Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of November 15, 2021

Updated November 21, 2021 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from more Covid restrictions to air pollution in New Delhi. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top four stories of the week.

Coronavirus Updates for the Week of November 15

Colorado Covid

Photo Source: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

 

  • More Restrictions Added: On Monday, November 15, Colorado announced that all attendees of large indoor events must now be vaccinated. The state is facing a large uptick in Covid cases and hospitals are at the brink of collapse. Gatherings of more than 500 people will now be required to show proof of vaccination.[1] On Monday, November 15, Cambodia announced that, starting immediately, vaccinated travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon entry. However, travelers will not only have to show proof of vaccination, but they must also show a negative test from the last 72 hours.[2] That same day, Austria announced a lockdown for all unvaccinated people 12 and over. About 65% of the population is vaccinated against Covid, but ICU capacity is still fairly high in Austria. The stay-at-home order for the unvaccinated was decided upon in September.[3] On Wednesday, November 17, Ireland imposed new curfews to bars and pubs after the country saw a rise in Covid cases. Work from home will also be implemented, as will an expansive to vaccine passports for certain areas.[4] On Sunday, November 21, many European countries saw deadly protests after new Covid restrictions were put in place. One notable riot occurred outside The Hague after the Dutch government announced new restrictions. The rioters started fires and threw rocks and fireworks at police. At least five police have been taken to the hospital.[5]
  • New Findings: On Wednesday, November 17, scientists confirmed that Covid-19 can spread among deer and other wildlife in the US. Researchers are worried that this means the virus can evolve in animals and then spill back into humans.[6]
  • More Covid News: On Wednesday, November 18, the Biden Administration announced that it is planning to increase the manufacturing of vaccines in order to deliver them to underdeveloped countries. Though not all the kinks are worked out, the administration is working hard to put the plan into action as quickly as possible.[7] On Wednesday, November 17, Chancellor Merkel reported that Germany is in very dangerous territory with Covid. Germany just beat its daily record of cases, reaching 52,826 in the last 24 hours. Many areas are placing restrictions in an effort to avoid a complete shutdown.[8] On Wednesday, November 17, it was announced that six arrest warrants have been issued for people in Thailand accused of selling the US faulty medical gloves during the pandemic. The scammers are thought to have frauded an American manufacturer over $2 million.[9]


Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN [8]BBC [9]CNN

 

Check out some more Covid resources.

Violence in the US Continues into the Third Week of November

Rittenhouse Case

Photo Source: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

On Monday, November 15, the death toll for Astroworld rose to 10 after it was reported that a 9-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries. The boy was in a medically-induced coma as doctors tried to save his brain, liver, and lungs from the trauma they experienced.[1] On Monday, November 15, it was reported that four people in an Arizona trailer park were shot and killed the night before. While police don’t have much to go on, they do believe the act was intentional and instead most likely started as a confrontation between the two groups. Police are still looking for any information.[2] On Monday, November 15, at least 6 teens were wounded after a shooting at a park near a high school in Aurora, Colorado. The victims were between 14 and 18 years of age. Investigators found different types of shell casings and witnesses reported seeing multiple suspicious vehicles. While descriptions of the vehicles have been released, police have little other information.[3] On Saturday, November 20, authorities called for calm after the verdict in the Kyle Rittenhouse case came back as not guilty. Rioters in Portland threw rocks into buildings. New York and Chicago also saw protests, but they were much calmer and peaceful.[4] On Sunday, November 21, at least three people were arrested after dozens looted a Nordstrom near San Francisco. At least 80 people, filling 10 vehicles, were involved in the ransack.[5]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]BBC [5]CNN

Violence Around the World Continue into the Third Week of November

Sudan Protests

Photo Source: AP Photo/Marwan Ali

On Monday, November 15, Indian police killed at least 26 Maoist militants, including a top leader, after an ambush was carried out in a small forest. Police have been in a battle with Maoists, left-wing activists, for the last few decades.[1] On Monday, November 15, Cubans reported that they have been locked into their homes amid a government attempt to clamp down on protests planned. The protests, fighting for freedom and peace, were planned for that same day. At least 11 people were arrested and another 50 were trapped in their homes.[2] On Tuesday, November 17, at least 3 people were killed and another 36 injured after multiple suicide bombings in Kampala, Uganda. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attacks. A total of 81 suspects have been arrested, and nearly a dozen of the attackers died during the attacks and following arrests.[3] On Wednesday, November 18, at least 10 people were shot dead in anti-coup protests in Sudan. Thousands of demonstrators marched in the streets and were quickly met by military forces. At least 70 more demonstrators have been injured during the protests.[3] On Sunday, November 21, Sudan’s military chief reinstated the Prime Minister ousted by the military during last month’s coup. The deal struck between the government and military also stipulates that political detainees be released. The deal will eventually focus on a shared power, but details are still in the works.[5] On Sunday, November 21, a gunman entered Jerusalem’s Old City and began shooting, killing at least one person and injuring another 4. Responding police officers shot and killed the assailant. Hamas labeled the attacker as a heroic figure.[6] On Sunday, November 21, three construction workers died after a scaffolding project collapsed in Taiwan. At least two others were injured during the collapse. It is unclear what caused the tragedy.[7]
Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]CNN

Air Pollution and Floods Cause Issues

Air Pollution in India

Photo Source: AP Photo/Altaf Qadri

On Sunday, November 14, it was reported that the air pollution in New Delhi was so bad, many schools had to close for the week. Children will be attending virtual classes in order to avoid breathing in the polluted air. Many businesses are also following a work from home model where possible.[1] On Wednesday, November 17, Vancouver declared a state of emergency after the area was hit by a severe storm. The heavy rains, which hit the region on Sunday, left many people stranded and rescue missions continued through to Wednesday. A few people have already died due landslides.[2] On Wednesday, farmers worked to rescue cows from the month’s worth of rain that occurred in just two days. Many farms have faced severe damage.[3]
Source: [1]CNN [2]BBC [3]CNN

Sources +