Three Things for February 23
1. Australian news anchor accidentally reports Queen Elizabeth is taking ivermectin
During a segment reporting the queen’s COVID-19 case, Australia’s 9News unintentionally aired a video clip of ivermectin, seemingly suggesting the royal had been treated with the drug.
Footage in the report shows vials of sotrovimab — a monoclonal antibody treatment — before cutting to a shot of Stromectol, a brand name for ivermectin, according to AP News.
The news clip shows Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal, a doctor in Australia, discussing the dangerous risks of COVID-19 cases in elderly people.
“A voiceover adds that ‘Haikerwal says a COVID patient the queen’s age should be isolating and might benefit from new medicines currently approved for high-risk patients at Australian hospitals’,” reports AP News.
The news station claims the aired footage was an honest mistake saying, “Last night our report on the Queen contained a shot that should not have been included. The shot was included as a result of human error.”
“The palace has not commented on the queen’s treatment. It issued a short statement Tuesday saying: ‘As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold-like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties,’” reports AP News.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not authorized ivermectin for use in preventing or treating COVID-19.
2. Ukraine prepares for state of emergency in response to Russia’s threats
Ukraine approved plans to enter a state of emergency in response to Russia’s threat of invasion.
According to the New York Times, Ukraine has “prepared to declare a 30-day state of emergency and mobilized military reservists in response to threats by President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, who remained defiant in the face of global condemnations and toughening Western sanctions.”
Oleksiy Danilov, the head of Ukraine’s national security and defense council, said, “Our army is ready” to defend against Russian advances.
On Tuesday, Feb. 22, President Joe Biden joined European allies in their sanctions against Russia. Biden believes Russia’s hostile actions have initiated “the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” according to the Washington Post.
“Biden said a ‘first tranche’ of U.S. sanctions against Russia would target two financial institutions, Russian sovereign debt and Russian elites and their family members. The Pentagon also announced that it was sending more fighter jets, attack helicopters and infantry to Eastern Europe,” reports the Washington Post.
The New York Times reported Australia, Canada and Japan joined the United States, European allies and other nations in announcing sanctions against Russia.
In a speech released today, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “the interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are unconditional for us.”
The Russian invasion will affect the European Union as they prepare for an inflow of Ukrainian refugees.
“Humanitarian groups have warned of a major crisis for millions of people in Ukraine if Russia further invades, and the European Union says it is preparing for large numbers of displaced people if a full-on conflict breaks out,” reports the New York Times.
For live updates on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, visit the New York Times or Washington Post.
3. Thousands of dead fish found on Chilean beach
Scientists are attempting to explain why thousands of dead anchovies and sardines have washed ashore in Coliumo.
Environmental officials are now testing the water quality in hopes of finding the cause of the natural phenomenon.
According to local Mayor Ivonne Rivas, the area is now closed to the public. Additionally, the beach cannot be cleaned with machinery, and must instead be cleaned by hand.
“We can’t bring down earthmovers (tractors) to clear the dead fish, as is usually the case when there is a clean-up of seaweed on our coast. Here we can't do it. It has to be done with workers,” said Rivas.
This natural phenomenon is not an isolated incident in this part of Chile.
“Similar incidents reported last year were explained by low oxygen levels in deeper waters, with fish swimming closer to the shoreline in search of nutrients,” reports Euronews.
