The CDC is changing the way it monitors COVID-19 in the U.S.
1 year, 10 months ago

The CDC is changing the way it monitors COVID-19 in the U.S.

LA Times  

Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director for the CDC, said the country will be able to maintain “good sight lines” into the state of COVID-19 in America. With the federal government’s three-year-old public health emergency set to expire next Thursday, the agency will begin to track COVID-19 cases alongside other respiratory illnesses, said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, the CDC’s principal deputy director. But the end of the means the CDC will no longer be able to collect data and share information many Americans have come to expect.” For instance, the CDC’s color-coded COVID-19 community risk maps, which have provided county-level assessments of coronavirus spread, and of local hospitals’ capacity to care for infected patients, will be discontinued, Shah said. Dr. Brendan Jackson, the CDC’s COVID-19 response manager, said genetic sequencing would remain one of the public health agency’s sharpest tools, both to detect potentially dangerous mutations in the virus as well as recombinations that could change its behavior altogether.

Health Data Local States Shah Virus Cdc Wastewater Wastewater Surveillance Walensky Coronavirus Spread  states  virus  changing  monitors  data  wastewater  local  way  cdcs  respiratory  cdc  health  covid19

History of this topic

US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home
1 month, 3 weeks ago

US flu cases are peaking for a second time this season. Now you can test for the virus at home

CNN  

CNN — The United States is seeing a second peak in flu cases this season. The tests won’t check for every respiratory virus, but they mark the first time the public can test for flu at home. Experts say people who test positive for Covid or flu should isolate themselves as much as possible to protect loved ones and get …

5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared
2 months, 3 weeks ago

5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

Hindustan Times  

Five years ago, a cluster of people in Wuhan, China, fell sick with a virus never before seen in the world. The World Health Organization has said member countries reported more than 7 million deaths from COVID-19 but the true death toll is estimated to be at least three times higher. Scientists and vaccine-makers broke speed records developing COVID-19 vaccines …

5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared
2 months, 3 weeks ago

5 things we know and still don't know about COVID, 5 years after it appeared

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The World Health Organization has said member countries reported …

Free COVID tests are back. Here's how to order a test to your home
6 months ago

Free COVID tests are back. Here's how to order a test to your home

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Americans can once again order …

The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them
6 months ago

The US is mailing Americans COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Americans can once again order COVID-19 tests, without being charged, sent straight to their homes. The website has been reopened on the heels of a summer COVID-19 virus wave and heading into the fall and winter respiratory virus season, with health officials urging Americans to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine and their yearly flu shot. U.S. regulators approved …

Americans can order free COVID-19 tests beginning this month
6 months ago

Americans can order free COVID-19 tests beginning this month

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Starting this month, Americans will …

‘Most people are confused’: What to know about the latest Covid shot
6 months, 4 weeks ago

‘Most people are confused’: What to know about the latest Covid shot

Politico  

Even the Democratic National Convention turned into a superspreader event. And despite the virus’ prevalence — and the persistent threat of long Covid — public health officials are contending with a myriad of obstacles as they try to boost the population’s defenses, including dwindling enthusiasm for the shots, lackluster testing and the end of a program meant to help the …

Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost
7 months ago

Government announces more COVID-19 tests can be ordered through mail for no cost

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — On the heels of a summer wave of COVID-19 cases, Americans will be able to get free virus test kits mailed to their homes, starting in late September. U.S. households will be able to order up to four COVID-19 nasal swab tests when the federal program reopens, according to the website, COVIDtests.gov. The announcement also comes as the …

COVID-19 infections not problematic, experts say
7 months, 1 week ago

COVID-19 infections not problematic, experts say

China Daily  

The number of people in China being infected with COVID-19 is fluctuating reasonably and won't be a burden on medical resources or the public, experts said. However, the National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases said the percentage of people catching flu and testing positive for COVID-19 rose from 8.9 percent in early July to 18.7 percent late last month. "COVID-19 …

Covid making worrying comeback amid summer surge and Olympics infections, WHO official warns
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Covid making worrying comeback amid summer surge and Olympics infections, WHO official warns

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A top official said the number of people testing positive for Covid across 84 countries …

Why Covid-19 is spreading this summer
8 months, 1 week ago

Why Covid-19 is spreading this summer

BBC  

Why Covid-19 is spreading this summer Getty Images Covid-19 doesn't follow normal seasonal patterns, like other respiratory viruses – waves of infection can happen at any time of year. Getty Images New Covid-19 subvariants are finding new ways to escape the immune system Given the need to protect society’s most vulnerable, studying these continually emerging variants remains crucial for updating …

‘Still not over’: WHO cautions of COVID-19 threat ahead of summer holidays after US President Joe Biden tests positive
8 months, 1 week ago

‘Still not over’: WHO cautions of COVID-19 threat ahead of summer holidays after US President Joe Biden tests positive

Live Mint  

New Delhi: With US President Joe Biden testing positive for COVID-19 before the Presidential elections, the World Health Organisation has warned the public that Covid is still not over. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus issued a warning, stating that vaccination rates among health professionals and the over-60s—two demographics most at risk of dying from COVID—are alarmingly falling. Globally, 9.8 million …

Here are the numbers: COVID-19 is ticking up in some places, but levels remain low
9 months ago

Here are the numbers: COVID-19 is ticking up in some places, but levels remain low

Associated Press  

Here’s a look at the state of COVID-19 in the U.S. as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention establishes its latest advice on vaccinations. Nearly 26,000 people died from COVID-19 in the U.S. in the week ending Jan. 9, 2021 — the highest weekly toll in the pandemic. Cases Individual COVID-19 cases are no longer tracked, but health officials …

As COVID-19 ticks up in some places, US health officials recommend a fall vaccination campaign
9 months ago

As COVID-19 ticks up in some places, US health officials recommend a fall vaccination campaign

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — With fresh COVID-19 cases bubbling up in some parts of the country, health officials are setting course for a fall vaccination campaign. What’s more, health officials have reported upticks this month in COVID-19-associated emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and a pronounced increase in positive test results in the southwestern U.S. It’s not clear whether that’s a sign …

As COVID-19 ticks up in some places, US advisers recommend a fall vaccination campaign
9 months ago

As COVID-19 ticks up in some places, US advisers recommend a fall vaccination campaign

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

"Not the flu": CDC's change in COVID guidance could misrepresent risks of virus, experts warn
1 year ago

"Not the flu": CDC's change in COVID guidance could misrepresent risks of virus, experts warn

Salon  

Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a major change to its COVID-19 quarantine guidance. “This guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu and RSV,” the CDC states. “I don't want people to think that COVID is on par with flu, because …

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance
1 year, 1 month ago

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance

NPR  

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Sison/AP Patrick Sison/AP The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may soon drop its isolation guidance for people with COVID-19. "This could actually increase COVID and long COVID cases and, to a certain extent, probably illness among high-risk individuals and thus hospitalizations and deaths," Parekh …

Governments have been steadily dismantling the COVID surveillance system, but is that a backward step?
1 year, 1 month ago

Governments have been steadily dismantling the COVID surveillance system, but is that a backward step?

ABC  

If you've tried to look up the number of COVID cases in your area recently, you may have found it a frustrating exercise. The health department says the forecasting was in place for the emergency response phase, and has been ended given that COVID-19 is no longer a "Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance". "It does leave a gap in …

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come
1 year, 2 months ago

COVID-19 intensifies across California, with the worst probably still to come

LA Times  

The winter COVID-and-flu season is ramping up in California and nationwide, with doctors and other experts saying the worst of the respiratory illness season is still to come. “And we’re probably not quite to the zenith of it yet,” said Dr. Elizabeth Hudson, regional chief of infectious diseases at Kaiser Permanente Southern California. “Looking at some of the data that …

Respiratory virus hospitalisations on the rise across US after holiday gatherings
1 year, 2 months ago

Respiratory virus hospitalisations on the rise across US after holiday gatherings

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A trifecta of respiratory viruses left hospitals packed across the US …

Sick with COVID and the flu: Double infections hit California hard
1 year, 2 months ago

Sick with COVID and the flu: Double infections hit California hard

LA Times  

California’s hospitals are getting busier with more COVID-19 and flu patients, some of whom are suffering from both viruses at the same time. L.A. County’s entry into the “medium” COVID-19 hospitalization category has prompted local public health officials to order hospitals, nursing homes and any other inpatient facility to require healthcare employees mask up while in patient-care areas. Multiple tests …

CDC map shows COVID-19 hotspots in US states as mask becomes mandatory
1 year, 2 months ago

CDC map shows COVID-19 hotspots in US states as mask becomes mandatory

Hindustan Times  

As COVID-19 cases surge in various U.S. regions, a map sourced from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sheds light on the worst-affected areas. With hospital authorities recommending mask mandates, here's what you need to know: COVID-19 cases surge in US regions, CDC map reveals worst-affected areas. COVID-19 cases surge in US regions, CDC map reveals worst-affected areas. Hospital …

As COVID-19 cases rise, WHO asks countries to strengthen surveillance
1 year, 3 months ago

As COVID-19 cases rise, WHO asks countries to strengthen surveillance

The Hindu  

The World Health Organization has urged countries in Southeast Asia to strengthen surveillance in view of the increasing cases of respiratory diseases, including due to COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, and influenza. Editorial | Staying alert: On the rapidly increasing spread of the JN.1 variant "For this, countries must strengthen surveillance and sequencing, and ensure sharing of data," said …

COVID-19 update: WHO asks nations to strengthen surveillance as coronavirus cases rise
1 year, 3 months ago

COVID-19 update: WHO asks nations to strengthen surveillance as coronavirus cases rise

India TV News  

COVID-19 update: The World Health Organisation has urged countries in South-East Asia to strengthen surveillance given the increasing cases of respiratory diseases, including due to COVID-19 and its new sub-variant JN.1, and influenza. "For this, countries must strengthen surveillance and sequencing, and ensure sharing of data," said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director, WHO South-East Asia. "As people travel and …

Ensure Covid Tools in Hospital: Min.
1 year, 3 months ago

Ensure Covid Tools in Hospital: Min.

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Health minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha on Saturday directed health authorities to inspect the functioning of ventilators in various hospitals and ordered the immediate utilisation of oxygen concentrators for treatment. During a comprehensive review of Covid-19 control measures in the backdrop of cases rising again, Rajanarasimha emphasised the swift restoration of PSA plants in hospitals that are facing oxygen shortage. …

Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says
1 year, 3 months ago

Flu and COVID infections are rising and could get worse over the holidays, CDC says

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Look for flu and COVID-19 infections to ramp up in the coming weeks, U.S. health officials say, with increases fueled by holiday gatherings, too many unvaccinated people and a new version of the coronavirus that may be spreading more easily. About 42% of U.S. adults had gotten flu shots by the first week of December, down from …

Hospitals may have to ration care if COVID and flu surge continues, CDC warns
1 year, 3 months ago

Hospitals may have to ration care if COVID and flu surge continues, CDC warns

Salon  

Against a surge of respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV and COVID-19, on Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned hospitals might be forced to triage care if hospitalizations continue to rise. “Strain on the healthcare system could mean that patients with other serious health conditions may face delays in receiving care,” the CDC warned, emphasizing that the “peak” …

COVID is still killing 1,000 Americans per week while hospitalizations rise, CDC reports
1 year, 3 months ago

COVID is still killing 1,000 Americans per week while hospitalizations rise, CDC reports

Salon  

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clearly indicates the COVID-19 pandemic is not done with us, as almost all metrics related to the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been steadily rising for weeks. Deaths, which typically lag behind these statistics anyway, have stayed unchanged over the past week, but have still averaged over 1,000 deaths weekly for the …

Flu is on the rise while RSV infections may be peaking, US health officials say
1 year, 3 months ago

Flu is on the rise while RSV infections may be peaking, US health officials say

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Flu is picking up steam …

Govt Asks States to Immediately Review Preparedness Amid China Pneumonia Outbreak
1 year, 4 months ago

Govt Asks States to Immediately Review Preparedness Amid China Pneumonia Outbreak

News 18  

Union Health Ministry has advised all the states and Union Territories to immediately review public health and hospital preparedness measures in view of the increasing cases of pneumonia in China. The Union Health Secretary — in a letter to all the States and Union Territories — advised them to immediately review the preparedness measures in the health department at a …

No ‘unusual’ virus behind rising Pneumonia cases China has clarified, reveals WHO
1 year, 4 months ago

No ‘unusual’ virus behind rising Pneumonia cases China has clarified, reveals WHO

Firstpost  

Since mid-October 2023, the World Health Organization has been monitoring data from Chinese surveillance systems showing an increase in respiratory illness in children in northern China China has reiterated that no unusual or new pathogens have been detected in the upsurge in child respiratory illnesses in the north, the WHO said on Thursday after putting pressure on Beijing for detailed …

Spike in illnesses isn’t a new pathogen, China reassures WHO
1 year, 4 months ago

Spike in illnesses isn’t a new pathogen, China reassures WHO

Salon  

An outbreak of respiratory illnesses in China has sparked alarm, but the sudden rise in sickness is not related to a new virus, according to Chinese health authorities. So far, the data suggests that there’s nothing out of the ordinary, but both the WHO and China have been criticized in the past for not being entirely transparent about the COVID-19 …

Covid-19 vaccination rate is ‘lower than we’d like to see,’ CDC says
1 year, 4 months ago

Covid-19 vaccination rate is ‘lower than we’d like to see,’ CDC says

CNN  

CNN — Respiratory virus season is ramping up across the United States, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that low vaccination rates are leaving many at risk. There are a number of reasons why it’s important for people to get the latest Covid-19 vaccine, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen told CNN. “COVID-19 vaccines don’t prevent …

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail
1 year, 4 months ago

More free COVID-19 tests from the government are available for home delivery through the mail

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery. The U.S. government is offering to send another round of four at-home virus tests ahead of the typical surge in cases during the winter holiday season. The new release of free COVID-19 nasal swab tests also comes ahead of the first winter since the pandemic started that …

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds
1 year, 4 months ago

Covid-19 not a concern for most US adults, who are split on the latest vaccine and other precautions, KFF survey finds

CNN  

CNN — Most adults in the United States are not worried about getting sick with Covid-19 or spreading it over the holidays, a new survey from KFF found. Concern about rising cases and hospitalizations is slightly higher, with nearly half of adults saying they are “very” or “somewhat” worried that Covid-19 hospitalizations will increase this winter – about the same …

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help
1 year, 5 months ago

Respiratory virus season threatens to be a challenge again. Getting vaccinated now can help

CNN  

CNN — The first signs of respiratory virus season are just starting to show in the United States, but experts stress the importance of getting vaccinated now to stay healthy through the winter and reduce strain on the health care system. “With the addition of a third virus that can cause severe disease, even an average respiratory season can place …

COVID returns? Hospitalisation hits record high in THIS country | DEETS INSIDE
1 year, 5 months ago

COVID returns? Hospitalisation hits record high in THIS country | DEETS INSIDE

India TV News  

As winter approaches, health authorities in the United Kingdom have issued a warning for its citizens to prepare for another wave of COVID-19. UK Health Security Agency has claimed that the cases will 'further increase' as the season progresses, along with other 'winter respiratory viruses like flu'. As we enter the colder months and people begin to mix more indoors, …

Covid Eris: Everything we know about variant EG. 5, the strain dominating the US
1 year, 6 months ago

Covid Eris: Everything we know about variant EG. 5, the strain dominating the US

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The EG5 strain’s emergence comes at a time …

Even cautious experts say don't panic over new Covid wave: CDC admits US in 'strongest place' ever in pandemic - while the World Health Organization says world is in 'a different phase' now
1 year, 7 months ago

Even cautious experts say don't panic over new Covid wave: CDC admits US in 'strongest place' ever in pandemic - while the World Health Organization says world is in 'a different phase' now

Daily Mail  

Global and US health chiefs have urged calm over rising Covid cases and new variants, pointing out that virtually everyone now has immunity against the virus. On Thursday, Dr Marion Koopmans — a virologist who advises the World Health Organization — said the world was now in a 'different phase' of the pandemic due to higher levels of immunity from …

Covid Infections have DOUBLED in US in past month amid rise of two mutant variants BA.2.86 and 'Eris', official data suggests
1 year, 7 months ago

Covid Infections have DOUBLED in US in past month amid rise of two mutant variants BA.2.86 and 'Eris', official data suggests

Daily Mail  

Covid infections in the US have nearly doubled in the past month amid the rise of two highly-mutated variants, official data suggests. Dr Thomas Moore, an infectious disease physician, told DailyMail.com while the US is seeing a rise in cases, they are not severe like past variants The data shows that positivity soared from 6.7 percent in the week ending …

Continue COVID-19 testing to check emergence of new virus variants: WHO chief
1 year, 7 months ago

Continue COVID-19 testing to check emergence of new virus variants: WHO chief

The Hindu  

Warning that many countries aren’t testing enough and that new SARS-CoV-2 virus variants may emerge, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, on Wednesday said that testing and being vigilant is vital in continuing the fight against COVID-19. “While COVID is now behind us and India did its best during the time, we can expect new and more …

New coronavirus variant EG.5 on the rise: WHO, CDC on alert
1 year, 7 months ago

New coronavirus variant EG.5 on the rise: WHO, CDC on alert

Hindustan Times  

The World Health Organization on Wednesday classified a new strain of COVID-19 as a "variant of interest." The World Health Organization has classed the EG.5 strain of COVID-19 as a "variant of interest". "Collectively, available evidence does not suggest that EG.5 has additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages," the organization said. "Right now, …

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US are on the rise again, but not like before
1 year, 7 months ago

COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US are on the rise again, but not like before

Associated Press  

Here we go again: COVID-19 hospital admissions have inched upward in the United States since early July in a small-scale echo of the three previous summers. But it’s a far cry from past peaks, like the 44,000 weekly hospital admissions in early January, the nearly 45,000 in late July 2022, or the 150,000 admissions during the omicron surge of January …

COVID-19 data shows early signs of an increase in cases
1 year, 8 months ago

COVID-19 data shows early signs of an increase in cases

Salon  

Emerging data suggests that COVID-19 cases in the U.S. are on the rise again for the first time since January 2023, though the uptick is relatively small so far. Overall, COVID cases have been on a steep decline since January, but available data shows this trend is starting to reverse. Elsewhere in the world, many countries are also enduring prolonged …

No more covid-19 updates by Telangana health department
1 year, 9 months ago

No more covid-19 updates by Telangana health department

Deccan Chronicle  

HYDERABAD: The state health department has stopped issuing the daily Covid-19 bulletin for over three weeks now, following a May 5 declaration by the World Health Organisation that Covid-19 was not more a global health emergency. The last bulletin was on May 19, when there were 24 active cases, 13 recovered cases and a recovery rate of 99.5 per cent, …

World must prepare for disease more deadlier than Covid, WHO chief warns
1 year, 10 months ago

World must prepare for disease more deadlier than Covid, WHO chief warns

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The head of the World Health Organisation warned on Tuesday that …

How much COVID is in my community? It’s getting harder to tell
1 year, 10 months ago

How much COVID is in my community? It’s getting harder to tell

LA Times  

Bianca Povalitis, center, along with fellow roller skaters enjoy an evening at Venice Beach Skate Plaza in June 2022. But dwindling data make it more difficult to assess the virus’ trajectory in specific areas and for people to adjust their attitudes and behaviors accordingly — a potentially unsettling development for those who remain most at risk of falling seriously ill. …

US ends COVID-19 health emergency today: Key figures defining the pandemic
1 year, 10 months ago

US ends COVID-19 health emergency today: Key figures defining the pandemic

Firstpost  

Though daily life has long returned to near-normal for many in the United States, the official end of the COVID-19 health emergency Thursday night still marks a new post-pandemic era for the country. Three years of health emergency A state of emergency was first declared in the United States in January 2020, more than three years ago. 1.1 million deaths …

What you need to know to stay safe from COVID now that the public health emergency has ended
1 year, 10 months ago

What you need to know to stay safe from COVID now that the public health emergency has ended

LA Times  

Ready or not, it’s over. And roughly three-quarters of those surveyed by KFF that same month said they believe the public health emergency’s end will either have a “positive impact” or “no impact” on the country overall. But you are in diminishing company: That March Gallup Poll found that 3% of U.S. respondents remained “very concerned” about coming down with …

Three years, 1.1 million deaths: COVID emergency ending in US
1 year, 10 months ago

Three years, 1.1 million deaths: COVID emergency ending in US

Al Jazeera  

As US public health emergency declaration comes to an end, Al Jazeera looks at the pandemic’s heavy toll on the country. More than 1.1 million COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the US since the emergency declaration was first issued in January 2020 – more than any other country in absolute numbers. 1.1 million deaths The United States has recorded more …

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