Outside Iona
February 24, 2022
Throughout our hectic student lives, we should always remain aware of what is happening around us. In this column, I find some of the most significant things around us and provide you with a small blurb and nitty-gritty details. Here are some of the major events that have been taking place:
General COVID-19 Update.
On Feb. 10, Gov. Hochul ended New York’s mask or vaccine mandate for indoor businesses. However, the mandate was not lifted in areas such as public transportation, schools, homeless shelters and state-regulated health care settings and nursing homes. NYC will continue their citywide mandates, which include proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, museums, gyms and other areas. COVID-19 cases continue to decrease with hospitalizations decreasing approximately 63% between the start of January and February. However, with mask mandates lifting, many immunocompromised, disabled and chronically ill Americans are concerned. As stated earlier, hospitalizations have been declining, but transmission remains high in more than 90% of the country according to the CDC.
Nearing the second anniversary of the WHO’s declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts are debating if a fourth dose of the vaccine is necessary for the most vulnerable. Countries have begun to recommend fourth doses for older adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it is observing emerging data on the pandemic and variants in the U.S. and overseas to consider the necessity of an additional booster.
Information from PIX11 and CNN.
https://pix11.com/news/coronavirus/new-yorks-indoor-mask-mandate-was-lifted-but-not-in-these-places/
https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/19/health/fourth-covid-19-vaccine-dose-us/index.html
Tension between Russia and Ukraine intensifies.
The world waits for Russia’s next steps. The US government estimates that between 169,000 and 190,000 Russian troops are stationed along Ukraine’s border that includes Russia, Belarus and rebels in eastern Ukraine. It has been reported that the U.S. has intelligence that Russian commanders have been given orders to proceed with an invasion of the Ukraine. Anticipating an attack, the U.S and other allies have advised their citizens to leave the country. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine also temporarily relocated its operations from Kyiv to Lviv due to the acceleration in the buildup of Russian forces. President Biden maintains that a diplomatic option is still on the table and stresses that no American forces will go into the Ukraine if Russia invades.
New satellite imagery displays increased activity among Russian units close to Ukraine’s northeastern border. The President has agreed to meet with Russian President Vladmir Putin as long as Russia does not further invade Ukraine.
Information from the BBC and CNN.
2022 Beijing Olympics Updates.
The U.S finished fifth in the final medal standings at the 2022 Beijing Olympics behind Norway, Russia, Germany and Canada. The U.S. received 25 medals: eight gold, 10 silver, and seven bronze. There were many firsts, including Nathan Chen becoming the first Asian American to win gold in men’s figure skating at the Olympics and Erin Jackson becoming the first Black woman to win an Olympic speedskating medal for the United States.
Information from Washington Post and CBS News.
Sources:
General COVID-19 Update.
https://pix11.com/news/coronavirus/new-yorks-indoor-mask-mandate-was-lifted-but-not-in-these-places/
https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/19/health/fourth-covid-19-vaccine-dose-us/index.html
Tension between Russia and Ukraine intensifies.
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60448162
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-ukraine-invasion-us-intelligence-orders/
https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-news-02-20-22-intl/index.html
2022 Beijing Olympics Updates.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2022/02/20/american-medalists-beijing-olympics/
