The anti-viral pill molnupiravir, developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, was authorized for emergency use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on December 23, 2021, after an advisory panel narrowly endorsed the medication. The pill is designed to treat adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at high risk of severe disease. Molnupiravir is available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis and within five days of symptom onset....

“We know it’s the end of the year, it’s a time where people traditionally want to celebrate. But it’s absolutely vital that this year, everybody continues to follow the guidance by staying at home and not mixing,” Stephen Powis, England’s National Health Service’s medical director, said during a press conference on Wednesday. France announced it would deploy 100,000 police and gendarmes to prevent parties, gatherings and potential public violence. The interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, said the officers would also enforce the nation’s strict 8 PM to 6 AM curfew....

The orders issued by the state’s highest court Thursday allow Mark and Patricia McCloskey to practice law for another year on a probationary status and petition to have their licenses fully reinstated. The court’s response is the latest for the couple who became folk heroes in conservative political circles after photos circulated in June 2020 showing them pointing guns at a crowd that had entered a gated community in St....

Meggan Sommerville, who has worked at the Hobby Lobby in East Aurora for more than 20 years, was written up for using the women’s restroom in 2011. Somerville testified that she was “emotionally devastated” by the disciplinary action. In 2013, she filed complaints with the Illinois Human Rights Commission alleging she was discriminated against on the basis of her gender identity. That same year, Hobby Lobby added a unisex bathroom but still refused Sommerville access to the women’s room....

The remarks by Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Wu Qian came after China ramped up its military presence in the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, flying a total of 28 Chinese warplanes—including heavy bombers—into the southwestern corner of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone. One warplane was sent into the ADIZ on Monday and there have been four incursions on each of the past three days, according to Taiwan’s defense ministry....

Shulan, a municipality of 700,000 people in Jilin province, near the border of North Korea, had confirmed 19 cases of the respiratory illness as of Monday since May 7, according to a report government-affiliated news outlet China Daily. The report, published Tuesday and included in the National Health Commission’s press release archive, outlined heightened isolation protocols effective Monday afternoon. The policies are reminiscent of those implemented in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, where the virus was first identified late last year....

I am not alone. Over the last couple of decades, the Western world and its media have given very little attention to human rights abuses in China. As a result of this, most people who are quite happy to buy competitively priced goods from that country simply don’t realize the breadth of the crimes against humanity for which the Chinese regime is responsible. It is no exaggeration to say that the Chinese state has conducted murder on a vast scale....

A portion of Keswick Island, a potential tourist hotspot, was bought by China Bloom, who residents say is stopping locals from accessing the slice of paradise. They claim that the company has stopped them from accessing beaches, banned their boats from reaching the island and even prevented access to the island’s airstrip. Families also say that the company is killing tourism to the island as they have been banned from renting their properties or advertising them to tourists on Airbnb....

Since Chip Kelly was hired as head coach, there’s been rampant speculation about which quarterback would become the starter. Would it be Colin Kaepernick, who fits the bill as a prototypical dual threat in Kelly’s offense? Or would it be Blaine Gabbert, who mainly works out of the pocket? MORE: 49ers’ first-round draft picks since 2000 That answer was not cleared up when Kelly spoke Friday morning. “I have no idea,” Kelly said, via csnbayarea....

The bowls have become all the rage over the last five years or so thanks to its supposed compostable and plant-based properties. However, a new report by New Food Economy, released on Monday, found the popular bowls are actually dangerous for not only the environment but people eating off of them too. After testing the molded fiber bowls from 14 various locations of eight restaurants in New York City, including Chipotle and Sweetgreen, New Food Economy experts found high levels of fluorine within the bowls....

Each worker at their branches in the Big Apple will get a $50 payment for every week they worked from November 2017 to April 2022. It is estimated that 13,000 workers will qualify for the payment. In addition, Chipotle has agreed to pay $1 million in civil penalties. The deal follows a year-long investigation sparked by complaints from 160 Chipotle workers and trade union leaders. The Fair Workweek Law—brought into force by New York City in 2017—requires fast food bosses to give workers their shift schedules at least two weeks in advance or pay a bonus....

The former Braves infielder exchanged heated words with the former fan, who goes by the twitter handle @thatgrayboy, after the fan called him an unkind name for not signing his baseball when he was 8. The spat only escalated from there. MORE: 15 worst managers of the last 30 years The back-and-forth didn’t end there. According to Busted Coverage, Jones allegedly sent @thatgrayboy a private message challenging him to a fight after the latter made a comment about Jones’ “baby mama....

Like live-Tweeting the College Football Playoff Championship Game, in which Ohio State beat Oregon, 42-20. Jones posted many a selfie to show his emotions during the game. MORE BUCKEYES: Must-see Championship photos | The Urban Way | Ohio State dance party Don’t ever stop being you, Chipper. Source: Hardball Talk

Chiron is named for a centaur in Greek mythology who was a powerful healer and teacher but could not heal himself. Because Chiron is a sign of healing, the wounds and fears it depicts aren’t only your weak points. If you master those fears, you can be a guide for others and help them do the same. If your Chiron sign is in Capricorn, then the asteroid falls in the sign of Capricorn on your natal chart....

The attacker scored nine goals in 28 Campeonato Brasileiro appearances in 2017 and started seven of Gremio’s 13 continental games - including both legs of the final against Lanus in November - as the Porto Alegre club lifted the title. Fernandinho had been with Gremio since July 2014, a spell which included unsuccessful loan stints with Italian side Verona and Flamengo. The 32-year-old should have some assistance with regards to settling in at the Chinese Super League club, as he will join three other Brazilians in Hyuri, Alan Kardec and another Fernandinho, while Portuguese coach Paulo Bento took over in December....

In a study published in 2019, researchers found that: 41% of revision surgeries were performed on women who regretted their chosen implant size38% wanted bigger implantsJust 3% wanted smaller implantsIn 26% of revisions, the primary reason was complications but the women also opted for bigger implants The Rice Test A simple experiment called the rice test can help you figure out which size breast implant, by cubic centimeters (cc), is the best fit for you....

Getting Earplugs from a Healthcare Professional You can get earplugs from some doctors (particularly ear, nose and throat specialists), or audiologists. Here are the pros and cons of going this route: Pros: Earplugs are usually custom-fitted to your ears. They may be made of superior materials. They are reusable and washable. Your healthcare professional will ensure you get the right plugs for your needs. Cons: They cost more, and earplugs used for swimming can be easily lost....

Capuano suffered a strained right quadriceps Wednesday while running to cover first base, and manager Joe Girardi told reporters Thursday night that “It’s going to be a while” before the veteran is ready to go. “When I say a while, he’s not going to do anything at least for a couple of weeks," Girardi said. “The problem is it’s so early in the process, you’re almost going to have to start over....

Christie said Thursday evening he strongly believes Goodell should stay in his job despite mounting criticism over his handling of a domestic violence incident involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. Christie hailed Goodell as an outstanding and honest man with great integrity. The two worked together during the lead-up to the Super Bowl. He said Goodell had admitted he made a mistake in the way he handled the case but that he should be judged on the totality of his work....

Culliver was driving a white Ford Mustang just before 10:30 a.m. Friday when he hit the cyclist Friday morning near downtown San Jose, city police spokesman Albert Morales said. The bicyclist wasn't seriously hurt, he said. A witness followed the Culliver, 25, who also drove into the car of the witness, Morales said, and that vehicle blocked the suspect's car until police arrived and arrested Culliver. After searching the suspect's car, the authorities found illegal brass knuckles and booked him into Santa Clara County Jail for felony hit and run, felony reckless driving with injury, felony possession of brass knuckles, misdemeanor hit and run and misdemeanor driving on a suspended license....