Several countries worldwide are now battling another wave of COVID-19 that is mainly due to the new Delta variant. Per several studies, this variant seems to be more contagious than the other previous strains.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of COVID-19 cases has risen by over 53% in the last week, and the Delta variant is responsible for 80% of these new cases that have been found in the USA. As of 30th July 2021, over 90 countries have been affected by this virus, with the epicenters being the UK, USA, Portugal, Germany, and India. 

On Thursday, 29th July, the CDC released details citing how the delta variant has changed the war against Covid-19. According to the CDC, this variant spreads faster than the common cold, the 1918 flu, and smallpox. 

To give more context about this new COVID-19 variant, let’s share some facts that you may need to know about it. 

The Delta variant has similar symptoms with the original strain 

People that have been affected by this variant appear to have similar symptoms to those with the older variants. However, physicians say the delta variant multiplies faster in the respiratory tract, making young people sicker faster. 

The Delta variant brings mild symptoms amongst the vaccinated 

Most of the vaccinated people are asymptomatic to this variant, so they will likely show no signs. However, some have experienced mild symptoms like headache, cough, fever, and significant loss of smell. 

The Delta variant impacts unvaccinated people more 

Currently, in the USA, over 97% of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 are unvaccinated. This new variant may easily lead to severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death for those not vaccinated. 

Experts are recommending wearing masks for even those that are vaccinated 

To safeguard yourself from this variant, experts recommend wearing masks even for those already vaccinated. However, experts still say people who are vaccinated are unlikely to get severe symptoms that require hospitalization. 

Anti Semitism is defined as  “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” 

Anti Semitism is not a new form of hate. In fact, it has existed for thousands of years. Yet, to some extent, Anti Semitism has been recently streamlined through social media. Anonymity online has led to an uptick in hate speech towards various groups, one of which is the Jewish population. Because online posts generally see more minor consequences (in contrast to in-person actions and words), they’ve become a hub for extremism to flourish. 

But similar to how social media is used to spread Anti Semitic rhetoric, it is also being used to combat it. One organization that fights Anti Semitism online is Stop Anti-Semitism, founded in 2018 by Liora Rez. 

Liora, a previous content creator in her own right, pivoted her audience and built a new organization to focus on antisemitism. The organization reaches millions of people per month through social media platforms, their website, and a mailing list. Stop Anti-Semitism has also teamed up with reporters, law enforcement, congressional members, and global NGOs to help expose and stop antisemitism. 

The organization has been able to hold antisemites accountable through school suspensions, job losses, and arrests. StopAntiSemitsm is one of the biggest platforms fighting anti-Semitism on social media and has amassed a following of over 47,000. 

Another social media page fighting is Stand With Us. With over 330,000 followers on Instagram, their outreach is massive. Unlike the targeted approach that stops Anti Semitism takes, Stand With Us focuses on tackling antisemitism on a huge scale as well. They’ve sponsored many rallies against antisemitism across the world. At the same time, they’ve started up high school clubs all throughout America. Stand With Us is exceptionally organized, with over a hundred employees. 

As a member of the Jewish community, I find the rise of anti-Semitism extremely concerning. I know of many people within the Jewish community who have begun to hide the fact that they are Jewish as they fear repercussions that they may face. Social media has been used to inspire members within the Jewish community to be prideful of their culture and religion. At the same time, it has become the battlefield against the cancer of antisemitism. Stand With Us and Stop Anti Semitism are just a few of the dozens of accounts that focus on combating the rise in antisemitism.

A while ago, we told you that former president Donald Trump allegedly started his own social media platform. We also told you that we didn’t know if his claim had any substance behind it. Now, that platform has been functioning for weeks. 

Since the beginning of May, “From The Desk Of Donald Trump” has been sending out messages on a near-daily basis. Set up like a newsletter, followers of the Donald Trump campaign can now access his Twitter antics on a website online. 

Recent messages include:

“Wow! I hear they have thousands and thousands of boats parading in Jupiter, despite the fact that they tried to cancel us. Everyone is having an incredible time. On this day, we especially appreciate everyone who served and fought for our great Country. I love you all!”

“Why are the Radical Left Democrats in Georgia fighting so hard that there not be a Forensic Audit of 150,000 absentee ballots in Fulton County? There can be only one reason, and that is because they know the vote was corrupt and the audit will show it. Republicans must fight hard and win!”

Donald Trump’s sidebar features two glaring buttons labeled “contribute” and “sign up.” Upon clicking contribute, you’ll be taken to a part of the website that wants you to donate money to Save America JFC, an organization supporting Save America and MAGAPAC.

Save America is described as follows (per the official site):

“Save America is about building on those accomplishments, supporting the brave conservatives who will define the future of the America First Movement, the future of our party, and the future of our beloved country.  Save America is also about ensuring that we always keep America First, in our foreign and domestic policy.  We take pride in our country, we teach the truth about our history, we celebrate our rich heritage and national traditions, and of course, we respect our great American Flag.”

A normal PAC lobbying group, basically. Contributions to Donald Trump are then used to make campaign donations to save America and MAGAPAC support candidates. But the site is actually quite pushy about getting your money. If you try to leave the page, you’re met with a big pop-up saying that you’ve been “selected” and that “President Trump wants to see your name at the top of the donor list.”

The other button, labeled “Sign Up,” puts you on the Donald Trump notification list whenever a new post goes up. You give a phone number and an email and receive a couple of messages whenever something is published. 

No like button appears on Donald Trump’s site, meaning that we have no way of actually knowing how many people interact with it. Well, that’s not entirely true. There is a like button, but you can’t see how many people are liking each post.

However, it seems like Donald Trump has followed through with the plan, except that it’s more of a blog than a big and grand social media platform.