Current Affairs Of Pakistan & World: Virus Briefing: Preparing for the next crisis

Virus Briefing: Preparing for the next crisis

October 21, 2022

Have you never had Covid? It has been nearly 1,000 days since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Nearly 630 million cases have been reported across the world, although the actual case count is likely much higher.

And yet, some of you have managed to navigate the gauntlet without getting sick — at least that you know of.

We'd like to know: How did you do it? Perhaps it was strict adherence to virus restrictions, hunkering down for long stretches, or just luck. Tell us about it.

Here's your update on the coronavirus pandemic and other virus news.

We Advised Biden on the Pandemic. Much Work Remains to Face the Next Crisis.

Even with the successes against Covid, there is much room for improvement.

By Ezekiel J. Emanuel, David Michaels, Rick Bright and Michael T. Osterholm

Molly Matalon for The New York Times

Zinc? Honey? Ginger? What Actually Helps When You Have a Cold or the Flu?

Here's what we know about some of the most popular remedies that show at least a little promise.

By Alisha Haridasani Gupta and Knvul Sheikh

Denis Finnin/American Museum of Natural History

After a Covid Contraction, Museums Are Expanding Again

Projects all over the country include renovations and new wings as institutions continue to bet on bricks and mortar.

By Robin Pogrebin

National Gallery of Art

Matter

How the 'Black Death' Left Its Genetic Mark on Future Generations

Scientists have discovered several genetic variants that protect Europeans from the bubonic plague — but also increase the risk of immune disorders.

By Carl Zimmer

Gabby Jones for The New York Times

Airlines Cash In as Flexible Work Changes Travel Patterns

Untethered from desks, passengers are flying more often and in different ways. Carriers expect the new habits to endure, despite economic uncertainty.

By Niraj Chokshi

What else we're following

Pfizer plans to as much as quadruple prices for its Covid vaccine, Reuters reports.
The C.D.C.'s advisory panel voted to add Covid vaccines to routine immunization schedules for children, Politico reports.
Many in China hope for an end to the country's "zero Covid" policy as leaders meet at the Communist Party congress, but it "appears to be wishful thinking," The A.P. reports.
The next pandemic may come from pathogens inside melting glaciers, The Guardian reports.
The F.D.A.'s vaccine chief said there was a chance that another Covid booster would need to be deployed sooner than expected, STAT News reports.
Work-from-home policies helped fuel a baby boom, CNN reports.