COVID-19 Infections Increase During The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games

 

As celebrations and the Olympics are underway, there has been a spike in COVID-19 infections. Japanese citizens did protest having the games  go ahead. There were growing concerns that the 2020 Olympics would be cancelled. Japan made too much of a financial investment for the Olympics to be cancelled. Despite volunteers quitting due to safety concerns, that did not deter officials. The spike in cases has to do with athletes coming from all over the world to compete. Even with athletes vaccinated, there is a possibility of getting COVID-19. Although it is a low chance, variants are a cause for concern. The pandemic is not over, yet many are willing to ignore public health measures. Japan is in a state of emergency due to the rise of COVID-19 infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga claims that it was vacations and a four day holiday that resulted in the increased infections. Although no spectators are part of the games, this not entirely accurate. The more people coming to the country, the more precarious the condition of the country becomes. Japan may have to go under lockdown and other restrictions to deal with the spike in COVID-19. 

New Viruses Found In 15,000 Year Old Tibetan Glacier Ice

 

Viruses can survive in cold weather. Researchers and virologists discovered new viruses previously unknown in a Tibetan glacier ice . The samples were obtained from the Guliya Ice Cap. The discovery could explain the evolution of viruses. The ice is 15,000 years old, which provides a long history of biological information. Genetic codes were uncovered for 33 viruses. Only four were identified  and twenty eight were novel or unknown. Viruses appear to like cold environments according to the data collected. The origin of viruses might have been from plants and the soil not animals or humans. Scientists  used an ultra-clean method ( clean surface decontamination procedure)  to avoid contamination or being infected . The concern is what happens when global temperatures increase. Heat will cause glaciers to melt and could enable viruses to be exposed. A growing concern is over gain of function research and the hazards of manipulating viruses. Microbes have the ability to thrive in extreme environments. The ice samples provide details of the function of viruses over time. What is now confirmed is that climate can impact microbes as well. 

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Occur After Former South African President Jacob Zuma Is Jailed

 

President Jacob Zuma has been jailed. The accusations of corruption brought criminal charges. The aftermath was that demonstrations broke out from the verdict. An appeal was denied was denied by the high court. Currently, demonstrations are being held in various cities and townships. The military has been deployed to deal with the violence and reported looting in the country. His support among the rural poor is strong and Zuma does retain loyal followers. President Zuma was a dominant force in South African politics. He was charged wit contempt of court for refusing to appear to answer questions about corruption during his administration from 2009 to 2018. The reason Zuma has support is that he was willing to programs of economic distribution . This is very popular among South Africans who experience the harsh conditions of economic inequality. The apartheid regime impoverished the black majority and the ANC has failed to reverse the damage of the past. President Jacob Zuma promised a change that was refreshing to young voters living in poverty. The reason supports still follow him was that he was actually trying to improve the conditions of South Africa. Despite charges related to money laundering, arms deals, and contempt of court many think this has a political motivation. The imprisonment of former Jacob Zuma will only divide the country more. 

Haitian President Jovenel Moise Assasinated

 

The embattled president of Haiti was killed at his residence. The suspects are currently in custody. Haiti has fallen further into disorder following reports of his murder. The country was already in a constitutional crisis, when President Moise refused to leave office. His term was over, but he refused to relinquish power. Now that he is gone, a power void will follow. To the majority of Haitans his administration represented the worst corruption of government. The police and army are expected to do more crackdowns as protests continue. Demonstrations will not stop simply because there is a new president. The demand for employment, accountable government, and improved living standards is too great. Jovenel Moise had been accused of electoral fraud and graft related to Venezuelan aid. Gangs are becoming more powerful with connections to prominent leaders in the country. The situation could resemble Colombia 's long history of violence. The aid that has come from other countries has not improved the lives of the average citizen. It has been speculated that most has been stolen, but there has not been any confirmation of this. Claude Joseph will be acting president. Without a functional parliament, reforms are not possible.