Germany sees highest rise in COVID-19 cases since April
Germany saw its highest daily rise in COVID-19 cases since April, causing concern among government officials and citizens over whether the restrictions put in place are enough to protect the country from the virus. While Germany has had relatively low daily case numbers compared to other European countries, a new daily count showed that the country has risen to over 4,000 new cases. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), Germany has recorded a total of 310,144 cases of infection and 9,578 deaths. The German Health Minister, Jens Spahn, is urging citizens to be vigilant of their personal hygiene and abide by safety protocols put into place to help stop the spread of infection.
Explosion of petrol station devistates Lagos
Another deadly explosion occurred in Nigeria on Thursday — this time, in Lagos. The explosion ignited a fire at a petrol station in Ipaja that killed at least eight people. The fire spread to nearby buildings quickly, and according to the State Emergency Management Agency, it burned down at least 25 homes, 16 shops and a primary school. While the explosion occurred early Thursday morning, the cause of the explosion is still undetermined. However, witnesses and local community members have pointed out their concerns over the poorly maintained facilities, which some believe may be the cause of the explosion.
Tasmanian devils reintroduced to Australia
For the first time in 3,000 years, Tasmanian devils are being reintroduced to the Australian mainland. The marsupials have been protected in Australia since the early 1940’s, but their populations had rapidly declined after being infected with a contagious disease. The disease is a contagious type of cancer called devil facial tumor disease, which causes growths on their face that prevent them from eating. Conservationists and scientists raised a population of cancer-free Tasmanian devils and began releasing them in increments in September.
David Attenborough and Prince William team up to announce new environmental award
Prince William has teamed up with naturalist and narrator David Attenborough to incentivize action against climate change. The pair has come up with an environmental award called the Earthshot Prize, which aims to reward people for working to help the planet over the span of 10 years. The plan for the award is to prize five people with $1.3 million dollars each year for the next 10 years in hopes that they will be able to come up with 50 solutions to the world’s most dire environmental threats. The first five Earthshot subjects have already been determined, with subjects focusing on protecting nature, cleaner air, restoring oceans, becoming waste-free and working to fight against climate change.
