If the pandemic is ending, it doesn’t feel much like it in Russia. The country reported nearly 200,000 new cases in yet another record. Of course, vaccination rates there are low, Omicron is prevalent, and there aren’t that many restrictions. The bright side, while infections have soared, daily fatalities in the last few weeks have remained steady. The World Health Organization says Africa is moving to the “control phase” of the pandemic and increased vaccination rates should help the continent live with the disease. Of course, only 11% of Africa's adult population has been vaccinated due partially to inequities in vaccine access. The World Bank estimates the pandemic pushed up to 40 million people into extreme poverty in Africa. We’ve heard about the first responders, but what about the last responders? We’re talking about mental health professionals. Experts who are now swamped with people seeking help, say many are struggling with the emotional and societal changes we’ve been through and they’re having trouble adapting to a “new normal.” Words that frequently come up are “disconnected,” “lost,” and “malaise.”   Chinese scientists say they have developed a new coronavirus test that’s as accurate as a PCR test and gives results within four minutes. They usually take several hours. A sensor uses microelectronics to analyze genetic material from swabs, making it fast, easy, sensitive, and portable. The researchers said their results were a perfect match with PCR tests. All 33 cases were accurately detected, and none of the 54 people in the negative group got false positives. Sure you have your own problems but we know you’re worried about the ability for millionaire celebrities to celebrate themselves conveniently. The 2022 Academy Awards will not be requiring proof of vaccination for attendees. They will be asked to show a negative PCR or rapid test on the day of the ceremony, maybe even on the red carpet. In the United States, cases were down 63%, deaths are up 4%, and hospitalizations are down 30% over 14 days. The 7-day average of new cases has been trending down since January 14.   The five states that had the most daily deaths per 100,000 are Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina.  There are 28,677,716 active cases in the United States. The areas with the greatest increase in hospitalizations per capita: Montana and Oregon 5%. And Idaho 1%.  The top 10 areas with the highest number of recent cases per capita according to The New York Times: Nome Census Area, AK. Scott, TN. Unicoi, TN. Wayne, MS. Monterey, CA. Estill, KY. Overton, TN. Tippah, MS. Perry, KY. And Imperial, CA. There have been 915,431 deaths in the U.S. recorded as COVID-related. The top 3 vaccinating states by percentage of population that’s been fully vaccinated: Rhode Island and Vermont are now tied at 79.7%, with Maine at 77.9%. The bottom 3 vaccinating states are Alabama at 49.8%, Wyoming at 50%, and Mississippi at 50.4%. The percentage of the U.S. that’s been fully vaccinated is 64.2%. Globally, cases were down 28% and deaths up 20% over 14 days, with the 7-day average trending down since January 25.  There are 74,441,569 active cases around the world. The five countries with the most new cases: Germany 247,128. Russia 197,076. The United States 179,237. Brazil 165,359. And France 153,025.  There have been 5,788,579 deaths reported as Covid-related worldwide.  For the latest updates, subscribe for free to Covid 411 on your podcast app or ask your smart speaker to play the Covid 411 podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.