Since September, fewer than 15% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have died, a significant decrease from the first wave's death rate. Improvements in testing, treatment, and shielding vulnerable populations contribute to this decline. The death rate in intensive care units has also dropped, although some data may be skewed due to ongoing treatments. A separate concern is the increase in cancer diagnoses in A&E, reversing previous progress. A study by Dr. John Ioannidis suggests a lower COVID-19 fatality rate than commonly believed, but his methodology has faced criticism. The article discusses the potential for focused restrictions to protect the vulnerable while allowing others to return to normality.

The article explores the indie game development scene in the United Arab Emirates, particularly at the Middle East Games Con in Abu Dhabi. The author interviews various stakeholders, including Maitha from the Sharjah Youth Centre, which supports local developers through the indie publisher 71-Bit Games, and Ahmad Yassin, the founder of FishyTushy Studios. The article highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by indie developers in the region, such as limited exposure and the need for more support. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of optimism and community among the developers. The article also mentions the established indie studio Hybrid Humans and notes the potential for growth in the UAE's gaming industry, which is embraced by the government and reflected in the increasing popularity of gaming events.