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December 17, 2020
TOKYO Tokyo reported 822 new cases of the coronavirus, a new high for the Japanese capital.
Infections have been on the steady climb nationwide for several weeks. Japan on Friday reported 2,988 new cases for a total of 187,103, including 2,739 deaths.
Experts on the Tokyo task force raised caution levels for the medical systems to the highest, suggesting that most Tokyo hospitals have little extra manpower or beds to continue their ordinary treatment for other patients.
“We must stop further acceleration of the infections,” Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike said. “In order to prevent serious cases and deaths and save the medical systems from collapsing, I ask for everyone to cooperate.”
Washington State’s COVID-19 Death Count Is Inflated: Death Certificate Analysis
A death certificate analysis shows that the number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Washington state remains inflated, according to a new investigation.
The Freedom Foundation, a free-market think tank, published research in May claiming the COVID-19 death total from the state’s Department of Health was inflated by as much as 13 percent by counting every person who tested positive for the disease, even if the death wasn’t caused by it.
State officials subsequently admitted that some deaths reported as caused by COVID-19 ended up not being caused by the disease.
State officials preach vigilance as cases, hospitalizations flatten Patrick Quinn, KOMO News Reporter
State officials preach vigilance as cases, hospitalizations flatten
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SEATTLE – On Wednesday, state health officials said they’re optimistic by the latest data showing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are leveling off statewide.
“COVID-19 activity remains very high in Washington, but are starting to flatten the curve, which is really good news,” said Dr. Kathy Lofy, WA Health Officer.
Dr. Lofy detailed the latest data that shows no signs of a post-Thanksgiving surge.
“We’re in sort of a precarious position right now,” said Lofy. “We’re seeing some positive signals in all the changes that people have made to their lives and all of the sacrifices they’ve made have really paid off. But we’re not done yet.”
The Latest: Coronavirus vaccine provided to US Supreme Court
Medical workers wearing protective gears prepare to take samples during a COVID-19 testing at coronavirus testing site in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) December 17, 2020 - 6:01 PM
WASHINGTON â The justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are being provided with doses of the coronavirus vaccine.
That is according to a letter by Capitol Physician Brian Monahan, which says the court, along with Congress and executive branch agencies are being given a limited supply of doses âfor continuity of government operations.â
The doses are being provided under a directive by President Donald Trump that established continuity of government as a reason for vaccine prioritization. The Supreme Court and the other branches of government are supposed to be treated âin parallel.â