26.11.2021 Omicron: Jinping Plague returns in full force?

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Friday 26th 36F, cold, dark and cloudy. It felt much colder for my walk. Mostly de to the wind. Gulls were moving constantly in the distance.

More bad news on the Jinping Plague. Europe looking into the abyss of a second pandemic rather than "just" another wave. Meanwhile a new mutation is spreading in Africa. 

Europe continues to close down.[Again] With masks compulsory in shops and public transport, in Denmark, from Monday. I was still the only one wearing a mask on my shopping trips yesterday. I even had somebody ask me why I was wearing one. 

The "experts" are still divided on the efficacy of masks. With widely varying estimates of protection against the virus. From over 50% to a measly 10-15%. Depending on whom you ask. The difficulty is judging the other measures mask wearers are likely to take. Like hand washing, social distancing and the number of family and social contacts. Schools are a hotbed of new infections. 

Never mind about losing "freedoms". Better to be on the safe side and survive long enough to be smug. They had all of last year to see what works and what doesn't. Which could be further honed this year. So they should have a good grip on controlling infection by now. 

The weakness in every chain is always the human element. Nurses and retirement home staff choosing to go unvaccinated? Find yourself another job! Or face charges of manslaughter!

Update: The South African variant has been detected in Belgium. As far back as Nov 9th. In an arrival from Egypt who developed symptoms. So much for stopping African flights to Europe. They may already be two weeks too late.

Further update: The new virus variant with multiple mutations is to be called Omicron. Will historians discuss why the warning signs were ignored again? There are already massive demonstrations against restrictions. What if this variant can infect the already vaccinated? A 1918 replay? 

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