Trained on smelly socks, bio-detection dogs sniff out COVID-19
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LONDON Sniffer dogs trained using smelly socks worn by people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus could soon be used at airports or mass gathering venues to pick up the “corona odor” of COVID-19-infected people, British scientists said on Monday.
Working in teams of two, the COVID-trained dogs could screen a line of several hundred people coming off a plane within half an hour, for example, and detect with up to 94.3% sensitivity those infected, the scientists said.
Presenting results of an early stage study – which involved some 3,500 odor samples donated in the form of unwashed socks or T-shirts worn by members of the public and health workers – the researchers said the dogs were even able to sniff out asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 cases, as well as cases caused by a mutant variant that emerged in the UK late last year.
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Government report shows improving vaccine confidence among ethnic minority groups
Today (25 May) the Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch MP and COVID hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, will issue a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.
From:
25 May 2021
As Government publishes third report on COVID-19 disparities, the Minister for Equalities and hero GP, Dr Farzana Hussain, issue a joint call for everyone to take the vaccine when they are offered it.
Evidence shows vaccine confidence has steadily increased among ethnic minorities.
This follows flexible vaccine delivery, and targeted communications from government and medical professionals, and partnerships with broadcasters.