Key developments for Tuesday, November 17, 2020
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Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating. In 2018, the U.S. withdrew from a nuclear agreement that had placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities. Recently, there have been reports that President Trump asked senior advisors about possible strikes on Iran’s main nuclear facility. Some believe the outgoing administration might be considering an attack in collaboration with Israel. Whether these are just rumors or not, Iran is clearly alarmed by the talk.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military may be acquiring location data from mobile apps. Many app developers are unaware that their users’ personal information can be accessed by government agencies, and user agreements rarely disclose such invasive data practices.
Synthetic fentanyl pills are now widespread across the country, posing a severe threat. Fentanyl is highly potent and can cause respiratory failure—even in small amounts. Overdose rates are rising sharply, and fentanyl is a major contributor. Narcan, an opioid antidote available as a nasal spray, can save lives if administered quickly. It's now available over the counter in 12 states, including Arkansas, California, and New Jersey. Educate your family and consider carrying Narcan—it could be life-saving. This isn't just someone else's problem; it could affect your community too.
In Bolivia, an Ebola-like hemorrhagic fever has emerged. Though the term "communicable" and "hemorrhagic" is unsettling, this disease appears to be rare. Like Ebola, it has a low R0, a long incubation period, and is deadly—killing its host before it can spread widely. These factors mean outbreaks tend to be intense but localized.
Globally, over 55.9 million people have tested positive for COVID-19, with more than 1.3 million deaths. The U.S. leads in cases with over 11.6 million infections and 254,000 deaths. In one week alone, the U.S. reported over 1.1 million new cases and 1,400 additional deaths. India follows closely with over 8.9 million cases, while Brazil remains the second-highest in deaths with over 166,000.
Chicago has issued a stay-at-home advisory due to a surge in cases, urging residents to limit non-essential travel. Oregon is also imposing business restrictions as infection rates climb. Clinical labs warn they may face testing delays similar to those seen earlier this year, as demand continues to rise.
Large gatherings, like weddings, have become hotspots for virus transmission. A small wedding in Maine infected 177 people, leading to seven deaths. Even smaller events can be dangerous—like a homecoming dance in Missouri where masks were optional, resulting in at least 10 student infections and one staff member contracting the virus.
Dr. Fauci recently stated that the mink variant of the virus is unlikely to undermine current vaccines, though he emphasized the need for continued monitoring. Meanwhile, North Dakota has reversed its stance, issuing a mask mandate and limiting dining hours as case numbers soar.
With the holiday season approaching, the situation looks increasingly dire. Experts advise against traveling to see family this year. As one doctor put it, “We are far past the worst of March, and we haven’t even hit the busiest travel time yet.†The coming weeks could bring even more chaos. Stay safe, stay informed, and prioritize health over tradition.