Notable deaths, masks for kids, ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests, Barry Manilow music, more – coronavirus timeline Feb. 12-18, 2022

CLEVELAND, Ohio – From notable deaths to ‘Freedom Convoy’ protests, masks for children and more, here is our regular roundup of coronavirus facts, figures and numbers regarding Ohio, the United States and the world Feb. 12-18, followed by our quotes of the week:

Feb. 12

CNN says protesters in the “Freedom Convoy” made it past police checkpoints in central Paris, with demonstrators against France’s Covid vaccine pass completely blocking traffic before they were hit with tear gas fired by officers.

Feb. 13

New Zealand employs an unusual tactic to disperse “Freedom Convoy” protesters: Playing music of Barry Manilow, James Blunt (above photo, bottom left) and the Spanish dance track “Macarena.” “Freedom Convoy” rallies against vaccine mandates are taking place in several countries. Radio New Zealand reported protesters fired back by playing back Twisted Sister’s 1984 song “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” … John Keston, British-American actor and competitive runner late in life, dies of Covid. He was 97.

Feb. 14

Ohio reports 1,312 new cases, a low not seen since August. … The busiest U.S.-Canada border crossing is open after protesters demonstrating against Covid measures blocked it for nearly a week, but a larger protest in the capital, Ottawa, persists as residents seethed over authorities’ inability to reclaim the streets. Reuters reports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau became the only Canadian leader since his father 50 years ago to declare a state of emergency in peacetime. Trudeau unveiled tough measures, including letting banks freeze accounts linked to the protests without a court order, and said federal police will help end the blockades. … WWE and WCW referee Mickie Henson dies of Covid. He was 59.

Feb. 15

Ohio reports 2,121 cases. … Covid cases and hospitalizations keep dropping, but more than 2,000 Americans are dying daily from Covid. The United States is averaging 151,056 new cases, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Feb. 16

Ohio reports 2,433 new cases. … The U.S. government plans to make high-quality face masks available for children, reports CNN, quoting Dr. Tom Inglesby, senior adviser to the White House Covid-19 Response Team. …Associated Press reports that Hong Kong is facing its worst outbreak of the pandemic, topping 2,000 new cases each day this week. The city government has instituted strict rules banning gatherings of more than two households. Healthcare facilities are beginning to overflow, forcing one medical center (above photo, bottom right) to treat some patients in beds outside the building.

Feb. 17

Associated Press estimates 73% of Americans are, for now, immune to omicron, and that number could rise to 80% by mid-March. This will prevent or shorten new illnesses in protected people and reduce the amount of virus circulating overall, likely tamping down new waves. But coronavirus in its current form or future ones remains a dangerous germ. It is infecting more than 130,000 Americans and killing more than 2,000 every day. Tens of millions of people remain vulnerable. … Hong Kong’s coronavirus battle intensifies as authorities reported new cases had multiplied by 60 times this month and media reported testing would become compulsory for everyone in the global financial hub starting in March.

Feb. 18

Associated Press reports police began arresting protesters and towing trucks in a bid to break the three-week, traffic-snarling siege of Canada’s capital by hundreds of truckers angry over Covid restrictions. Working methodically, police led protesters away in handcuffs through Ottawa’s newly snow-covered streets, with at least one of those under arrest carrying a sign that read, “Mandate Freedom.” Tow-truck operators – wearing neon-green ski masks, with their companies’ decals taped over on their trucks to conceal their identities – arrived under police escort and set to work removing the big rigs, campers and vehicles parked bumper to bumper and shoulder to shoulder in places.