sales at new car dealers driving the increase. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Excluding autos, sales declined 0.7%, lower than economist estimates. Core retail sales, which exclude gas stations and car dealers, rose 0.2% in March, led primarily by building material and garden equipment dealers, followed by clothing, jewelry and luggage retailers. Sales at gas stations and fuel vendors fell 6.5% in March after five consecutive monthly increases, as gas prices dropped that month. In volume terms, retail sales were up 0.9% in March. Regionally, retail sales increased in eight of 10 provinces. The largest provincial increase in dollar terms was in Quebec, which saw a 1.6% bump, with sales in its largest city of Montreal rising 3.1%. In Ontario, retail sales increased 0.6% in March, led by higher auto sales, but retail sales fell 1% in Toronto. The largest provincial decrease of 1.6% was in Manitoba, led by lower gas station sales. The statistics agency didn't provide sectoral or provincial details for the April estimate. The figure was based on responses from 60.2% of companies surveyed, versus the average final response rate of 91% over the previous 12 months. Data from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants suggests auto dealers enjoyed another strong bump in sales in April. —With assistance from Mario Baker Ramirez. Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls Toronto & GTA Celebrity Sunshine Girls
