Mexico reported a near-record 1,707 confirmed deaths from the CCP virus on Wednesday, as the country runs scarce on vaccines. The Health Department reported Mexico’s COVID-19 deaths now total 161,240 and confirmed infections rose by 12,153 to nearly 1.89 million. Estimates based on excess-death statistics suggest the real death toll is over 195,000. Australian Open Players Cleared All 507 Australian Open players and staff who stayed at a quarantine hotel where a worker contracted the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly referred to as the novel coronavirus, have tested negative and been cleared to participate in the Grand Slam, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Friday. Health officials said on Wednesday that a worker at the Grand Hyatt hotel had contracted the virus, prompting the testing and quarantining of 160 players, as well as coaches and Australian Open officials. Warm-up matches at Melbourne Park were called off on Thursday but …