shortage | Common News Update

Jan82021 by adminNo Comments

Semiconductor shortage forces automobile production cuts

Technology

A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdownsBy TOM KRISHER AP Auto WriterJanuary 8, 2021, 9:34 PM• 3 min readShare to FacebookShare to TwitterEmail this articleDETROIT -- A widening global shortage of semiconductors for auto parts is forcing major auto companies to halt or slow vehicle production just as they were recovering from pandemic-related factory shutdowns.Officials at Volkswagen, Ford, Fiat Chrysler, Toyota and Nissan all say they have been hit by the shortage and been forced to delay production of some models in order to keep other factories running.“This is absolutely an industry issue,” Toyota spokesman Scott Vazin said in an ema...

Dec162020 by adminNo Comments

South Korea hits new COVID-19 record, faces hospital bed shortage

World

SEOUL, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- South Korea saw its daily total of COVID-19 cases hit a record high on Wednesday, as health officials weigh raising distancing measures and scramble to secure more hospital beds amid an outbreak that shows no sign of slowing down. Wednesday saw 1,078 new infections, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said, topping the previous high of 1,030 set on Sunday. The country also reported 12 fatalities, one day after reaching a record 13 deaths, while the number of seriously ill patients jumped by 21 to 226 overall. Advertisement Health officials said Wednesday that they were strongly considering raising social distancing guidelines from the current Level 2.5 in the Seoul metropolitan area to Level 3, the highest on its five-tier system. "Level 3 is the last r...

Jul262020 by adminNo Comments

No end to Covid-19 webcam shortage

Technology

As Covid-19 lockdowns took effect around the world, millions turned to remote working and organising virtual hangouts with friends.Overnight, webcams went from mundane computer accessories to gold dust.Even now, the initial surge in demand, in March, has barely abated, with manufacturers struggling to satisfy the many consumers trying to buy.And while some consumers have been successful, there is plenty of evidence many more are still searching in vain.'Chasing demand'Smartphones, tablets and laptops generally come with built-in cameras.But many users prefer dedicated devices that may offer higher video resolution or be easier to position using, for example, a tripod. ...

Apr282020 by adminNo Comments

Coronavirus: Putin admits PPE shortage as lockdown extended

World

Russian President Vladimir Putin has admitted that there is a shortage of protective kit for medics as the country battles the coronavirus.This was despite a big increase in production and imports, he said. Mr Putin warned that the peak of the coronavirus infection rate had not yet been reached in the country, and the population must remain vigilant.Russia's lockdown aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 was extended until 11 May.It has more than 93,000 coronavirus cases, with 867 recorded deaths. What did Putin say?The president said there was still not enough protective equipment for health workers on the frontline of the crisis."Compared to before, [we're producing] a lot. But compared what we need, it's still not enough,...

Feb142020 by adminNo Comments

Dentists threatened by coronavirus face-mask shortage

Health

Some UK dentists may have to "down drills" if the shortage of face masks caused by the coronavirus outbreak continues, according to the British Dental Association.All practices are now restricted to ordering 100 masks a day, leaving larger ones with several dentists running out of supplies.Even small surgeries are using up their allocation completely, the BDA says.Ministers said central stockpiles of face masks were available.The dentists' trade union says it has been inundated with calls from members about the shortage of masks.Current guidance means dentists across the UK must wear disposable face masks when treating patients.But China is the world's major manufacturer and prices have tripled since January, when the new coronavirus started circulating i...