The global decline in COVID-19 cases can likely be attributed to lockdowns, reduced travel and vaccines, experts say, but new variants may drive another surge.
Analysis: Collapsed health system makes Venezuela vaccination campaign an uphill battle
FILE PHOTO: Venezuela s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a ceremony marking the opening of the new court term in Caracas, Venezuela January 22, 2021. REUTERS/Manaure Quintero/File Photo reuters tickers
This content was published on February 12, 2021 - 16:19
February 12, 2021 - 16:19
By Brian Ellsworth and Vivian Sequera
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela s deteriorated health system and collapsed economy will make the country one of the toughest places in the region to conduct a coronavirus vaccination campaign, an effort that already trails most of South America, experts said.
The country has one of the region s lowest coverage rates for even basic vaccines, according to regional health figures, driven by years of blackouts, loss of medical personnel and decay of local clinics that are crucial for such campaigns.
Editor s note: This story has been revised to provide the full proper title for Dr. Prabhjot Singh.
Harriet Daniels has been working from home for nearly a year. When she goes out, she limits her exposure because she wants to protect herself and others from catching COVID-19. She has friends and relatives who have died after contracting the virus.
Recently, Daniels started wearing two face masks instead of just one. For me, it s life or death. I don t want to play Russian Roulette, she said.
Not everyone appreciates the escalation. On Feb. 6, Daniels was at the post office when a male customer inched closer and closer. She said she told him to back up and practice social distancing, like everyone else. Daniels said the man gave her a funny look.
If you ve already had Covid-19, can you contract a new variant? Here s what experts say advisory.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from advisory.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Tecentriq, also given by IV, is an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Those newer, immunotherapy drugs help the immune system seek and destroy tumors. In a trial published last year, researchers found that for patients with advanced liver cancer.