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China has begun using anal swabs to test those it considers at high risk of contracting Covid-19, state TV reported, with social media users and travellers squirming over the invasive procedure which doctors say can be more effective in detecting the virus.Enjoy the new normal, folks!
Officials took anal swabs from residents of neighbourhoods with confirmed Covid-19 cases in Beijing last week, broadcaster CCTV said, while those in designated quarantine facilities have also undergone the test.
Small, localized outbreaks in recent weeks have seen multiple cities in northern China sealed off from the rest of the country and prompted mass testing campaigns — which up until now have mostly been conducted using throat and nose swabs.
But the anal swabs method "can increase the detection rate of infected people" as traces of the virus linger longer in the anus than in the respiratory tract, Li Tongzeng, a senior doctor from Beijing's You'an Hospital, told CCTV.
Users of China's popular Twitter-like Weibo social media platform reacted to the method with a mix of mirth and horror.
"So lucky I returned to China earlier," one user wrote.
"Low harm, but extreme humiliation," another said, using a laughing emoticon.
"Now that Donald Trump is a private citizen, the Senate should dismiss the article of impeachment against him for lack of jurisdiction.... Beyond the constitution, there are strong policy and historical reasons an incoming administration shouldn't seek recriminations against its predecessor."In other words, the Senate lacks the authority to try a former official, and it would be dumb politics.
In light of Biden's Racial Equality agenda, the NAACP has demands:
The NAACP had called on Biden to create a policy "czar" position to put one person in charge of addressing racial justice and equity issues. Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, said Tuesday it was important to see the issues embedded in the administration's domestic policy portfolio.See also:
The Racial Equity Anchor Collaborative, a coalition of racial justice and civil rights organizations, pushed Tuesday for Biden to establish a White House Office on Racial Equity and Inclusion to coordinate all actions. But administration officials emphasized what they said is an unprecedented move to embed racial equity throughout all agencies.
"Advancing equity is everybody's job," said Rice.
Marc Morial, president of the National Urban League, said Biden's initial steps and Rice's role indicates racial justice will not be marginalized in the new administration."It's not time to pop a cork or spike the ball. No way. Don't get me wrong," he told USA TODAY. "But these are things that we have encouraged, asked for and demanded. So it looks like we're being heard at this stage."Eric Rodriguez, senior vice president of policy and advocacy at UnidosUS a national Latino civil rights organization, praised Biden's focus on housing, which he called a 'sleeper issue.' "We know that systemic racism is throughout the government."
Israel and Iran both seek to put pressure on President Joe Biden ahead of his expected announcement on his approach for dealing with the Iranian nuclear program. In Iran, leaders said they would not wait indefinitely for Biden to act. Biden has said he will seek to revive the deal, with some changes.See also:
Kohavi said allowing Iran to proceed with a nuclear program would be "an unacceptable threat and will lead to nuclear proliferation across the region." Kohavi said that given the threat posed by Iran, Israel's military would be prepared to attack on its own if needed."I instructed the army to prepare a number of operational plans in addition to the existing ones. We are taking care of these plans and will develop them during the coming year. Those who decide on carrying them out, of course, are the political leaders. But these plans have to be on the table."Just hours before Kohavi spoke against a deal, Iran prodded Biden to rejoin the atomic accord. "The window of opportunity will not be open for long," said Iran's Cabinet spokesman Ali Rabiei.
Israeli officials, including Kohavi, say that Iran is in a much weaker position than in 2015 after years of sanctions by the Trump administration. They say that any new deal should eliminate "sunset" provisions that phase out certain limits on Iran's nuclear activities, address Iran's long-range missile program and its military involvement and support for Israel's enemies across the region.
Comment:
UK PM Johnson confirms delayed school reopening in England, says Covid situation too 'perilous' to ease restrictions UK unveils STRICTER Covid-19 border restrictions as govt steps up enforcement measures