Cochin Herald - November - December 2020

A Roadmap Out Of Pandemic, The Kerala Way

When India was just waking up to the news of COVID-19, Kerala was ready to tackle it. Here is a look at how they got through the first wave and what is in store for the newly elected government

KK Shailaja The wall of resilience and hope

“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed”, said American politician Bob Riley once, and it comes true for KK Shailaja, who helmed the health ministry in the State of Kerala when the COVID-19 pandemic unleashed its rage on humanity. From a humble background in Kannur, she was known as the nonchalant Physics teacher, whose eyes always gleamed with kindness. After announcing retirement from her position as a teacher in 2004, she went on a quest for wider horizons and to serve society as a political leader. It was her unassuming persona that made her seamlessly leave a strong impression in the minds of every person she passed by to be fondly called ‘teacher’.

Protest and reflection: A year after the death of George Floyd

Bettye and Robert Freeman were sitting in their Boston living room when they heard the clamor on the street outside.

When sky becomes the only limit

Model-actress and doctor, Anita Abraham, who hails from Chengannur, Kerala, has come a long way over the years. The multitalented Anita was brought up outside Kerala and pursued her studies, as a child in Arunachal Pradesh. The zeal for scaling the pinnacle of fame and success was so ingrained in her that it prompted her to embark on umpteen number of itineraries and equally showcase her prowess in all the endeavours she undertook.

‘C 4': Kerala's success mantra to contain COVID

Kerala continues to win in the game and can be a learning model for days to come for all. The state has done homework in developing clear-cut strategies in fighting this pandemic. Early detection of cases, enough oxygen plants, systematic coordination of ASHA workers and frontliners to name a few. I had the personal experience, of visiting the COVID testing and vaccination clinics with my parents. On top of that, the government ensured the vaccine available for the public is free of cost.

US agencies examine reports of early COVID-19 infections in Wuhan lab

US intelligence agencies are examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported, according to US government sources who cautioned that there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab.

Vaccine hesitancy grows ahead of Thailand's mass inoculation rollout

Vaccine hesitancy has risen sharply in Thailand opinion polls show, just weeks away from the start of a mass inoculation programme and as the country fights its deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

On the mighty road to lifting stereotypes

Letting go of one's big-city dreams and moving to a small city is a tough step for many. Mumbaikar Nithya Suresh too lived through the strange void of adapting to the slow-paced life of Kochi city after she moved out of Mumbai, three years ago. But as she was exploring her new life in a new city, Nithya found love in the unlikeliest form - Powerlifting.

Immune system has long-term defenses after mild COVID-19; children may be key carriers of virus variants

The following is a roundup of some of the latest scientific studies on the novel coronavirus and efforts to find treatments and vaccines for COVID19, the illness caused by the virus.

'Try anything': Japan's silverhaired cheer-dancing squad

Pompoms rustle and silver shoes flash as Japan Pom Pom practices, moving to a lively cheer dance beat. With members ages 60 to 89, they're no ordinary squad.