Public Health

Aid to volcano-hit Tonga brings 1st COVID outbreak, lockdown BANGKOK (AP) — For more than two years, the isolation of the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga helped keep COVID-19 at bay. But last month's volcanic eruption and tsunami brought outside deliveries of desperately needed fresh water and medicine — and the virus. AP NEWS

BANGKOK (AP) — For more than two years, the isolation of the Pacific archipelago nation of Tonga helped keep COVID-19 at bay.

BA.2 Blitzes Through Households, Even More Than Original Omicron Preprint study finds increased risk of infection with subvariant Molly Walker medpagetoday

Omicron subvariant BA.2 was associated with higher susceptibility of infection among households, regardless of vaccination status, than the original BA.1 variant, Danish researchers found.

Is COVID-19 on airplane air filters? Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have become more interested in how well airplane cabins filter and circulate their air. Amanda Morris

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With this support, the researchers will specifically look for evidence of pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, on used filters collected from airplanes. If viruses can be found on filters, then filters from international flights could be used as a new way to track when and where viruses enter the country. Rather than testing travelers individually, it might be possible to monitor entire flights with one test...