In the wake of the corona pandemic, according to a study, life expectancy in many countries has fallen more sharply than it has been in Western Europe since the Second World War. In some countries, the progress of the past few years has been ruined in a short time, report researchers at the Leverhulme Center for Demographic Science at the University of Oxford International Journal of Epidemiology. The decline in men was therefore greater than in women.
For the study, the scientists examined data from 29 countries, most of them from Europe, including Germany, as well as Chile and the USA. In 2020, life expectancy fell in 27 of these countries and by at least half a year in 22 countries. “In Western European countries such as Spain, England and Wales, Italy, Belgium, such a decline in life expectancy in a single year at the time of birth was last observed during World War II,” said co-author José Manuel Aburto.
The life expectancy of men fell the most in the US – 2.2 years compared to 2019. In the US, the rise in working-age mortality under 60 is particularly noteworthy, said co-author Ridhi Kashyap. In most European countries, on the other hand, the mortality rate among the over 60-year-olds has increased in particular. A study in the British Medical Journal pointed out the drastically reduced life expectancy in the USA.
Life expectancy is the age a newborn baby is likely to reach if the death rate continues to develop as it did when it was born. According to the Federal Statistical Office, life expectancy in Germany in August 2021 was 78.6 years for boys and 83.4 years for girls. It was also known that in 2020 mortality increased compared to 2019, especially for men and women over the age of 75.
RKI reports a slightly increased incidence
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reports 3022 new positive tests. That is 714 fewer than on Saturday a week ago, when 3736 new infections were reported. The seven-day incidence increases slightly to 61.7 from 61.4 the previous day. Ten other people died related to the virus. This increases the number of reported deaths to 93,403 within 24 hours. In total, more than 4.19 million corona tests have so far been positive in Germany. (27.09.21)
Development Minister: Preventing Poor Countries From Being Disadvantaged
Development Minister Gerd Müller (CSU) warns of increasing disadvantages in poor countries when it comes to corona vaccines. “Rich countries bought additional vaccines from the world market in order to make third-party vaccinations possible, while over 90 percent of Africans did not even have the first vaccination,” says the CSU politician of the Funke media group, according to a preliminary report. One must prevent the poorer countries from being further disadvantaged. Müller affirmed: “We must not get into a situation in which the rich countries buy empty the market and hoard vaccines, while nothing is left for the poor countries.”
The goal of the international vaccine initiative Covax of making two billion vaccine doses available to people in poor countries by the end of the year can no longer be achieved, said Müller. So far, only over 300 million vaccine doses have been distributed by Covax. Vaccine shipments to Africa are expected to be 25 percent lower than expected by the end of the year. This is mainly due to a lack of supplies.
The vaccine donations from the rich countries must now be made quickly, demanded Müller. The EU states have promised 248 million cans, but have only given 20 million cans so far. “Worldwide there are 100 million cans that are about to expire and need to be vaccinated quickly,” warned the minister.
Müller also made the manufacturers responsible, who would have to change their delivery policy. “It would be absolutely unacceptable if vaccines were kept extra scarce. Or contractually promised doses were postponed to Covax in order to deliver to richer countries instead,” he emphasized. “Manufacturers should finally prefer Covax for deliveries.” (26.09.21)
Berlin techno club Berghain reopens
Berlin’s nightlife is getting one of its internationally celebrated highlights back. The Berghain wants to reopen. On its homepage the techno club, which resides in a former district heating plant, announced a first “club night” for the Saturday of the coming weekend (October 2nd). On the following Saturdays, too, the techno club wants to unlock its entrance, which is regularly besieged by long lines. If you want to get in, you have to be vaccinated against Corona or have recovered from Covid-19 (2G). “We’re looking forward to our first club night after almost 19 months,” said the page. “Let the bass kick, see you on the dance floor!”
In August, the Berlin administrative court overturned the general ban on commercial dance events in closed rooms. It argued that unrestricted openings were still not allowed against the background of the corona pandemic, but events were only allowed for vaccinated and recovered people. (25.09.2021)
Masks should be compulsory in the car first aid kit
In the future, it will be mandatory to take masks with you in the car. The Federal Ministry of Transport took note of the inclusion of the two face masks in the draft to amend standard sheet DIN 13164, supported by the Federal Association of Medical Technology, and welcomed the planned implementation of the standard change as soon as possible. A spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Transport announced this to the Evangelical Press Service on request. The Federal Ministry of Transport intends to then adopt the change in standards with the next change in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, it said. At first she had Rheinische Post reported about it. The regulation is expected to take effect in the coming year.
Accordingly, the masks are to be added to the prescribed contents of the first-aid kit in cars, trucks and buses, the newspaper wrote. Anyone who then did not add two masks to the first-aid kit would face a fine. So far, according to the catalog of fines, five euros are due if the first aid kit is incomplete. (25.09.2021)
In Hamburg full clubs and dancing without a mask are possible again at 2G
After long restrictions in the corona pandemic, Hamburg is dropping its masks: In clubs, bars, restaurants, cultural and sports facilities that participate in the so-called 2-G model, there are no longer any restrictions on the number since midnight on Saturday morning the visitor or participant of an event.
So where only vaccinated and convalescent people are allowed in, you can celebrate, dance, watch films and theater or join in the excitement at sporting competitions without a gap and without a mask to the last seat. However, further contact details must be collected and hygiene concepts must be adhered to. A corresponding containment ordinance by the Senate was issued on Friday.
In addition, sellers are not required to wear a mask at weekly markets. For customers, however, it continues to apply as in supermarkets. In addition, negative corona test certificates can only be used by the employer of unvaccinated persons for professional purposes, for example no longer for a visit to the cinema. At sporting events, the flow of visitors at the entrances and exits must be equalized. If the events take place indoors, air filter systems must be available. (25.09.2021)
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