Our Top 5 Stories for the Week of December 27, 2021

Updated April 21, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It’s been a busy week, from the notable deaths to severe weather advisories. Who has time to keep track of it all? That’s why we’ve boiled it all down to our top five stories of the week.

Covid-19 Updates as 2021 Comes to a Close

Photo Source: AP Photo/Bruna Prado

Vaccine Mandates Continue: On Monday, December 27, New York City’s new vaccine mandate for private sectors went into effect. The new rules will require all private employees to have at least one dose of the vaccine and will not allow them to opt out with regular testing. The new mandate also states that healthcare workers no longer need to quarantine if they’ve had all vaccines, including the booster.^[1] On Monday, December 27, Israel announced it will be rolling out a fourth wave of vaccines. Those 60 and older who have received the third dose over four months ago will be eligible for the fourth dose. Experts have admitted to not fully knowing whether the fourth dose will help, but hoping that they are getting ahead of the curve based on previous data.^[2] On Tuesday, December 28, protests in Germany turned violent as demonstrators protested against the newest Covid-19 restrictions. The group has been gathering since restrictions were announced on Sunday night. The demonstrations saw at least 500 people marching, with many throwing objects and shouting insults at police. At least 23 people were criminally charged and hundreds more were hit with misdemeanors.^[3] On Wednesday, December 29, it was reported that many Latin American countries have reached higher vaccination rates than Europe and North America. This news is surprising since just six months ago, these countries were struggling to obtain vaccines.^[4]
New CDC Recommendation: On Tuesday, December 28, the CDC announced a new isolation time period for asymptomatic cases. Now, if a person is asymptomatic, he or she only needs to isolate for 5 days and continue to wear a mask around people the following days. The call comes after thousands of flights were canceled due to staff isolations.^[5]
Event Cancellations Continue:
Flights: On Monday, December 27, another 2,000 flights were cancelled as crew members continued to test positive or be sent into isolation. At least 700 of the flights were meant to go into, around, our out of the US. It appears that the US and China have been hit hardest by these cancellations and delays. The US is also facing similar issues with cruise ships, as many are seeing a spike in cases and are denied entry into some countries.^[6] On Friday, December 31, even more US flights were cancelled not only due to bad weather, but also rising cases of Covid. The following day, it was reported that 4,400 flights were cancelled around the world, with 2,500 in the US alone. More than 1,000 of those flights were in Chicago.^[7]
Bowl Games: On Monday, December 27, two more college bowl games were cancelled due to Covid-19 infections. The Military Bowl in Annapolis, Maryland and the Fenway Bowl in Boston, Massachusetts will no longer be played. The Sun Bowl, scheduled for Friday, is also in danger of getting cancelled.^[8]
Cases Continue to Rise: On Wednesday, December 29, a record high was set for the average number of cases over a period of 7 days in the US. In the last week, due to the Omicron variant, the US saw 265,427 new cases. The peak comes as the Omicron variant continues to rapidly spread.^[9] On Friday, December 31, it was reported that an Antarctic outpost was hit by a Covid-19 outbreak. The Belgian research center is surprised by the outbreak as it is in a remote location and all staff are fully vaccinated. Luckily, the cases remain mild.^[10] On Friday, December 31, the daily number of Covid cases in India rose by 22,775. This rise comes after the country managed to keep cases under 10,000 for some time.^[11] On Friday, December 31, Hong Kong reported its first Omicron outbreak. The area had a long streak of 0 cases, but now fears a larger outbreak is on the horizon. Two local cases were discovered and a case of someone coming from the US.^[12]

Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]BBC [6]CNN [7]BBC [8]CNN [9]CNN [10]BBC [11]CNN [12]CNN

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Violence and Tragedies Continue into the Last Week of 2021

Photo Source: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Shootings in the US: On Saturday, December 25, an accidental shooting in North Carolina left a 3-year-old injured. The 911 call stated that the child had accessed the weapon and accidentally shot himself or herself.^[1] On Monday, December 27, three people were shot and killed in a convenience store in Garland, Texas. A fourth victim has been taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police do not believe the attack was a robbery and the suspect, nor the getaway car, have been identified.^[2] On Monday, December 27, five people were killed and many more injured after a shooting spree occurred throughout Denver and Lakewood. The suspected gunman began his spree in the Denver metro area before moving to Lakewood a few miles away. Though it is not verified, it is believed that the suspect was targeting tattoo shops. Two women were killed as well as three men, and a Lakewood police officer was injured along with a few others. The suspect was fatally shot by police and little else has been released regarding the events.^[3] On Tuesday, December 28, police arrested the suspected getaway driver, a 33-year-old man, in the Texas convenience store shooting. While police are still searching for more information, they have arrested a 14-year-old boy who is the suspected shooter.^[4]
Violence in Myanmar: On Saturday, December 25, the UN released a report that at least 30 people, including women and children, were killed in Myanmar. There are also still two people missing from the international humanitarian group Save the Children. The report alleges that junta troops went into a village, attacking people and destroying their property in what is being called a Christmas massacre. The military has been in control since a coup back in February.^[5] On Tuesday, December 28, it was confirmed that the two Save the Children workers died in the attack on the Myanmar civilians.^[6]
Taliban Enforce More Rules: On Monday, December 27, the Taliban announced that it is banning road trips for solo women in Afghanistan. Women now must have a male accompanying them if they are traveling farther than 45 miles. The Taliban has also banned playing music in vehicles. This comes as another blow to women’s rights, after the Taliban imposed restrictions last month.^[7]
New Year’s Eve Violence: On Friday, December 31, at least 6 people were injured after multiple suspects fired 87 shots into a Philadelphia neighborhood. Police have not released much information and are still trying to confirm how many shooters were involved. Identities of the victims have not been released either.^[8] On Friday, December 31, one person died and three more were injured after a shooting in Wisconsin. The gun was fired in a local establishment’s parking lot.^[9] On Friday, December 31, despite a ban in Europe, fireworks killed at least 3 people and injured scores more. A few arrests have been made. Both the Netherlands and Germany had high reports of illegal fireworks.^[10]

Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]CNN [4]CNN [5]CNN [6]CNN [7]BBC [8]CNN [9]CNN [10]BBC

Notable Deaths as 2021 Comes to a Close

Photo Source: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

John Madden: On Tuesday, December 28, legendary NFL coach John Madden died unexpectedly at the age of 85. The football community is mourning the death of this legendary player, commentator, and coach.^[1]
Desmond Tutu: On Sunday, December 26, it was reported that Desmond Tutu died at the age of 90. The famous Archbishop and anti-apartheid leader had been in ill health for years. Despite his death, Tutu’s influence on South Africa remains very apparent.^[2]
Betty White: On Friday, December 31, beloved actress Betty White died at the age of 99. Her 100th birthday was just over two weeks away, on January 17th. White not only was a favorite on-screen presence, but she was also one of the first female producers to grace Hollywood. White passed away in her home from suspected natural causes, though her publicist has not confirmed this. Positive obituaries have been spread throughout all social media platforms. ^[3]

Source: [1]CNN [2]CNN [3]BBC

Droughts and Intense Snow in Areas

Photo Source: AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Heavy Snow in the US: On Sunday, December 26, snow and cold prevented many people from traveling after Christmas. Most of the west has been battered with snow as Montana and Michigan saw record lows. At least 6 states are under an avalanche watch. Even parts of California saw record breaking snow records, with a 130% increase from last year.^[1] The next day, it was reported that quite a few people were without power due to the snow. The snow, along with rain, in California also caused some flooded streets. In Nevada, injuries were reported after the snowstorms led to a 20-car-pileup.^[2] On Wednesday, December 29, it was reported that the snow in California’s Sierra Nevada broke records, reaching 17 feet of snow. This is the snowiest December the area has ever seen. However, scientists worry that there won’t be many storms moving forward.^[3]
Flooding in Brazil: On Monday, December 27, deadly flooding in Brazil caused thousands of people to be displaced from their homes. At least 18 people have died and 280 have been injured. Over 40 cities in Brazil were affected by the floods. Reports of heavy rainfall are still coming in.^[4]
Colorado Hit by Fire and Snow: On Thursday, December 30, a wildfire broke out in Boulder County in Colorado. At least 3 people are feared dead. Firefighters worked quickly to put out the blaze, but hundreds of homes were still destroyed due to the fire.^[5] Luckily, the next day, Colorado saw inches of snow as a storm blanketed the area.
Severe Weather Incoming: On Friday, December 31, other areas in the US were hit with severe weather, as well. Areas like Kentucky that were just ravaged by tornadoes nearly a month ago are facing more tornado warnings. Along with these warnings, southern states are also facing a cold front.^[6] On Friday, December 31, all 21 people trapped on a tramway in New Mexico due to icy conditions were rescued. All those trapped have been safely brought back to base.^[7]