Reader’s Links for November 26, 2021

Each day at just after midnight Eastern, a post like this one is created for contributors and readers of this site to upload news links and video links on the issues that concern this site. Most notably, Islam and its effects on Classical Civilization, and various forms of leftism from Soviet era communism, to postmodernism and all the flavours of galloping statism and totalitarianism such as Nazism and Fascism which are increasingly snuffing out the classical liberalism which created our near, miraculous civilization the West has been building since the time of Socrates.

This document was written around the time this site was created, for those who wish to understand what this site is about. And while our understanding of the world and events has grown since then, the basic ideas remain sound and true to the purpose.

So please post all links, thoughts and ideas that you feel will benefit the readers of this site to the comments under this post each day. And thank you all for your contributions.

This is the new Samizdat. We must use it while we can.

About Eeyore

Canadian artist and counter-jihad and freedom of speech activist as well as devout Schrödinger's catholic

79 Replies to “Reader’s Links for November 26, 2021”

  1. Vanden Bossche’s statement is a hypothesis accompanied by reasoning. Consider it value-added speculation. Politicians who equate non-vaccination rectilinearly to death, without the added value of reasoning, are simple fear mongers. Politicians like that Australian maniac Vlad posted yesterday are more mongrels than mongers–as in rabid beasts who are dangerous.

    No wonder people are seeking refuge from this grand psychological operation. Whether or not Vanden Bossche is sincere is almost irrelevant. Time will tell. Our job, now, is mostly-peaceful opposition to anything that stinks like the collectivist agenda. Time to start forgetting your obedience mask more often. Keep it in your pockets with your “oops”.

    • The “value” it added was fear intensified.
      Images of happy, healthy young people – who will all be DEAD.

      THAT’S manipulative. That looks like he got some help from psyop pros (or aficionados).

      Our job now is to figure out the REAL dimensions of this World War, get a handle on strategies for effective fighting.

      That calls for a MILITARY intel pro, like Stephen Coughlin and his associates.

      • Yes it does. I think Stephen’s take would be less optimistic and contain darker predictions than we might hope for though. But its time I bug him for an interview.

    • Redheads are wonderful, charming, passionate, witty, sharing, caring, not to be messed with people. LOL

  2. The Netherlands halts flights from southern Africa amid new variant fears
    https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2021/11/the-netherlands-halts-flights-from-southern-africa-amid-new-variant-fears/
    The Netherlands has brought in a ban on flights landing from southern Africa in an effort to keep out a new, potentially more harmful, variant of coronavirus. The ban comes into effect from midday, ministers decided on Friday morning. In addition, the southern African countries will be added to the list of countries considered to be ‘very high risk’, which means people will have to go into quarantine and have two negative coronavirus tests. Health minister Hugo de Jonge said the new variant has not yet been identified in the Netherlands. ‘But we have seen how fast other variants take hold, so we have to do the maximum to keep it out,’ he told reporters. He said there are still many uncertainties about the new variant. ‘What we are doing is taking precautions,’ he added. The new variant, known as B.1.1.529, already has a hold in South Africa and cases have been found in Botswana and, via a traveller, in Hong Kong. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said Brussels will propose ‘activating the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region’ in close consultation with member states. WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is also meeting to determine if B.1.1.529 variant warrants a designation as one of ‘interest’ or of ‘concern’. The variant was identified on Tuesday and stands out because it carries an ‘extremely high number’ of mutations. ‘The concern is that when you have so many mutations, it can have an impact on how the virus behaves,’ the WHO’s expert Maria van Kerkhove said.
    Passengers Some 600 people on board two plans from South Africa which arrived at Schiphol airport this morning have all been given a PCR test for coronavirus and must stay at the airport until they have their results. As yet is is unclear if the passengers then have to go into quarantine, broadcaster NOS reported.

    • That’s a laugh riot. It isn’t like all the Africans invading the Netherlands fly in. And the ones who sneak in probably aren’t expected to get tested or injected if its like the USA.

      Talk about Potemkin measures.

  3. New South Africa Covid variant has politicians calling for stricter testing policy
    https://nltimes.nl/2021/11/26/new-south-africa-covid-variant-politicians-calling-stricter-testing-policy

    Passengers on two KLM flights from South Africa stuck at Schiphol
    https://nltimes.nl/2021/11/26/passengers-two-klm-flights-south-africa-stuck-schiphol

    Netherlands bans flights from southern Africa over new Covid variant
    https://nltimes.nl/2021/11/26/netherlands-bans-flights-southern-africa-new-covid-variant

    • europravda -Errope’s first reported case of new COVID variant has been discovered in Belgium

      Europe’s first reported case of a new COVID variant has been discovered in Belgium.

      The B.1.1.529 variant, which is causing concern because of its “extremely high” number of mutations, was first detected in South Africa.

      Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke said it had now been found in Belgium.

      “We have a case that is now confirmed of this variant,” he said on Friday. “This is someone who came from abroad, who tested positive on November 22, who was not vaccinated.”

      The country’s chief virologist, Mark Van Ranst, said the variant was detected in “a returning traveller from Egypt”.

      The first detection of this new variant, potentially highly contagious, was announced on Thursday.

      Several European countries including France, Germany and Italy, have already imposed new travel restrictions with South Africa and neighbouring countries that include a 14-day quarantine period for travellers whether they are vaccinated or not. The European Commission has recommended all EU countries follow suit.

      The announcement that the new variant has been detected in Belgium came alongside a new round of “winter” measures, that will come into force on Saturday, as the country is battling a new surge of infections and hospitalisations.

      Private gatherings inside are now banned except for weddings and funerals although no more than 50 people can attend — 100 if the gathering is held outside.

      Nightclubs have been ordered shut while opening hours for restaurants and bars are restricted from 05:00 to 23:00 with only sitting customers allowed and no more than six people at a table.

      Indoor sports competitions can take place but no spectator — except parents of participating children under the age of 18 — are allowed.

      “The situation today is worse than all the scenarios that all the experts showed us last week at a time when the impact of the measures last week are not yet visible today,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters

      “We know that the vaccine is a layer of protection, the mask is a layer of protection, the test is a layer of protection, but there is no protection today that is absolute, there is always some risk.”

      “We must unfortunately (impose new restrictions), and I hope temporarily and I hope when we make the evaluation on December 15, we will be able to have better end of the year celebration compared to the situation we will have from tomorrow, but we must intervene now,” he said.

      Last week, authorities reimposed the extended use of the face masks and mandatory remote work.

      Belgium has recorded an average of 14,030 new infections daily over the past 14 days, a surge of 66% on the previous two-week period. Hospital admissions have meanwhile risen by 46% over the past two weeks and deaths by 45% with an average of 33 fatalities per day over the previous 14 days.

      The country of 11.5 million has lost more than 26,790 lives since the beginning of the pandemic and recorded over 1.68 million confirmed infections.

      About 88% of the country’s adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to figures from Santé Publique Belgique.

      https://www.euronews.com/2021/11/26/europe-s-first-reported-case-of-new-covid-variant-has-been-discovered-in-belgium

      =============================================

      reuters – BioNTech says it expects more data on new variant in two weeks

      FRANKFURT, Nov 26 (Reuters) – BioNTech (22UAy.DE), the inventor of the western world’s most widely used COVID-19 vaccine, said it expects more data on a worrying new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa within two weeks to help determine whether its shot would have to be reworked.

      “We understand the concern of experts and have immediately initiated investigations on variant B.1.1.529,” the biotech firm, which is in a vaccine alliance with Pfizer (PFE.N), said in a statement when asked to comment.

      “We expect more data from the laboratory tests in two weeks at the latest. These data will provide more information about whether B.1.1.529 could be an escape variant that may require an adjustment of our vaccine if the variant spreads globally,” it added.

      Escape variants are those that elude the targeted immune response brought about by vaccination.
      Should it be necessary, Pfizer and BioNTech would be able to redesign their shot within 6 weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days, BioNTech added.

      BioNTech shares gained 7%, while Pfizer stock was up more than 5% in pre-market trading.

      Global authorities reacted with alarm on Friday to the new variant, with the EU and Britain among those tightening border controls as scientists sought to find out if the mutation was vaccine-resistant. read more

      Pfizer and BioNTech have already created versions of their established mRNA-based vaccine – based on the original virus found in the Chinese city of Wuhan – to target the so-called Alpha and Delta variants, with clinical trials ongoing.

      While not meant to yield commercial products, the exercise is carried out to establish a routine with regulators that will help speed up any future vaccine relaunch.

      https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/biontech-says-expect-more-data-new-variant-2-weeks-2021-11-26/

      ==========================================

      BioNTech says it will know in 2 weeks whether the COVID-19 vaccine it developed with Pfizer works against the new variant rapidly spreading in southern Africa

      Scientists and health officials are closely tracking the B.1.1.529 variant detected in South Africa, Botswana, Hong Kong, and Israel.

      The variant has 32 mutations in the part of the virus that attaches to human cells, called the spike protein — the target for existing vaccines and antibody treatments. This means there is a greater risk those vaccines and treatments won’t be as effective against it, Insider previously reported.

      […]The company said that the variant “differs significantly from previously observed variants” as a result.

      “Pfizer and BioNTech have taken actions months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant,” the company said.

      […]It is currently unknown whether the mutations make the B.1.1.529 variant more infectious or deadly.

      […]The variant is rapidly spreading. Israel reported its first case of B.1.1.529 on Friday, an individual who returned to Israel from Malawi.

      Data shared by South Africa’s Department of Health on Thursday showed that B.1.1.529 made up around 75% of cases detected in Gauteng province on November 22, just two weeks after the variant first emerged. Its ascent was much faster than the Beta and Delta variants, which each took months to become dominant, Insider reported.

      https://www.businessinsider.com/vaccine-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-covid-b11529-variant-southern-africa-comirnaty-2021-11
      ====================================
      CBC – Not enough known about new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, specialist says

      But he says travel restrictions are ‘probably not going to be that effective’ at stopping its global transmission.

    • europravda – EU countries move to restrict air travel from southern Africa over new COVID variant

      Germany, Italy and France restrict travel from southern Africa over new COVID variant as Brussels mulls EU-wide flight restrictions

      • europravda – Omicron: Europe’s first reported case of new COVID variant has been discovered in Belgium

    • FRANCE PR4VD4 – EU urges ‘all air travel’ suspended with variant-hit countries

      …following the discovery of a new Covid-19 variant that scientists fear could beat vaccinations, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.

    • CBC – WHO assessing new coronavirus VARIANT THAT COULD BE WORST YET

      The World Health Organization is meeting to assess the implications of a new coronavirus variant, B.1.1.529, first identified in South Africa.

      The European Union, the U.K. and other countries are moving to stop air travel from southern Africa.

    • Deutsche Pravda – New COVID-19 variant: How dangerous is B.1.1.529?

      Scientists in South Africa are warning of a new strain of COVID-19.

      The variant, which is yet to be named, appears to have a high number of mutations, and there’s a possibility it COULD be able to evade our immune response and be even more transmissible.

      At first, health officials thought they were seeing a small cluster of outbreaks in South Africa’s most populous province.

      But after examining specimens, they realized they were dealing with something far more serious – a new variant that COULD be the hardest yet to contain.

      Officials are worried that the new variant, known simply as B.1.1.529, COULD quickly spread through the country and beyond.

      Only about 35% of adults in South Africa are fully vaccinated, and the rate of vaccination has slowed.

      And given the findings so far, even current vaccines may not be enough to stop it.

      Several countries, including the UK and Germany have announced a ban on flights from South Africa and five neighboring countries as cases of the new variant have already appeared in Botswana and in Hong Kong.

      No matter where the variant started, it could quickly become a global problem.

    • Stocks fall at opening bell amid concerns of new COIVID variant

      The new variant immediately infected stock markets around the world.

      Major indexes fell in Europe and Asia and Dow Jones futures dipped 800 points ahead of the market opening in the U.S.

    • CNN – New Covid variant with high number of mutations found

      ( 11 min 28 )

      The discovery sparked a forceful reaction across the world, with a number of countries banning travelers from several southern African countries.

    • Israel Is on the Verge of a State of Emergency Over Variant, PM Bennett Says

      Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett speaks at a news conference about the new Covid-19 variant after the strain was detected in a man who returned to Israel from Malawi. Scientists are still trying to determine whether the new variant, called B.1.1529, is more transmissible or more lethal than previous ones.

      • He gets worse and worse.
        Nightmare coalition, Israeli media that’s a globalist auxilliary. All currying favor with the *B* administration.

        ugh

    • twitter @disclosetv

      NEW – Merck’s experimental COVID19 pill reduces death and hospitalization risk by 30%, not 50%, updated study finds.

      https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1464261666573541381

      ==================

      reuters – Merck’s COVID-19 pill significantly less effective in new analysis

      Nov 26 (Reuters) – Merck & Co (MRK.N) said on Friday updated data from its study of its experimental COVID-19 pill showed the drug was significantly less effective in cutting hospitalizations and deaths than previously reported.

      The drugmaker said its pill showed a 30% reduction in hospitalizations and deaths, based on data from 1,433 patients. In October, its data showed a roughly 50% efficacy, based on data from 775 patients. The drug, molnupiravir, was developed with partner Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

      […]The lower efficacy of Merck’s drug could have big implications in terms of whether countries continue to buy the pill.

      Merck has said data shows molnupiravir is not capable of inducing genetic changes in human cells, but men enrolled in its trials had to abstain from heterosexual intercourse or agree to use contraception. Women of child-bearing age also had to use birth control.

      Still, the FDA said in its briefing document that there are safety concerns about potential birth defects from the drug and asked the panel to discuss whether the drug should be available to pregnant women.

      https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/merck-says-covid-19-pill-cuts-hospitalization-death-risk-by-30-2021-11-26/

      ====================================================

      Deutsche Pravda – Could antiviral drugs mean an end to the coronavirus pandemic

      Paxlovid could be a game changer that will alter the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

      The antiviral drug is just one of a handful of pills that could slash hospitalizations and deaths, clinical trials show.

      Right now the options for treating people suffering from COVID-19 are limited.

      In Britain, the first antiviral pill was approved by regulators in a world-first at the beginning of November.

      Experts believe many other countries will follow suit.

      Two years of this pandemic have made it perfectly clear: lower your guard, and the virus returns with a vengeance.

      And to keep it interesting: new, even more transmissible variants keep threatening to impact vaccine efficacy.

      If we can’t ward the virus off completely, perhaps we can treat it?

    • the gateway pundit – All Four Botswana “Nu” Variant Patients Were Fully Vaccinated

      Nu COVID Variant Found ONLY in Fully Vaccinated

      All four Botswana Nu variant patients were fully vaccinated

      The “Nu” variant of COVID arrived just in time to ruin Christmas. (Who didn’t see this coming?) The variant with “more mutations than you shake a spike protein at” was first identified in Botswana and quickly became the most prevalent variant in South Africa. But before you succumb to “pandemic of the unvaccinated” nonsense, consider this:

      From the President of Botswana, where the variant was first discovered:

      The preliminary report revealed all four [patients] had been previously vaccinated for COVID-19.

      Here’s the letter

      https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/wp-content/uploads/letter-doctor.jpeg

      https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2021/11/four-botswana-nu-variant-patients-fully-vaccinated/

    • New Covid variant may pose ‘substantial risk to public health’, Sajid Javid warns

      Health Secretary Sajid Javid told MPs the “Nu” strain is of “huge international concern” because it could dodge our current crop of vaccines.

      […]He warned the strain combined elements of the Alpha, Beta and Delta super-strains that surged through Britain during the pandemic.

      […]early indications show the current vaccines “may be less effective against it”.

      But putting Brits on notice Mr Javid later warned: “If we need to go further, we will.”

      He encouraged those eligible to get booster jabs as a matter of urgency.

    • zero hedge – A Scared Nu World: Here’s What We Know About The New COVID Strain

      Background

      Regarded as the most heavily mutated variant of the Coronavirus, thus far, as it has 32 mutations in the spike protein and 50 overall. More specifically, scientists have highlighted that there are 10 mutations vs 2 in the Delta variant regarding the receptor binding domain, which is the portion of the virus that makes initial contact with cells.

      The Nu variant was identified 5 days ago initially in Botswana with subsequent confirmation and sequencing in South Africa with about 100 confirmed cases. Cases have been detected in Israel and Hong Kong and as of this morning, in Belgium.

      Sequencing data suggests 8.1.1.529 has a different evolutionary pathway, but shares a few common mutations with the C.1.2, Beta and Delta variants.

      That said, as we cautioned last night, a significant number of mutations may not necessarily be a ‘negative’ as it is dependent on how these mutations function, which scientists are yet to establish.

      Then again, since it is the job of science to fearmonger so that Pfizer can buy an even bigger yacht, assume it will be “very very horrifying” until proven innocuous.

      […]New Vaccine Would be Available in 100 days

      According to Pfizer, if a vaccine-escape variant emerges, the company expects to develop, produce a tailor-made vaccine against that variant in 100 days.

      more :

      https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/scared-nu-world-heres-what-we-know-about-new-covid-strain

      =========================================

      zero hedge – WHO Meeting Amidst the Rise of the Nu Variant Underscores Failing
      Vaccination Strategy

      The Nu variant arrived just in time for the holidays.

      […]In one day they called it a variant of concern with less than 100 confirmed cases. They might even tell people not to panic, but what do people do in a situation whereby there are no tools to adequately control the spread of the disease.

      […]Scientists believe that the Nu variant came from an undiagnosed HIV patient. This was quite predictable given some of the case studies of prolonged COVID-19 battles in immunocompromised patients. In a science article a cancer patient with a long battle with cancer and COVID-19 saw her virus mutate at least 3 times

      more :

      https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2021-11-26/who-meeting-amidst-rise-nu-variant-underscores-failed-vaccination-strategy

      ===============================================

      zero hedge – Vaxx Trial Fraud: Pfizer Whistleblower Exposes How Your Government Is Captured By Multinational Corporations

      Political theory rarely, if ever, aligns with practice in the real world.

      Here’s how the FDA sausage is really made, exemplified perfectly by the recent Pfizer whistleblower.

      Pfizer Whistleblower Exposes Vaxx Trial Fraud

      If you had a nickel for every time some bureaucrat or corporate news actor promised the COVID “vaccines”* are “safe and effective,” you’d have a lot of fiat currency (spend it while you still can before inflation renders it valueless – or, better, convert it to an un-fuckable alternative like gold or Bitcoin).

      *The COVID “vaccines” are not actual “vaccines,” which stimulate the synthesis of targeted antibodies using pieces of dead viruses. Rather, the COVID “vaccines” are actually first-generation experimental gene therapies sponsored by Bill Gates. This is evidenced by the CDC’s recent overnight editing of the official definition of “vaccine” to accommodate mRNA gene therapy.

      […]Isn’t it weird how you could superimpose a press release from Big Pfizer on top of a White House “press briefing” transcript (on top of a CNN corporate “news” report to boot) and they would all look the same?

      That’s because they have similar — and more often than not, the exact same — interests.

      One hand washes the other.

      more :

      https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2021-11-26/vaxx-trial-fraud-pfizer-whistleblower-exposes-how-your-government-captured

      =====================================
      WHO classes new South African variant as ‘of concern’, NAMES IT “OMICRON”

      The World Health Organization has said that the latest Covid-19 variant first identified in South Africa has been classed as a “variant of concern”.

      In an update this evening, the WHO said the strain had been given the name ‘Omicron’.

      It also said preliminary evidence suggests the variant carries higher risk of reinfection than other variants of concern.

      “Based on the evidence presented indicative of a detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology … the WHO has designated B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, named OMICRON” the UN health agency said in a statement.

      The WHO’s Technical Lead on Covid, Dr Maria van Kerkhove, said that the variant has a large number of mutations, some of which have worrying characteristics.

    • Israel Bans Travel From Most African Countries After B.1.1.529 Covid Variant Raises Red Flags

      Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Friday that Israel is on “the verge of a state of emergency” after authorities detected the country’s first case of a new Covid-19 variant, known as B.1.1.529, and barred travel to and from most African countries.

      “We’ve been working together with other world leaders, and now’s the time to act fast, early, hard and strong,” Bennett said.

      The Health Ministry said it detected the new strain in a traveler who had returned from Malawi and was investigating two other suspected cases. The three individuals, who had all been vaccinated, were placed in isolation.

      A new coronavirus variant has been detected in South Africa that scientists say is a concern because of its high number of mutations and rapid spread among young people in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.

      At a Cabinet meeting convened Friday to discuss the new variant, Bennett said it is more contagious and spreads more rapidly than the delta variant.

    • daily mail – UK Covid-19 chaos: Grant Shapps suggests it’s inevitable new Covid variant will hit UK

      + comments on the YT page

    • ctv news – Babies and toddlers in Montreal being tested with Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

      A clinical trial in Montreal is now underway, testing the efficacy and safety of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in kids 6 months-6 years old.

      + comments on the YT page

    • CBC – COVID-19 vaccine for kids, booster shots key to preventing 5th wave

      Rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations to younger children as well as boosters for adults are expected to play key roles in helping to prevent a fifth wave of COVID-19, experts say.

      • Who are the experts? Christine Elliott, lawyer, the Health Minister in Ontario, a total dingbat, supposedly an economist, the Federal Health Minister, they are the experts?

        Who do they get their information from – – Bill Gates, Fauci, Klaus Schwab?

    • CNBC – WHO explains why they consider omicron a ‘variant of concern’

      WHO is calling omicron variant the ‘variant of concern’ due to some preliminary evidence that suggests an increased risk of reinfection.

    • Germany: Air force called in to transfer critical COVID patients

      Amid a spike in COVID patients and overburdened hospitals, the German army began “Operation Kleeblatt” on Friday whereby COVID patients from the south and east of Germany are flown to clinics with less frequent use in the north and west.

      A MedEvac Airbus from the Federal Air Force was set to transport six seriously ill people from Memmingen to Munster/Osnabruck Airport.

      The patients are then to be brought to clinics in Munsterland.

    • OTTAWA – PROTESTERS NEAR HOSPITALS: A MAXIMUM OF TEN YEARS IN PRISON IN SIGHT

      The federal government tabled its bill on Friday morning to protect protesting healthcare workers from vaccines and health measures, which could soon face several years in prison.

      In its current form, Bill C-3, introduced by Justice Minister David Lametti, proposes to add new Criminal Code offenses for those who “willfully intimidate” healthcare workers or healthcare workers. support, but also people in need of care.

      The law would also apply to those who try to prevent employees or patients from entering health care buildings, such as hospitals, clinics or vaccination centers.

      The government also wants to recognize as an aggravating factor the fact of intimidating a health care worker during his hours and his place of work and who is prevented from carrying out his duties.

      Ottawa suggests maximum penalties that may be going up to ten years in penitentiary for the worst offenders.

      This announcement came the day after a demonstration held near the Sainte-Justine children’s hospital in Montreal , during which 17 tickets of $ 1,500 were issued.

      In a press briefing on Friday, Minister Lametti said he was “disappointed to have to do that” given the “sacrifices” made by health workers, while describing as “odious” and “unacceptable” the “behavior” of this particular type of protester.

      Minister Lametti, however, insisted that “Canadians who want to continue to express their opinion in a peaceful manner will have the right to continue to do so” .

      “Obviously, you have to be careful. I’m not talking about preventing freedom of expression or the right to peaceful protest. The legislation we are presenting respects these rights protected by the charter, ”he argued.

      This applies just as much to healthcare workers who want to demonstrate to demand better working conditions, Lametti explained.

      “However, these rights do not extend to those who intimidate, harass, obstruct or threaten our frontline workers, support workers and users.”

      The proposal was one of the Liberal Party’s promises in the last election, and was one of the new government’s four priorities.

      https://bobrtimes.com/protesters-near-hospitals-a-maximum-of-ten-years-in-prison-in-sight/106994/

      ctv news – Bill criminalizing threats towards health-care workers a ‘clear signal’ of support

      Minister O’Regan discusses a new bill to criminalize threatening health-care workers, and implement paid sick leave for federal workers.

    • ctv – Kingston limits indoor private gatherings to 10 people as COVID-19 cases rise

      KINGSTON, ONT. — Indoor social gatherings in the Kingston area are being limited to 10 people as the city sees a spike in new COVID-19 cases.

      Medical officer of health Dr. Piotr Oglaza has issued a Section 22 class order, implementing indoor social gathering restrictions in private dwellings within Kingston, Frontenac, and Lennox and Addington.

      “COVID-19 cases in the KFL&A region are rising and we know that nearly half of our cases are acquired in the household setting,” Dr. Oglaza said in a statement.

      “Reducing indoor gathering limits in private dwellings is prudent and necessary to prevent illness and the spread of COVID-19.”

      Effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m., indoor gatherings are capped at 10 people, including the residents of the home.

      Anyone hosting social gatherings in a private home must maintain a list of names and contact information for guests, and provide it to Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health within 24 hours of the request.

      Speaking with reporters Friday afternoon, Dr. Oglaza said new measures are needed to curb the spread of COVID in the community.

      “We are in the middle of the fourth wave, we have to alter our behaviour,” said Dr. Oglaza.

      Across Ontario, social gathering limits are 25 people for indoor private dwellings.

      Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Public Health reported 32 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, 36 cases on Thursday, 40 new cases on Wednesday and 35 cases on Tuesday.

      The region’s top doctor says the new measures will be in place as long as needed, aiming to curb pre-holiday parties over the next few weeks.

      Dr. Oglaza is hopeful they can be removed by Christmas Day in one month.

      “We can still work together to make that happen. If we see cases doing down, we still have a chance.”

      The indoor gathering limit at private residents of 10 people is the second health measure introduced this week in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Kingston area.

      On Wednesday, Dr. Oglaza announced that as of Dec. 6, everyone ages 12 to 17 who attends an indoor area of a sports facility for participating in an organized sport must provide proof of receiving one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. All participants must be fully vaccinated by Feb. 25.

      https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/kingston-limits-indoor-private-gatherings-to-10-people-as-covid-19-cases-rise-1.5682992

    • ctv news – Is new COVID-19 mutation resistant to existing vaccines? | Here’s what we know about Omicron variant

      Dr. Kashif Pirzada weighs in on new variant emerging in South Africa that vaccines may not be as effective against.

    • ctv news – Expert: ‘Only a matter of time’ before new COVID-19 variant found in Africa hits Canada and U.S.

      Infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffer says it’s only a matter of time before a new variant first discovered in Africa is found in Canada.

    • global news – Netherlands imposes new COVID-19 restrictions to avoid health system breakdown

      The Dutch government on Friday was set to tighten COVID-19 measures, including early closure of bars, restaurants and most stores to stem a record-breaking wave of infections that are threatening to overwhelm the healthcare system.

      […]non-essential stores would be closed from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., and masks would be required in secondary schools.

    • reuters – Dozens of COVID-19 cases on flight from South Africa, Dutch authorities say

      AMSTERDAM, Nov 26 (Reuters) – Dutch health authorities said that dozens of people who arrived in Amsterdam on two flights from South Africa on Friday are likely infected with COVID-19, and they are conducting further testing to see if people are infected with the recently discovered Omicron coronavirus variant.

      Around 600 passengers arrived at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on the two KLM flights on Friday and then faced hours of delays and testing due to concerns over thenew virus variant. On the basis of initial testing, the Dutch health ministry estimated there may be around 85 positive cases among the passengers.

      “Travelers with a positive test result will be placed in isolation at a hotel at or near Schiphol,” health authorities said in a statement.

      “Of the positive test results, we are researching as quickly as possible whether they are the new variant of concern, now named ‘Omicron’.”

      The Dutch government banned all air travel from southern Africa early on Friday. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge said that passengers already en route to the Netherlands would have to undergo testing and quarantine upon arrival.

      Passengers on the two KLM flights, from Cape Town and Johannesburg, said they were kept waiting on the tarmac for hours.

      “Vigorous applause because there is a BUS that has come to take us … somewhere,” tweeted New York Times journalist Stephanie Nolen, a passenger on the flight from Johannesburg.

      “Bus to a hall to a huge queue. I can see COVID testers in bright blue PPE far on the distance. Still no snacks for the sad babies,” she added in a second tweet.

      A spokesperson for the health authorities in Kennemerland, the Dutch region that oversees Schiphol, said the positive cases were being analysed by a Dutch academic medical hospital to determine whether they are the new strain.

      The Dutch government separately on Friday announced the nighttime closure of bars, restaurants and most stores as it grapples with a record-breaking wave of COVID-19 cases that is swamping its healthcare system.

      https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/passengers-south-africa-face-wait-covid-19-testing-amsterdam-2021-11-26/

      ==========================
      EU – All air travel to countries with cases of new COVID variant should be suspended –

      European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union had proposed to suspend all air travel to and from countries with cases of new COVID variant, speaking from Brussels on Friday.

      “The European commission proposed today to member states to activate the emergency brake on travels, coming from Southern Africa and other hit countries to limit this new variant’s propagation. All air travel to these countries needs to be suspended until we understand the dangers of this new variant,” said von der Leyen.

      Belgium is the first European country where a case of the new variant was detected.

      Ursula von der Leyen stressed the need to act ‘very rapidly in an efficient and unified manner.’

    • global news – Novavax says it’s developing COVID-19 vaccine to target new Omicron variant

      Novavax Inc said on Friday it had started working on a version of its COVID-19 vaccine to target the variant detected in South Africa and would have the shot ready for testing and manufacturing in the next few weeks.

      The company’s COVID-19 shot contains an actual version of the virus’ spike protein that cannot cause disease but can trigger the immune system. The vaccine developer said it had started developing a spike protein specifically based on the known genetic sequence of the variant, B.1.1.529.

      “The initial work will take a few weeks,” a company spokesperson said. Shares of the company closed up nearly 9% on Friday.

      Novavax’s vaccine received its first emergency use approval earlier this month in Indonesia followed by the Philippines.

      The company has said it is on track to file for U.S. approval by the end of the year. It has also filed for approvals with the European Medicines Agency as well as in Canada.

      Other vaccine developers, including Germany’s BioNTech SE and Johnson & Johnson, have said they are testing the effectiveness of their shots against the new variant, which is named Omicron by the World Health Organisation.

      Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc said it had begun testing its vaccine candidate, INO-4800, to evaluate its effectiveness against the new variant. The company expects the testing to take about two weeks.

      Inovio also said it was simultaneously designing a new vaccine candidate that specifically targeted Omicron.

      “Best case scenario, INO-4800 … will be completely resilient against omicron, but if that’s not the case then we will have a newly designed vaccine ready to go if need be,” said Kate Broderick, senior vice president of Inovio’s R&D division.

      Earlier this month, Inovio resumed a late-stage trial of its vaccine in the United States after 14 months on clinical hold.

      https://globalnews.ca/news/8406193/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-omicron/

  4. New COVID restrictions in the Netherlands:

    Face masks mandatory in schools, Hospital care scaled back; “Brace yourself” says De Jonge
    https://nltimes.nl/2021/11/26/face-masks-mandatory-schools-hospital-care-scaled-back-brace-says-de-jonge
    A new set of coronavirus restrictions to be announced Friday evening will likely include making many primary school and all secondary school students wear a face mask when they are not seated in a classroom, sources told NOS. Additionally, most publicly accessible locations will be ordered closed from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. At the same time, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge has ordered all hospitals to scale back planned healthcare.
    The Cabinet will have to take significant steps in the coming period to reduce the number of coronavirus infections, De Jonge said. He warned that people “should brace themselves for a harsh winter.” The Cabinet will “take all necessary measures to relieve the burden on healthcare.”
    Many of the measures which will be introduced during a press conference with Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge are also meant to keep the education system open for as long as possible. The face mask obligation is expected be announced for all children in group six or higher. It is not yet clear if that would be the only restrictions that schools will face.
    “If you see it rising so fast, you have to force that turnaround,” De Jonge said as it was announced that scheduled surgeries are being postponed across the country to provide more acute care. The measures announced earlier this month are still having little effect.
    The nightly closures from 5 p.m. will be for the hospitality sector, non-essential shops, arts and culture businesses, amateur sports competitions, and locations where people move in a route from one space to the next, such as zoos and museums. There will be more facilities affected by the early closing time, NOS reported.
    Essential shops, like grocery stores, pet stores, and drug stores will be allowed to remain open until 8 p.m. All locations can then reopen at 5 a.m. the following day. It was not reported when the restriction will be reevaluated.
    [..]
    De Jonge also announced that all hospitals will postpone scheduled care, which could include delaying critical surgeries, if that is considered both necessary and “medically acceptable. The Stage 2D hospital situation was announced to free up staff to provide for more patients in intensive care units, and more patients suffering from Covid-19. The military has also been asked to provide assistance.
    The National Coordination Center for Patient Distribution (LCPS) and the National Network for Acute Care (LNAZ) had requested the introduction of this approach. This is the final stage before Stage 3, which in practice means a Code Black scenario where there are not enough ICU places to cope with all of the patients requiring intensive care.
    In practice, this means that the “hip, knee and cataract operations really will stop everywhere” to have more people at the beds where acute care must be provided to patients including those with Covid-19. “We need everyone to continue to provide care,” said De Jonge. This new step has “far-reaching consequences”, the health minister admitted.
    The military will help 100 to 120 people in the military hospital at the UMC Utrecht. That “offers help and breathing space,” he added. “We are using everything to keep critical scheduled care going.” If you delay those interventions for more than six weeks, such as certain chemotherapy and tumor removals, “you may be too late.”
    A letter sent by the minister to the Tweede Kamer showed that appointments are also being postponed at outpatient clinics if it creates a situation where those staff members could be deployed to acute care facilities. The ICU capacity will go up to 1,150 beds “and then to 1,350 ICU beds.” He added, that the LCPS is continuing to transfer Covid-19 patients from busier healthcare centers to quieter facilities, and placing a “maximum effort” for international cooperation.

  5. WHO to assess new highly mutated Covid-19 variant as countries ramp up health checks
    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/26/who-to-assess-new-highly-mutated-covid-19-variant-as-countries-ramp-up-health-checks
    The World Health Organization will meet on Friday to assess a new variant detected in South Africa that is feared to be the worst Covid-19 variant yet identified.
    The meeting will determine if the B.1.1.529 variant should be designated a variant of “interest” or of “concern”. The variant, which was identified on Tuesday, initially attracted attention because it carries an “extremely high number” of mutations.
    Some world leaders have hastily responded by issuing new precautions and travel restrictions, while markets around the world saw falls sparked by the uncertainty.
    Indian health officials on Friday put states on alert, asking them to carry out “rigorous screening and testing” of travellers who had arrived from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong, and to trace and test their contacts.
    Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan urged all states to ensure that samples from Covid-positive travellers were swiftly sent to genome sequencing labs for testing.
    Singapore, a major transit hub, said on Friday it would restrict arrivals from South Africa and countries nearby. All non-Singaporean or non-permanent residents with recent travel history to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will be denied entry or transit through Singapore, its health ministry said.
    Italy announced a similar entry ban on Friday. “Our scientists are studying the new B.1.1.529 variant. In the meantime, we will adopt the greatest possible caution,” health minister Roberto Speranza said.
    Japan, too, will clamp down on border controls for visitors from South Africa and five other African countries, the Jiji news service reported.
    New Zealand is also closely monitoring global advice on the new variant, the ministry of health said. The deputy prime minister, Grant Robertson, said the new variant was “a real wake-up call for all of us, that this pandemic is still going” and reiterated the need to continue with caution.
    Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19, said in a press briefing on Thursday: “We don’t know very much about this [variant] yet. What we do know is that this variant has a large number of mutations. And the concern is that when you have so many mutations, it can have an impact on how the virus behaves.”
    The infectious disease epidemiologist said that researchers would meet to “understand where these mutations are and what this potentially may mean” in terms of whether it is more transmissible or has potential to evade immunity.
    A high number of mutations does not necessarily make a variant more transmissible. In August, similar concerns emerged about a variant in South Africa, known as C.1.2, but it was never listed as a variant of interest or concern. In Japan, some experts believe the country’s pronounced fall in cases was down to mutations that drove it towards “natural extinction”.
    [..]
    England announced it was temporarily banning flights from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini from midnight on Friday, and that returning travellers from those destinations would have to quarantine. Israel has followed suit, saying it will ban its citizens from travelling to southern Africa.
    UK civil service sources said the variant, which is feared to be more transmissible and has the potential to evade immunity, posed “a potentially significant threat to the vaccine programme which we have to protect at all costs”.
    [..]
    Scotland confirmed late on Thursday that all arrivals from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe will be required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests from midday on Friday, while anyone arriving after 4am on Saturday will need to stay at a managed quarantine hotel.
    Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt, said it was investigating and would swiftly close its borders to travellers from the African nation if the WHO were to classify it as a major new variant. “If the medical advice is that we need to change, we won’t hesitate,” he told reporters on Friday morning.
    South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said Britain’s decision to ban flights from the nation “seems to have been rushed” voicing concerns over the potential damage to tourism and business in both countries.
    Foreign minister Naledi Pandor said South Africa would engage with British authorities to try to get them to reconsider their decision.

  6. While reading about this new variant, I am reminded of the old high school cheer “Lean to the left, lean to the right, stand up, sit down, fight, fight, fight. New normal cheer, “Lean to the left – – – Hi, my name is Cliff, drop over some time.”

  7. You are trying our patience Justine, you little Build Back Better Bastard

    Trudeau’s Employment Minister, Carla Qualtrough and Employment Social Development Canada are denying to Canadians who’ve been laid off for being conscientiously opposed to Covid 19 vaccines.

    Roxham Rd is open to any misfit who wants to be fed, clothed, and sheltered.

    • So CANADIANS who paid into unemployment cannot collect unemployment insurance because they lost their job because they refused to be injected. But anyone can walk across at Roxham Rd and the commie Canadian government will take care of them until they will not comply. YOU WILL HAVE NOTHING AND BE HAPPY seems to be working out just fine for the fraudulent Build Back Better bastards, and the “little people, useful idiots” have gladly aided and abetted.

      Total madness is the new variant.

  8. Crisis In Slovenia? Whistleblower Nurse Says Politicians Receive Saline Instead of MRNA Jab
    Daily Telegraph NZ – November 24, 2021
    https://dailytelegraph.co.nz/covid-19/crisis-in-slovenia-whistleblower-nurse-says-politicians-receive-saline-instead-of-mrna-jab/

    This video has been available since August 2021 but has resurfaced due to the above article.
    https://ugetube.com/watch/retired-slovenian-nurse-says-30-of-population-getting-vaccine-placebo_faAFLxDZZisAfoo.html

    • Australia ASSISTS Solomon Islands to quell UNREST

      Australian TROOPS arrive in the Solomon Islands to quell VIOLENT anti-govt protests. They came on request from Solomon’s PM.

      The rioters in Honiara are demanding Sogavare’s resignation over the nation’s diplomatic switch from Taiwan to China.

      • China paid off Sogavare.
        Too close for the comfort of Oz.

        But Oz ought to look in the mirror. Forensic accounting might be useful. Check stool samples for dogmeat residue.

    • Berlin police BUST COVID-breaking gatherings, seizing WEAPONS & DRUGS along the way

      You know the FUN is over when these guys show up!

      Berlin police raid several places…uncovering (SHOCKER) numerous Covid-rules violations.

      Not only that – the officers also seized some drugs and weapons too.

    • SWITZERLAND – Fate of Covid certificate to be decided at the ballot box

      As in many European countries, opponents of the vaccination certificate in Switzerland have taken to the streets. But the Alpine nation is unique in giving citizens a chance to express their views on the future of these controversial passes in a nationwide vote.

      “Freedom, freedom!” For weeks, opponents of Covid restrictions have chanted this on the streets of the biggest Swiss cities. On November 28, they will have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

      Why another vote on the Covid law?
      On July 8, three referendum committees submitted a total of 74,469 signatures judged valid by the Federal Chancellery opposing the March 19, 2021 amendment to the Covid-19 law. These citizens’ movements, which arose during the pandemic and have no clear partisan affiliation, criticise the extension of the government’s power and in particular, the Covid-19 certificate, compulsory since September 13 to access indoor spaces.

      This will be the second time in a little less than six months that the Swiss people give their verdict on the same law – a first in the history of Swiss direct democracy. On June 13, after a first referendum, the Covid-19 law was accepted by 60.2% of voters and only rejected by some cantons in central and eastern Switzerland, where resistance to the government’s measures to combat coronavirus is concentrated.

      However, this time around, the campaign for those in favour of the law will be more difficult. The question of financial aid granted to businesses and people affected by lockdowns during the crisis, which was at the centre of discussions before the first vote, has since been eclipsed by the debate about individual freedom.

      The political climate has also become much harsher in recent months. Politicians, including Interior Minister Alain Berset, have had to be given police protection, and some demonstrations by opponents of health measures have required robust intervention by law enforcement.

      What measures are affected?

      The referendum particularly targets the Covid certificate, which has been compulsory since September 13 for admission to restaurants, gyms, cinemas, and big cultural and sporting events. It also affects the extension of some financial aid, even if the referendum initiators haven’t made that a campaign issue.

      However, the referendum project doesn’t affect vaccination or other health measures imposed by the government. Mask-wearing mandates or forced closures, which are covered by the law on epidemics approved by the people in 2013, can still be implemented or reintroduced if the epidemiological situation requires them.

      What are the main arguments in favour of the law?
      The Covid certificate has allowed the population to return to a social life that is as close to normal as possible, the government says. It is an efficient way to confine social interaction to those who are not contagious or have very low chances of being contagious.

      On an economic level, the vaccination pass allows economic activity and saves jobs. The document also facilitates travel in Switzerland and abroad.

      Finally, thanks to the law, companies continue to benefit from supplementary support in case they are forced to furlough staff.

      What are the main arguments against?

      Opponents believe the Covid certificate discriminates against unvaccinated people and leads to an indirect obligation to get vaccinated. The government’s action is designed to push the population to get vaccinated, given that Switzerland has one of the lowest vaccination rates on the continent. In their view, this measure divides society and threatens social peace.

      The “no” camp denounces the government’s “health authoritarianism” and “an anti-democratic and dangerous” extension of its powers claimed under this law.

      The initiators of the referendum also warn against extensive electronic surveillance of citizens as a result of electronic contact-tracing anchored in the new law.

      Who is for, who is against?

      The Swiss People’s Party is the only governing party opposed to the latest amendments to the Covid law. At a party congress in the summer, delegates rejected the law by a clear majority of 181 votes to 23. The party also supported the referendum launched by three citizens’ committees.

      The government and a large majority in parliament support the law. However, Finance Minister Ueli Maurer, a member of the People’s Party, stands accused of a breach of collegiality with fellow ministers for telling members of his party in early September that the government had “failed in the Covid crisis.” He also sparked controversy by appearing in a sweater of the “Freiheitstrychler”, a group opposed to measures to fight the coronavirus.

      What happens if the law is rejected?

      If the law is rejected, the amendments adopted by parliament in spring will be revoked as of March 19, 2022, one year after they were adopted, according to the federal constitution. So there would no longer be a legal basis for issuing and inspecting Covid certificates. The initiators of the referendum are, however, in favour of a voluntary Covid certificate to facilitate travel abroad.

      Financial support for big events would also end next spring. The government managed to avert a plan to end supplementary daily allowances for the unemployed and the option to prolong the right to furlough payments to 24 months.

      Finally, the government will no longer be permitted to launch funding programmes for the development of drugs or other important medical goods.

      https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/fate-of-covid-certificate-to-be-decided-at-the-ballot-box/47024402

  9. “‘SHAMEFUL!” This Is How Bill Gates & Billioonaires Are HIJACKING Our Future!” Russell Brand – November 23, 2021

  10. Syrians Burn Turkish Textbooks Over Prophet Illustrations

    A textbook produced by Turkey’s education ministry and distributed Thursday in northern Syria has drawn local ire over depictions of the Prophet Mohammed, prompting some residents to burn the books.

    Although visual depictions of the Prophet Mohammed are not explicitly banned in the Koran, many Muslims frown upon them as a form of blasphemy.

    The religious textbook, designed by Turkey’s education ministry specifically for children living in parts of Syria under Ankara’s control, contained illustrations that residents of the area deemed blasphemous.

    In one image, a bearded man, dressed in a pink sweater and burgundy pants, kneels down to pick up his daughter as she hops off a school bus.

    “The prophet receives his daughter Fatima,” read the title of the page, although it is not completely clear the headline refers specifically to the image.

    PIC :

    https://www.fdesouche.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FFI4j7dWUAAaznT.jpg

    —————————————-

    In the town of Jarablus, near Turkey’s border, residents torched all the copies they could get their hands on, according to social media footage and residents AFP was able to speak to.

    “We were surprised in the morning to find these textbooks… which contain visual depictions of the prophet,” said Jarablus resident Mustafa Abdulhaq.

    “We burned all the books,” he said.

    In other areas controlled by Ankara, including the city of Al-Bab, residents warned they would stage protests on Friday if the textbooks were not recalled.

    Turkey and its proxies have seized control of territory inside Syria over several military operations launched since 2016.

    In these regions, the Turkish lira has become the main currency and Ankara has even helped set up hospitals, post offices and schools that teach the Turkish language.

    Jumaa Kazkaz, the top education official in Al-Bab, said school books were provided by nearby Turkish provinces, including Gaziantep, Kilis and Sanliurfa.

    Commenting on the outcry caused by the textbooks, he said “there are talks with the Directorate of Education in Gaziantep… in order to amend the curriculum”.

    “We are currently waiting for a decision,” he added.

    https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/syrians-burn-turkish-textbooks-over-prophet-illustrations-01637855407

  11. Teesside woman accused of exposing penis, using sex toy and masturbating in public

    Chloe Thompson, 41, from Middlesbrough, has pleaded not guilty to the three charges

    A woman accused of indecent exposure, masturbating in public and using a sex toy in a public place, will stand trial early next year.

    Chloe Thompson, of Borough Road, Middlesbrough, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after denying the offences.

    She is charged with committing a public nuisance by indecently exposing her penis to other members of the public, whilst masturbating from a property window.

    The incident reportedly took place on Cromer Street, Middlesbrough, on August 13.

    On the same date, the 41-year-old is also alleged to have masturbated on the street in view of others.

    A further complaint was also made to police after she was reportedly caught using a sex toy on Wellesley Road, Middlesbrough, on the same date.

    Thompson was due to stand trial on Wednesday for the offences.

    She spoke only to confirm her name and enter her not guilty pleas.

    Due to paperwork errors the trial was adjourned until February 15.

    https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/teesside-woman-accused-using-sex-22260053