Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.)
Total U.S. confirmed cases: 46,798,462 (46,707,838)
Total U.S. deaths: 759,154 (757,745)
Total global cases: 251,672,962 (251,107,751)
Total global deaths: 5,076,863 (5,068,862)
FDA recalls test kits over false positives
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is recalling nearly 2 million Ellume at-home COVID-19 test kits. The agency said the kits may have a tendency to return “false-positive” results.
The recall is listed as “Class I,” meaning it is the most serious type. The FDA was first informed about the potential defect last month and since then has identified additional lots that may be affected.
The kits are sold over-the-counter and can be administered at home, making them a faster way to test people instead of relying on tests that are administered in a health care setting.
NFL player hospitalized with COVID-19
Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer reports that a player on the team is receiving treatment at a hospital for COVID-19. Zimmer declined to name the player but said he had received a vaccination.
Zimmer said the player was taken to the emergency room on Tuesday when he complained of shortness of breath. Describing the situation as “scary,” Zimmer said the player is now in stable condition.
The Vikings are currently dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak. Three players were placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list today. Two other players were placed on the list on Monday.
Expert: Allergies no reason to avoid the vaccine
In explaining his decision not to get vaccinated, Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he was allergic to the vaccines. But a University of Florida health expert says that’s no reason to avoid the vaccine.
“People with a history of an allergic reaction to a medication, a food, an environmental allergen such as pollen, trees, weeds, dust mites, even those with a history of an allergic reaction to latex or venoms like a bee sting, are very unlikely to have an allergic reaction to one of the COVID-19 vaccines,” said Lyda Cuervo Pardo, M.D., a University of Florida Health allergist and immunologist.
Pardo said the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain eggs, gelatins, preservatives, or latex, some of the things people often worry about when it comes to allergies. “If there’s ever a concern about your candidacy to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the best advice is to see a board-certified allergist and immunologist so they can determine if it’s safe for you,” she said.
Around the nation
Massachusetts: In a late-night session, the state senate has approved spending $3.8 billion on another round of aid to people who were hit hard by the pandemic. The money is the unspent portion of the state’s share of funds provided through the American Rescue Plan.
New York: New York is wrestling with another surge in COVID-19 cases. P.S. 166 in Queens is the second New York City school to switch back to all-remote learning because of a large number of cases. Kids will connect with teachers by video for at least 10 school days.
Kentucky: State lottery officials say a Floyd County nurse who worked on the front lines during the pandemic retired this week after 36 years on the job. To celebrate, she purchased a $10 scratch-off lottery ticket and won $200,000.
Florida: The Broward County Sheriff’s Office held a memorial service this week for nine employees who died from the coronavirus since April 2020. Sheriff Gregory Tony said about 1,800 of the department’s employees contracted the virus.
New Mexico: Acting Department of Health Secretary Dr. David Scrase is urging vaccinated residents to get a booster amid a sharp rise in breakthrough cases. “What we’re learning is people start becoming more likely to get a vaccine breakthrough infection at about five and a half months,” Scrase said. “Immunity does wane, we’re seeing it in our data, and what this means for us is we all need to start getting in line to get a booster.”