NEW: Pfizer antiviral pill, Paxlovid, showing 88% reduced risk of hospitalization/death if taken within 5 days of first symptom

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Pfizer today announced final results from an analysis of all 2,246 adults enrolled in its Phase 2/3 EPIC-HR (Evaluation of Protease Inhibition for COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients) trial of its novel COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate PAXLOVID™ (nirmatrelvir [PF-07321332] tablets and ritonavir tablets). These results were consistent with the interim analysis announced in November 2021, showing…

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Pfizer 2 + 1 booster “neutralizes” Omicron variant

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Photo: Pfizer Pfizer today announced results from an initial laboratory study demonstrating that serum antibodies induced by the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (BNT162b2) neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant after three doses. Sera obtained from vaccinees one month after receiving the booster vaccination (third dose of BNT162b2 vaccine) neutralized the Omicron variant to levels that are comparable…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 9, 2021

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RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY No Omicron case identified in RI yet – cases are in both MA and CT with 21 states, total. Hospitals in Massachusetts are now over capacity – 120% at capacity in trauma rooms at UMass Memorial RI has doubled its number of hospitalized in one month – now at 225+ Two…

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Lilly gets first EUA for monoclonal antibody treatment for children, babies

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) of bamlanivimab and etesevimab (previously authorized for pediatric patients 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms, or about 88 pounds), to additionally authorize bamlanivimab and etesivimab administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in all younger…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 4, 2021

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RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Assisted Living & Nursing Home facilities are seeing an uptick in cases. Winslow Gardens in East Providence, an assisted living facility, has an outbreak of over 30 people, which followed a lifting of visitation policy. 1 person is a staff member, and approx. 6 have been hospitalized for their symptoms, which…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 2, 2021

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RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY A state judge overturned the ban on evictions in Boston. Eleanor Slater State Hospital has let go any worker who is not vaccinated. A new online unemployment claim system has been developed at the RI DLT In-person First Night in Boston will return Massachusetts is experiencing the same uptick as the…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Nov. 30, 2021

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RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY State-run PCR tests in RI are taking 3-4 days due to some delay with equipment and processing – this is not the case at pharmacies and other locations. The Rhode Island Foundation and the Governor announced the Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office have jointly established the Rhode Island Nonprofit Support Fund…

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Updated: Gerald Habershaw, principal of Pilgrim High School dies suddenly

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Gerald “Jerry” Habershaw, 57, principal of Pilgrim High School, Warwick, has died early Saturday morning. His brother, David, made the announcement on social media: “My brother Jerry is gone. He had a massive heart attack complicated by COVID-19. We are all in a state of shock. Please offer prayers, especially The Chaplet of Divine Mercy…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Nov. 21, 2021

Covid-19 vaccination record card.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Rhode Island’s cases rose the 2nd fastest of any state in US in last 14 days (notably, RI is also testing more than most states – holding the #3 highest of all states). RI is 2nd highest vaccinated in US. Connecticut Governor Lemont said “the CDC speaks Latin…” – everybody should…

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