All posts by FreeNews

Australia's CMO defends the roll-out of the AstraZeneca vaccine

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has defended the roll-out of the AstraZeneca vaccine as he conceded he would not be trying to convince anti-vaxxers of its benefits.

Professor Kelly said Australians "have been great at taking up the offers of vaccination", both for children and the wider population.

"We know that confidence is absolutely key to that," Professor Kelly said.

LIVE UPDATES: Victoria records no new local COVID-19 cases

"There are some people that just don't believe in vaccination… we can't convince them.

"We know that the majority of Australians are in favour of vaccination generally and our surveys that we've done in relation to the COVID vaccine have been very positive in that regard."

Mr Kelly said the "trump card" in Australia's selection of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine is that it can be made on shore.

"The choice is not whether one is better than the other," Professor Kelly said.

"It's which one is available to give the maximum roll-out of vaccine to save lives and to protect lives this year. The answer to that is the one we can make here."

Mr Kelly said he is "concerned" debate over the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine could undermine public trust in the country's vaccination plan.

Australia's CMO 'concerned' by COVID-19 vaccine controversy

His comments come in response to concerns from some Australian medical experts suggesting the AstraZeneca vaccine may not be effective enough to achieve herd immunity.

The Australia and New Zealand Society for Immunology says, based on current evidence, the AstraZeneca vaccine shouldn't be relied on for controlling the virus in Australia.

There are no questions about the safety of the vaccine.

Mr Kelly said concerns about the ability of the drug to create herd immunity was not justified at this stage of the process, and Australians should be guided by medical research findings from the TGA.

"Once controversy is opened up and people make comments based on interim results from trial that was published a month ago … of course people will be wondering whether it's the right decision," Mr Kelly told Today.

"Long- standing advice that stood us in good stead on vaccines. They are the ones that advised us all along."

READ MORE: What the super strain mutants mean for the world in 2021

Phase three clinical trials show the AstraZeneca is around 62 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19.

Mr Kelly urged people not to fixate on the singular finding, pointing out that some groups involved in the AstraZeneca trail recorded up to 90 per cent effectiveness.

"We'll have much more information than a five or six page article published in the Lancet once the TGA makes decision," he said.

"Once they made that decision we'll be guided by it. Minimum, it is an effective vaccine, it definitely exceeds the World Health Organisation's goal of over 50 per cent effectiveness."

Infectious diseases and general physician at Alfred Health, Associate Professor Michelle Ananda-Rajah, this morning told Today some experts are concerned the AstraZeneca vaccine may not be the most efficient option.

"The issue with the AstraZeneca vaccine is that we are relying heavily on this vaccine to immunise the population so the vast majority of Australian population will be getting the AstraZeneca vaccine," she said.

"Herd immunity is really important … it stops the virus from circulating and helps us return as normal a life as possible and the issue here is that we think that that target number should be around 70 or 80 per cent at least."

The Pfizer jab – currently being rolled out in the United Sates and the UK – is considered more than 90 per cent effective and thus more likely to achieve a her immunity result.

Finals results for the AstraZeneca trial are expected towards the end of this month or early February however Assoc. Prof. Ananda-Rajah said it seems "incredibly unlikely" those results will vary significantly.

"I want to make that absolutely clear, we have always maintained a vaccine is our strategy out of this. Like oxygen, when you're offered a vaccine, take the vaccine. It is incredibly important," she said.

"This is about finessing up our strategy and making sure we deliver for Australia the most effective vaccines."

READ MORE: Biden gets second dose of vaccine as team readies COVID-19 plan

Despite this, Associate Prof. Ananda-Rajah said if Australia should aim for the most effective option.

"We have a window of opportunity to get this right and make sure we roll out the most effective vaccines for Australians. Otherwise we're potentially living with rolling epidemics and ongoing outbreaks and restrictions and that is not the expectation of the community."

READ MORE: Why Australia is not rushing to approve a COVID-19 vaccine

A health care professional prepares a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Australia is on track to distribute the Pfizer vaccine in February, however, there are fewer doses on order compared with the AstraZeneca injection.

FBI urges Capitol rioters to surrender as hundreds face charges

The FBI could charge hundreds of people over the Capitol riots, as investigators sift through more than 100,000 pieces of digital evidence.

Steven D'Antuono, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington DC office, said 70 people have so far been charged over the riots, with federal agents opening more than 160 case files.

But Mr D'Antuono warned that the FBI had only hit the "tip of the iceberg" and potentially hundreds of people would be charged for storming the Capitol.

EXPLAINED: What is QAnon? How a wild conspiracy theory led to the storming of the US Capitol

A Capitol police officer looks out of a broken window as protesters gather on the US Capitol Building

The FBI called on rioters to hand themselves in, even if they had escaped Washington DC in the aftermath of last week's rampage.

"Even if you left DC, agents from our local field offices will be knocking on your door," Mr D'Antuono said.

Michael Sherwin, the acting US Attorney for District of Washington, said two pipe bombs found near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee on 6 January "were real devices" with explosive igniters and timers.

"We don't know exactly why they did not go off, that's being investigated," he said.

"What was the purpose of those devices being planted? Was it a diversionary type of a tactic used by some of these rioters?

"Or did it have some other type of nefarious purpose?"

READ MORE: Twitter blocks 70,000 QAnon accounts after US Capitol riot

READ MORE: Cops suspended for posing for selfies during US Capitol riots

Mr Sherwin said multiple US law enforcement agencies were trying to find out the answers to those questions.

Some rioters would face serious sedition and conspiracy felony charges, carrying prison terms of up to 20 years , Mr Sherwin said.

Last week hundreds of protesters stormed the US Capitol, after they were whipped into a frenzy at an event where outgoing President Donald Trump spoke, often in an incendiary tone.

READ MORE: Australian accused of running world's biggest darknet site

As protesters smashed their way inside the Capitol, some were heard calling for vice president Mike Pence to be executed and hung from a tree on Capitol hill.

Another protester was photographed carrying plastic zip-ties, prompting a theory some were ready to detain political hostages.

US Capitol Police detain protesters outside of the House Chamber, during a riot which shocked the world. A protester spotted inside the Senate chamber carrying plastic zip-tie handcuffs has prompted theories some in the Capitol riot wanted to catch and detain hostages.

Lawmakers inside the building were forced to evacuate, and a police officer was one of five people killed.

Meanwhile, a seemingly unrepentant Mr Trump was south of Washington DC today, speaking near the US-Mexico border

"Free speech is under assault like never before," he said, referring to his de-platforming by big tech.

"The 25th amendment is of zero risk to me but will come back to haunt Joe Biden and the Biden administration."

He said that "the impeachment hoax is a continuation of the greatest witch hunt in history".

READ MORE: What is the 25th amendment? The backdoor method for removing a president

US capitals prepare for Sunday protest marches by radical Republicans

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Government officials here and at other US state capitals are preparing for a violent weekend due to continuing threats by Republican Party radicals who indicate they will continue to hold protest marches against the “Marxist Left” and “complicit mass media.”

Local newspapers across the US are warning government officials, and residents to be prepared for political marches and perhaps even violence as radicals march on state capitals.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has warned all its offices in major cities across the US to be vigilant and watch for subversive activities.

The St. Croix Republican Committee in St. Croix, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, urged on its website that its members should, “prepare for war.”

“We will be continuing to motivate and activate conservative patriots with solid, tangible action items. Let’s follow the example set by President Trump in the last four years and fight for the preservation of the principles of the founding of our Country.

“If you want peace, prepare for war and calls “Peace Through Strength,” a cornerstone of conservative beliefs.

“Welcome to the digital battlefield. Never before has the mission of the Conservative patriot been so clear. We watched for the last four years as Democrats in concert with the Marxist left and a complicit mass media has done everything possible to overturn the 2016 election through any means necessary.

“During the 2020 election cycle, while Republicans focused on playing the game, Democrats focused on changing the rules of the game and pushing every boundary. They worked diligently at sowing as much chaos as possible using every dirty trick imaginable to insure that they would not be caught by another surprise loss.

“It worked.

“President Trump radically changed the Republican Party in 2016, now it’s up to us to follow that lead. Patriots need to continue the fight to make sure that we put America and its citizens first, and hold all of our elected representatives accountable to their oaths to uphold the Constitution.

“It’s time to stand and be counted as a conservative warrior in the on-going fight to preserve our Constitutional Republic. Please join us. We need to start local by removing leftist tyrants from all local and county positions in the future April elections.”

Representative Daniel Webster, from Florida’s 11th District commented saying, “The violence and attack on the U.S. Capitl and law enforcement on Wednesday was wrong.”

“Protesting is a fundamental hallmark of our country and a protected constitutional right,” said Rep. Webster. ‘However, as I said last summer – violence, riots, and actions that destroy property and disrespect law enforcement is wrong.

“Those that perpetrated this violence, destroyed property, and defamed peaceful protesters must be held accountable. My prayers have been with Capital Police Officer Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood’s families and their fellow officers.

“I am very grateful for the actions of Law Enforcement to protect myself, my colleagues, our staff and the many support staff who help ensure Capital Hill functions,” concluded Rep. Webster.

The post US capitals prepare for Sunday protest marches by radical Republicans appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

Development Bank using latest technology in fight against Covid-19

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — At a time when the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic appears not to be abating anytime soon, especially with the emergency of new variants of the virus, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has stepped up its Covid-19 fight using the latest technology.

Social Distancing at the bank, left to right, Ms. Keivern Huggins, Ms. Hyacinth Pemberton with Board of Directors members, Stephen Jones, Ms. Tywana Cranston, and Ms. Danienne Brin.
Ms. Terrianne Bahadur of Alpha and Omega Security Solutions at the Bank’s head office oversees a client’s temperature is scanned by the thermal imagining camera.

“The Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis is leading the charge in the Federation in combatting the spread of the novel coronavirus by using the latest in thermal scanning technologies and adjustments in their standard of operating procedures and policies,” said Michael Peets of Digital Security Services Ltd.

Thermal imagining cameras have been installed by Digital Security Services Ltd. at the bank’s head office at the corner of Church and Central Streets in Basseterre, and at the branch office on Chapel Street in Charlestown, Nevis. The cameras allow for clients’ temperatures to be taken without any contact as they are mounted on the wall, eight feet above the ground.

“What we have here is our thermal imaging solution,” explained Peets after the installation of the thermal camera at the head office in Basseterre. “It measures the temperature as you walk through the door and come into the establishment, a contactless solution.”

Security guards and frontline staff members at the head office and at the branch office have been trained to use a tablet to retrieve the information from the cameras. According to Peets, that information is important when it comes to contact tracing should any client show signs of the disease and can also be shared with the Ministry of Health.

Those trained in Basseterre, include Manager Human Resource Unit, Ms. Danienne Brin; Manager of the Management Information System Unit, Laurinston Matthew; Management Systems Technical Officer, Eldean Huggins; Marketing and Product Development Officer, Ms. Chantelle Rochester; Customer Service Representatives, Ms. Vershary Hanley, and Raheem Rogers; and Alpha and Omega Security Solutions Security Guard, Ms. Terrianne Bahadur.

Nevis team, left to right, Lincoln Dyer; Chemor Bartlette, Customer Service Representative at the Nevis Branch, Ms. Tywana Cranston; Ms. Hyacinth Pemberton, and Michael Peets.

Nevis training was provided to Branch Manager, Ms. Hyacinth Pemberton; Customer Service Representatives, Ms. Tywana Cranston and Chemor Bartlette; and Alpha and Omega Security Solutions Security Guard, Lincoln Dyer.

According to Human Resource Manager at the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Danienne Brin, guidelines on how to use the thermal cameras have been circulated. All clients are aware that when they enter the establishment they will have their temperatures taken using the new cameras.

“We are now in the second week since the implementation and pleased clients are responding to it,” said Ms Brin. “The guidelines outline that bank customers need to have on a mask. Our security personnel will sanitise customer’s hands and the dispenser is available if customers want to do it. The security person will direct customers to a marked area where they stand and position themselves to look up to the camera, which will take their picture and temperature.”

If the temperature is normal, the camera will release a recorded message ‘testing pass.’ The client can then proceed on to their appointments or discussions with bank officers.

If the temperature is elevated, the recorded message will say ‘warning high temperature.’ At this stage, the client will be requested to take a seat for about five minutes to cool off before they are asked to come forward to have their temperature taken again.

“The temperature is displayed on the monitor so the client can see it on the screen instead of someone telling them their temperature,” said Ms. Brin. “If testing is done a second time, and it is normal, the customer can move beyond in the camera and institution based on their scheduled appointment. If it is still elevated, the customer will be asked to touch base with their officer by telephone or email. That officer will determine the best way to serve the customer, given their elevated temperature.”

Both Ms. Brin and the Nevis Branch Office Manager, Ms. Hyacinth Pemberton, said they are pleased with how the cameras are operating. She said that the only time red flags will be raised will be due to a client’s elevated temperature due to being out in the hot sun for a lengthy period, as a second reading would be normal.

“As part of the COVID-19 fight at the Nevis branch office we moved a step ahead when it comes to the implementation of the Covid-19 protocols,” said Ms Pemberton. “Last August, we relocated to new offices on Chapel Street and when the building was being refurbished; permanent social distancing markers were included outside the office leading to the front door. Clients have to stay behind those marking before they come into the establishment. This has worked out very well.”

The post Development Bank using latest technology in fight against Covid-19 appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

NIA announces CARICOM ‘Green Economy’ skills training opportunity in Canada

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — The Nevis Island Administration Ministry of Human Resources has announced the availability short-term Canada-Caribbean Community Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships programme.

This new short-term exchange opportunity, funded by Global Affairs Canada, targets people interested in pursuing certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in areas such as:
• Climate-smart agriculture;
• Coastal and fisheries management;
• Renewable energy;
• Sustainable building techniques; and
• Agro-forestry.

The benefits of the scholarship include:
• Visa/study/work permit fees;
• Airfare;
• Health insurance;
• Living expenses;
• Ground transportation; and
• Books and supplies.

The duration of the scholarship is a minimum of four months or one academic term and a maximum of eight months or two academic terms. The application period is from January to March 2021.

For further assistance and/or information, please visit the following link or contact the following persons:
https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/ccstge-ccfpev.aspx?lang=eng

Kalima Ali-Jagnarine
Development Officer
High Commission of Canada
Phone: (592) 227-2081-5 ext. 398 3453
Email: Ka******************@**************gc.ca

OECS Communications
Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
Phone: (758) 455-6327
Email: me***@**cs.int

The post NIA announces CARICOM ‘Green Economy’ skills training opportunity in Canada appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.