scholarly journals Pandemic fatigue impedes mitigation of COVID-19 in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanwei Du ◽  
Lin Wang ◽  
Songwei Shan ◽  
Dickson Lam ◽  
Tim Tsang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Mathematical Models ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
The Third ◽  
Mobility Data ◽  
Fourth Wave ◽  
Protective Behaviours

Abstract Community-wide social distancing has been a cornerstone of pandemic control prior to mass vaccinations. The extent to which pandemic fatigue is undermining adherence to such measures and accelerating transmission remains unclear. Using large-scale weekly telephone surveys and mobility data, we characterize the evolution of risk perception and protective behaviours in Hong Kong. We estimate a 1.5% to 5.5% reduction in population compliance with protective policies for the fourth wave (October 2020 to January 2021) versus the third wave (July to August 2020), inducing prolonged disease circulation with increased infections. Mathematical models incorporating population protective behaviours estimates that the fourth wave would have been 14% smaller if not for pandemic fatigue. Mitigating pandemic fatigue is essential in maintaining population protective behaviours for controlling COVID-19.

scholarly journals Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4766
Author(s):  
Daniela Loconsole ◽  
Francesca Centrone ◽  
Caterina Morcavallo ◽  
Silvia Campanella ◽  
Anna Sallustio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Gene Target ◽  
The Third ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions ◽  
Over Time

Epidemiological and virological studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are emerging globally, including in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of B.1.1.7-lineage SARS-CoV-2 in southern Italy from December 2020–March 2021 through the detection of the S gene target failure (SGTF), which could be considered a robust proxy of VOC B.1.1.7. SGTF was assessed on 3075 samples from week 52/2020 to week 10/2021. A subset of positive samples identified in the Apulia region during the study period was subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A descriptive and statistical analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases according to SGTF status was performed. Overall, 20.2% of samples showed SGTF; 155 strains were confirmed as VOC 202012/01 by WGS. The proportion of SGTF-positive samples rapidly increased over time, reaching 69.2% in week 10/2021. SGTF-positive cases were more likely to be symptomatic and to result in hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Despite the implementation of large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as the closure of schools and local lockdowns, a rapid spread of VOC 202012/01 was observed in southern Italy. Strengthened NPIs and rapid vaccine deployment, first among priority groups and then among the general population, are crucial both to contain the spread of VOC 202012/01 and to flatten the curve of the third wave.

scholarly journals Pandemic Fatigue: A Challenge in Combatting against COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Rohaizat Hassan ◽  
Syed Sharizman Syed Abdul Rahim ◽  
Mohammad Saffree Jeffree
Keyword(s):  
Third Wave ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
The Third ◽  
Social Structural ◽  
The World ◽  
Protective Behaviours ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Simple Definition

  The COVID -19 pandemic has hit the world for a period of a year and a half; it has been a triple crisis, with medical, economic, and psychological consequences. After 18 months of going through a pandemic, this includes not only facing the transmission of SARS CoV-2 virus but also restricted movements. Communities are now facing pandemic fatigue starting as early as the third wave of increased cases in September 2020. Pandemic fatigue is the stage when the initial enthusiasm and eagerness to tackle the crisis is replaced by feelings of exhaustion. In a simple definition, pandemic fatigue is understood as demotivation to follow recommended protective behaviours. It is a natural and expected reaction to sustained and unresolved adversity in people’s lives, evolving gradually over time and affected by several emotions, experiences, and perceptions as well as the cultural, social, structural, and legislative environment.

A philosophical critique of Feminism : From the third wave to the fourth wave

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-40
Author(s):  
Mohammed Xolile Ntshangase
Keyword(s):  
Hate Speech ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
The Other ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Political Equality ◽  
The Third ◽  
Knowing That ◽  
The World ◽  
Good Movement ◽  
Fourth Wave

Feminism has been a good movement with the noble aim of freeing the world from the shackles of an evil superiority of men over women. The principal of feminism as a movement was political equality between men and women. In itself, it was a fair and just course such that it was inclusive of men as well, men were also part of the movement with no insults, threats, and hate speech. But in this technological era some impurities have also crept into it. From the third wave of feminism which is also known as GRRRL feminism which turned the offensive names into jokes and somehow normal to be pronounced in public, things became no longer about equality and respect of humanity. As feminism grew, it became less critical and became more sensitive towards emotions and uncritical amassment of followers. To some extent, being critical about feminism is unacceptable because someone becomes quickly accused of being patriarchal and antifeminism. Indeed, patriarchy is a negative and destructive idea perpetrated by those who were suffering from testosteron-epowersyndrome . But, when some thinkers like Valenti, Arndt, and Harrow have identified the syndrome and implemented some medication to it, others inject the other side with similarly fatal ideas. I call those ideas Oestrgoen-powersyndrome because they make their victims think that with collapse of patriarchy, men should be disgraced and be made to feel not existentially necessary. Symptoms of this syndrome start from no more knowing that hating the other sex is wrong and should not be promoted. Writers like Annapuranny and Jansen even perpetrate non progressive talks like “what’s wrong with hating men”, “the world would be better off without men” and many phrases of such destructive nature. But the issue which this paper seeks to address is that there is no philosopher who has critically tackled this matter. In fact, some African philosophers rather reject the whole feminism movement as non-African. Using analytical framework, this research ventures into critical analysis of this issue of feminist extremism coupled with the silence of African philosophers.

The „Third Wave”. Reborn of social activity, and a social inclusion, among young Poles

2020 ◽  
Vol XI (1 (30)) ◽  
pp. 139-162
Author(s):  
Filip Nalaskowski ◽  
Dagna Dejna
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Issues ◽  
Social Activity ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Political Activities ◽  
The Third ◽  
Post War ◽  
In The Beginning

The phenomenon of the „Third Wave", which is a reborn of civic activity among a youth and social inclusion of young Poles is widely descripted from the historical perspective. In the beginning the historical overview focuses on the "First Wave", - the period between 1945 and 1989, where the involvement of young people in social and political activities was mainly confrontational. The very first thought we have when it comes to the political and social activities of the emerging generation in post-war Poland are not a pro-systemic but anti-systemic activities. First of all the year 1968 - identified as the beginning of the large-scale opposition movement of the People's Republic of Poland. The "Second Wave" is the generation crossing a borderline of 1989 as a children and youth. In general, it can be assumed that they were born between 1970 and 1985. The youngsters in this Wave were openly not-interested in the politics (ex. the record breaking low rate of participation in elections); disappointed with III RP, frustrated with a great social problems (unemployment, scandals on a large scale) were rather focused on personal and social issues on a micro scale (WOŚP, partys' youth wings). The "Third Wave"- the period we are witnessing, is a dawn of youth activity. We are just at the beginning of the rising curve, which shows the a rise of active civic attitude among young people. The phenomenon of this rebirth, inclusion, is the result of several factors, which are a subject of article are presented in detail. We are witnessing a great increase in the activity of young people, the demonstration of their power, the efficiency, and the influence. Its direction and force depend strongly on current trends, popularity and communication skills. The young Poles and theirs mood are the main factors which are choosing the members of The Polish Parliament, creating a demand for products and creating cultural phenomena. The Internet has become a land of communication and organization of young people's activities. In the article, the reader will find detailed reconstructions of the most important and popular activities of young Poles, the "Third Wave", their interpretation and explanations.

scholarly journals Hong Kong under COVID-19: Roles of community development service

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-274
Author(s):  
Siu Mei Lau ◽  
Yu Cheung Chan ◽  
Kwok Kin Fung ◽  
Suet Lin Hung ◽  
Juxiong Feng
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Community Development ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Crisis Management ◽  
Economic Downturn ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Short Article ◽  
Disadvantaged Groups ◽  
The Third ◽  
Development Service

This short article presents the plight of grassroots under the Covid-19 pandemic, which has been in the third wave from mid-July 2020. Like in many other places, the outbreak has caused economic downturn, and intensified stress about health and rising unemployment. The disadvantaged groups are suffering the most, which shows the problem of social inequality in the community. The roles of community social work in Hong Kong are highlighted to show how social workers can contribute to crisis management and empowerment of the deprived.

scholarly journals Change in profile of COVID-19 deaths in the Western Cape during the fourth wave

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masudah Paleker ◽  
Mary-Ann Davies ◽  
Peter Raubenheimer ◽  
Jonathan Naude ◽  
Andrew Boulle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Oxygen Consumption ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
The Third ◽  
Routinely Collected Data ◽  
Bulk Oxygen ◽  
Fourth Wave

Fewer COVID-19 deaths have been reported in this fourth wave, with clinicians reporting less admissions due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia when compared to previous waves. We therefore aimed to rapidly compare the profile of deaths in wave 4 with wave 3 using routinely collected data on admissions to public sector hospitals in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Findings show that there have been fewer COVID-19 pneumonia deaths in the Omicron-driven fourth wave compared to the third wave, which confirms anecdotal reports and lower bulk oxygen consumption by hospitals in the province.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics Underlying Epidemic Waves in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel P C Brand ◽  
John Ojal ◽  
Rabia Aziza ◽  
Vincent Were ◽  
Emelda Okiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Economic ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Transmission Dynamics ◽  
Population Exposure ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Phenotypic Properties ◽  
The Third ◽  
Contact Rates ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Fourth Wave

Policy decisions on COVID-19 interventions should be informed by a local, regional and national understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Epidemic waves may result when restrictions are lifted or poorly adhered to, variants with new phenotypic properties successfully invade, or when infection spreads to susceptible sub-populations. Three COVID-19 epidemic waves have been observed in Kenya. Using a mechanistic mathematical model we explain the first two distinct waves by differences in contact rates in high and low social-economic groups, and the third wave by the introduction of a new higher-transmissibility variant. Reopening schools led to a minor increase in transmission between the second and third waves. Our predictions of current population exposure in Kenya (~75% June 1st) have implications for a fourth wave and future control strategies.

scholarly journals Reconstruction of a large-scale outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Iceland informs vaccination strategies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristjan Eldjarn Hjorleifsson ◽  
Solvi Rognvaldsson ◽  
Hakon Jonsson ◽  
Arna B Agustsdottir ◽  
Margret Andresdottir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
Viral Sequence ◽  
The Third ◽  
Population Prevalence ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on several factors, both biological and behavioral. The effectiveness of various non-pharmaceutical interventions can largely be attributed to changes in human behavior, but quantifying this effect remains challenging. Reconstructing the transmission tree of the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Iceland using contact tracing and viral sequence data from 2522 cases enables us to compare the infectiousness of distinct groups of persons directly. We find that people diagnosed outside of quarantine are 89% more infectious than those diagnosed while in quarantine, and infectiousness decreases as a function of the time spent in quarantine. Furthermore, we find that people of working age, 16-66 years old, are 47% more infectious than those outside that age range. Lastly, the transmission tree enables us to model the effect that given population prevalence of vaccination would have had on the third wave had they been administered before that time using several different strategies. We find that vaccinating in order of ascending age or uniformly at random would have prevented more infections per vaccination than vaccinating in order of descending age.

scholarly journals Sleep and Mood Disturbances during the COVID-19 Outbreak in an Urban Chinese Population in Hong Kong: A Longitudinal Study of the Second and Third Waves of the Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8444
Author(s):  
Chun Sing Lam ◽  
Branda Yee-Man Yu ◽  
Denise Shuk Ting Cheung ◽  
Teris Cheung ◽  
Simon Ching Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
General Anxiety Disorder ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
The Third ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
The Impact

In response to the worsening situation of the COVID pandemic, this follow-up study aimed to assess the impact of the “third wave” of the outbreak on sleep and mood disturbances among Hong Kong citizens. A total of 339 respondents included in our last study during the second wave (4–11 August 2020) joined this survey (response rate = 51.1%). The questionnaire collected data on sleep conditions, mood, stress, and risk perception. The sleep quality and mood status were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The weighted prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression was 33.6%, 15.3%, and 22.0%, respectively. Compared with the last survey, five out of six sleep parameters significantly worsened despite the lack of difference in the ISI score. The GAD-7 score was significantly lower. Old-aged adults were less likely to maintain good sleep quality compared with middle-aged adults (adjusted OR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.04–15.73). Respondents without psychiatric disorder were more likely to be anxiety-free across the two time points (adjusted OR = 7.12, 95% CI: 1.33–38.03). One-third of Hong Kong people reported poor sleeping quality in the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Policy-makers need to propose a contingent plan to allocate mental health resources to vulnerable subpopulations.

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