How should the government act to protect the lives and livelihoods of the public from outbreaks of infectious diseases?

To answer this, it is important to keep detailed records of government responses to the novel coronavirus pandemic so that the policy decisions can be assessed effectively to glean lessons for the future.

Despite its characterization of the outbreak as a historic emergency situation, the Abe administration has failed to keep records of important discussions on how it has dealt with the crisis.

This can only mean the administration does not yet fully grasp the importance of public document management.

It has been revealed that no formal minutes have been kept of the meetings of the expert panel advising the government on its responses to the COVID-19 outbreak.

While the government has produced excerpts of the panels discussions without identifying the speakers, there are no official records of the remarks made at the panels meetings for making informed evaluations of related policy decisions.

The guidelines for official document management stipulate that minutes should be taken of any meetings where policy decisions are made or approved. The government claims as the advisory panel meetings do not fall under this category, there is no need to take minutes.

This stance reflects disregard for the value of official records in general as it is based on a very narrow definition of the meetings subject to this requirement. It also contradicts the remarks about the issue made in a March Diet session by health minister Katsunobu Kato, who then pledged to use stenographers to record every single word uttered at the panel meetings.

These experts are tasked with analyzing the latest situations concerning the infection and making recommendations accordingly. They are all also members of the governments advisory council to discuss basic policies for responding to the pandemic.

Even if policy decisions are not made or approved at the meetings, it can be safely said that they play a very important role in guiding the governments responses to the crisis.

Abe himself has often referred to the opinions of the experts as grounds for his policy decisions while explaining them at the Diet or in news conferences.

The government has said the members of the panel feel more comfortable about expressing their views and opinions when the speakers are not identified.

As some members have started calling for minutes to be kept of their meetings, however, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the government will obey any decision by the panel on this issue, in a sudden shift in stance.

There are stenographic records, if not audio recordings, of the meetings available, according to the government. If so, it should immediately start compiling the minutes.

To secure broad public understanding and cooperation for its policy efforts to contain the virus, the government needs to win the solid trust of the people. This requires the government to actively disclose relevant information to inject a convincing transparency into the decision-making process.

A report compiled by the health ministrys review panel that scrutinized the governments responses to the outbreak of a new influenza in 2009 stressed the importance of providing sufficient and accurate information to the public.

It called for taking steps to secure transparency when seeking opinions from medical and other experts (through formal meetings and other means), including taking minutes.

The measures to deal with the outbreak restrict the freedom and rights of many people and bring huge consequences for the nations economy and society.

The public deserves to know how the government made policy decisions concerning the pandemic and what kind of information it used in doing so.

The Abe administration has a responsibility for making and keeping detailed records of not only discussions at the expert panel but also other discussions and communications involved, including informal talks and exchanges among Cabinet members and those between the government and the ruling coalition.

Such records will be vital for a comprehensive review of the way the government handled the latest public health crisis.

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 2

Excerpt from:
Detailed records must be kept to assess response to virus outbreak : The Asahi Shimbun - Asahi Shimbun

Good evening, here are the coronavirus updates you need to know tonight.

Top headlines: Britons head out to enjoy record-breaking heat as officials try to prevent a surge of new cases; World Health Organization, health experts say no evidence of coronavirus becoming weaker

In Canada, 91,647 cases have been reported, more than double the number from 37 days ago. There have also been 49,489 recoveries and 7,325 deaths. Health officials have administered 1,773,164 tests.

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Worldwide, 6,221,339 cases have been confirmed; with 2,670,410 recoveries and 373,163 deaths.

Sources: Canada data is compiled from government websites, Johns Hopkins and COVID-19 Canada Open Data Working Group; international data is from Johns Hopkins University.

Coronavirus explainers: Updates and essential resources Coronavirus in maps and charts Lockdown rules and reopening plans in each province

Staff gather outside the Orchard Villa retirement home on Monday to watch people lay flowers at an event to honour victims of COVID-19 hosted by SEIU Healthcare, a union for front line workers. The Pickering long term care home is one of the hardest hit in the pandemic with over 70 resident deaths. (Melissa Tait / The Globe and Mail)

Melissa Tait/The Globe and Mail

A doctor at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto is leading one of the first large-scale surveys with 10,000 blood kits that will examine participants blood for antibodies that are specific to the virus that causes COVID-19.

There are currently at least 2,068 hospitalized cases, a 13% drop from a week ago. Of those, 302 are in intensive care.

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government will provide this years full payment of $2.2-billion in gas tax transfers to municipalities in the coming weeks rather than the usual practice of spreading the transfers over two payments, as an interim measure to offset budget shortfalls cause by the pandemic.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities said more than a month ago that cities will need at least $10-billion in new emergency funding from the federal government to maintain existing services.

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Manufacturing activity contracted for the third straight month in May, but the pace of decline was less severe than in April, data shows.

Canadas economy shed about three million jobs in March and April combined, while GDP was estimated to have fallen in April by a record 11 per cent month-over-month.

Also today:

Question: Who do masks protect: the wearer or other people?

Answer from Andr Picard: Masks principally protect other people, not the wearer. Coronavirus is spread by respiratory droplets from an infected person. If you wear a mask, you are less likely to spread virus when you cough, sneeze or talk, and less likely to leave germs on surfaces. As the saying goes: Your mask protects me, my mask protects you.

The Globes health columnist Andr Picard answered reader questions on social distancing and many additional topics.

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The Vesey's Seeds retail store in York, PEI, on May 25.

John Morris

The frenzy began near the end of March. In the midst of a pandemic, Canadians forced to isolate suddenly expressed an insatiable desire to dig in the dirt.

All across the country, firms that fill seed packets have been swamped. In an unexpected development related to the novel coronavirus, garden-variety growers have become obsessed with obtaining seeds.

Have you witnessed or performed acts of kindness in your neighbourhood? Share your stories, photos and videos and they might be included in The Globe and Mail. Email audience@globeandmail.com

For the grill enthusiast: Summer grilling ideas to make meal planning a little easier

What are we missing? Email us: audience@globeandmail.com. Do you know someone who needs this newsletter? Send them to our Newsletters page.

Have questions about the coronavirus? Email audience@globeandmail.com.

Go here to read the rest:
Coronavirus Update: Blood kits will be sent to 10000 Canadians to estimate total spread of virus - The Globe and Mail

World Milk Day 2020: Milk is one of the best calcium sources

World Milk Day is observed on June 1 each year. This day celebrates the dairy sector and the benefits of dairy products. World Milk day 2020 is promoting #WorldMilkDay and #EnjoyDairy. Since childhood, the need to drink milk has always been emphasised. Milk is one of the best sources of calcium which ensures better bone and teeth health. In India, milk is consumed almost daily commonly for breakfast. Many are not aware of the multiple benefits of milk other than being a good source of calcium. On this World milk Day, here's the list of benefits that drinking milk would offer you.

Milk is a combination of multiple nutrients. Drinking milk can keep you full for longer and may prevent overconsumption of calories. Several studies have also stressed on the link between milk consumption and weight loss. These studies also suggest that hug her intake of dietary calcium can reduce the risk of obesity.

Also read:Is It Healthy To Drink Milk Every Day? What Is The Best Time To Drink Milk? Know Answers From Experts

Protein should be an essential part of your diet. It supports different body functions. Protein is called the building block of the body as it helps in repairing as well as the development of tissues. One cup of milk contains almost 8 grams of protein. It is considered as a complete protein.

Milk Day: Milk is considered as a complete proteinPhoto Credit: iStock

Many know that milk is loaded with calcium. Not just calcium milk can offer multiple other nutrients as well. It contains protein, vitamin B12, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, vitamin A, selenium and more.

Also read:Here's Why You Must Have A Glass Of Milk Everyday

Milk can be safely consumed daily for better nutrition and calcium intake. It can be consumed for breakfast with nuts or other healthy options like oats. Shakes are also quite filling that can be prepared with milk.

Also read:Cow Milk Vs Buffalo Milk: Which Is Richer In Protein And Calcium?

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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World Milk Day 2020: Know Benefits Of Drinking Milk Other Than Optimum Calcium Intake - NDTV

The Residents of Intake Square were dancing in the street as DAZL brought their Garden Groovers project to Middleton last Wednesday (27 May 2020).

Garden Groovers is a one hour outdoor dance session, led by DAZLs professional dance leaders. You dont have to travel and you can keep your safe social distance whilst you make your moves. Its an easy class that anyone of any age can join in, or you can just come to your gate and clap along to the music.

Ian Rodley, DAZLs Director, said:

The sessions have been really successful, we had 70 people engaged at Intake Square, it was fantastic.

I want say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved and especially the Youth & Community Team at BARCA who have been brilliant.

We just want to get people together, get them dancing and having fun. If you want Garden Groovers on your street, get in touch.

Sessions are already lined up for Nesfield Gardens, Sissons Road, Lingwell Approach and Windmill Road.

Film by Wayne Sable

Garden Groovers isnt the only thing DAZL has been busy with during the lockdown. As soon as it had to cancel physical classes, DAZL took all their groups online. You can carry on with your weekly dance class via Facebook full details of how to sign up safely are on the DAZL website here.

They have also been delivering food parcels to 40 families in South Leeds each week and from next week they will double that to cover 80 families. The parcels include an activity pack with dance activities for those who cant access the internet. For more information Please contact Amy & Chrisie via email community@dazl.org.uk or Call/Text 07519 018675.

DAZL has been involved in the Healthy Holidays work in Leeds for several years now, providing lunches at their activity camps during school holidays. The work has also involved teaching children about eating a healthy diet.

DAZL isnt just about physical activity, although thats at the core of what we do explains Ian. Its about helping young people to be healthy, whether thats movement, healthy eating or mental health.

DAZLs community focus stretches to a weekly check-in phone call to parents to make sure theyre coping and offer help and advice.

Garden Groovers is funded by Leeds Community Foundations Healthy Holidays and Leeds Inspired

See the original post here:
Dancing in the street with DAZL's Garden Groovers - South Leeds Life

When you think of a full English breakfast, crispy hash browns, runny egg yolk and sizzling sausage springs to mind - but one amateur chef has divided opinion by adding a colourful vegetable to the mix peas.

Jessica Ms post appeared on the popular Twitter page Rate My Plate, whereby fellow food enthusiasts are invited to judge other peoples meals. The picture of her impressive fry-up creation includes sausages, hash browns, gammon steaks, fried egg, and baked beans as well as the bizarre choice of a generous helping of peas.

The post has since sparked a heated social media debate, with a number of Twitter users jumping to Jessicas defence. One pea lover argued Good enough for me! Love peas and happy to have them for breakfast!.

For many Twitter users, having peas for breakfast is a step too far - one user claimed the addition was a No no never peas. Crime against breakfast, while another said OMG! Who has peas with breakfast??. A third person shared their sentiment by professing that Its a criminal offence to consumer peas before noon.

Not one to miss a pea-related debated, frozen food giant Birds Eye, who have been growing British peas in the UK since 1946, weighed in, retweeting the original picture and asking its followers for their thoughts on whether peas belong on the same plate as a Full English Breakfast.

Helen Fraser, Senior Brand Manager at Birds Eye, said: We know Brits are crazy for peas, in fact the average person eats nearly 9,000 a year - but we can safely say weve not seen them added to an English breakfast before! Its great to see Jessica adding some colour (and goodness) to her meal, and while it isnt a combination weve thought of eating before, our Sunday fry up might feature a burst of green this weekend!

The British Growers Association Yes Peas campaign, which promotes peas in the UK diet, has come up with a pea-based breakfast recipe for Green baked eggs with peas and leeks.

Read more:
Most heated debate this week - should you eat peas for breakfast - Essex Live

People who had the coronavirus are allowed to meet with others after theyve gone at least three days with no fever, new Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines say.

The CDC has updated its guidelines for when people who have had the novel coronavirus can safely see others.

According to the new recommendations, patients are allowed to meet with others after theyve gone at least three days with no fever.

Additionally, their symptoms need to have improved and at least 10 days need to have passed since they first noticed symptoms.

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The updated guidelines come as states begin to reopen their economies and people begin considering going back to work and school.

They can also safely see each other if its been 10 days since they first noticed symptoms.

The CDC says people who test positive for the virus are still contagious so waiting 10 days helps symptoms pass.

People with conditions that weaken their immune system might need to stay home longer than 10 days, the federal health agency said.

If you are exposed to someone who had a confirmed case of the virus, then you must stay home for at least 14 days to see if symptoms develop.

Depending on your healthcare providers advice and availability of testing, you might get tested to see if you still have COVID-19, the CDC wrote.

If you will be tested, you can be around others when you have no fever, symptoms have improved, and you receive two negative test results in a row, at least 24 hours apart.

However, not having symptoms or testing negative isnt a substitution for practices including social distancing and good hand hygiene.

Limit touching frequently touched surfaces such as kiosks, digital interfaces such as touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, ticket machines, turnstiles, handrails, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons, and benches as much as possible, the CDC wrote.

If you must touch these surfaces, as soon as you can, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or rub your hands with sanitiser containing 60% alcohol, it adds.

The agency also advises using contactless payment and trash cans with foot pedals whenever possible.

If you are using a taxi or a ride share, the CDC recommends opening windows to improve air circulation in the vehicle.

Limit the number of passengers in the vehicle to only those necessary, the agency suggests.

Avoid pooled rides or rides where multiple passengers are picked up who are not in the same household. Sit in the back seat in larger vehicles such as vans and buses so you can remain at least six feet away from the driver.

If you are taking public transit, the CDC advises riding during off-peak hours, traveling six feet apart and frequent hand cleaning.

Culled from MailOnline

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Coronavirus patients can safely see others within 10 days of symptoms - CDC - Daily Trust