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First COVID-19 case in hyenas found in Denver Zoo

First COVID-19 case in hyenas found in Denver Zoo
Nov 6 2021 Share

As if the situation couldn’t get any worse, two hyenas at the Denver Zoo have tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case among the animals across the globe, with the news announced by a national veterinary lab on Friday. Samples from a variety of animals at the zoo were tested after several lions became ill. The hyena’s samples tested presumptive positive at a Colorado State University laboratory, being later confirmed by the national lab. 11 lions and two tigers also tested positive alongside the hyenas. 

Hyenas are usually considered to be famously tough, resilient animals which are highly tolerant to anthrax, rabies and distemper. They are still expected to make a full recovery, the zoo stated, even though they are currently experiencing symptoms such as slight lethargy, nasal discharge and occasional coughing. Other animals which tested positive are also fully recovered or on their way towards it. 

The statement continued by saying that there are many other species susceptible to COVID-19, based on multiple reports. With around 3000 different animals and 450 different species, the zoo will work with the highest level of care and precaution to prevent further cases. Scientists are still learning about coronavirus in animals, but from available information, spread from animals to humans is as of yet considered very low. 

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Pfizer’s anti-COVID pill could cut death rate by 90%

Pfizer’s anti-COVID pill could cut death rate by 90%
Nov 6 2021 Share

A new experimental Pfizer-manufactured pill will reportedly cut COVID-19 hospitalisation and death rates by almost 90%. It is hoped that, if approved, the pill, named PAXLOVID, will be taken by patients suffering from mild to moderate infections twice a day at home, helping to prevent deteriorating conditions. Also aiming to keep newly-infected people from going to hospital, the early trial followed 775 adults diagnosed with mild to moderate coronavirus, with at least one risk factor for the disease becoming more severe (such as elderly patients).

The preliminary study found that those taking the drug saw an 89% reduction in combined rate of hospitalisation or death after one month compared to those taking placebo. Out of those taking PAXLOVID, only 0.8% were hospitalised within three days of experiencing symptoms. There were no deaths 28 days after treatment. Pfizer’s chairman and CEO Albert Bourla described this is a game changer in the fight against the pandemic, as the company seeks to submit data to the US FDA for Emergency Use Authorisation soon. 

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Harry Potter director wants to unite original cast for Cursed Child film

Harry Potter director wants to unite original cast for Cursed Child film
Nov 6 2021 Share

If you’ve been missing the original cast of Harry Potter, you might be in some luck! Chris Columbus, who directed the first two Harry Potter movies, has expressed wishes to unite the original trio for a Cursed Child movie. With 10 years since the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, it’s been a decade since Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint took on the mantles of Harry, Hermione and Ron. 

With Fantastic Beasts already up and running, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was a massive hit on Broadway and the West End, with millions in tickets sold and earning critical acclaim. During an interview, Columbus was asked whether there’d be any more films in the same universe. ‘I would love to direct The Cursed Child. It’s a great play and the kids are actually the right age to play those roles. It’s a small fantasy of mine’ he revealed. 

The play takes place 19 years after the events of the final book, seeing the trio joined by a brave new generation coming into Hogwarts. However, whether the actors wish to return or not is still up in the air. Radcliffe expressed his concerns about not being old enough, whereas Grint can’t imagine it. Watson said she had no plans to reprise Hermione, so it seems as though it might remain a ‘small fantasy’ for Columbus. Only time will tell! 

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Home Alone’s Macaulay Culkin walked the Gucci runway and fans went wild

Home Alone's Macaulay Culkin walked the Gucci runway and fans went wild
Nov 5 2021 Share

Home Alone’s very own Macaulay Culkin has walked the Gucci runway and fans are going absolutely crazy. The child film star and American Horror Story star walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame draped from head to toe in Gucci.

Fans from across the globe flocked to Twitter to express their excitement at Culkin’s unlikely collaboration with the high street fashion brand. Vogue digital fashion writer stated that his participation on the show “was something of a plot twist”, going on to state that he walked the Hollywood Boulevard in “the suitably nostalgic combo of a Hawaiian shirt under a floral bomber jacket.”

Culkin walked the boulevard with fellow film star Jared Leto ahead of his thematically-appropriate participation in upcoming film House of Gucci.

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