Tag: Thanksgiving

  • Fauci Warns Of ‘surge Upon Surge’ In Infections Ahead Of Christmas

    US should prepare for a “surge upon a surge” in COVID-19 cases as millions of people are now returning home from the Thanksgiving holiday, head of coronavirus task force Anthony Fauci stressed on November 29. Speaking at an interview with CNN, Dr Fauci reckoned that he was sure that the country was going to see an uptick in coronavirus cases “because of what has happened with the travel.” According to a Washington Post report, the day before Thanksgiving was the busiest air travel day since the pandemic hit with a record 1,070,967 passengers checking in at the airports.

    Meanwhile, the top immunologist stressed that there could be a “surge upon a surge” incoming two-three weeks. He further reckoned that he did not want to hurt people but it was the reality. With Christmas season approaching, experts have warned that the surge could continue into the next year. The US, which is the worst affected nation by the pandemic has reported 13,382,681 cases and 266,847 till now, the latest tally by John Hopkins University revealed.

    While speaking about the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier, Dr Fauci said the vaccines offer a “light at the end of the tunnel”. Adding further, he said that President-elect Joe Biden should concentrate on distributing vaccines in an efficient and equitable way.

    Dr. Fauci also said he intended to push the new administration for a rigorous testing program. Further, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss a rollout of the vaccine this week, he added.

  • Trump Pardons Corn The Turkey During Annual Thanksgiving Event

    On November 24, US President Donald Trump spared the life of a National Thanksgiving Turkey as he issued a ‘pardon’ to the fowl in an annual Presidential holiday tradition that dates as far back as the 1940s. In the Rose Garden Tuesday, US President and the first lady Melania Trump pardoned an Iowa bird named Corn that superseded its counterpart named Cob from the Presidential Flock of turkeys. The bird was chosen following unusual polls ran by the White House on Twitter, asking, which of the two fowls be spared in the myth filled tradition that will restore the ‘sense of normalcy’.

     “Ladies and gentleman, the president of the United States and Mrs. Trump,” an announcer introduced as the ceremony commenced. Taking part in the event alongside his wife in White House Rose Garden, US President wished the Americans a Happy Thanksgiving as he offered a reprieve to Corn from among 30 turkeys raised by Walcott turkey producers Ron and Susie Kardel. The two birds were presented to the US President by the National Turkey Federation. As Trump forbade Corn from being slaughtered during the festivities, both the turkeys are reported to retire at a new home at the campus of Iowa State University. Meanwhile, refraining from the political jokes, Trump said, “Thanksgiving is a very special day for turkeys, Thank you, Corn.” He then proceeded with the bashing of his former defense secretary Jim Mattis.

  • Microsoft Teams Bringing Free All-Day Video, Voice Calling Option to Take on Zoom

    Microsoft Teams is adding a free all-day video and voice calling option to take on platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet. The free offering will help users connect with up to 300 participants for as long as 24 hours. Microsoft made the new announcement just days after Teams rival Zoom announced that it would temporarily lift its 40-minute meeting limit on Thanksgiving Day. In addition to free all-day calling, Microsoft Teams is getting updated with the ability to create a group chat with up to 250 people and see up to 49 members simultaneously during virtual conversations.

    As reported by The Verge, Microsoft Teams is set to attract Zoom users by starting the new all-day video calling option. The company confirmed the development through a blog post.

    “To help you stay connected in the coming months, you will be able to meet for 24 hours with up to 300 participants until further specified,” the company said.