Covid On The Rise
It is expected that around 3550 deaths in NZ are Covid-related by the end of 2023.
Covid is on the up again throughout the world and NZ is no exception although we still have very high figures of vaccination taking.
Having said that, there is the need for a further vaccination boost in NZ. People who fit into specific categories need a repeated vaccination. And it is so easy and free to get a jab.
Those most vulnerable to Covid are the elderly and those with significant medical problems. So in NZ it is those aged over 75, Maori and Pacifica aged over 65, those aged 30-74 with complex health needs and those aged 16 and over who are severely immuno compromised.
Those getting Covid in 2023 not part of the above categories are mainly getting it mild and bounce back after a few days but are still subject to the dangers of long-term Covid and permanent health damage.
I have found the Covid vaccination jab almost a nothingness in discomfort or twinge of pain but for those who dread the insertion of a needle, help is on its way. Not far off - perhaps in 2025 - vaccination by way of a nasal-spray will take over from the jab.
EMPIRE BUILDING TRUMP
So Donald Trump does not want to start any wars and is a peace maker.
And yet he is seriously seeking to annex the world's largest island, Greenland from Denmark, take over the Panama Canal from the sovereign country of Panama who have owned it since 1977 and even forthrightly suggesting that Canada ceases being a nation and become a state or series of states of the USA.
Greenland above everything else, harbours minerals vital for todays and tomorrows world and that is what probably attracts Trump most. His son is looking things over in Greenland as this thread is being produced. Climate change is also changing Greenland which despite its name is currently mainly covered in ice and snow all year round. Greenland has a population of 55,000.
Panama's major asset after tourism and services is the canal with a current revenue of $5 billion. It operates its shipping charges through an international organisation so that the USA gets an unbias deal for its ships etc that use the canal. Panama is a poor country on the improve and has a population of 4.5 million.
Denmark is a member of NATO. But Trump has threatened many times for the USA to pull out of this Europe-USA defence alliance and Greenland may be the straw that finally breaks the pact.
Canada is surrounded by the USA but it is so much unlike the USA and much more akin to Australia and NZ. In contrast to the USA, Canada is one of the happiest countries in the world and in total land area is the world's second largest.
NZ is going to come under the scrutiny of Trump and his henchmen/women. He will probably look to cut NZ away from its free trade arrangements with China with some kind of ultimatum.
New Year, New Questions You Won’t Solve!
I get smaller every time I take a bath.
What am I?
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