COVID Variant Myths: Debunking misconceptions about new coronavirus variants

Scientists are warning over a potential new Covid variant that they believe could be a "serious problem" due to us not being prepared.Although the virus seems to be here to stay, vaccines and milder variants mean hospitalisation and death rates have plummeted and many countries have dropped most or all restrictions that kept the virus at bay.But scientists keeping an eye on the disease expect there to be more variants in future, and some will almost certainly be more dangerous than the likes of Omicron and its BA.5 subvariant. READ MORE: Long Covid causes erectile dysfunction and hair loss, new research shows John Swartzberg, a professor emeritus of infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of California-Berkeley's School of Public Health, said: "The virus always figured out a way to survive. I see nothing that suggests it’s not going to continue to do that."Researchers believe more Covid waves are inevitable as different genetic mutations of the virus battle it out in a bid for dominance.Which one comes out on top will determine the course of the next wave.The best-case scenario is if a milder mutation of the virus wins out next time, giving boffins time to prepare for a worse form of the virus that will eventually follow.Worst case is that a stronger mutation of Covid comes sooner and we're left unprepared to deal with it.So far two possible new variants have been identified.

I am nearing retirement and so far I was covered under my corporate insurance policy. I will retire in the next 1 year and my age is 58. Please suggest a good health Insurance plan for me and my wife (55) as we both are senior citizens. Should we go for senior citizens specific plans or the normal health Insurance plan? What cover should we look at buying? We do have PEDs- I am a heart patient & my wife is diabetic. - Manohar Kumar Life after the age of 60 is considered as a new innings with the least responsibilities and maximum time for self and family.

southern Chinese city remains one of the few places in the world, together with mainland China, to require a quarantine to guard against travelers spreading COVID-19 to the local population. The policy taking effect Friday will be Hong Kong's shortest quarantine for arrivals since the pandemic began. Hong Kong leader John Lee said arriving travelers must quarantine three days in a designated hotel, then undergo four days of medical surveillance during which their movements will be restricted via the use of a health code system.

Covid-19 outbreak in China, even as some 80,000 visitors were enjoying its beaches at peak season. Many are now stuck inside hotels until next Saturday, if not longer. Yang, along with her husband and child, are staying at a four-star hotel paid out of their own pocket.

Hong Kong will shorten the Covid-19 hotel quarantine period for all arrivals to three days from seven, taking another step to gradually unwind stringent pandemic rules that have isolated the Asian financial hub.

war in Ukraine received authorization Sunday to leave the country’s Black Sea coast as analysts warned that Russia was moving troops and equipment in the direction of the ports to stave off a Ukrainian counteroffensive.The body overseeing an international deal intended to get some 20 million tons of grain out of Ukraine and to feed millions of impoverished people who are going hungry in Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia said the loaded vessels were expected to depart Chornomorsk and Odesa on Monday.Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations signed agreements last month to create a sea channel that would allow cargo ships to travel safely out of ports that Russia’s military had blockaded and through waters that Ukraine’s military had mined. Implementation of the deal, which is in effect for four months, has proceeded slowly since the first ship embarked last Monday.

A traditional welcome to Balmoral Castle hosted by The Queen has been axed raising fresh health concerns for the 96-year-old monarch. Her Majesty was due to be at the event tomorrow but it has been cancelled and replaced with a “small, private event", The Mirror reports.

New Delhi: India reported 16,167 new covid-19 cases and 41 deaths in the last 24 hours New Delhi: India reported 16,167 new covid-19 cases and 41 deaths in the last 24 hours. The country has 1,35,510 active cases so far while 4.41 crore cases have been reported in the last two years. So far, more than 5,26,730 deaths have been recorded in the country.

China announced suspension of dialogue with the United States in a number of areas on Friday, countering the recent visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Also Read: India's Eldhose Paul, Abdulla Aboobacker win gold, silver in triple jump Australia defeated India by nine runs in the Commonwealth Games women's cricket gold medal game on Sunday at Edgbaston. India, which was expertly led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, pushed top-ranked Australia to the limit before taking seven wickets in the final five overs to secure victory.

Authorities investigating whether the killings of four Muslim men are connected said Sunday that they need help finding a vehicle believed to be connected to the deaths in New Mexico’s largest the city.

Five provinces across central and eastern Canada continued to swelter in unseasonably hot conditions on Sunday, Environment Canada said as it extended a widespread heat warning into a second day.

Pride Montreal said the city’s iconic parade that closes the festival’s celebration of LGBTQ+ communities was cancelled on Sunday citing security concerns stemming from a lack of volunteers for the event.

Covid-19: India's active caseload currently stands at 1,35,510. India once again witnessed a marginal decline in daily Covid-19 cases on Monday, with the country recording 16,167 new infections in the past 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. With this, the active caseload of the country currently stands at 1,35,510.  The data shows that a total of 15,549 people recovered from the coronavirus infection in the last 24 hours, taking the country's cumulative recoveries to 4,34,99,659.

Close up of moutain bike chain and gears. France.

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA - Eagles fans, it’s time to get fired up, as football season is just weeks away.Lincoln Financial Field will be buzzing Friday with Philadelphia faithful for pre-season football. Sunday, fans are getting a first look at the 2022 squad at open practice.Thousands of Eagles fans disregarded the blazing heat for some time at the Linc with some of their favorite people – the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles.Sunday evening was the first chance the public got to see the Birds play, ahead of their first preseason game Friday night.

First responders on the scene after a lightning strike in Lafayette Park, Washington, D.C. (DC Fire and EMS) A 29-year-old bank executive from Los Angeles was identified as the third person who was killed in Washington, D.C., by a lightning strike last week."Brooks was an incredible young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and unwavering positivity," City National Bank said in a statement on the death of employee Brooks Lambertson, according to the LA Times. "His sudden loss is devastating for all who knew him, and his family, friends and colleagues appreciate the thoughts and prayers that have poured in from around the country."Lambertson was killed Thursday evening while he was in the nation's capital for a business trip, the LA Times reported.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - SEPTEMBER 09: Cara Mund, Miss America 2018 takes her final walk on stage at the Miss America 2019 Finals at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall on September 9, 2018 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Donald Kravitz/Getty Images) BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Cara Mund, a former Miss America who gained attention by criticizing the organization near the end of her reign in 2018, plans to run for Congress in North Dakota as an independent.Mund announced her candidacy Saturday and said she would start gathering the 1,000 signatures she needs to get on the ballot, the Bismarck Tribune reported.If Mund gathers enough signatures, in November she will face Republican U.S.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - More human remains have been found at drought-stricken Lake Mead National Recreation Area east of Las Vegas, authorities said Sunday.It’s the fourth time since May that remains have been uncovered as Western drought forces the shoreline to retreat at the shrinking Colorado River reservoir behind the Hoover Dam.National Park Service officials said rangers were called to the reservoir between Nevada and Arizona around 11 a.m. Saturday after skeletal remains were discovered at Swim Beach.Rangers and a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police dive team went to retrieve the remains.Park Service officials said the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office will try to determine when and how the person died as investigators review records of missing people.On May 1, a barrel containing human remains was found near Hemenway Harbor.

Today we are reporting 4,006 community cases and 654 current hospitalisations.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. - It’s been more than two months since New Jersey enacted its plastic bag ban and some Garden State residents are having a hard time remembering to bring reusable bags and are taking off with the plastic baskets.Change can be hard for some folks and, in New Jersey, some folks are simply stuck in their ways. "It’s a little ridiculous," one shopper laughed.May 4th, New Jersey banned plastic and paper bags. Ever since then, it’s been a struggle for some folks to remember to bring their own bags.

Philadelphia police ask for help identifying the man in the photos, wanted in connection with an indecent assault in Center CFity. CENTER CITY - Philadelphia police are seeking a suspect in connection with an indecent assault in Center City.Sources tell FOX 29’s Steve Keeley a woman was exiting a subway at 19th and Market Streets when a man reached out and grabbed her buttocks as she was walking up the steps.The man then took off heading east on Market Street.Philadelphia Police officials say the incident happened Sunday morning, just before noon.The man is thought to be in his 40s, about 5’11", with a thin build, dark complexion and sporting a beard.

motor neurone disease. The actor's son, David Niven Junior, recounted the fateful events which led up to his death in an interview back in 2009. David Niven's dramatic decline left an indelible impression on his son.

Her Majesty the Queen’s health after it has emerged that the traditional royal welcome to Balmoral Castle has been cancelled – to be replaced with a “small, private event”, according to reports.Her Majesty is known to be keen on performing as many of her traditional duties as possible.However it was felt that the annual inspection of a Guard of Honour from Balaklava Company, 5th Battalion, The Royal ­Regiment of Scotland might be too much off for the 96-year-old monarch. READ MORE: Queen's Christmas Day snub of Harry and Meghan erupted into 'fury', expert claimsA royal source told the Mirror: “The traditional welcome to Balmoral is normally cemented in the Queen’s calendar and something Her Majesty really enjoys, being able to greet locals who travel to see her.“It’s a bitter disappointment the ceremony will not take place in its traditional form.”Last year, Her Majesty was visibly delighted to witness a performance from The Pipes and Drums of the regiment’s 3rd Battalion and meet the Royal ­Regiment of Scotland’s mascot, Shetland Pony Lance Corporal Cruachan IV.This year, it is understood, Her Majesty will still cast her eye over the soldiers but there will be no TV cameras, photographers or reporters invited.The sovereign has been forced to miss a number of other events including a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Epsom Derby due to “tiredness”.The Queen has been staying at Craigowan Lodge on the Balmoral estate since arriving in Scotland on July 21.A large delivery truck, apparently delivering furniture from Windsor, was seen parked outside the lodge at the weekend.

WEST PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia fire crews were called to an early morning house fire in West Philly.The call came a little before 12:30 Sunday morning, on the 100 block of North 59th Street.Firefighters were able to contain the blaze in about 20 minutes.RELATED HEADLINES:The fire happened in the same location where more than 150 gallons of gasoline were discovered in milk jugs August 1.Officials have not said if the fire is related.

Philadelphia police investigate the shooting death of a 37-year-old man in Kingsessing. KINGSESSING - A 37-year-old man has been killed in an overnight shooting in Philadelphia's Kingsessing section.According to authorities, the shooting happened on the 5300 block of Greenway Avenue early Sunday morning, around 2:15.Responding officers found the 37-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.MORE HEADLINES:He was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he died a short time later.Police are investigating the scene.

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia officials have declared a Heat Health Emergency, due to oppressive heat forecast for Monday and Tuesday.The emergency is set to begin at noon Monday, August 8 and end at 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 9.The city is able to put in place emergency heat programs, including Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Heatline (215-765-9040), home visits by field teams, daytime outreach for the homeless and cooling centers.Officials also remind residents to check on their vulnerable friends and neighbors, during this time of extensive heat."The Health Department declares a Heat Health Emergency when the temperature gets high enough that vulnerable people – especially our elderly neighbors and family members – are at an increased risk of getting sick or dying from the heat," said Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole.

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Police in North Philadelphia are investigating a shooting that left a 42-year-old man in critical condition.Officials say 6th District officers were called to the 600 block of Franklin Place Sunday afternoon, just after 2:30, on the report of shots fired.Police found the victim was shot in the head when they arrived.MORE HEADLINES:The man was rushed to Jefferson Hospital by medics, where he was placed in critical condition.Police are actively investigating possible motives into the shooting.

PHILADELPHIA - A reunion party took a shocking turn when police say an old tree came falling down Sunday afternoon.Six people were reportedly injured when the tree fell on the 5300 block of Georges Hill Driver around 12:20 p.m.Police say they ranged in age from 66-67 years old, and were all transported to local hospitals in stable condition.MORE HEADLINES:SkyFOX was live over the scene where the collapsed tree could be seen with debris underneath, and several tents surrounding it.The injured people were all attending a reunion party for a graduation class, according to police.This is a developing story.

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Narendra Modi may unveil an umbrella healthcare programme on 15 August that will subsume existing flagship schemes, three officials aware of the plans said. The new scheme, tentatively called the PM Samagra Swasthya Yojana, will aim to provide universal access to equitable, affordable and quality healthcare. Apart from this, Modi will also launch two more schemes—Heal by India to send doctors abroad to perform medical procedures; and Heal in India to promote medical tourism in the country, the officials cited above said on the condition of anonymity.

Three women shot in North Philadelphia, police say. PHILADELPHIA - Two overnight shooting in Philadelphia have left four women injured in the hospital, according to police.Police say several shots were fired on the 1300 block of North Newkirk Street around 2:14 a.m.

Less than four hours before departure, Ryan Farrell was surprised to learn his flight from Yellowknife to Calgary had been cancelled.

coronavirus pandemic to be over, but new numbers show the infection is far from done with us, thanks in part to new variants. But, what exactly do we know about them?Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherInfectious disease expert Dr. Amesh Adalja joined Good Day DC on Monday to break down some misconceptions about these new variants.One misconception is that the new COVID-19 variants can reinfect people at a higher and higher rate.