Back by popular demand! When we first started this project, it wasn't supposed to turn into a regular "news blog." We began sharing updates because we were one of the first Western publications to raise concerns about COVID way back in January 2020 when the mainstream media seemed to be lagging behind. Initially, we thought the New Year would be a good time to wrap things up, but given how much our readers enjoyed it, we've decided to bring it back. Expect regular updates twice a week, focusing on news relevant to preppers without any political bias or agenda.
Is business as usual (BAU) leading us toward catastrophic climate change in the short term? It's not just scientists and environmentalists sounding the alarm—it's also a concern raised by the Pentagon and the British military. Sea levels are rising faster than even the most pessimistic models predicted.
A military coup has taken place in Myanmar. The military claims they will hold power for one year, while controversial leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been detained. This situation remains tense and unpredictable.
Wildfire smoke isn't just annoying; it can be harmful in ways you might not realize. Fungal spores, bacteria, and their toxins can travel vast distances and sometimes end up in your lungs, posing significant health risks.
Globally, there are now over 104.8 million confirmed COVID cases. In just 72 hours, the world added another 1.3 million cases. Total deaths have surpassed 2.3 million. In the U.S., there are over 27.1 million cases, with over 461,000 deaths—approximately 3,000 people daily. Since yesterday, the U.S. saw over 105,000 new cases, though we're currently experiencing a downward trend. The U.S. still leads the world in both case growth and death toll.
On a positive note, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine seems to significantly reduce COVID transmission. Recent studies show a 67% reduction in positive swab tests among vaccinated individuals, indicating the vaccine could help curb spread. Additionally, data supports a 12-week interval between the first and second doses.
We’ve long understood that surface contamination (fomites) is relatively rare compared to airborne and droplet transmission, which remain the primary drivers of spread. It’s high time agencies updated their guidelines to prioritize airborne precautions.
The Brazilian P.1 variant is concerning because it appears to evade natural immunity, reinfecting communities that previously achieved near-herd immunity after a 76% infection rate with the wild-type virus in Manaus last April. This development is alarming.
Finally, masks are now federally mandated on public transportation and in transit hubs across the U.S. While this rule came into effect a year late, it’s better than nothing:
New regulations went into effect early Wednesday, requiring millions of travelers nationwide to wear masks on planes, trains, buses, ferries, taxis, ride-shares, and in airports, stations, ports, and other transit hubs. Better late than never, right?
Even though we’re seeing a downward trend now, the arrival of the B.1.1.7 variant could trigger a fourth wave of infections:
Recent data suggests the current reproduction rate (Rt) in the U.S. is stabilizing around 0.85, which translates to a 60% monthly reduction in cases and an 84% drop over two months. However, the emergence of new variants poses a serious threat.
In other developments, the Administration recently struck a $230 million deal with Ellume for at-home COVID test kits. These won’t be available at scale until later this year, suggesting officials expect the pandemic to persist well into 2022.
Interestingly, pregnant women pass COVID antibodies to their unborn babies, transferring larger amounts if infected earlier rather than later in pregnancy. This raises questions about vaccinating pregnant women—if administered earlier in pregnancy, it might offer greater benefits.
Stay safe and stay informed!
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