Maritime Provinces, Covid-Free Paradise
Chilly Lands Near Covid-Hotspots USA and Quebec
To quote Stephanie Nolan, “Where I’m living, we gather without fear. Life is unfolding much as it did a year ago. This magical, virus-free world is just one long day’s drive away from the Empire State Building — in a parallel dimension called Nova Scotia.
This is one of the four Atlantic provinces that cling to the coast of Canada, north and east of Maine. In Canada, these are typically known as “have-not provinces,” economically depressed areas dependent on cash transfers from wealthier provinces to the West.
In the pandemic era, however, ‘have not’ takes on new meaning.”
There’s a ton to love about Canadians, also known as Canuks to their friends. They follow the Golden Rule. They are open and helpful. They are great friends and excellent citizens.
Pity we Americans haven’t yet learned from them.
There are only about 1.8 million people in the Maritimes, so there’s lots of room. Also, there are probably more lobsters than people. The economy has never been good. Wikipedia talks about the “Reputed Golden Age,” a myth created in the 1930s to lure visitors.
Real estate prices are surging as people from Toronto realize they can live in heaven and telecommute.
Prince Edward Island Calling
Mussel lovers of the world yearn for PEI shellfish. Also, the islanders build houses out of empty wine bottles. It gets cold and lonely in those long, icy winters. Ecologically the right thing, too.
Sinovax Falters in Phase 3 Tests.
The Chinese government rushed to produce a vaccine as they realized the seriousness of the pandemic.
Like Operation Warp Speed in the US, the Chinese rushed into production as soon as possible. When the safety profile of Sinovax was proven, they provided the vaccine widely.
Using standard methods for inactivating SARS-CoV-2, large lots of vaccine were produced and given to Communist Party members and high-risk groups.
Results from the preliminary efficacy study revealed the vaccine produces significantly lower levels of neutralizing antibody than natural infection. Neutralizing antibody protects people from infection.
When the vaccine trial was designed, the manufacturers assumed there would be plenty of natural infections in the comparison (placebo) group. China’s control measures with masking and distancing quickly eliminated the virus, so researchers have to rely on small outbreaks due to sporadic introductions from the US and elsewhere.
The British produce a vaccine by putting covid spike protein in attenuated adenovirus used in many successful. American vaccine uses messenger RNA produced by monoclonal methods and so far produces high levels of protection. US vaccine trials benefitted from the unexpected arrival of the huge covid-19 surge engulfing the country. This means the trials are completed far earlier than exxpected.
Time to work on my application for Canadian citizenship.
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