December 2020

A key US airbase in Germany, Ramstein, mistakenly triggered an alert after Russian Bulava missiles were launched from the Vladimir Monomakh submarine on 12 December. This is reported by CNN with reference to sources.

Invalid data came from US reconnaissance satellites. All military base personnel received automatic notifications, and a missile attack warning sounded through loudspeakers on the base. A few minutes later, the command found out that there was actually no nuclear threat, and the alarm went off.

The base management was able to verify the safety of the situation before any action was taken. The military reportedly acted according to existing guidelines.

Last week's training session of the Russian Armed Forces involved the so-called “strategic triad”: nuclear submarines, strategic bombers and the Yars mobile ground-based missile system.

The video of the launch from the “Vladimir Monomakh” was made public
12 December. The launch of Yars was shown on video three days earlier – on December 9.

Takahiro Shiraishi

Hunting a suicidal maniac was sentenced to death in Japan. The agency Kyodo writes about it.

A Tokyo court found 30-year-old Takahiro Shiraishi guilty of the brutal murder of nine people: eight girls and one man between the ages of 15 and 26. The man was also found guilty of dismembering bodies and keeping the remains. The main subject of disagreement at the meeting was the question of whether Shiraishi killed his victims with their consent: they all thought about suicide. This circumstance was not recognized as mitigating.

According to the investigation, Shiraishi found victims through the social network, in connection with which he received the nickname “Twitter killer”. He opened an anonymous account and through it contacted those who talked about their desire to commit suicide. Shiraishi promised to help them die and invited them to visit his apartment in Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

“[The goals] of the murders were selfish, they were committed for the sake of monetary gain and sexual gratification. The only way to lure mentally weak victims is by cunning, ”the judge said. The examination concluded that the man committed crimes while being sane.

The investigation began in October 2017. Then in the house of Shiraishi they found the dismembered remains of the bodies of eight women and a man. The offender immediately confessed to the crime. Then, on October 24, a 23-year-old woman disappeared from the district. Before her disappearance, the Japanese woman published a message on social networks with the text “I'm looking for someone who will die with me.”

A contactless future: five symbols of 2020 that seemed fantastic a year ago

Leap year 2020 divided the world into “before” and “after”, and now we clearly understand: life will never be the same. The coronavirus pandemic, of course, has become a historical event, which will be written about in history textbooks years later, but in the meantime we live in this story and adapt as best we can. But if a year ago we were told that soon we would spend most of the time wearing masks and gloves, walking around each other a meter and a half away and forgetting what the office looks like, we would have decided that they are trying to play a trick on us. But now it is our reality, and, most likely, it will remain so in the coming years. We decided to take stock of this difficult year and compiled a rating of objects and phenomena that most influenced our life in 2020.

1. We have a mask!

Surgical, nylon, respiratory, cotton and even construction masks have become an everyday part of our wardrobe, and now it is simply impossible to imagine going out without this accessory. All masks have different levels of effectiveness, but one way or another, without protection that covers the nose and mouth, it is now forbidden to be in public places.

As Rospotrebnadzor previously reported, wearing a medical mask reduces the risk of contracting various respiratory infections, including COVID-19, by 1.8 times, the use of gloves by 1.3 times. Meanwhile, American scientists have compiled a rating of masks depending on the degree of their effectiveness. … According to the results of the research, it turned out that N95 respirators protect the best from viruses – experts estimated their level of protection at 98%. In second place were two-layer nylon masks – they provide from 74 to 79% protection (depending on the presence of a non-woven insert). The third in terms of effectiveness were the most popular surgical masks with ties – they protect against viruses by 71.4%. But masks made of polyester, non-woven polypropylene and cotton showed disappointing results – 40, 28.6 and 26.5%, respectively. However, the latter, in spite of everything, are the most popular, since they can be washed and used several times.

However, even the least reliable masks can be made more effective by fixing them. So, if you pull a nylon stocking over the mask (which not everyone dares to do), its degree of protection will increase to 80%. Stationery rubber bands will also be good helpers: if you fix the mask with them, its effectiveness will increase to 78%.

However, many people are not guided by safety considerations, but aesthetics when choosing protective equipment. Of course, this is a dubious approach, but there is no getting away from it: the fashion industry quickly reacted to the new “trend” and turned masks from a must-have item into a stylish accessory. Now you will not surprise anyone with masks made of silk and rhinestones, and in India this summer they even began to make masks with diamonds! It all started after a man came to one of the jewelry stores in the city of Surat and asked to make unique masks for himself and his bride for the upcoming wedding. The jewelers managed to please the client: they made masks of gold and diamonds for the newlyweds, and subsequently released a whole line of such protective equipment. According to the manufacturers, one mask made of yellow gold and American diamonds (synthetic) will cost the buyer almost 2 thousand dollars, one made of white gold and real diamonds – more than 5.3 thousand dollars. According to jewelers, these masks are not only for decoration: gold and stones are attached to a protective fabric that meets all medical standards. In addition, at the request of the client, jewelry can be removed at any time in order to subsequently make other jewelry out of them.

2. Hands should be washed every day.

Soap and antiseptic are two more “riders of the Ap̶o̶k̶a̶l̶i̶p̶s̶i̶s̶а̶ coronavirus” who have firmly entered our lives. It would seem, what could be more obvious than a common truth – you need to wash your hands regularly? Nevertheless, it was only with the arrival of the coronavirus in our lives that it became clear how often we neglect this golden rule. But it is through the hands that various respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 most often enter the human body – as a rule, settling on mucous membranes (eyes, nose or throat). In addition, transmission by touch occurs almost more often than airborne droplets. So, lovers of handshakes, brace yourself: this tradition will not return soon.

A contactless future: five symbols of 2020 that seemed fantastic a year ago

Research shows that regular hand washing with soap and water reduces the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 by 36%. The fact is that soap destroys the outer membrane of the virus and thereby inactivates it. Alcohol-based antiseptics have also proven to be effective in the fight against coronavirus. However, they may not be able to cope with all viruses: for example, rotavirus and norovirus disinfectants are unlikely to kill. Therefore, doctors recommend using an antiseptic if you are on the road, but at every opportunity it is better to still use good old water and soap.

This year, not only children, but also many adults have mastered the tricky science of hand washing. On many sites, instructions began to appear one after another on how to properly carry out this procedure. A year ago, it would have seemed crazy, but not in the age of a pandemic. Many people were surprised to realize that they had washed their hands incorrectly all their lives. So, doctors recommend thoroughly wiping all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the palms, between the fingers and under the nails. You need to spend at least 40-60 seconds on this. And in order not to turn on the stopwatch every time, there is a simple and fun way to measure the time – to sing the song “Happy Birthday to You” twice.

If you left home and did not bring a sanitizer with you, and there is nowhere to wash your hands, do not worry: automatic sensor dispensers with sanitizer and vending machines selling protection against germs and viruses can now be found literally at every step.

3. And you – stay away

Social distance is another innovation of the coronavirus era that seems to be 180 degrees to change human consciousness and habits. If earlier crowds in shops, subways and clubs were an absolute norm, today it is a reason for a scandal and even police intervention. Adherence to social distancing is necessary in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19. But it was problematic to immediately teach people all over the world to keep from each other at a distance of 1.5 – 2 meters, so they had to apply appropriate markings everywhere. Just imagine: the epidemic is already over, and the signs calling to maintain a distance will remain with us for a long time – maybe forever.

Futurologists already predict that the habit of staying away from those who cough (and from everyone else, just in case) will enter our lives as firmly as the habit of constantly disinfecting our hands. Just as after the September 11 terrorist attack in America the whole world got used to total checks and frames at airports, after 2020 people will adapt to frames and non-contact thermometers. A new term has even appeared – the contactless future. In general, we were already moving towards it, but the pandemic only accelerated this process. Instead of banknotes – digital currencies, instead of paper passes – contactless biometric systems, instead of couriers – robots, instead of real travel and excursions – virtual, etc. It seems that the future has really come, and there will be less and less live contacts in it. In some ways this is good, in others it is sad, but the fact remains, and you will have to get used to it.

4. Mustache, paws and electronic pass – these are my documents

Despite the fact that in Russia the access control was introduced only during the spring lockdown and is now not in effect, it is not worth weaning from electronic passes yet. It is likely that during the third wave of COVID-19, or in the event (God forbid, of course) other similar epidemics, you and I will have to issue digital passes to leave home again. We remind you that during the first wave of coronavirus in Moscow and other cities, electronic passes were introduced for the following purposes: commuting to work, visiting a doctor, traveling with an official ID. Subsequently, volunteer activities were also added here. Without a pass, one could only walk to the nearest store or take a walk with the dog – at that time we all had a hard time.

In general, the period of a pandemic is characterized by the ubiquitous registration of data for visiting anything. For example, in October, the city authorities issued a decree, according to which all visitors at the entrance to nightclubs, bars and other entertainment establishments that operate from 00:00 to 06:00 must register their phone numbers. This could be done by scanning a special QR code, or by sending an SMS to a short number. New measures were introduced to prevent the spread of coronavirus: if one of the visitors was later diagnosed with COVID, everyone who was in the same establishment with him at that time received notifications. However, so far this rule does not apply, since, according to the next decree of the mayor, until January 15, 2021, all cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, bowling alleys, discos and other similar establishments must be closed from 23:00 to 6:00.

Returning to the topic of electronic passes, it is worth noting that there were some failures. Many users complained that their passes were canceled: in some cases, the notifications said that the wrong TIN was indicated when issuing the pass, or it was not confirmed that the employee worked in this company, in others, that the user was diagnosed with ARVI symptoms and was entitled to observe the isolation mode. However, soon all the passes were restored, and the failures were eliminated. The problems in this case, in principle, are not surprising: after all, millions of people issued passes at the same time, and the load on the servers was colossal.

During the existence of the access system in Moscow, various experts have identified both the pros and cons of this practice. The main disadvantage, perhaps, is the risk of leakage of personal data that a person leaves in the system. After all, thanks to the pass, it is possible to literally track his every step. On the other hand, this practice has been adopted and has already begun to be actively used in the traffic police. The State Traffic Inspectorate, together with other departments, is currently carrying out a large-scale digitalization program. It is planned to create a digital profile of each driver, access to the full history of the car, electronic appeal of fines, all kinds of extracts for banks and employers, electronic medical certificates – in a word, soon everything will be ruled by a “figure”. In the future, the technologies being introduced today due to the pandemic are planned to be actively used in state regulation of the road transport business, the activities of taxi aggregators, as well as in the creation of a new system for the administration of offenses in the field of road safety.

5. I don't recognize you in Zoom!

Remote has become a new way of life, and for everyone at once – working adults, student students and schoolchildren, and even for presidents, ministers and mayors of most countries of the world. Of course, there were many people who refused to acknowledge the danger of an epidemic (there are such threats now) or downplayed it. Nevertheless, the rules are now the same for everyone: restrictions are imposed all over the planet, companies, schools, colleges, restaurants, stadiums are closed – in a word, the Earth has been covered by a lockdown this year.

A contactless future: five symbols of 2020 that seemed fantastic a year ago

But life, of course, could not stop – it just went online. And it looks like we've really adapted to online conferences at Zoom, distance learning and even parties in real Internet bars this year. Of course, the “remote” has a number of disadvantages (most people complain of boredom, the inability to take a break from their family, a sedentary lifestyle and, as a result, excess weight and other health problems), but there are also many advantages. Top managers of many large companies have already noted an increase in the productivity of their employees with the transition to telecommuting. In addition, there is an excellent opportunity to save on light and other costs associated with the stay of people in the office. And it became easier for the employees themselves: now you can get up later, you don't need to go anywhere, and in order to take part in a meeting with the management, it is enough to put on only a shirt and a jacket (a joke – it is better, of course, to dress completely).

One way or another, the “remote” will remain with us for a long time – maybe forever. According to forecasts of HR specialists, every year more and more offers related to remote work will appear on the job market, and the demand for them, accordingly, will grow.

The one who suffered the most from distance learning was the teacher. It is impossible to stop the educational process – after all, children must learn, no matter what. And not all teachers cope with the development of the same Zoom: it is especially difficult for the elderly, who barely managed to get used to the electronic magazine and interactive whiteboards. Young children also find it difficult to grasp all these technical nuances, and parents often do not have time to sit with them and help. Well, the “cherry” on the cake, of course, is the periodic communication problems.

Nevertheless, the last academic year ended quite successfully, the last calls and graduations were also held online, and the schoolchildren were able to pass the final and entrance exams in person. Thus, gradually, both our country and the rest of the world are learning to adapt to new conditions and provide children with quality education, adults – the opportunity to work, and all together – safety and life in these difficult, but so far insurmountable realities.

The creation of a Belarusian vaccine against coronavirus may require about 5 million Belarusian rubles (about 144.4 million Russian rubles), said President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko.

“I am very glad that our scientists set their sights on the production of their own vaccine. I am convinced that we will not get away from this infection. She will stay with us like the flu. So we need a vaccine. We need to develop our own, there are specialists. We must take it up and not be afraid. The money there, I looked, is small: somewhere around five million rubles. And we will recoup it, we just need to move quickly in this direction, “BelTA quotes Lukashenka.

According to him, the issue of creating its own vaccine against coronavirus will be discussed at a meeting in the near future.

On December 14, Lukashenko said that Belarus could start producing its own vaccine against coronavirus if the developments of scientists “turn out to be serious.”

The second wave of coronavirus forced governments around the world to tighten restrictive measures shortly before the New Year and Christmas holidays. Quarantine reports came from several countries at once.

Lithuania

From today until January 3, severe restrictions are being introduced throughout the country. All shops will be closed, except for grocery, as well as educational institutions. Citizens are prohibited from leaving their place of residence without compelling reasons, which include traveling to work, going to the hospital or shopping, or holding a funeral.

During the pandemic, over 95 thousand cases of coronavirus infection have been registered in the country, 825 citizens have died, over the last 24 hours in Lithuania, more than 1,900 new cases of COVID-19 have been detected. There were 3490.85 infections per 100 thousand people.

Netherlands

The country's authorities announced a transition to a strict quarantine regime until January 19. Almost all shops in the country are closing. An exception was made only for pharmacies and outlets selling food and everyday goods. Universities and schools are switching to distance learning. Citizens were urged not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary and to refuse to receive guests.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in the Netherlands, more than 632 thousand citizens have fallen ill, more than 10 thousand people have become victims of the coronavirus. 3688.85 infections were detected per 100 thousand of the population.

Great Britain

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced the imposition of a maximum level of restrictions in the capital of the United Kingdom due to a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 infections. Restaurants of the city again stop receiving visitors and switch to delivery. Citizens are asked not to gather in groups of more than six people and to strictly observe social distance. At the same time, gyms, beauty salons and non-food stores will continue to operate.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in the UK, more than 1.8 million people have fallen ill, over 64 thousand citizens have died from COVID-19. There were 2,761.79 infections per 100 thousand of the population.

Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the introduction of a curfew in the country, which will operate around the clock from December 31 to January 4 inclusive. Earlier it became known about the tightening of restrictive measures, within the framework of which the work of sports and cultural institutions was stopped, and catering establishments were allowed to sell food only to take away.

In total, more than 1.85 million cases of coronavirus have been registered in Turkey, 16,646 people have died. Over the past day, more than 29 thousand new infections have been recorded in the country, which has become the highest indicator for all time. 2212.91 infections were detected per 100 thousand of the population in the country.

FRG

From December 16, Germany introduces the strictest quarantine in the history of the country.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called the situation terrible and said that all the measures previously used to combat the coronavirus had failed. He promised that vaccination of the population will begin immediately after the New Year.

Earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel called for tougher quarantine measures.

More than 1.35 million people have been infected with the coronavirus in Germany, 22,106 people have died. Over the past day, 14,709 new infections were recorded in the country.

NATO opposed the treaty banning nuclear weapons. This is stated in a statement on the alliance website.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and strengthening the arms control system, disarmament and non-proliferation (…). We oppose the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, as it does not reflect the atmosphere of international security, which is becoming more complex, and also contradicts the current architecture of non-proliferation and disarmament, ”the press release says.

At the same time, NATO stressed that as long as the countries violating international order have nuclear weapons, and the alliance does not, there can be no question of security. The alliance also invited the countries of the world to join the work “to strengthen collective security through tangible measures” that can reduce “strategic risks.” The document did not specify what measures were being discussed.

The Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty is due to enter into force on January 22, 2021.

On November 30, Russia accused NATO of violating the nuclear weapons treaty. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called on the alliance to stop the practice of nuclear exchanges, which “leads to the fact that such weapons can be deployed on the territory of non-nuclear member states of the alliance.”

The information provided by Russian scientists about the Sputnik V vaccine testifies to its effectiveness. This was stated by the French virologist Marie-Paul Kini in a conversation with the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

“The data we have seen shows that the vaccine is effective. We urged Russian scientists to publish the full results of their research in scientific journals as soon as possible in order to increase transparency and trust in the international community, ”said the epidemiologist, admitting that the French delegation was convinced of the high effectiveness of the vaccine by more than one set of data.

Keeney, head of the delegation of the French Scientific Committee on COVID-19 Vaccines, emphasized that in order to fully understand the effectiveness of all vaccinations, you need to wait – the situation will be clear until the end in a year.

On December 14, it was reported that the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine against severe cases of the disease had reached 100 percent. This was announced by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).