With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

No pre-departure Covid test required for travelers to Qatar

Football fans traveling to Qatar for the World Cup will no longer be required to have a negative pre-departure Covid-19 test. Earlier, a negative Covid-19 test was necessary for all the inbound travelers regardless of their vaccination status. The Health Ministry has also done away with the need for showing the Covid status on a contact tracing App prior to entering the stadium or other public places.  

Citizens will also not be asked to get themselves tested within 24 hours of returning home after travel abroad… (Source: Reuters, Oct. 26, 2022). 

Report predicts a slow rise in Covid cases globally

A report from the University of Washingtons Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) has estimated that the number of daily cases would increase to 18.7 million by February next year from the present 16.7 million average daily cases. “It forecast that global daily deaths would average 2,748 people on Feb. 1, compared with around 1,660 currently.” This rise in cases is likely to be propelled by the oncoming winter season. However, a surge in deaths is not likely to occur…(Source: Medscape, Oct. 26, 2022).

Wuhan goes under partial lockdown 

Wuhan, the epicenter of the pandemic, has locked one of its districts following a spurt in Covid-19 cases in view of the zero-Covid policy still being followed in China. Nearly one lakh residents have been asked to stay at home from Wednesday Oct. 26 to Sunday Oct. 30. Outpatient services have been put on hold in the Union hospital in Wuhan. Online teaching has resumed in universities in Wuhan… (Source: Medscape, Oct. 26, 2022).

The first inhalable vaccine against Covid-19?

As per media reports, Shanghai residents are being administered an inhalable vaccine against Covid-19 as booster dose for people who have completed their primary vaccination. The vaccine developed by CanSino Biologics is an aerosolized form of the its adenovirus vaccine. The vaccine is in the form of a mist, which is slowly inhaled into the mouth through a nozzle. The vaccinated person is required to hold the breath for 5 seconds…(Source: Indian Express, Oct. 27, 2022)

Gout increases risk of Covid hospitalization and mortality

Gout patients with Covid-19 are at greater risk of acquiring Covid-19 and experience serious adverse outcomes, including hospitalization and death, despite having completed their vaccination schedule compared to people without gout. Women with gout were 1.5 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for their illness and nearly 2.5 times more likely to die due to the illness…(Source: Arthritis Rheumatology,  Sept. 9, 2022).