Thread by @yaneerbaryam

India's new cases and deaths are lower than the peak in past few days, reported cases are down from 402,110 cases to 392,562; 370,059; 355,828; 382,691.

We want to see a strong and sustained decline.

The decline is happening as restrictions are being increased.

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Increasing restrictions are visible in a "sringency index" but the restrictions are not as strong as earlier.

Achieving a rapid decline is the best ways to save lives and livelihoods. Restoring economic activity doesn't work well when balancing tradeoffs.

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The 7 day average of Brazil's cases has declined since the end of March going from over 77,000 to 59,000, a very slow decline.

Brazil's over 400,000 total deaths are second only to the US, with over 576,000 deaths. US also has most reported cases: over 32 million.

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FDA is preparing to authorize Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15 year-olds, via Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). In September, Pfizer plans to apply for EUA for children ages 2 through 11. (Studies for these age groups are currently ongoing.)

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cnn.com/2021/05/03/hea…

The trans-Tasman bubble between Australia and New Zealand has opened, and has seen a gradual increase in demand. Only one airline (Air New Zealand) has significantly brought back capacity to this route.

stuff.co.nz/business/30029…

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Pfizer has begun Phase 1 trials for antiviral COVID-19 treatment, which it says may be ready for authorization by the end of 2021. This may be good news if the trials succeed. However, we should be careful of false hopes / wishful thinking.

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abc7.com/covid-19-pill-…

There is no reason to let COVID-19 persist through the end of the year, when this drug would (potentially) be available. Instead, we direct attention to strategies of elimination and eradication.

cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/m…

covidactiongroup.net/scientific-con…
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