2021 COVID-19

There are two new COVID-19 tests available for at-home use – and just in time too. Making good on President Biden’s commitment to make a half-billion at-home tests available to Americans, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorization to two more test kits – one manufactured by Siemens and another produced by SD Biosensor. 

With additional options on the market, the potential to get tests into more Americans’ hands goes up significantly at a time when they’re hard to find. Many consumers rushed out to buy tests ahead of holiday gatherings, and one version has been recalled over an accuracy defect. 

The total number of non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 tests that are available to the public now numbers 15 (12 antigen tests and 3 molecular tests). 

"Increasing Americans' access to easy-to-use, reliable COVID tests is a top priority for the Biden Administration, and we are using all resources at our disposal to make more tests available and ramp up supply," Xavier Becerra, the Health and Human Services Secretary, said in a statement. "Adding two new authorized tests will give Americans more options for testing at home, which helps keep people safe and provides peace of mind.”

Expect more tests to be made available quicker

An FDA spokesperson told ConsumerAffairs that people can expect the rollout of more at-home tests to continue because of the $70 million investment the U.S. made in the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP). The true power of ITAP is that it gives companies expanded access to rapid tests by quickly gathering critical data that companies need to request EUA.

"By rapidly conducting the precise studies recommended by the FDA, this program is shaving weeks to months off the typical EUA timeline," said Dr. Bruce J. Tromberg, a director at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

A new study conducted by researchers at the Children’s Hospital of Chicago explored how infants’ health is affected when their mothers contract COVID-19 during pregnancy. 

According to the findings, infants’ growth and development reached normal, healthy levels by the time they reached six months old even if their mothers were infected with COVID-19 when they were in utero.

“Our results should be reassuring to pregnant women with COVID-19 who are worried about how the virus might affect the baby,” said researcher Dr. Malika Shah. “At six-month follow-up, we observed normal growth patterns and developmental milestones, with the rate of development referrals not higher than what we normally see. This is very good news during the pandemic that has been especially hard on populations facing health inequities and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19.” 

Infants’ health may not be compromised by COVID-19

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from over 30 infants born between April 2020, and July 2020. Fifty-five percent of the mothers tested positive within 10 days of giving birth, and none of the infants tested positive at the time of birth. The researchers tracked the infants’ health outcomes during their first six months after birth.

Ultimately, the researchers found that infants born to mothers who had COVID-19 were just as healthy as infants who had no connection to the virus. Findings showed that the Infants were growing normally, the large majority were up to date on their vaccines, and that their parents were consistent with taking infants to follow-up appointments. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope more studies look into how infants’ health is affected when mothers contract COVID-19 during pregnancy. 

“As the pandemic persists and variants emerge, looking at longer-term outcomes is critical,” Shah said. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 53,217,506 (52,912,744)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 821,346 (819,253)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 283,243,283 (281,591,352)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,418,524 (5,410,921)‌

U.S. cases in record territory

Amid a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, the U.S. seven-day average of cases has hit a record – 265,427. The previous seven-day record was 252,000 daily cases, which was hit in January before vaccines were widely available.

Nearly all sections of the country are seeing a major escalation of the pandemic because of the highly contagious new variant. Most health experts say the new year could see an even sharper rise in cases.

"January is going to be a really, really hard month,” Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, told CNN. “And people should just brace themselves for a month where lots of people are going to get infected."

Omicron very different from other variants, top scientist says

A top British medical scientist says the Omicron variant is very different from other forms of COVID-19, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In an interview with the BBC, John Bell, a regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford, said serious hospitalizations are falling as the new variant spreads.

“The disease does appear to be less severe, and many people spend a relatively short time in hospital,” Bell said. “They don’t need high-flow oxygen, average length of stay is apparently three days, this is not the same disease as we were seeing a year ago.” 

While British hospitals are still full, Bell said the number of people in ICUs who are vaccinated remains “very, very low.”

Flight attendants blast new CDC quarantine guidance

The nation’s airline flight attendants are not happy with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after it shortened the quarantine period for exposure to COVID-19. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants-CWA, said the decision to shorten the period from 10 days to five was motivated by business, not science.

"We said we wanted to hear from medical professionals on the best guidance for quarantine, not from corporate America advocating for a shortened period due to staffing shortages," Nelson said. "The CDC gave a medical explanation about why the agency has decided to reduce the quarantine requirements from 10 to five days, but the fact that it aligns with the number of days pushed by corporate America is less than reassuring."

Airlines canceled hundreds of flights during Christmas week because they were unable to assemble full flight crews.

Around the nation

• Washington D.C.: The nation’s capital is now the nation’s number one COVID-19 hotspot. Data compiled by John’s Hopkins shows that the city experienced an average of 1,192 new cases per day over the past seven days and 169 cases per 100,000 people as of Monday.

• Connecticut: The positivity rate remains in double digits, rising from 10% to 15% in just one day this week, according to state health officials. In New Haven, the city's health director said the city is in a community-spread situation. Health officials assume one in four people will test positive for COVID-19.

• Montana: State health records show that COVID-19 was the leading cause of death among Native Americans in Montana last year. In contrast, it was only the third-leading cause of death for all other state residents. A new report found that 1,022 Native Americans in Montana died last year, compared to an average of 676 deaths each year during the five previous years.

• Louisiana: With new cases of COVID-19 on the rise, the Louisiana Department of Health has opened two new temporary testing sites that will operate through Friday, Dec. 31. Both are in Baton Rouge.

• Minnesota: The state marked a milestone this week. The 4,155 new cases of the virus reported Monday pushed the statewide total past one million since the start of the pandemic. One of the most recent cases includes Gov. Tim Walz.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 52,912,744 (52,460,229)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 819,253 (817,031)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 281,591,352 (280,738,431)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,410,921 (5,404,167)‌

CDC shortens COVID-19 isolation time

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its COVID-19 guidance to reduce the time people who test positive should isolate. Instead of 10 days of quarantine, the agency now says patients only need to isolate for five days.

“Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others,” the CDC said in its revised guidance. 

Why the change in the midst of a surge of new cases? The CDC said the change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the first two days prior to the onset of symptoms.

White House pivots on pandemic strategy

The Biden administration has announced a strategic shift in how it plans to handle the pandemic going forward. The president says the virus should be addressed at the state level, with plenty of federal support.

“There is no federal solution,” Biden declared Monday. “This gets solved at a state level.”

In a speech to the nation’s governors, Biden made clear that his previous pledge of free test kits still stands. The president told the governors that they should speak up if their state needs help coping with the virus.

FDA clears a new treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Merck's molnupiravir for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The pill is limited to use in adult patients.

Molnupiravir will be available by prescription only and should be taken as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset, the FDA said.

“Molnupiravir is limited to situations where other FDA-authorized treatments for COVID-19 are inaccessible or are not clinically appropriate and will be a useful treatment option for some patients with COVID-19 at high risk of hospitalization or death," said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 

Around the nation

• New Jersey: Hoboken is the latest city in New Jersey to reinstate an indoor mask mandate. Starting Wednesday, the city's Office of Emergency Management will require a mask to be worn in all public indoor spaces for anyone aged two and older, with the exception of when they're actively eating or drinking. 

• Illinois: The state’s top medical officer is expressing concern about a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, especially among children. "We're still looking at our numbers,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “I have anecdotally talked to many pediatricians who are heads of departments or hospitals who are seeing that there is an increase, so we are going to continue to follow those numbers."

• Michigan: There were long lines at COVID-19 testing sites in the Detroit area Monday as people sought tests following the Christmas holiday. Home rapid test kits quickly sold out, prompting people to turn to urgent care and emergency rooms to get tested.

• California: An investigative report by Kaiser Health News shows that a significant number of hospital patients who are admitted for minor surgery contract COVID-19 while in the hospital. The report says hospitals “have rarely been held accountable due to multiple gaps in government oversight.” 

• North Carolina: In North Carolina, COVID-19 patients are getting younger. An investigation by media outlet WRAL found that 10- to 14-year-olds have seen the highest rates of infection since August. That rate reached 871 cases per 100,000 people during mid-August – the highest case rate for any age group since the pandemic began.

Experts say consumers have turned to alcohol more frequently since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to relieve stress. Unfortunately, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital believe that this uptick in drinking will lead to more cases of liver disease and will result in more deaths.

The team came to that conclusion after analyzing how consumers’ drinking habits impacted their short- and long-term health outcomes during the pandemic. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had many unintended consequences with unknown long-term impact,” said Dr. Turgay Ayer. “Our modeling study provides a framework for quantifying the long-term impact of increased alcohol consumption associated with COVID-19 and initiating conversations for potential interventions.” 

Pandemic drinking habits can have long-term effects

Overall, the researchers learned that the rate of binge drinking increased by more than 20% over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. They said these drinking habits are likely to significantly impact consumers’ health and longevity in the short term and long term. 

If these drinking patterns remain consistent, liver failure is expected to spike by 2,800 additional cases by 2023. By 2040, the team anticipates an extra 1,000 cases of liver cancer and an additional 18,700 cases of liver failure. Alcohol-related deaths were also predicted to increase by 8,000 within the next two decades. 

The researchers hope these findings influence policy changes related to binge drinking so that these health outcomes can be avoided. 

“While we have projected the expected impact of societal drinking changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic without any interventions, we hope that our research can help jumpstart needed conversations at every level of society about how we can respond to the many behavioral changes, coping mechanisms, and choices that have short- and long-term implications for the health of individuals, families, and communities in America,” said researcher Jovan Julien. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 52,460,229 (51,927,557)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 817,031 (815,128)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 280,738,431 (279,826,580)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,404,167 (5,395,183)‌

Omicron drives record surge in COVID-19 cases

It seems like COVID-19 cases are surging everywhere, and in some places, those increases are setting records. With many New Yorkers taking COVID-19 tests just before their holiday events, the state set a one-day record of nearly 50,000 new cases.

During the holidays, Florida set a record for the number of reported cases of the virus in a single day, with 31,758. That’s higher than the previous record of 27,669, set at the end of the summer.

Health officials say the explosion of new cases appears to be the result of the Omicron variant, which is believed to be more easily transmitted. Although supporting data is lacking, the Omicron variant appears to cause less severe symptoms in most people it infects.

What to know about Omicron symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says symptoms of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 are different in some ways from the Delta variant. The most common Delta variant symptom is a loss of taste and smell.

The CDC says the onset of illness caused by the Omicron variant feels more like a common cold. Early symptoms include a scratchy throat, runny nose, and a cough. Fatigue and body aches are also symptoms that Omicron shares with other variants.

“The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown,” the CDC said on its website. “CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.”

Problematic smartphone use linked to pandemic mental health issues

Some health researchers have reported an increase in mental health issues during the pandemic, and researchers in Germany suggest that overuse of smartphones could be part of the problem.

Writing in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum linked increased smartphone use during the pandemic with a low sense of control, fear of missing out, and repetitive negative thinking. The sample was largely made up of young women.

On the basis of their findings and prior studies, the researchers propose that physical activity and mindfulness practices could help reduce problematic smartphone use.  

Around the nation

• New York: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s vaccination mandate for private businesses in the city takes effect today. Employees will have to show proof of at least one shot of an approved vaccine.  “We are going to find our way through this and then put the COVID era behind us," de Blasio said.

• Florida: On Christmas Eve, Universal Orlando Resort began requiring masks to be worn in indoor portions of the park. Masks will also be required  “at all attractions from the moment guests enter the queue to when they exit the experience.”

• Texas: Texas A&M has withdrawn its football team from Friday’s TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. School officials said COVID-19 issues prevented the team from appearing. “It is unfortunate, but we just don’t have enough scholarship players available to field a team,” Aggie head football coach Jimbo Fisher said in a statement.

• Oregon: COVID-19 doesn’t spare anyone, not even Santa Claus. Keith McDonley, an Oregon City resident who has been dressing up as Santa for more than a decade, was at his seasonal post this year after recovering from the virus, which kept him in the hospital for 62 days.

• Indiana: Indiana University Health, the state's largest hospital system, has asked for and received help from the Indiana National Guard. At IU Health Methodist Hospital, a 23-person U.S. Navy team will be deployed to relieve health care workers, many of whom have been working around the clock.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 51,376,316 (51,127,557)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 810,707 (808,128)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 276,640,160 (275,666,580)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,373,685 (5,365,183)‌

Some encouraging news about Omicron

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is quickly spreading around the U.S., but there is emerging evidence that its symptoms are less severe. A study by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases found that in South Africa, where the variant was first discovered, people infected with it are 80% less likely to be hospitalized.

The researchers compared the results of Delta variant infections in South Africa between April and November and found that Omicron infections were associated with a 70% lower risk of severe disease. 

Health officials say the Omicron variant is apparently fueling a sharp rise in U.S. cases. In what may have been a television first, Dan Nathan, a regular panelist on the live broadcast of CNBC’s Fast Money, announced Tuesday night that he had tested positive for the Omicron variant. Nathan, as well as the other panelists, appeared remotely.

U.S. Army developing universal vaccine

Scientists at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research are reportedly on the cusp of developing a new vaccine that would be effective against all variants of COVID-19. The publication Defense One reports that the announcement of a successful universal vaccine could come “within weeks.”

According to the report, the vaccine is the result of extended research at the military installation. Scientists began work in early 2020, long before the full extent of the pandemic was known. 

“It's very exciting to get to this point for our entire team and I think for the entire Army as well,” said Dr. Kayvon Modjarrad, director of Walter Reed’s infectious diseases branch.

Rare praise for Donald Trump

Since the 2020 election, President Biden hasn’t had much good to say about his predecessor, Donald Trump. But that softened a bit during Tuesday’s address to the nation on COVID-19 when Biden noted that Trump revealed publicly that he had gotten a booster – a remark that drew boos from a few supporters.

"It may be one of the few things he and I agree on," Biden said. "People with booster shots are highly protected. Join them. Join us."

Biden also praised the previous administration’s efforts to develop vaccines under “Operation Warp Speed,” noting that it made the vaccine rollout happen sooner than most people expected.

Around the nation

• Ohio: The sudden rise in serious coronavirus cases is putting a strain on hospitals in some parts of the country. Six Ohio hospital systems placed an ad in the Cleveland Plain-Dealer with the headline “Help.” The bottom of the ad said, "We need your help. We now have more COVID-19 patients in our hospitals than ever before. And the overwhelming majority are unvaccinated."

• California: Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that state officials will require health care workers in the state to get a booster shot of the coronavirus vaccine. Newsom said it is important that people working in health care stay healthy due to current staff shortages.

• Pennsylvania: Tuesday night’s National Hockey League game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals at the Wells Fargo Center was postponed just hours before faceoff. The league announced the postponement was due to COVID-19 issues affecting the Capitals.

• Georgia: Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has told city residents to mask up, reinstating a mask requirement inside stores and other businesses. The Mayor said she acted in the face of rising COVID-19 infections and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

• Idaho: An Idaho Falls woman entered a plea of not guilty in court this week to charges of misdemeanor abuse of a teacher and misdemeanor providing a false identity to law enforcement. Her arrest stemmed from a reported incident in which the woman burst into her son’s classroom and confronted the teacher over school COVID-19 policies.

As the number of positive cases brought on by the Omicron variant trends upward, the number of diners eating out at restaurants in the U.S. is plunging. According to newly released data from OpenTable, the number of seated diners on Dec. 20 was 33% lower than the number of diners seated on the same day in 2019.

Cities and states in the Northeast U.S. got hit the worst. New York City’s overall restaurant traffic is running 60% behind the 2019 numbers. Washington D.C. restaurant traffic is nearly half (53%) of what it was two years ago. 

Those two cities may head OpenTable’s list, but they’re not alone. Baltimore, Portland, Seattle, New Orleans, Maryland, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Cambridge (MA), Milwaukee, St. Louis, Chicago, and the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware, Illinois, New Mexico, and Maine all reported unseated diner rates of 50% or more recently. Nevada was the only state to show higher numbers of seated diners when compared to 2019 levels.

Restaurants turn to Congress

The restaurant industry had been recovering, but it's finding itself going in reverse now because of closures related to staff infections and rising cases linked to the Omicron variant. Data from the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) suggests that 86% of independent restaurants could close without relief. 

“Last month, many lost their ability to take on new debt due to low credit scores,” the group said in an Instagram post. “If dine-in traffic continues, omicron may replicate the impact the delta variant had on restaurants.”

In a letter to congressional leaders, the coalition said things were bad overall. However, conditions are particularly bleak for over 177,000 restaurants and bars that never had their applications for relief under the American Rescue Plan processed. To help reverse the course, the coalition asked for additional aid to get the industry through the crunch. To date, the IRC said 295 representatives in the House and 51 Senators have signed on to support refilling the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant.

“Time is up for our nation's 500,000 local, independent restaurants and bars, as well as the 16 million people we employ and the millions of farmers, fishermen, beverage distributors, and others up and down the supply chain,” read the letter. “Restaurants serve our communities, employ families, and feed our economy. We need your help so we can continue serving you for years to come.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 51,127,557 (50,896,569)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 808,128 (806,635)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 275,666,580 (275,036,978)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,365,183 (5,357,666)‌

The government will reportedly hand out free COVID-19 tests

The Biden administration is reportedly planning to give away free at-home COVID-19 tests to anyone that asks for one. NBC News quotes a senior administration official who says the tests will be delivered by mail.

According to the report, the administration plans to ship as many as 500 million test kits. It’s reportedly setting up a website where people can submit requests.

The federal government is also said to be in the process of setting up new testing centers around the country in response to the spread of the Omicron variant. Currently, 20,000 such centers are in operation.

Pandemic slows population growth to record low

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the U.S. population grew at the slowest rate on record this year, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The report attributes the slow growth to decreased net international migration, decreased fertility, and increased mortality due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Population growth has been slowing for years because of lower birth rates and decreasing net international migration, all while mortality rates are rising due to the aging of the nation’s population,” said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Population Division at the Census Bureau. “Now, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this combination has resulted in a historically slow pace of growth.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the U.S. population only grew by 444,464, or 0.13%. 

Trump tired of supporters booing him for being vaccinated

During Donald Trump’s last year as president, his administration launched “Operation Warp Speed” to assist the development of vaccines to fight the coronavirus epidemic. When the vaccines became available, he got vaccinated and urged others to do so.

But since then, many of Trump's strongest supporters have refused to be vaccinated and criticize anyone who gets the jab, including the former chief executive. At a Dallas appearance Monday, Trump was booed by some in the audience when he said he had gotten the booster.

“Oh, don’t, don’t, don’t!” said the obviously irritated former president. He later added, “We saved tens of millions worldwide by creating the vaccine.”

Around the nation

• New York: New York City has stepped up its COVID-19 testing programs amid a record surge in new cases, fed mostly by the spreading Omicron variant. Mayor Bill de Blasio said he’s trying to avoid shutdowns in the city by increasing the number of testing centers.

• Michigan: The Autism Alliance of Michigan has gone on the record by urging parents to make sure their autistic children receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The group said it’s acting because research has shown that people with severe autism can face a higher risk from the virus.

• Arkansas: State health officials report that the death toll from COVID-19 continues to go up while the number of cases and hospitalizations goes down. On Monday, the state reported the highest daily increase in the number of deaths due to COVID-19 since early November. 

• Texas: Officials say the Austin area has seen a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases, with the number nearly doubling in the last week. So far, many of the cases don’t appear to be severe. There has been little increase in the number of cases requiring hospital treatment.

• Virginia: COVID-19 cases are surging in the state, but Incoming Gov. Glen Youngkin has ruled out reimposing a statewide mask mandate. He also said there will not be a return to virtual learning next year. “I believe children need to be in the classroom five days a week,” Youngkin said. “And I also believe we can in fact balance the needs of our children with the health and safety of our children. And I don’t believe that mandating masks in school is the right way.”

If anyone needs proof that President Biden is serious about getting Americans vaccinated against and tested for COVID-19, then all they need to do is tune into a speech he’ll be giving on Tuesday. 

According to a White House press statement, the president is expected to address the COVID-19 pandemic and his new “Winter Plan,” which will include a vow to mail out nearly 500 million free at-home tests, establish new federal testing sites, and create mobile “pop-up” vaccination sites. 

“Today, the President is announcing his Administration will purchase a half-billion at-home, rapid tests this winter to be distributed for free to Americans who want them, with the initial delivery starting in January 2022,” the White House said in a statement. “The Administration will stand up a website where Americans can go to get at-home tests delivered to their home—for free.”

What’s included in the expanded effort

In Biden’s plan to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Americans can expect the following measures:

Robust Access to Free Testing: Biden administration officials say they have already created 20,000 free testing sites across the U.S. and made four times as many at-home tests available to Americans than were available this summer. But with the Delta and Omicron variants continuing to spread, they feel more must be done.

To that end, expanded efforts will include two important elements:

• New testing sites designed to help states and major cities that need additional testing capacity. New York City will be the first target, and more sites will be established after that.

• Giving Americans access to 500 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, with distribution set to begin in January 2022.

The White House stated that it will use the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other authorities to make sure the U.S. is producing as many COVID-19 tests as quickly as possible. However, officials did not address how many tests Americans can order at one time or how long it will take those tests to be delivered.

Expanding Capacity to Get Americans Vaccinated: In addition to the 90,000 vaccination sites that can currently be found across the country, Biden is expected to announce new steps that Americans can take to get themselves and their loved ones vaccinated this winter. Here’s what people can expect:

• New “pop-up” vaccination sites that can easily traverse the country and get to areas where there are fewer vaccination clinics. As an example, the White House said it’s putting four new mobile units into action across New Mexico this week to bolster vaccination availability for Native American tribes.

• Additional flexibility for pharmacies to add additional vaccinators, appointments, and capacity to their networks. The White House said hundreds of new vaccination sites that are designed just for kids will also be opened in January.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 50,896,569 (50,777,087)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 806,635 (806,302)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 275,036,978 (274,343,184)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,357,666 (5,352,372)‌

Moderna says booster is effective at blocking Omicron variant

Moderna has announced preliminary data about the effectiveness of its booster against the Omicron variant. The company says the shot gives recipients a high level of protection against the new COVID-19 threat.

The currently authorized booster shot increased neutralizing antibody levels against the Omicron variant by approximately 37-fold compared to pre-boost levels. A 100 µg dose of the vaccine booster increased neutralizing antibody levels approximately 83-fold compared to pre-boost levels.

“To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an Omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future,” said Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s CEO.

Huge number of cases have no symptoms, study finds

The world is in the grips of a surge in COVID-19 cases. Could an increase in testing have something to do with it?

Researchers in China have completed a study that suggests 40% of people who test positive for the virus have no symptoms. That’s many more than previously believed. Health experts say people who don’t know they have COVID-19 may unknowingly be spreading it to more vulnerable populations.

“This finding of a high percentage of asymptomatic infections among air or cruise travelers suggests that screening and quarantine on airport arrival is important for reducing community transmissions, especially in countries without local transmission,” the authors write.

Three Democratic lawmakers test positive

Three members of Congress – all Democrats – took to Twitter over the weekend to report that they have tested positive for COVID-19. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) all said they are experiencing mild symptoms. All had been vaccinated.

"I regularly test for COVID & while I tested negative earlier this week, today I tested positive with a breakthrough case,” Warren wrote in a tweet. “Thankfully, I am only experiencing mild symptoms & am grateful for the protection provided against serious illness that comes from being vaccinated & boosted."

In his announcement, Crow said he "just returned from an official congressional delegation visit to Ukraine and tested positive for a breakthrough COVID infection."

Around the nation

• Indiana: Indiana ranks last in the nation on WalletHub’s list of the safest states to avoid COVID-19. The state achieved the dubious distinction by having a low rate of vaccinations and a high rate of deaths, hospitalizations, and positive test results.

• Colorado: More than a quarter of the state’s residents who died of COVID-19 lost their battle after vaccines were widely available and pandemic restrictions were lifted. Colorado’s death toll from the virus rose past 10,000 last week – more than 2,900 of those have come since the start of July

• Nebraska: COVID-19 hospitalizations hit a 2021 high last year, and Dr. Angela Hewlett, the chair of Nebraska Medicine's health security, says the surge is displacing patients with other conditions. “We are in the process of converting an entire hospital tower over to COVID, and I think it’s important for people to remember that these beds were not unoccupied,” she told reporters.

• New Jersey: The state is partnering with Vault Medical Services to provide free in-home COVID-19 tests to state residents. “This new program increases the availability and accessibility of testing, particularly for those who may not be able to get to a testing site,” said Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli.

• Connecticut: The COVID-19 positivity rate is sharply higher in Connecticut, hitting 6.78% at the start of the weekend. Today, two new saliva-testing facilities are scheduled to open in Long Wharf and on New Haven Green.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 50,268,561 (50,164,035)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 801,078 (799,090)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 271,827,830 (271,173,538)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,326,198 (5,317,639)‌

U.S. death toll exceeds 800,000

The U.S. passed another COVID-19 milestone in the last 24 hours. The U.S. death toll since the start of the pandemic in early 2020 reached and exceeded 800,000, according to the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University.

The U.S., by far, has recorded more cases and deaths than any other country. The number of cases and deaths has taken some medical experts by surprise.

Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, told NPR that the role of various variants of the virus has prolonged the pandemic. “I think the variant issue right now continues to be the 210-mile-an-hour curve ball that we don't really yet understand completely," he said.

Google reportedly gets aggressive on employee vaccinations

Google is putting some teeth into its vaccination policy. According to an internal memo, employees who don’t get vaccinated will lose some pay and will probably lose their jobs eventually. 

CNBC reports that it has viewed the memo that warns Google employees that they will be placed on “paid administrative leave” for 30 days if they haven’t complied with the vaccination rules by the Jan. 18 deadline. If they remain unvaccinated, the company says employees will go on “unpaid personal leave” for up to six months, followed by termination. 

“Anyone entering a Google building must be fully vaccinated or have an approved accommodation that allows them to work or come onsite,” the memo stated. It also stated that “frequent testing is not a valid alternative to vaccination.”

NFL grapples with COVID-19 outbreak

The National Football League is suddenly dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak. Individual players on various teams have tested positive this season and entered COVID-19 protocols. This week, the league was presented with multiple cases on multiple teams.

“After a record 37 positive COVID tests Monday, results still are being finalized but more than 25  additional positives are expected today, per source,” NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted Tuesday. 

ESPN’s Keven Seifert reports that at least 62 NFL players tested positive in the last two days. He says 110 NFL players tested positive for the virus between September 5 and November 27.

Around the nation

• Louisiana: Gov. John Bel Edwards celebrated the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 vaccine availability in his state by renewing his call for everyone to take advantage of it. “One year ago, I was proud and hopeful as I witnessed Nurse Deborah Ford receive the first COVID-19 vaccine dose in the state of Louisiana. Since that day, I am proud to see that more than 2.29 million Louisianans have gone sleeves up and are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.”

• Maryland: Hospitalizations are surging, but official data on COVID-19 has not been updated in nearly two weeks. The Maryland Health Department says it is still recovering from a "network security incident." A number of state agencies are working with federal and state law enforcement offices "to address the incident and to gather additional information," a spokesperson said.

• Oregon: While surrounding states are dealing with a rising number of severe cases, Oregon reports that its infection rate dropped sharply in the last week. Statewide, the number of new cases is down more than 20%. Cases in Lane County fell by more than 46%.

• Tennessee: Several former Tennessee Titans players joined doctors and nurses at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Tuesday for a public vaccination event. Nine-year-old Witt Scott got more than a shot – one of the former players let him try on his two Super Bowl rings.

• Maine: Members of the Maine National Guard have been deployed to 10 health care facilities around the state to assist with a surge in COVID-19 cases. The move comes as hospitals are reaching capacity limits. Gov. Janet Mills estimates that the Guard’s mobile clinics will provide 80 additional beds.

Late last month, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for administration to all individuals 18 years of age and older.

“Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. 

“As people gather indoors with family and friends for the holidays, we can’t let up on all the preventive public health measures that we have been taking during the pandemic. With both the delta and omicron variants continuing to spread, vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19.” 

The FDA noted that it didn’t hold a separate study for 16- and 17-year-olds. However, it did base its approval on an earlier study that analyzed the immune responses from some 200 participants aged 18 to 55. 

Risks and rewards

In its new labeling of the vaccine, Pfizer added myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining outside the heart) to the list of potential risks. The company said those effects have “occurred in some people who have received the vaccine, more commonly in males under 40 years of age than among females and older males.”

However, Pfizer is playing it safe and conducting post-authorization/post-marketing studies to assess the risks of those conditions. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also put systems in place to monitor the vaccine's safety. The agencies stated that they are ready to detect and investigate any potential safety concerns quickly.

Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the Pfizer vaccine has proved that its rewards clearly outweigh any potential risks.

“Since we first authorized the vaccine, new evidence indicates that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 is waning after the second dose of the vaccine for all adults and for those in the 16- and 17-year-old age group. A single booster dose of the vaccine for those vaccinated at least six months prior will help provide continued protection against COVID-19 in this and older age groups,” Marks said.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 49,669,827 (49,554,373)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 794,685 (793,475)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 268,750,160 (268,127,375)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,291,645 (5,284,165)‌

New York governor sounds the alarm

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is sounding the alarm as cases of the coronavirus rose across the Empire State this week. Hochul said the Omicron variant is responsible for the spread and that it’s coming from community transmission, not from travelers. 

Hochul said her primary concern is that more serious cases could create a strain on the state’s hospitals. She announced that 32 hospitals have been forced to suspend non-essential elective procedures effective immediately. She said the increase in hospitalizations appears to be driven by the Delta variant, not the Omicron variant.

The governor said the sudden surge in new cases amounts to “an alarm going off,” and she has expanded the medical resources available to hospitals. Medical personnel of the New York National Guard have been activated to help out.

Hospitalizations surge in Michigan

Hospitals in Michigan are dealing with a sharp rise in seriously ill COVID-19 patients, and one hospital, in particular, is seeing rising deaths. Sparrow Hospital in Lansing is reporting a pandemic-high in both hospitalizations and deaths.

"Since January, we've had about 289 deaths and 75% are unvaccinated people," Jim Dover, the CEO of Sparrow Health System, told CNN. 

Dover said vaccinated people who died were all at least six months from their shots. He also said there were no deaths among people who had received a booster shot.

Fauci: Omicron-specific vaccine ‘probably not necessary’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s top medical adviser, has sounded an optimistic note amid a sudden surge in new COVID-19 cases. In an interview with STAT, Fauci said currently available vaccines will probably be sufficient to protect people from the Omicron variant if they are vaccinated and have a booster.

Fauci said he based his view on how the vaccines have performed against other variants. He called for further studies as vaccine manufacturers test their vaccines on the Omicron variant.

“The companies are going to be making variant-specific boosters,” Fauci said. But “what I think is something that we need to keep our eye on [is] it could be that things turn out better than we expected.”

Around the nation

• Connecticut: Several cities have reinstated public mask requirements amid a sharp uptick in COVID-19 cases. "Unfortunately, like the rest of the state, just in the last couple of weeks, we've seen a substantial increase in cases to where we're back in high community transmission," said Laurence Burnsed, health director for the town of East Hartford.

• Illinois: State health officials report that all counties in the state are now classified as areas of “high transmission.” Federal health agencies consider a county to be in that category if 100 or more residents per 100,000 people have contracted the virus in a given week.

• Wyoming: A top aide to Gov. Mark Gordon held a virtual town hall meeting this week to discuss how the state will use its share of federal COVID-19 relief funds. The proposal will be sent to the state legislature in February. Wyoming has received $534 million and will get the same amount in early 2022.

• Idaho: State Board of Education President Kurt Liebich expressed relief that a federal judge has blocked a federal vaccination mandate, saying it removes a lot of pressure. “Since the mandate was issued, our institutions have been struggling to develop plans to comply, and the preliminary injunction gives us breathing room to chart a proper path forward without forcing employees to choose between getting vaccinated or potentially losing their job,” Liebich said in a statement.

• Texas: An Apple store in Southlake has closed until Monday because of an outbreak of COVID-19 among employees. Twenty-two employees at the store have tested positive for the virus since Black Friday.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 49,554,373 (49,410,379)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 793,475 (791,705)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 268,127,375 (267,344,049)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,284,165 ( 5,275,993)‌

FDA clears AstraZeneca antibody drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency use authorization (EUA) to AstraZeneca’s antibody cocktail as a substitute for vaccinations in people with moderate to severely compromised immune systems. 

The drug, which is not a vaccine but can have preventive qualities, is only authorized for people who are not currently infected with COVID-19 and who have not recently been exposed to an individual infected with the virus. 

“Today’s action authorizes the use of the combination of two monoclonal antibodies to reduce the risk of developing COVID-19 in these individuals,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. 

Weekly jobless claims plunge to a 52-year low

The pandemic threw millions of Americans out of work last year, but those days appear to be over. Layoffs have all but disappeared.

The Labor Department reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits last week totaled only 184,000 – not only a pandemic low but the lowest number since 1969. Economists say the claims number, which dropped from 227,000 reported the previous week, suggests that the labor market is still dealing with a shortage of workers.

The total number of people still drawing unemployment benefits for the week ending November 20 was 1,947,598, a decrease of 350,527 from the previous week. 

Is it a cold or COVID-19?

It’s cold and flu season, so how can you tell if the onset of symptoms is a seasonal affliction or the coronavirus? Some clinics are adapting their range of testing services for the age of COVID-19.

"We will do more than just test, treat, and vaccinate you for COVID,” said Rahul Khare, CEO and founder of Chicago’s Innovative Care. “We will find out if you have an ear infection, strep throat or another common illness, and then treat you for those, so you can get on the mend sooner."

Clinics that provide an evaluation, expanded testing, and treatment options can save patients time and avoid the need for multiple clinic visits.

Around the nation

• California: The increase in COVID-19 probably means the state’s economy will take longer to fully recover, according to a study by UCLA economists. The longer that COVID-19 hangs around and remains a threat, the less likely consumers will return to normal spending patterns, the study found.

• Indiana: The state health department reports that hospitalizations have climbed more than 20% in the last week amid a surge in new COVID-19 cases. “Our hospital is pretty much full,” said Dr. Thomas Huth, vice president for medical affairs at Reid Health. “We’re sitting at or beyond capacity.”

• Tennessee: Former Republican senator and Nashville doctor Bill Frist is speaking out, saying health officials and political leaders could have done a better job in presenting information about the virus. Frist said consistent communication by trusted leaders should be a priority, especially since only half the state is vaccinated.

• Oregon: State health officials stepped up efforts to increase vaccinations this week, opening several “high volume” vaccination clinics across the state. The clinics offer vaccines made by Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as booster doses for people who have already been vaccinated. 

• Minnesota: Minnesota’s death toll from COVID-19 is surging, with state health officials reporting 75 deaths on Wednesday. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have all increased in recent weeks, even though 70.6% of Minnesota residents over the age of five have been vaccinated.

A new study conducted by researchers from UCLA explored the best ways for consumers to be protected against the new strains of COVID-19. According to their findings, a combination of previous COVID-19 infection and a COVID-19 vaccine was associated with the greatest protection from the virus. 

“The main message from our research is that someone who has had COVID and then gets vaccinated develops not only a boost in antibody amount, but also improved antibody quality – enhancing the ability of antibodies to act against variants,” said researcher Dr. Otto Yang. “This suggests that having repeated exposures to the spike protein allows the immune system to continue improving the antibodies if someone had COVID then been vaccinated.” 

Assessing antibody strength 

The researchers compared the antibody levels from 25 participants involved in the study: 15 people who were recently vaccinated – with no history of COVID-19 infection – and 10 people who hadn’t been vaccinated but had previously tested positive for COVID-19. The unvaccinated participants were vaccinated after a few months, and then the researchers compared their antibody levels again. 

Ultimately, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine helped all the participants produce antibodies that protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, that protection was amplified for those who had previously been infected with the virus. The antibodies these participants produced were stronger against every strain of COVID-19 the researchers tested.

It’s important to note that this study was performed prior to the emergence of different virus variants and consumers’ eligibility for booster shots. Because of this, the researchers believe more work is necessary to understand how protection against the virus will fare for consumers who haven’t been infected with COVID-19 but have received boosters. 

“Overall, our findings raise the possibility that resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to antibodies can be overcome by driving further maturation through continued antigenic exposure by vaccination, even if the vaccine does not deliver variant sequences,” the researchers wrote. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 49,410,379 (49,314,743)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 791,705 (790,118)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 267,344,049 (266,815,426)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,275,993 (5,267,917)‌

Pfizer: Third shot neutralizes Omicron

Pfizer and BioNTech report that people who get a booster of their vaccine are likely protected against the Omicron variant. The companies say two doses of the vaccine provide less protection.

Researchers found that a third dose of the mRNA vaccine increased antibodies 25-fold when compared to only two doses. Company officials say it’s just another reason to get a booster.

“Although two doses of the vaccine may still offer protection against severe disease caused by the Omicron strain, it’s clear from these preliminary data that protection is improved with a third dose of our vaccine,” said Albert Bourla, Pfizer’s CEO. “Ensuring as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the first two dose series and a booster remains the best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Six states fueling the surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations

Cases of COVID-19 are on the rise across the U.S. but NBC News reports that six states account for more than half of the serious cases that require hospitalization. An analysis of federal government data shows Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois lead the nation in hospitalizations.

Twenty-four other states have reported increases in serious cases since early November. Hospitalizations rose from 45,000 a day to 58,000.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says even though the Omicron variant continues to be a cause of concern, nearly all of the serious COVID-19 cases reported in recent weeks have been caused by the Delta variant.

Infection plus vaccination yields better antibodies against variants

Here’s good news for people who have been vaccinated and had a “breakthrough” infection: Your antibodies may be particularly strong.

Researchers writing in the journal of the American Society for Microbiology say the combination of infection and vaccination appears to provide a stronger defense against future infections than either one alone. 

“It shows that antibody quality can improve over time, and not just quantity,” said immunologist and physician Otto Yang, M.D., of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

Around the nation

• Michigan: A top official of the Michigan State Medical Society is begging for outside help to treat the surging number of COVID-19 cases in the state. Dr. Paul Bozyk, section head for pulmonary and critical care medicine at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, says hospitalizations have pushed health care facilities to the brink.

• Arizona: State Sen. Kelly Townsend has introduced a bill that requires pharmacists to fill prescriptions for ivermectin if a doctor writes one for a COVID-19 patient. Townsend says the measure is in response to many pharmacists refusing to fill prescriptions for the drug, which government health agencies have not approved for treatment of the coronavirus.

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy has given no indication that he plans to follow neighboring New York City’s lead in issuing vaccination mandates to private businesses. But Murphy, who let his emergency powers declaration expire, is urging state residents to get vaccinated and wear masks in public.

• Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott has announced an emergency regulation requiring health insurers to cover the costs of COVID-19 antigen at-home tests, commonly referred to as “rapid” tests. “Vermont has led the nation in testing, but we must continue to adapt and improve our strategies as we move forward,” Scott said.

• Alaska: Travelers passing through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport can pick up a free COVID-19 test, courtesy of the federal government. It’s part of a Biden administration pilot program to expand access to the over-the-counter, at-home tests.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 49,314,743 (49,101,715)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 790,118 (788,436)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 266,815,426 (266,145,318)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,267,917 (5,259,488)‌

Is the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ changing?

Since the vaccine rollout early this year, the definition of “fully vaccinated” has been consistent: two shots of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. But with the government greatly expanding eligibility for booster shots, will “full vaccinated” come to mean having a booster?

“The definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ has not changed,” said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “We are absolutely encouraging those who are eligible for a boost six months after those mRNA doses to get your boost. But we are not changing the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ right now.” 

That said, the current definition is not set in stone, especially since the new Omicron variant is making its way across the country. “As that science evolves, we will look at whether we need to update our definition of ‘fully vaccinated,’” Walensky said.

Drug company says its drug works against Omicron

There is still more that is unknown about the Omicron variant than is known, but drug giant GlaxoSmithKline reports that an antibody drug called sotrovimab, produced in conjunction with Vir Biotechnology Inc., showed effectiveness against it in laboratory studies.

“We are confident that sotrovimab will continue to provide significant benefit for the early treatment of patients hoping to avoid the most severe consequences of Covid-19,” said George Scangos, CEO of Vir Biotechnology. 

He said tests showed that sotrovimab was slightly weakened by the Omicron variant but that the difference wasn’t significant.

Pandemic has changed consumer shopping trends

It’s well documented how consumers have shifted more of their purchases to online channels during the pandemic, but a new report from 1WorldSync shows just how pervasive the shift has been. The report finds that the line between online and in-store shopping has blurred.

For example, 87% of consumers adopted e-commerce for items they primarily or exclusively purchased in-store prior to the pandemic. Clothing, groceries, and health and personal care items make up the leading categories. 

The data is not encouraging for stores without a robust online channel. About 38% of the consumers in the survey said the change is likely to be permanent. Just over half said they will continue occasional online purchases of items they once purchased exclusively in a brick-and-mortar store.

Around the nation

• Wisconsin: The Green Bay Packers have placed backup quarterback Jordan Love on the reserve/COVID-19 list after he tested positive for the virus. Love, who is fully vaccinated, will be required to isolate but is eligible to rejoin the team if he remains symptom-free.

• Washington: When the pandemic stuck, Washington implemented some of the most strict mitigation measures of any state. A new report by the Georgia Center for Opportunity (GCO) found that the crackdown had a negative impact in terms of job losses and recovery from those losses without the benefit of reducing hospitalizations.

• Florida: After dealing with a surge in COVID-19 cases during the late summer, cases and hospitalizations have fallen across the state, with one exception. Federal health officials report that Orange County -- the Orlando area -- is the only county in the state where cases are on the rise.

• Kentucky: Cases of the coronavirus are surging across the state once again. Health officials report cases in Henderson County are up 142%. Statewide, cases have risen 108% in the last week. That compares to a 67% jump in cases nationwide.

• Illinois: Vaccinations continue to be a contentious, partisan issue. Democratic State Rep. Jonathon Carroll has introduced legislation that would require unvaccinated residents to pay for their own COVID-19 treatment. “If you get life insurance and you’re a smoker, you pay a higher premium than those who don’t,” he reasoned.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 49,101,715 (49,052,458)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 788,436 (787,821)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 266,145,318 (265,560,801)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,259,488 (5,251,790)‌

Omicron has similarities to the common cold, researchers say

While there is still a lot of unknowns surrounding the Omicron variant, researchers at a Massachusetts biotech firm say the variant appears to have a genetic code that is found in the common cold. The cold is also a coronavirus.

The scientists say that could explain why most cases involving the new variant have been associated with mild symptoms. They also say its similarity to the common cold might also make it spread faster.

The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, suggests that the similarity between the two coronaviruses could make the Omicron variant “more accustomed to human hosts” and more able to avoid immune system responses. The variant has now been identified in about a third of U.S. states.

FDA clears antibody drugs for wider use in children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) of bamlanivimab and etesevimab for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in all younger pediatric patients who have a positive COVID-19 test and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. 

Previously, the drugs were cleared for use by pediatric patients 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kilograms. The revision also authorizes the drugs for post-exposure use for the prevention of COVID-19 in all pediatric patients, including newborns. 

"Now all patients at high risk of severe COVID-19, including children and newborn babies, have an option for treatment and post-exposure prevention,” said Dr. Patrizia Cavazzoni, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

New York City declares vaccine mandate for private companies

New York City is imposing a vaccination mandate on private companies, a step no other city has taken. Mayor Bill de Blasio told MSNBC that the mandate will take effect on Dec. 27.

“We in New York City have decided to use a preemptive strike, to really do something bold to stop the further growth of COVID and the dangers it’s causing to all of us,” de Blasio said. “So as of today, we’re going to announce a first-in-the-nation measure. Our health commissioner will announce a vaccine mandate for private sector employers across the board.”

In addition to expected court challenges, the mandate may be influenced by a change in administrations. Mayor-elect Eric Adams issued a statement saying he will “evaluate” his predecessor’s move once he takes office.

Around the nation

• Virginia: A Richmond school teacher credits an adverse reaction to the Moderna vaccine with saving her life. A medical exam determined she had early breast cancer. Now on the road to recovery, she told a Richmond TV station that she’s looking forward to getting a booster.

• Michigan: The U.S. government is sending doctors, nurses, and others to Michigan to support certain hospitals that are dealing with rising COVID-19 cases. Over the weekend, the state’s caseload and hospitalization numbers reached their highest levels of the pandemic.

• Colorado: Health officials have set up a mobile clinic outside Denver’s Ball Arena and say they will offer vaccinations at every event during December. “We were at the event and it was an easy option to just get my booster and just put this all behind me,” Jenny Adelman told KCNC-TV.

• California: A Bay area school had a COVID-19 outbreak after officials said parents of one child sent him to school for seven days, even though they had been told he had tested positive for the virus. The head of the Larkspur-Corte Madera School District in Marin County said “corrective action” will be taken.

• South Carolina: Federal prosecutors have charged a Columbia nursing director with making and distributing phony vaccination cards. Authorities charged 53-year-old Tammy McDonald, the Director of Nursing Services at a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, with two counts of producing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards and one count of lying to federal investigators about her role in making the records.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 48,835,887 (48,706,636)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 785,932 (782,201)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 264,462,232 (263,750,379)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,238,850 (5,228,635)‌

FDA reportedly turns its attention to Omicron variant

With the Omicron variant now confirmed in about a half-dozen states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reportedly making plans for dealing with it. The Wall Street Journal reports that the agency is ramping up for a rapid review of any drugs or vaccines developed to counter it.

Little is known about the new variant, which was identified in South Africa only last week. Scientists aren’t sure how transmissible or severe it is when compared to the Delta variant. Early evidence suggests it causes less severe symptoms.

The Journal quotes sources who say the FDA wants to be sure that any therapies designed to deal with the variant are safe and effective before giving them a green light. At the same time, the agency wants to be able to act quickly if the data merits approval.

Pharmacies report a surge in demand for vaccine

Despite well-publicized “vaccine hesitancy” on the part of millions of Americans, sentiment toward vaccinations may be shifting. Both CVS and Walgreens have reported a recent increase in demand for vaccinations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that U.S. providers administered about 1.5 million doses a day for the seven-day period ending Nov. 17. That’s a 12% increase in just one week.

Some vaccination holdouts may have had a change of heart. At the same time, health officials point out that there has been a recent increase in the number of people who are not only eligible for the vaccination but also a booster shot.

White House announces free at-home COVID-19 tests

The Biden administration has announced that the U.S. government will make at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests available to millions of Americans at no cost. Currently, the cost to consumers for these tests can range up to $40.

“It’s a step toward making these tests more available to individuals, but there could still be barriers,” Lindsey Dawson, an associate director at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told CNBC.

So, how do you get a free test? First, you have to buy it. The White House says people with private health insurance, including Affordable Care Act policies, can be reimbursed for the purchase. Medicare recipients aren’t eligible.

Around the nation

• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul says health officials have reported at least five cases of the Omicron variant in the New York City metro area. One case was diagnosed in Suffolk County on Long Island, and the other four were registered in New York City.

• Massachusetts: Schools across the state are battling a surge in coronavirus cases. Education officials report that there were 9,909 coronavirus cases among students and staff in schools over the last two weeks. The percentage of students who tested positive was 0.93%, while 1.0% of staff tested positive.

• Missouri: Gov. Mike Parson has denied claims that his office tried to suppress a study showing that wearing a mask in public spaces is an effective means to reduce COVID-19 cases. Parson said the information in question was posted on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard months ago and is readily accessible.

• New Mexico: Health officials are trying to understand why coronavirus cases are increasing. They note that 73% of people 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 83.2% have had at least one dose. But the state has recently reported 1,337 new cases, 13 more deaths, and an ongoing rise in hospitalizations.

• Louisiana: Parents in Louisiana have been slow to vaccinate their children. Even though kids between the ages of five and 11 are eligible, state health department records show that only 3% of that age group have been vaccinated. The state also ranks near the bottom for vaccinations of teens and adults.

Determined to keep the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in check, President Biden has announced new actions to combat the coronavirus as the U.S. 

With the lessons the country has learned over the past year and the strides made in vaccines, Biden said he is confident about his plans. However, he says Americans need to remain vigilant.

“The United States has come far in its fight against the virus and is more prepared than ever to deal with the challenges of COVID-19. We have the public health tools we need to continue to fight this virus without shutting down our schools and businesses,” Biden said in a statement. 

“As we head into winter, today, the President will announce actions to provide additional protection to Americans and fight the Omicron and Delta variants, while keeping our economy growing.”

What Biden’s plan calls for

Biden’s plan contains nine essentials that his team says will keep the Omicron variant at bay. They include:

• Boosters for all adults. The White House said the Biden administration will build on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated guidance recommending that every adult get a booster. As a sneak preview of what Americans can expect, the White House said the new steps will “ensure that the nearly 100 million eligible Americans who have not yet gotten their booster shot, get one as soon as possible.”

• Vaccinations to protect our kids and keep our schools open. With 99% of schools across the country fully open and holding in-person classes, Biden wants to get that part of his agenda over the finish line as soon as possible. To keep those schools open and get more kids aged 5 and older vaccinated, hundreds of family vaccination clinics will be launched to get the whole family vaccinated or boosted in a single “trusted and convenient” location. 

• Expanding free at-home testing for Americans. Biden wants to ensure that Americans have greater access to at-home testing. For those who aren’t covered by private health insurance, arrangements are being made to distribute free at-home tests at 20,000 sites around the country. 

• Stronger public health protocols for safe international travel. Travelers who enjoyed the recent lifting of international travel requirements should feel lucky because two things are about to be reversed. Beginning early next week, the U.S. will tighten pre-departure testing protocols by requiring inbound international travelers to test within one day of departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. Secondly, everyone will have to mask up during international or other public travel – as well as in transportation hubs such as airports or indoor bus terminals. Those rules are scheduled to last through at least March 18. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is also adding a bit of a punch to those who don’t follow that rule. The agency plans to double fines for noncompliance from a minimum of $500. Repeat offenders could face fines of up to $3,000.

• Protections in workplaces to keep our economy open. The President is not laying down any new mandates, but he is calling on businesses to continue to move forward expeditiously on requiring workers to get vaccinated or tested weekly. 

• Rapid response teams to help battle rising cases. If pandemic conditions start to turn ugly because of the Omicron variant, the White House said it’s prepared to deploy additional COVID-19 Surge Response Teams to address critical needs on the ground. Those plans include allowances for more personnel, therapeutics, and technical expertise. 

• Supplying treatment pills to help prevent hospitalizations and death. The President is ensuring that if and when any new COVID-19 treatment pills have been found to meet the FDA’s scientific standards, they will be made equitably accessible to all Americans, regardless of their income or where they live.

• Continued commitment to global vaccination efforts. To help other countries out, the U.S. will be donating 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. The Biden administration is also pledging to deliver 200 million more doses in the next 100 days: 

• Steps to ensure we are prepared for all scenarios. Lastly, because the full effects of what the Omicron variant can do are still emerging, Biden said he will use every available source necessary to keep it from spinning out of control. To that end, he said his administration is working closely with executives at Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson to develop contingency plans for other vaccinations or boosters.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 48,577,181 (48,454,229)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 780,443 (778,870)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 263,070,422 (262,416,000)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,220,373 (5,211,983)‌

FDA committee votes to approve Merck pill

In a close vote, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee has recommended that the agency approve the use of Merck’s new COVID-19 treatment pill. 

The agency will now decide whether to grant emergency use authorization for the drug molnupiravir, which would be the first oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19 that could be taken at home. 

The earliest clinical study of the drug found that it cuts the risk of hospitalization and death by 50% if taken early on after infection. However, a follow-up analysis of the data found the efficacy was only 30%.

U.S. imposes restrictions on people entering the country

The U.S. government has taken steps to try to slow the spread of the Omicron variant to the U.S. Customs officials will soon require that all foreign travelers arriving at U.S. airports produce a negative COVID-19 test performed a day before departure.

It’s only a slight change from current protocols. Under existing rules, international travelers can show a negative test administered up to three days before departure.

Several European countries have imposed travel restrictions on flights from Africa, where the variant was first discovered. Over the weekend, Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief health adviser, said it’s very possible that the Omicron variant is already present in the U.S.

Researchers focus on COVID-19 misinformation ‘triggers’

As controversy and conspiracy theories about COVID-19 flood social media, health policymakers are looking for ways to combat misinformation that they say is needlessly costing lives. New research suggests that changing the way scientific information is gathered and released could go a long way.

With heightened public interest in any COVID-19 news, researchers at the University of Sydney say too many studies get released without proper vetting, sometimes leading to confusion and doubt. They point to the production of fraudulent or biased science research, ‘publish or perish’ research culture, inadequate training in research misconduct, problems in the academic publishing system, and lack of public access to high-quality research.

“To prevent or reduce misinformation, key changes are needed, from within the research community, academic and media publishing systems, and government funding processes,” the authors write.

Around the nation

• Connecticut: The number of new infections is climbing across the state despite efforts to slow the spread of the virus. In the last week, infections are up 6%. "The 6% is really the highest we've been in close to a year," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "This, in a state that is the most vaccinated in the country."

• Ohio: A Cincinnati TV station claims that the state is spending thousands of dollars to keep the number of COVID-19 nursing home deaths secret. “These are the people’s records. They are not ODH’s (Ohio Department of Health) records. They belong to every citizen in the state of Ohio,” said Darren Ford, an attorney for WCPO-TV. 

• Nevada: The University of Nevada’s head basketball coach, Steve Alford, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the university’s athletic department. Officials say Alford will be absent from the Wolf Pack’s next three games.

• North Carolina: State health officials are cautiously optimistic about their fight against the coronavirus, noting that new cases fell nearly 30% to start the week. But they note that the Thanksgiving holiday may have significantly reduced the number of people who got tested and the number of tests that got processed.

• Montana: The state health department is blaming the Thanksgiving holiday for an uptick in new cases of the virus. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reported 601 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, a reversal of a recent downward trend.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that all adults get a booster shot to protect themselves against the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

The announcement came within hours of President Biden directing both the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the fastest methods possible — but without cutting any corners — to get such vaccines approved and on the market if needed. 

The CDC’s latest recommendation is a bit stronger than it was before the Omicron variant became a factor. Previously, the CDC’s advice surrounding boosters was focused on adults 50 and older or living in a long-term care facility. Now the agency says everyone 18 and older should get a booster.

Omicron’s wanderlust

South Africa was the first country to alert global health officials about the Omicron variant, but Dutch officials have now stepped forward to say they found an Omicron case that predated South Africa’s discovery. 

On Tuesday, France and Japan reported their first case involving the variant. The Netherlands and France sounding the alarm is important because it signals that the Omicron variant is already winding its way through parts of Europe.

As for the U.S., the CDC said it is continuously monitoring variants using the country’s variant surveillance system, which has reliably detected new variants when they emerge. “We expect Omicron to be identified quickly, if it emerges in the U.S.,” the agency said in a statement.

New variant could affect the travel industry

With the Omicron variant growing as fast as it is, travel industry analysts are already questioning just how much it will impact travel. Some fear that conditions could go back to where they were a year ago when travelers were forced to scuttle their hopes of getting back to traveling. 

Lebawit Lily Girma -- an analyst for travel analysis site Skift -- said individual nations are going to have to be more proactive about travel this time around. 

“As the Covid pandemic continues to threaten the travel industry’s recovery, the message is clear for travel leaders in the world’s largest source markets. The same ardor they’ve placed on pushing for lifting restrictions and resuming global travel these last two years, must go to pressuring the U.S. government and the European Union to urgently act on global access to Covid vaccines now. Until then, as Omicron has just reminded us, tourism remains more vulnerable than ever,” Girma said.

Biden agreed with that sentiment quickly when he placed a ban on travel from South Africa, but he said that is not the cure-all move.

“Travel restrictions can slow the speed of Omicron, it cannot prevent it,” he said.

Several previous studies have highlighted how consumers have foregone seeking medical care over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now a new study conducted by researchers from Erasmus University Medical Center explored just how prevalent this trend was. Among the team’s study population, more than 20% of participants avoided seeking health care during the pandemic. 

“One in five avoided health care during COVID-19 lockdown, often with alarming symptoms like chest pain or limb weakness,” said researcher Silvan Licher. “Vulnerable citizens were mainly affected, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted public education.” 

Pandemic nerves halted health care visits

For the study, the researchers surveyed over 8,700 participants enrolled in the Rotterdam Study in April 2020. Participants answered questions about coronavirus-related symptoms, how they utilized the health care system, the medications they took, and their overall mental and physical health. 

More than 20% of the participants reported avoiding health care during stay-at-home orders in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it’s unclear how severe all the symptoms that were being ignored were, more than 35% of participants reported some symptoms that typically require immediate medical attention, like heart palpitations and arm or leg numbness.  

It’s also important to note that some groups were more likely to skip seeing doctors during these critical times. Consumers who are worried about contracting COVID-19 have been less likely to seek out medical care during the pandemic. The same was true for those struggling with anxiety and depression, older consumers, and those who were unemployed.

Avoiding health care could cause future problems

The researchers worry about how this trend has already affected consumers’ health and what it will mean for future health outcomes.

“Findings of our study suggest that health care avoidance during COVID-19 may be prevalent amongst those who are in greater need of it in the population, such as older individuals, those with low perceived health, and those who report symptoms of poor mental health,” the study authors wrote. 

“These findings call for population-wide campaigns urging individuals who are most prone to avoid health care to reach out to their primary care physician or medical specialist to report both alarming and seemingly insignificant symptoms.” 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 47,902,038 (47,773,956)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 772,588 (771,513)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 258,453,277 (257,896,250)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,162,675 (5,155,288)‌

U.S. cases increase sharply

With the holidays looming, bringing with it increased travel and family gatherings, the number of new cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. has moved sharply higher. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says the seven-day average of reported infections has increased by 18%.

“Heading into the winter months, when respiratory viruses are more likely to spread, and with plans for increased holiday season travel and gatherings, boosting people’s overall protection against covid-19 disease and death was important to do now,” Walensky told reporters.

Both the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved booster shots, using both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, for all adults who are 18-years-old or older. Walensky and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), said the latest trend is a strong reason for people to get vaccinated and for the vaccinated population to get a booster.

Some coronavirus exposure may build immunity, researchers say

Not all coronaviruses are the same. Some that are similar to the common cold are mostly an annoyance. Others, like COVID-19, can be lethal for some who become infected.

Researchers at the University of Zurich led a scientific team that has concluded that exposure to a harmless coronavirus, some of which might not even create symptoms, may be helpful in building immunity to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“People who have had strong immune responses to other human coronaviruses also have some protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection,” said Alexandra Trkola, head of the Institute of Medical Virology at the University of Zurich.

How to plan a coronavirus-free holiday celebration

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season in the second year of the pandemic. With more people fully vaccinated, there could be larger gatherings around the table this year. Experts at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), have issued some tips for keeping COVID-19 at bay.

Among their suggestions is continuing to maintain a safe social distance with people outside your immediate household. It may seem a little awkward, but participants in holiday gatherings may want to avoid hugs and kisses with people who are not vaccinated. Besides COVID-19, the medical professionals say allergies and the flu can be causes for concern.

“In addition to concerns about COVID-19, those with allergies and asthma sometimes have an added layer of anxiety because they need to always be thinking about allergy and asthma triggers that can cause serious symptoms,” said allergist Dr. Mark Corbett, president of ACAAI. “With a bit of preparation ahead of your events, you can make sure everyone is safe from allergy and asthma flares, in addition to possible COVID-19 exposure.”

Around the nation

• New York: The number of COVID-19 cases across the state is rising at the fastest rate since April, but the outbreak isn’t centered in the urban areas of the state. Health officials say Western New York and the Finger Lakes hit a seven-day average of positive cases of 9.7% and 8.6%, respectively, the highest since early this year.

• California: The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a report detailing inspections that found “significant deficiencies” at the state’s COVID-19 testing lab. The deficiencies were first exposed by a whistleblower, but the report wasn’t released for eight months.

• Minnesota: Minnesota is one of the northern states that is experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases. Gov. Tim Walz has called up medically trained National Guard units to assist long-term care facilities as hospitals struggle with the increasing load of new cases.

• Michigan: Students in more than 30 Michigan school districts are getting an extra-long Thanksgiving holiday break. The schools have closed classrooms early in hopes that a longer break will reduce COVID-19 outbreaks and relieve staff shortages.

• Texas: The Southwest Area Regional Transit District, or SWART, has received national recognition from the Federal Transit Administration for the way it handled the early weeks of the pandemic. “The pandemic did, you know, force us to be a little bit more creative than normal,” said Sarah Hidalgo Cook, SWART’s general manager.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 47,773,956 (47,623,460)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 771,513 (770,880)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 257,896,250 (256,835,906)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,155,288 (5,139,223)‌

2021 death toll higher than 2020

With another month to go in the year, the death toll from COVID-19 in 2021 has exceeded deaths in 2020, before there was an available vaccine. Over the weekend, the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University put the number of U.S. deaths since the pandemic began at 770,800.

Health officials point to the rapid spread of the Delta variant and low vaccination rates in some states and communities as factors that increased the death toll. Most recently, serious cases and deaths have increased in northern states -- even in states with high vaccination rates. Epidemiologists say the medical community failed to persuade enough Americans to get vaccinated. 

“Heading into this year, we knew what we needed to do, but it was a failure of getting it done,” Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious-diseases specialist at Stanford University, told the Wall Street Journal.

Disney pauses vaccine mandate

An Orlando TV station reports that Disney World has told employees that it is putting its vaccination mandate on hold. Previously, the theme park and resort had set a deadline for employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The station reports that Nick Caturano, who runs the website GoofyVaccine.com, confirmed that employees received an internal memo notifying them that the mandate is being suspended for the time being.

"We all want to go back to a sense of normalcy,” Caturano told the station. “We all hoped the vaccine would do the trick. And it seemed like it was starting to work but people are getting the COVID. To separate them it doesn't make sense."

Pfizer reports complete protection for kids

Pfizer and BioNTech, makers of one of the three vaccines being used in the U.S., have announced that their vaccine was 100% effective in preventing infections in 12- to 15-year-olds. They say no child got sick during a period of seven days to four months after getting the second shot.

The new report is part of a more extensive analysis of a Phase 3 trial conducted among 2,228 participants. The companies plan to use the data to bolster their application to extend their license to vaccinate children in that age group.

“These are the first and only disclosed longer-term data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of a COVID-19 vaccine in individuals 12 to 15 years of age,” Ugur Sahin, CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, said in a statement. “The growing body of data we have compiled from clinical trials and real-world surveillance to date strengthen the base of evidence supporting the strong efficacy and favorable safety profile of our Covid-19 vaccine across adolescent and adult populations.”

Around the nation

• Arizona: Brian Argo of Scottsdale has been reunited with his family after spending weeks in a coma and 41 days on a ventilator. At one point, doctors gave Argo only a 5% chance of surviving COVID-19.

• Oregon: Howard Breidenbach of Myrtle Creek said he never took the coronavirus seriously until he was infected with the virus. After 100 days in the hospital and the loss of his business, Breidenbach admits that he was wrong and has urged other skeptics to get the shot.

• New Jersey: State health officials are dealing with another rise in COVID-19 cases despite a high vaccination rate, and they now worry about what the Thanksgiving holiday may bring. On Sunday, the state health department reported another 1,482 COVID-19 cases and four confirmed deaths as the statewide rate of transmission continued to increase.

• Louisiana: The state health department has proposed a vaccination mandate that would require children to get the shot as a requirement for attending school. The rule would affect all elementary and secondary schools, kindergartens, colleges, universities, proprietary schools, vocation schools, and licensed daycare centers. 

• Alaska: For a while, Alaska led the nation in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. Now it leads in a more positive category. State health officials say about 51% of vaccinated Alaskans age 65 and older have received a dose of the COVID-19 booster, which puts the state ahead of the national average.

As anticipated, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine boosters for people aged 18 and older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is slated to meet later Friday to discuss further clinical recommendations.

Prior to Friday’s authorizations, a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines was authorized for those 65 years of age and older and other high-risk individuals.

With this addition, the immunization rate of the U.S. population could grow quickly. As of Thursday, a total of 195,713,107 Americans are reported to be fully vaccinated -- 58.9% of the country's population.

“Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA has worked to make timely public health decisions as the pandemic evolves. COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be the best and highly effective defense against COVID-19,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. She added that getting the booster will provide added protection against the virus, including the more serious consequences that can occur, like hospitalization and death.

Eliminating confusion surrounding boosters

Since the rollout of the booster vaccines, there have been a variety of questions about the various requirements that need to be met for a person to be eligible. Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, says everyone is on the same page now. 

“Streamlining the eligibility criteria and making booster doses available to all individuals 18 years of age and older will also help to eliminate confusion about who may receive a booster dose and ensure booster doses are available to all who may need one,” he said.

The FDA said its decision to open up the availability of the two vaccine boosters was built on its analysis of immune response data, which the agency used to approve the previously authorized populations for boosters.

Risks and possible reactions to the boosters

When it comes to the FDA’s evaluation of benefits and risks, it said since Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech initially submitted their safety and effectiveness data on a single booster dose. Additional real-world data became available primarily about the risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) following vaccination with these vaccines. In the end, the FDA gave the boosters the all-clear.

“The FDA has determined that the benefits of a single booster dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks of myocarditis and pericarditis in individuals age 18 years of age and older when used following completion of primary vaccination to provide continued protection against COVID-19 and the associated serious consequences that can occur including hospitalization and death,” the agency said.

As far as the types of reactions people receiving the booster may experience, the FDA said the most common side effects include the following:

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the site on the body where the injection was given

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle or joint pain

• Chills

The agency said one important reaction people should be aware of is swollen lymph nodes in the underarm. Those were observed more frequently following the booster dose than after the primary two-dose series. 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has decided to suspend enforcement of President Biden’s vaccine mandate for large employers.

Although the agency originally developed the rule, it was left with little option after a federal appeals court upheld a stay on the mandate and told OSHA to "take no steps to implement or enforce" the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) "until further court order." The new policy was scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 4, 2022. 

The ever-changing situation with the mandate will no doubt create confusion for both employers and an estimated 84 million employees it would impact. But the status of the ETS could change in a heartbeat if the White House or the Department of Justice (DOJ) gets involved. According to The Hill’s coverage of the reversal, more than two dozen state attorneys general and other groups are also challenging the mandate in court.

OSHA remains confident 

OSHA stated that it “remains confident in its authority to protect workers in emergencies.” However, it has suspended all activities related to the implementation and enforcement of the ETS effective immediately. When it initially announced the policy, OSHA estimated that the rule would save thousands of lives and prevent more than 250,000 hospitalizations stemming from workplace exposure to COVID-19. 

Despite the setback, the White House isn’t giving up on the proposed rule. Officials say they will continue trying to persuade businesses to implement vaccination requirements. In a press conference aboard Air Force One, White House Deputy Press Secretary Chris Meagher said the DOJ is rigorously defending the vaccine mandate in court.

“We’re confident in the congressionally provided authority to protect workers who are considered to be in grave danger,” Meagher commented. “Our message remains the same: that nothing is stopping businesses from taking action to protect their employees. And so, we encourage businesses to step up and continue to take that action.”

Reports are circulating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will likely authorize booster doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all adults ahead of a scheduled Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel meeting on Friday. 

Quoting people familiar with the FDA’s plans, the New York Times reports that the move could come Thursday. If it does, the impact would be wide-ranging, expanding the number of eligible Americans by tens of millions.

If the CDC gives its approval, then people wanting the Pfizer booster could possibly get theirs as early as this weekend.

Pfizer may be the first in line to make this request, but it won’t be the last. It’s anticipated that Moderna will also submit a request for the FDA to expand eligibility for its booster. The approval to mix and match vaccines had already been given clearance by both the CDC and the FDA for all three sanctioned boosters that are offered by Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. 

States are getting behind the booster shot campaign

On a federal level, the U.S. government is limiting who can receive a COVID-19 booster shot. However, there are a number of states that are taking matters into their own hands and trying to prevent a spike in cases before the holidays by offering boosters to anyone aged 18 or older. 

It was California that made the first move, firing off a letter to local health officials and vaccine providers to direct them to let patients decide whether or not a booster is appropriate.

“Do not turn a patient away who is requesting a booster” if the person is 18 or older and has waited the required period after their first vaccine series, the letter said.

Officials in New York City, Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, Kansas, Maine, Rhode Island, Louisiana, and West Virginia quickly followed with their own booster endorsements, and more cities and states are likely to follow. Reading between the lines of a news conference given by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, the Garden State is probably next. 

“If you’re in doubt and you meet the waiting period, just get a booster. Choose the side of greater protection,” Murphy said. “With the holidays coming up, we need as many people boosted as possible. It’s that simple.”

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of California San Francisco explored one factor that may impact the severity of consumers’ COVID-19 cases. Their work showed that COVID-19 patients taking antidepressants that are classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be less likely to be hospitalized from the virus. 

“We can’t tell if the drugs are causing these effects, but the statistical analysis is showing significant association,” said researcher Marina Sirota, Ph.D. “There’s power in the numbers.” 

Antidepressants may benefit long-term health

For the study, the researchers analyzed electronic health records from more than 83,000 adults who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and enrolled in the Cerner Real World COVID-19 database; of that group, over 3,400 patients were taking SSRIs. The team then compared the health outcomes of patients taking antidepressants versus those not taking medication. 

The researchers learned that participants who were taking SSRI antidepressants had better COVID-19 health outcomes than participants not taking these drugs; the mortality risk was nearly 10% lower for those taking any type of SSRI. 

Fluoxetine -- which is sold under the brand name Prozac -- was found to have the best coronavirus-related outcomes. Participants who took it had a nearly 30% lower risk of death from COVID-19. Similarly, taking fluvoxamine was linked with a more than 25% lower risk of coronavirus-related death. 

While more work needs to be done to determine if it would be beneficial to prescribe antidepressants as a COVID-19 treatment, the researchers explained that these findings represent an important first step.

“The results are encouraging,” said Dr. Tomiko Oskotsky. “It’s important to find as many options as possible for treating any condition. A particular drug or treatment may not work well or be tolerated by everyone. Data from electronic medical records allow us to look quickly into existing drugs that could be repurposed for treating COVID-19 or other conditions.” 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 47,233,212 (47,084,497)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 764,608 (763,168)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 254,092,019 (253,543,995)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,111,573 (5,103,757)‌

U.S. cases are rising again

The U.S. has lower infection rates than a lot of other developed nations, but some areas of the country are seeing sharp increases. It’s enough to worry some health experts, including President Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci.

“The only thing that’s a little bit disconcerting is that we’re beginning to plateau,” Fauci said during an interview hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center. “In other words, the deceleration of cases is now plateaued, and in some areas of the country, we’re starting to see a bit of an uptick.”  

Infections had been falling for weeks after hitting a Delta variant peak of 172,500 new cases per day in mid-September. Cases have recently spiked in the Mountain West and in states along the Canadian border.

Some states considering new holiday guidelines

The U.S. will celebrate its second pandemic Thanksgiving next week, but unlike last year, most of the people around the table will have been vaccinated. While many parts of the country have seen a decline in cases, states where the virus has spiked are considering new holiday guidelines.

With cases rising in many northern states, the Minnesota Department of Health is urging families to "think carefully" about their Thanksgiving plans. However, the agency is not asking people to cancel their plans.

However, it is asking unvaccinated people to take extra precautions that are in line with advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It says unvaccinated people and those in areas of high transmission rates should wear masks while around other people.

Study: Antidepressants may help against COVID-19

Can taking Prozac protect you from the coronavirus? A large analysis of health records from 87 health care centers in the U.S. concluded that people taking a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die of COVID-19 than a control group. Fluoxetine is sold under the brand name Prozac and is a widely used antidepressant.

Scientists say the results suggest that SSRIs may have beneficial effects against the worst symptoms of COVID-19. They say further studies are needed to prove it.

“We can't tell if the drugs are causing these effects, but the statistical analysis is showing significant association,” said Marina Sirota, Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics and a member of the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute (BCHSI) at UC San Francisco. “There's power in the numbers.” 

Around the nation

• Connecticut: A COVID-19 outbreak has claimed the lives of eight residents of a nursing home since September. In a statement, Geer Village Senior Community in North Canaan reported that 89 residents and staff, many of them fully vaccinated, have tested positive for the virus.

• California: Attorney General Rob Bonta has secured a court order requiring Amazon to pay a $500,000 fine for "concealing COVID-19 case numbers" from workers. It’s the first judgment under the state’s new “right to know” law.

• Tennessee: Gov. Bill Lee has signed comprehensive legislation that limits what businesses and governments can do to curb the spread of COVID-19. But the State Comptroller’s Office said it would grant an exemption to any business that claimed a loss of federal funding if it obeyed the law against vaccination mandates.

• Alabama: Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed a lawsuit to block a federal mandate that would require health care workers to be vaccinated. “One can only imagine the damage that will be done by this mandate to already short-staffed rural and community hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes that receive federal funds for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” Marshall said.

• Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has produced a side-by-side comparison of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in October. It shows that unvaccinated residents of the state died at 15 times the rate of vaccinated people and were five times as likely to be infected.

A new study conducted by researchers from Michigan Medicine explored the COVID-19 risks that are present in nursing homes. They explained that while most cases of the virus are transmitted from airborne particles, the virus can also be detected on contaminated surfaces in these places. 

“These data show that coronavirus is ubiquitous and persistent in the rooms of nursing home residents with COVID-19, and highlight the ongoing importance of rigorous cleaning and the protection of staff and visitors,” said researcher Dr. Lona Mody. 

Health risks in nursing homes

For the study, the researchers tested high-touch surfaces in four Michigan nursing homes from October 2020, through January 2021. In total, there were more than 2,000 samples taken from more than 100 rooms of patients who had tested positive for COVID-19. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that nearly 30% of the samples taken detected traces of COVID-19. The most commonly touched surfaces -- such as nurse call buttons, doorknobs, remote controls, and windowsills -- contained the highest traces of the virus. The virus was also more likely to be detectable when the patients were more mobile and active. 

The researchers explained that surfaces and areas outside of the patients’ rooms contained either no traces or very low traces of COVID-19. 

Cleaning and sanitizing must be reinforced

It’s also interesting to note that the researchers were unable to determine if the levels of the virus detected in patients’ rooms were enough to create an infection. However, the findings still point to the importance of ramping up cleaning and sanitizing efforts in nursing home residents’ rooms to ensure that the virus is undetectable to visitors and staff. 

“While the CDC notes that the risk of transmission via environmental contamination of SARS-CoV-2 is generally low, there are several factors which may increase this risk that are especially relevant in a nursing home setting,” the team wrote. “Nursing homes may have very high prevalence rates during outbreaks; mask wearing and hand hygiene may be inconsistent among nursing home patients with active infection; and the acuity of infections among nursing home patients may lead to increased viral shedding over what may be seen in the broader community. 

“For this reason, effective infection prevention and cleaning in nursing homes remains a priority during the times of SARS-CoV-2 circulation, particularly since wearing masks for prolonged periods of time may not be feasible for this population.” 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 47,084,497 (47,008,962)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 763,168 (762,876)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 253,543,995 (253,207,962)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,103,757 (5,098,863)‌

Court permanently blocks vaccine mandate

After issuing a temporary stay a week ago, a federal appeals court has ruled that the Biden administration may not require private businesses to have fully vaccinated staffs. The three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals called it an overreach.

“Rather than a delicately handled scalpel, the Mandate is a one-size fits-all sledgehammer that makes hardly any attempt to account for differences in workplaces (and workers) that have more than a little bearing on workers’ varying degrees of susceptibility to the supposedly ‘grave danger’ the Mandate purports to address,” the judges wrote.

The Biden administration had required vaccinations for all U.S. businesses with more than 100 employees. In their opinion, the judges wrote that the vaccine mandate places an undue financial burden on private businesses and could be a violation of the commerce clause to the U.S. Constitution.

Scientists probe what’s behind the new outbreaks

After surging during the late summer, COVID-19 cases have declined in the South. The numbers mirror a gradual drop in the national numbers. But some states have recently experienced sharp increases -- mostly states in the Mountain West and along the northern border.

Scientists studying the numbers report that even in highly vaccinated states like Vermont, the spike in cases is being driven by unvaccinated people. When unvaccinated people are removed from the case tally, they say the increase isn’t very much at all.

Neal Goldstein, an assistant research professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University, tells WHYY Radio in Philadelphia that it is unrealistic to expect the vaccine to prevent all cases, though data shows that significantly fewer infections occur among the vaccinated. 

Unvaccinated not welcome at many Thanksgiving dinners, survey finds

Next week’s Thanksgiving holiday may mark more of a return to normal, except for one thing. A survey by OnePoll has found that three out of five hosts are not inviting unvaccinated relatives this year.

Two in three people who responded to the poll said they don’t think they can go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated. Nearly six in 10 vaccinated respondents have reportedly cut off family members who refuse to get the vaccine. Sixty-three percent said they don’t feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated relatives to their gatherings.

The poll exposes a sharp divide in American culture. Seventy-two percent of vaccinated people say they don’t think they could persuade unvaccinated relatives that the vaccine is important. Half of the unvaccinated respondents have stopped talking to family members who don’t understand why they won’t get the shot.

Around the nation

• Oklahoma: The newly appointed commander of the Oklahoma National Guard is reportedly breaking with Pentagon policy, saying the Guard will not enforce the Defense Department’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on its troops. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino’s appointment was announced last week, but he has yet to be confirmed by the state senate.

• Minnesota: Several hospitals across the state say they are filling up quickly with patients who are infected with COVID-19, and state health officials say hospitalizations are at an all-time high. CentraCare, a major health care provider in the state, is pleading with the public to get vaccinated, to practice social distancing, and to mask up to protect against the Delta variant.

• Virginia: State health department officials report that nearly three out of every four adults are vaccinated against the coronavirus, helping the state join the ranks of those with the highest rate of vaccinations. About 5.5 million Virginians are immunized, while about 2.4 million residents of the state are unvaccinated.

• New York: New York City officials are reportedly investigating reports that some Sanitation Department workers used fake vaccination cards to comply with the city’s vaccination mandate. A source tells WCBS-TV that department officials are probing reports that as many as 50 employees used counterfeit cards to keep working.

• Florida: The state legislature goes into special session today to consider bills aimed at preventing businesses and local governments from imposing vaccine or mask mandates. “No cop, no firefighter, no nurse, nobody should be losing their job because of these jabs,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis, who called the special session.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,868,744 (46,798,462)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 759,791 (759,154)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 252,181,189 (251,672,962)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,084,129 (5,076,863)‌

Mountain West new U.S. hotspot

States in cold weather sections of the country, especially along the Canadian border and in the Mountain West, have seen a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the last six weeks. Health officials say most of the new cases are being caused by the Delta variant.

Colorado reinstated crisis guidelines for hospitals around the state this week to handle the influx of COVID-19 patients. Officials are now administering booster shots to anyone aged 18 or older.

A spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment estimates that one in 48 Colorado residents has been infected. At this rate, she says it’s likely the entire population will be exposed to the virus where they live and work.

AstraZeneca to start selling vaccine at a profit

When it initially rolled out its COVID-19 vaccine, drugmaker AstraZeneca pledged to make initial sales at cost. Now, the pharmaceutical giant says it will increase the price of the vaccine in 2022 to produce a profit.

Americans won’t be affected by the decision since the vaccine, produced in cooperation with Oxford University, is not used in the United States. It was the first vaccine to receive government approval and has been used widely in countries other than the U.S.

AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, told reporters during a conference call that the company waited until cases of the virus began a worldwide decline before raising the price. He said the company will continue to sell the vaccine at cost to developing nations.

Some vaccinated people are trying to ‘undo’ their shots

A video circulating on social media tells people who reluctantly got vaccinated to avoid being fired that they can “detox the vaxx.” The video instructs people to soak in a bath of baking soda, borax, and Epsom salts. It claims that doing so will withdraw the vaccine from the body.

Health experts say it’s one of the more outrageous examples of vaccine misinformation that is circulating on the internet. Besides not doing what the video says it will do, dermatologists warn that a borax bath will irritate the skin.

“Once you’re injected, the lifesaving vaccination process has already begun,” Angela Rasmussen, a virologist and adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan, told NBC News. “You can’t unring a bell. It’s just not physically possible.” 

Around the nation

• New Jersey: How much immunity does a case of COVID-19 provide against future infections? State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, a Republican from Morris, believes it provides enough that it makes vaccinations less necessary. He’s introduced legislation to exempt former COVID-19 patients from vaccination mandates.

• Vermont: Despite having one of the highest vaccination rates in the nation, Vermont is still struggling to contain the spread of the virus. The number of positive test results is rising, with the Vermont Department of Health reporting 496 cases on Thursday. That number easily breaks the state’s previous one-day case record. 

• Minnesota: Gov. Tim Walz is taking steps to try to blunt a sharp increase in coronavirus cases by increasing testing. Walz has announced the opening of three new COVID-19 rapid testing sites in the state. Some of the sites will receive assistance from the Minnesota National Guard.

• Georgia: The City of Atlanta lifted its indoor mask mandate this week as cases declined sharply. Even though the spread of the virus is now categorized as “moderate” throughout the state, health experts are still concerned. “As soon as it looks like we’ve come down, you know, from these high case numbers, this is the worst possible time to sort of let up on mitigation strategies,” Georgia State University epidemiologist Dr. Cherie Drenzek told WSB-TV.

• Tennessee: The state legislature has passed a sweeping COVID-19 bill that blocks local government agencies and school boards from imposing virus mitigation policies. It also provides unemployment benefits to workers who quit a job rather than be vaccinated. Gov. Bill Lee is expected to sign it into law.

Recent studies have found that factors like exposure to air pollution or consumers’ diets may impact the severity of COVID-19 infection. Now, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic have found that more severe forms of the virus may cause sleeping disorders. 

According to their findings, sleep disorders may increase the risk of developing more serious cases of COVID-19. 

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and the disease remains highly variable from patient to patient, it is critical to improve our ability to predict who will have more severe illness so that we can appropriately allocate resources,” said researcher Dr. Reena Mehra. “This study improved our understanding of the association between sleep disorders and the risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. It suggests biomarkers of inflammation may mediate this relationship.” 

Health risks associated with sleep disorders

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 5,400 patients at the Cleveland Clinic who had been tested for COVID-19 and also completed sleep studies. The team tracked the patients’ health outcomes over time and paid close attention to the severity of their COVID-19 infections and any sleep disturbances. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that participants with sleep disorders weren’t more prone to COVID-19 infection. However, even after accounting for risk factors like obesity and smoking, sleep disorders were linked with more severe infections once the patients tested positive for the virus. 

For participants with any kind of sleep apnea or sleep hypoxia, which is when blood oxygen drops significantly during sleep, there was a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection. These patients were 31% more likely to be hospitalized and had a 31% higher risk of mortality after testing positive for COVID. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope these findings can help lead to potential treatments for patients struggling with sleeping disorders and a COVID-19 infection. 

“Our findings have significant implications as decreased hospitalizations and mortality could reduce the strain on health care systems,” said researcher Dr. Cinthya Pena Orbea. “If indeed sleep-related hypoxia translates to worse COVID-19 outcomes, risk stratification strategies should be implemented to prioritize early allocation of COVID-19 therapy to this subgroup of patients.” 

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.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,707,838 (46,624,332)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 757,745 (755,915)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 251,107,751 (250,580,621)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,068,862 ( 5,060,487)‌

FDA asked to expand Pfizer booster shots

Pfizer and BioNTech have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand the use of the companies’ vaccine booster shots to adults aged 18 and older. The boosters are currently approved for people aged 65 and older and other at-risk groups.

The application for an emergency use authorization (EUA) could open booster shots to millions more Americans before the end of the year, providing what scientists say would be an extra layer of protection during the holiday season.

Even before the request, the Wall Street Journal reports that the Biden administration has been actively considering a request to expand boosters of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to adults aged 18 and older.

Surgeon general stresses importance of vaccinations for kids

Actor Matthew McConaughey, who is considering an entry into the Texas governor’s race, has spoken out against vaccination mandates for children and said he needs “more information” before deciding to vaccinate his children. McConaughey himself is vaccinated.

Asked to respond, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Viveck Murthy said the vaccine is as important for kids as it is for most adults. The Delta variant, he says, has not been kind to young patients.

"Many kids have died. Sadly, hundreds of children -- thousands -- have been hospitalized, and as a dad of a child who has been hospitalized several years ago for another illness, I would never wish upon any parent they have a child that ends up in the hospital," Murthy told CNN.

NFL fines Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers over COVID-19 protocols

The National Football League is fining the Green Bay Packers $300,000 for allegedly violating the league’s rules concerning COVID-19. It’s also fining quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Allen Lazard $14,560 each.

The NFL accused the franchise of allowing Rodgers and other players to openly violate COVID-19 protocols. An investigation reportedly found that Rodgers and Lazard attended a Halloween party despite not being vaccinated. Rodgers tested positive last week.

“We respect the League's findings and we recognize the importance of adherence to the COVID protocols to keep our team and organization safe and healthy,” Packers President Mark Murphey said in a statement. “We will continue to educate the team regarding the importance of the protocols and remain committed to operating within the protocols.”

Around the nation

• Texas: A report from the state health department shows that unvaccinated Texans account for most of this year’s COVID-19 cases and deaths. Health department officials say the numbers show that the COVID-19 vaccine dramatically prevents death and is the “best tool to prevent transmission” of the deadly virus.

• California: Hospitalizations are rising in several areas of the state, reversing what had been a positive trend. Gov. Gavin Newsom warns that his state could see a dramatic surge in cases of the virus during the winter months.

• Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf says school districts around the state will be allowed to modify the requirement that students and staff wear masks while at school beginning in January. Wolf said it’s “time to prepare for a transition back to a more normal setting.”

• Louisiana: Data from federal health agencies shows that Louisiana has gone from having one of the highest hospitalization rates in the nation to the lowest. The hospitalization rate has fallen by 54% in the last month, and now the state has just five people hospitalized per 100,000, compared to the U.S. average of 14 people hospitalized per 100,000. 

• Nevada: Nevada, which has struggled to contain the spread of the coronavirus, is reporting another spike in cases. State health officials report that the state’s positivity test rate jumped to 7% last week. That’s the biggest increase since early August.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,624,332 (46,490,680)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 755,915 (754,474)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 250,580,621 (250,056,541)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,060,487 (5,052,620)‌

Regeneron drug reportedly 81% effective at preventing COVID-19

The news about potential treatments of COVID-19 continues to get better. Regeneron now reports that Phase 3 clinical trials of its experimental drug REGEN-COV reduced the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 81.6% during the pre-specified follow-up period of two to eight months.

Though not a vaccine, the drug reportedly acts like one. It could benefit many people who are immunocompromised and unable to take any of the vaccines.

"Today's new data demonstrate how a single dose of REGEN-COV can help protect people from COVID-19 for many months after administration," said Myron S. Cohen, M.D., who leads the monoclonal antibody efforts for the NIH-sponsored COVID Prevention Network. "These results demonstrate that REGEN-COV has the potential to provide long-lasting immunity from SARS-CoV-2 infection, a result particularly important to those who do not respond to COVID-19 vaccines including people who are immunocompromised."

Biden administration asks court to unblock vaccine mandate

Lawyers for the Biden administration have filed court documents seeking to undo an injunction that is temporarily blocking its vaccine mandate for private companies with 100 or more employees. The mandate was halted Friday by an appeals court that said the order may have overstepped the administration’s authority.

The administration’s filing claimed that the executive branch has clear authority to order people to get vaccinated as part of its mission to protect public health. It notes that millions of Americans are returning to the workplace as the pandemic begins to wind down.

"With the reopening of workplaces and the emergence of the highly transmissible Delta variant, the threat to workers is ongoing and overwhelming," the administration said in its filing.

Why the elderly are at greater risk from COVID-19

From the very beginning of the pandemic, health professionals knew that elderly people, as well as people with underlying health conditions, would be the most vulnerable to COVID-19. What they didn’t know was why.

In the case of the elderly, researchers at Brown University say they now have a better understanding. In a study, they describe the cellular and molecular events that explain why these groups have a higher risk of becoming infected, experiencing severe side effects, and dying.

“This paper details a major discovery in COVID-19,” said corresponding author Dr. Jack A. Elias, an immunologist and dean of medicine and biological sciences at Brown. “It shows that levels of a protein called chitinase 3-like-1 increase with age as well as co-morbid diseases and infection. What’s more, chitinase 3-like-1 augments SARS CoV-2 infection.”

Around the nation

• Nebraska: The state will resume updating its COVID-19 dashboard on a daily basis. Gov. Pete Ricketts said the move is in response to an increase in hospitalizations in recent weeks. “Our hospitalizations have been up around 400 or so, which is kinda the threshold to hit the 10% level we’ve talked about throughout the course of the pandemic, and that’s the threshold where we start doing the daily data,” he said.

• North Carolina: State officials say they are off to a fast start in vaccinating young children. Records show that more than 8,000 children between the ages of five and 11 have received their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine in the first days it was approved for use in that age group.

• Virginia: First Lady Jill Biden helped promote vaccinations for children during a trip to an elementary school in Fairfax County. "The president and I know how difficult this pandemic has been for your kids and your families,” she said at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. “And I'm here today because we care about you and your beautiful children." 

• Arizona: During the pandemic, when airlines slashed the number of their flights, hundreds of spare planes were parked at the Pinal Air Park in Marana. Now, officials say many of those jets are taking off again as airlines restore more flights to their schedules.

• Connecticut: Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has announced that the city is lifting its indoor mask mandate because COVID-19 cases are falling. “I believe that it’s responsible action today to remove that mandate," Bronin said, pointing out that businesses can still require masks at their discretion. 

Experts have highlighted the ways that physical activity can benefit consumers’ mental health, and they’ve also shown how skipping out on exercise can be detrimental. Now, researchers from Iowa State University explored how consumers’ habits during COVID-19 -- including increasing screen time and getting less physical activity -- can impact their mental health. 

Their work showed that following a more sedentary lifestyle may worsen symptoms related to anxiety and depression. 

“In March 2020, we knew COVID was going to affect our behavior and what we could do in lots of weird, funky ways that we couldn’t predict,” said researcher Jacob Meyer. “We know when people’s physical activity and screen time changes, that’s related to their mental health in general, but we haven’t really seen large population data like this in response to an abrupt change before.” 

The mental health risks linked with too much sitting

For the study, the researchers had participants complete surveys in the early weeks of the pandemic to assess how much time they spent in front of screens, how much time they spent sitting, what their typical exercise routine looked like, and their overall mental health. 

The participants then had the opportunity to continue on with the study between April 2020, and June 2020, by completing weekly surveys for eight consecutive weeks. The researchers used this dataset as an opportunity to track the participants’ behaviors and mental health from before the pandemic and compare it to how they were affected during the pandemic. 

The study showed that many of the participants who reported regularly exercising had either cut back or eliminated this part of their routines in the early days of the pandemic. Among these participants, symptoms related to depression and anxiety were on the rise. 

“Sitting is a sneaky behavior,” Meyer said. “It’s something we do all the time without thinking about it.” 

Staying active can bolster your mental health

The researchers found mixed results when looking at the participants’ physical and mental health outcomes eight weeks into the pandemic. Anxiety and depression symptoms remained high among those who maintained a sedentary lifestyle. However, keeping a more active routine was linked with more stable mental health outcomes. 

“In the second study, we found that, on average, people saw their mental health improve over the eight-week period,” Meyer said. “People adjusted to life in the pandemic. But for people whose sitting times stayed high, their depressive symptoms, on average, didn’t recover in the same way as everyone else’s.” 

While many consumers’ daily routines are much different now than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers hope these findings encourage at-home workers to find unique ways to incorporate movement into their daily routines. Something as small as a short walk around the neighborhood can help improve mental health. 

“I think being aware of some of the subtle changes we’ve made during the pandemic and how they might be beneficial or detrimental is really important as we look to the other side of pandemic life,” said Meyer. “If you’re no longer walking down the hall for in-person meetings, you can still incorporate that break from sitting by taking a short walk before and after your Zoom call.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,490,680 (46,466,504)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 754,474 (754,311)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 250,056,541 (249,696,436)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,052,620 (5,047,698)‌

Appeals court suspends vaccination mandate

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a stay against the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate for private companies with 100 or more employees. The justices concluded that there was “cause to believe there are grave statutory and constitutional issues with the mandate.”

The issuance of a stay prevents the mandates from being enforced. However, it left room for the order to be reinstated after the court assesses it in more depth.

The Labor Department, which issued the order through the Occupational Safety and Health Act, issued a statement after the court’s action expressing confidence that the mandate will ultimately be upheld.

U.S. lifts international travel restrictions

The U.S. government formally removed travel restrictions from a number of countries, including Canada and Mexico. The change removes travel barriers that have been in place during most of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effective today, fully vaccinated foreign travelers may pass through U.S. airports and border crossings. Surface travel between the U.S. and Mexico and the U.S. and Canada will require proof of vaccination but no test.

The move could be a major boost for airlines since increased travel from Europe and other destinations is likely. However, it could be a mixed blessing because most airlines are struggling with staffing issues.

Biden administration kicks off campaign to vaccinate children

Now that government health agencies have cleared the Pfizer vaccine for children aged five to 11, the Biden administration has launched a nationwide effort to vaccinate children against the coronavirus.

Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra sent letters to school superintendents and elementary school principals across the U.S. today that encourage them to share information with families about COVID-19 vaccines for children. 

"Today, we reach out to you with encouragement for you to actively support the vaccination process for children in your state, territories, county, tribes, communities, and schools," the letter said. "This is a very exciting development and a significant opportunity to protect some of our youngest learners and our communities."

Around the nation

• New York: New York City public schools are conducting a week-long campaign to urge parents to vaccinate their children. Mayor Bill de Blasio said about 200 school sites are open daily for the vaccination drive that will continue until Nov. 15.

• Texas: While cases of the virus are declining in many areas of the state, Texas reportedly leads the nation in the number of COVID-19 cases at jails and prisons. According to the COVID Prison Project, there are more than 800 active cases among Texas inmates and nearly 500 among Texas Department of Criminal Justice employees.

• Iowa: A study has found that up to 80% of white-tailed deer in Iowa may be infected with COVID-19. There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from deer to humans, but the Penn State researchers who authored the report are advising deer hunters in Iowa to take precautions.

• Maine: Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) has expressed concern about the surge of COVID-19 cases and recently pressed health experts for answers. “Maine ranks in the top five states in the [percentage] of people…who have been vaccinated,” Collins said at a Senate hearing, questioning why so many of her constituents are getting sick.

• California: Health experts are expressing concern about the rapid rise in cases in the state, where recent data suggested that the virus was in retreat. "We are seeing an increase,” said Dr. George Rutherford, UCSF professor of epidemiology. “Cases are about 20% of where they were two weeks ago. Hospitalizations are up about 6%.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,346,347 (46,261,126)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 751,776 (750,578)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 248,830,725 (248,311,594)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,033,849 (5,025,920)‌

Pfizer says its antiviral drug shows promising results

There may be another drug on the way that could treat patients infected with COVID-19. Pfizer reports that its investigational novel COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate, PAXLOVID, significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths in clinical trials.

The analysis showed an 89% reduction in risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization or death from any cause when compared to a placebo in patients treated within three days of symptom onset. Only 0.8% of patients who received the drug required hospitalization.

“Today’s news is a real game-changer in the global efforts to halt the devastation of this pandemic,” said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. “These data suggest that our oral antiviral candidate, if approved or authorized by regulatory authorities, has the potential to save patients’ lives.”

More people returned to work last month

Economists are generally encouraged that the pace of hiring picked up in October. The Labor Department reports that the economy added 531,000 jobs last month, dropping the unemployment rate to 4.6%.

Employment in leisure and hospitality, a sector that has struggled to find workers, increased by 164,000 in October and has risen by 2.4 million so far in 2021. Bars and restaurants scored the biggest month-over-month gain, but jobs in the sector as a whole are down 8.2% since the start of the pandemic.

Professional and business services added 100,000 jobs last month, including a gain of 41,000

in temporary help services. Employment continued to rise in management and technical consulting services, but employment for the sector as a whole is 215,000 below where it was in February 2020.

New study shows vaccines lose effectiveness over time

There may be a good reason to get a COVID-19 vaccination booster as soon as you are eligible. A new study shows that the U.S. vaccines lose much of their efficacy over time.

A study published in the journal Science showed that all three vaccines lose potency when confronted with the Delta variant. The study was based on the records of nearly 800,000 U.S. veterans.

It found that the two-shot Modena vaccine held up the best, falling to 58% efficacy. The Pfizer vaccine fell to as low as 45% effectiveness, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine protection suffered the biggest decline, to just 13% after six months.

Around the nation

• Kentucky: The number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 is lower than originally believed. Gov. Andy Beshear says the actual number is considerably lower since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counted thousands of Kentuckians twice. Despite fewer people being vaccinated, the state’s COVID-19 numbers have improved in recent weeks.

• Florida: State officials have served notice that they will go to court to try to block the Biden administration’s vaccination mandate from going into effect. Attorney General Ashley Moody called the vaccine requirement unlawful and unconstitutional and said she will be filing suit against the federal government as soon as possible.

• Texas: Authorities are trying to learn how two children in Garland were given adult doses of the Pfizer vaccine instead of the smaller children’s dose approved for kids aged five to 11. They’re also trying to determine why the shots were given two days before approval by the CDC.

• Maryland: State health officials say they are not encountering any vaccine hesitancy among parents, many of whom are eager to get their children vaccinated. While the state is gearing up to give shots to young children, pediatricians report that their phones are ringing off the hook with parents eager to book appointments for their children.

• Hawaii: State health and tourism officials have reached an accord to loosen travel restrictions and begin welcoming visitors back to the islands. Updates to the state’s entry requirements for international visitors will go into effect next week. At the same time, the state has announced the easing of restrictions for some indoor and outdoor activities.

Regularly washing and sanitizing your hands has become an even more common practice since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. While this has been found to be an effective way to reduce the risk of spreading germs, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia suggests that even more needs to be done. 

Based on an analysis of public restrooms across 13 countries, the researchers learned that leaving the toilet lid open and using jet hand dryers can increase the risk of bacterial and viral transmission. 

“Some people have been worried about using public washrooms during the pandemic, but if you minimize your time in the bathroom, wash and dry your hands properly, and don’t use your mobile phone, eat or drink, then the risks should be low, especially if the bathroom is well maintained,” said researcher Erica Donner. “While there is limited evidence of COVID-19 transmission via public washrooms, they are rife with bacteria especially those that are used frequently and not cleaned properly.” 

Staying healthy in public restrooms

For the study, the researchers analyzed nearly 40 earlier studies that came from over a dozen different countries. The main focus of each of these analyses was to better understand the disease risks associated with using public restrooms. 

Ultimately, the researchers determined that the risk of airborne infections, like COVID-19, isn't likely to increase when consumers use public bathrooms. However, there are other disease risks present when using the bathroom in places like restaurants, movie theaters, or office buildings. 

The biggest risks come from poor hygiene habits in these bathrooms. Air hand dryers and leaving the toilet lid open after flushing were some of the prime ways for bacteria to spread in public restrooms. For example, leaving the toilet lid open after flushing may spread bacteria more than one meter around the room for more than 30 minutes. Jet hand dryers proved to be even more of a risk, as bacteria spread as far as three meters when consumers used these devices. 

“Although there is a potential risk of aerosols spreading from toilet flushing and hand drying, we found no evidence of airborne transmission of intestinal or respiratory pathogens in public bathrooms in the literature we reviewed,” Donner said. “However, there is no doubt that thorough hand washing and effective hand drying is critical in stopping the spread of diseases.”

Keeping up with proper hygiene

The researchers hope consumers don’t avoid going into public restrooms. While poor cleaning and hygiene habits certainly increase the risk of infection, there are ways for consumers to stay safe and healthy. 

“As borders open up and cases increase, people can protect themselves against COVID-19 infection by continuing to practice good hygiene,” said Donner. “This includes hand washing and sanitizing, and disinfecting door handles, toilet lids, and other frequently touched surfaces. These habits will not only lower the risk of COVID-19 infection but also limit the risk of bacterial infections.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,261,126 (46,182,380)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 750,578 (748,943)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 248,311,594 (247,799,743)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,025,920 (5,017,977)‌

Merck COVID-19 pill cleared for use in the U.K.

Health authorities in the U.K. have cleared the way for doctors to prescribe Merck’s COVID-19 pill to treat symptoms of the coronavirus. Doctors have hailed the release of the drug because it can be taken at home, and tests have shown it can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death among high-risk patients.

“This will be a gamechanger for the most vulnerable and the immunosuppressed, who will soon be able to receive the groundbreaking treatment,” U.K. Health Secretary Sajid Javid said in a statement.

The pill, molnupiravir, could be available to Americans within weeks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the drug, and an advisory panel is scheduled to meet later this month to decide whether to recommend its approval as a COVID-19 treatment.

Doctors worried about pregnant women who refuse vaccine

Since August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated. The agency points to research showing that the vaccine is safe and effective during pregnancy and that unvaccinated pregnant women tend to fare badly when they get infected.

But the CDC reports that only 35% of pregnant women have been vaccinated against the virus. That compares to 68% of the eligible population.

CDC doctors have begun to publicly urge pregnant women to get the shot, saying pregnant women with COVID-19 symptoms are more than twice as likely to be admitted to a hospital intensive care unit. They also have a greater than 70% risk of death.

Aaron Rodgers sidelined after testing positive

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will miss this weekend’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19. The Packers placed their starting quarterback on the Reserve/COVID-19 list late Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Rodgers announcement has reportedly triggered an NFL investigation of the Packers’ virus protocol. Rodgers is unvaccinated and should have been subject to strict rules for unvaccinated players.

"The primary responsibility for enforcement of the Covid protocols within club facilities rests with each club," the NFL said in a statement Wednesday, obtained by NFL Network. "Failure to properly enforce the protocols has resulted in discipline being assessed against individual clubs in the past. The league is aware of the current situation in Green Bay and will be reviewing the matter with the Packers."

Around the nation

• California: It’s high school football playoff time, but Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles will be sidelined, not because of their record but because of the team’s vaccination status. Only 13 of Crenshaw’s players are vaccinated. The rules require 18 vaccinated players in order to participate in the playoffs.

• Indiana: Gov. Eric Holcomb has signed two executive orders that will extend Indiana's COVID-19 public health emergency until at least Dec. 1. "I'm extending the public health emergency for another 30 days to maintain critical assistance to our neediest Hoosiers as we come out of this pandemic — all directly tied to its continuation," Holcomb said.

• Tennessee: The state legislature has passed a sweeping bill that would place major limitations on mask mandates and vaccine requirements. It would also put age restrictions on who could get vaccinated without parental consent. The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk.

• Colorado: COVID-19 cases continue to surge statewide, and hospitals say they will probably have to ration health care. Hospital officials say they are having to postpone elective surgery on some patients because of a shortage of available beds.

• Minnesota: Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced that she has tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19. “I wanted to share with Minnesotans that I tested positive for COVID-19 after caring for our 8-year-old daughter who tested positive last week,” Flanagan wrote in a tweet. “While I'm under the weather, our family is doing well, and we're thankful for the support of friends and family.”

The White House is not about to give up on its crusade against COVID-19. On Thursday, President Biden announced new vaccine policies in an effort to move the vaccination rate as high as possible. To do that, the latest Biden rules zero in on federal contractors, health care workers, and larger employers, requiring that they all be vaccinated by January 4, 2022.

As you remember, President Biden rolled out his first wave of vaccination requirements for federal employees and contractors back in July. At that time, he called on employers to do the same. 

“Thousands of organizations across the country have answered the President’s call, and vaccination requirements have already helped reduce the number of unvaccinated Americans by approximately 40 percent since July,” the White House stated. “More vaccinations are needed to save lives, protect the economy, and accelerate the path out of the pandemic.”

The new vaccination rules

Here are the highlights of the vaccination mandate:

Employers with 100 or more employees. White House officials believe that increasing vaccination rates at larger employers is key to increasing the nation’s overall vaccination rate. By federal estimates, there are nearly 84 million vaccination opportunities within larger businesses.

The Biden administration says businesses with 100+ workers must guarantee that every single worker will be fully vaccinated -- either two doses of Pfizer or Moderna, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson -- by January 4, 2022. Workers who are not vaccinated will need to provide a verified negative test to their employer on at least a weekly basis, and employers will need to remove any worker from the workplace if they test positive for COVID-19 or are diagnosed with an infection by a health care provider.

The new rule also requires these employers to provide paid time off so employees can get vaccinated, and they must ensure that all unvaccinated workers wear a face mask in the workplace. Employers may also be required to pay for testing depending on other laws or collective bargaining agreements.

A full list of requirements for businesses with 100+ employees is available here.

Health care workers. The vaccination mandate for health care workers will apply to more than 17 million workers at approximately 76,000 health care facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, dialysis facilities, home health agencies, and long-term care facilities.

Much like the rule for businesses, workers at health care facilities who participate in Medicare or Medicaid have to be fully vaccinated by January 4th. This applies to all workers regardless of whether their positions are clinical or non-clinical and whether they’re an employee, student, trainee, or volunteer. 

It also includes individuals who provide treatment or other services for the facility under contract or other arrangements.

Federal employees. Federal employees and contractors will need to have their final vaccination dose just like the other workers affected by this change by January 4.

Federal officials say they will not apply additional rules to federal workers who are following mandate rules from agencies like OSHA and the CMS, which will be in charge of enforcing rules for larger employers and health care workers, respectively. However, they say the federal worker mandates “preempt any inconsistent state or local laws, including laws that ban or limit an employer’s authority to require vaccination, masks, or testing.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,182,380 (46,099,376)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 748,943 (747,296)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 247,799,743 (247,286,553)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,017,977 (5,009,199)‌

CDC clears Pfizer vaccine for kids five to 11

Just hours after a committee advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended the Pfizer vaccine for children aged five to 11, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky gave agency approval. Shots for young children are being administered today.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine for children last week, but it was left to the CDC to determine at what age children should receive it. Children 12 to 17 have been eligible for several months.

Walensky gave her approval within hours of receiving the advisory committee’s unanimous recommendation, making 28 million American children eligible to receive the vaccine. Millions of doses have already been shipped to states, doctors’ offices, and pharmacies.

Antidepressant may be effective COVID-19 treatment

A clinical trial using fluvoxamine, an antidepressant, found that the existing drug significantly reduces the chances of hospitalization and death in high-risk patients with COVID-19. The researchers determined that if the drug is taken right after diagnosis, it may prevent the immune overreaction, or “cytokine storm,” that’s often responsible for severe disease and death.

As many Americans refuse to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, therapeutic treatments take on added importance. The researchers say fluvoxamine is cheap, widely available, and has been shown to be safe, making it a potential weapon against the virus.

“Identifying inexpensive, widely available, and effective therapies against COVID-19 is therefore of great importance, and repurposing existing medications that are widely available and have well-understood safety profiles is of particular interest,” said Edward Mills, Ph.D., a health researcher at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

Poll shows differences in seniors’ attitudes about vaccinations

A new poll shows that a majority of people aged 50 and older have gotten COVID-19 vaccinations and flu shots, or plan to. But the survey from the National Poll on Healthy Aging found differences in opinion among older consumers.

The poll found that one in three older adults feel it is more important to get vaccinated against the flu this year than in years before the COVID-19 pandemic. But among that age group, Democrats were more likely to have been vaccinated than Republicans, and Black people were slightly more likely to be vaccinated than white people.

Health experts are concerned about the combined threat of flu and COVID-19 this winter and have stepped up efforts to encourage seniors to get both vaccinations. Flu season is just getting started, and COVID-19 activity in most of the country is still above the CDC’s high level, though the daily number of new cases is dropping in many states.

Around the nation

• Missouri: Health officials in Missouri are celebrating a pandemic milestone. For the first time in several months, there are fewer than 200 COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care units (ICU) across the state, putting ICU capacity at 23%. It hasn’t been that low since June 19.

• Nevada: Cases of the virus have leveled off across the state, but the effects are still being felt, especially in Nevada’s public schools. NPR reports that the pandemic has made it difficult to fill jobs in Las Vegas schools, with some principals filling in as substitute teachers.

• Montana: State health officials have released a report showing that the state’s Native American population appears to be more vulnerable to COVID-19. The report shows that Native American populations are not only more susceptible to COVID-19 than white Montanans, but the mortality rate among this group is also four times higher.

• South Carolina: Gov. Henry McMaster has joined a federal lawsuit filed by several other states that aims to stop a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to state and local government workers, including public school teachers and staff. The suit claims that President Biden overstepped his authority when he issued a vaccination mandate.

• Pennsylvania: As vaccination mandates draw opposition and resignations, Gov. Tom Wolf is taking a different approach. He’s offering five paid days off to state workers who get vaccinated before the end of the year. The state treasurer objected to the plan, citing its potential cost.

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Utah Health explored the likelihood of both children and adults contracting COVID-19. According to their findings, the risk of being infected with the virus is about the same among all age groups; however, kids are less likely to get sick than adults. 

“Often, it seemed like children weren’t sick because they didn’t have any symptoms,” said researcher Christina Porucznik, Ph.D. “But some were actually infected, and they could still spread COVID-19.” 

Understanding infection risk

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 310 households enrolled in the Coronavirus Household Evaluation and Respiratory Testing (C-HEaRT) study between September 2020, and April 2021. Over 1,200 participants were involved in this report, and they all answered questions about their COVID-19 symptoms and were tested for infection on a weekly basis. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that children and adults were equally as likely to become infected with COVID-19. This was true regardless of how old the children were; all age groups -- between birth and 17 years old -- had similar infection rates over the course of the study. 

However, in terms of those who were experiencing symptoms, adults were more likely than kids to feel sick when they tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly 90% of adults were symptomatic, compared with around half of the children involved in the study. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope more work can be done to better understand kids’ immune response to COVID-19. In the meantime, the team hopes consumers do their part to protect their children from infection. 

“We know that until kids can be vaccinated, it’s still important for them to wear masks when they’re in groups and to keep them apart,” Dr. Porucznik said. “And most of all, when they are sick, keep them home.” 

Telehealth visits have become much more common since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but are consumers sold on this new way of receiving health care? A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge explored how consumers feel about this new way of seeing their doctors. 

According to their findings, telehealth visits have mixed reviews from consumers. For some patients, having this kind of access to their doctors comes with convenience. However, others are questioning the accuracy of the health advice given during these sessions.

“The pandemic has had a major impact on the ability of health care professionals to see their patients face-to-face, and this has led to a significant increase in the number of telemedicine consultations,” said researcher Melanie Sloan. “While these are undeniably safer in terms of COVID risk, there had been little research previously on the impact of patient care, particularly for more complex conditions.” 

Pros and cons of telemedicine

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,340 rheumatology patients who completed online surveys from April 2021, to July 2021 about telemedicine visits. The team also interviewed another 31 patients and 29 health care providers about their experiences with telehealth. 

Ultimately, the reviews for telemedicine visits were both positive and negative. While nearly 70% of patients said that virtual doctors’ visits impact the connection they have with their physicians, more than 60% of patients and doctors thought this was a more convenient way to schedule and attend appointments. 

Some of the other worries surrounding telemedicine included limitations to the kinds of care that doctors can provide, as well as the fear that it would be difficult to get immediate assistance with an urgent medical issue. Patients also believed that virtual visits may limit access to care for consumers from certain backgrounds. 

“We’ve had some local practices only allowing contact through econsult, so that means if you can’t use it, you’re elderly, English [is] not your first language, you’ve got learning difficulties...it’s not fair,” one general practitioner said. “They’re doing that whole barrier to protect their time.” 

Doctors worry about telehealth becoming more widespread

Many patients noted the positive aspects of seeing their doctors this way. Not only did they feel this was a safer and healthier option, but for consumers balancing work and home life, virtual visits cut down on wait times and traveling. 

However, only 3% of clinicians involved in the study believed that telemedicine was better than in-person visits. Many professionals said they were worried that the trend has become too widely used in an effort to save money and time. 

“Our research exposes the inherent risks and benefits of telemedicine for patients with complex conditions, which may have important implications for patients who have other serious or unpredictable long-term conditions,” said Sloan. “...We hope there will be a thorough assessment of the clinical and psychological risks and steps taken to mitigate those risks, as well as action to address the possibility of worsening existing health inequalities for those less likely to be able to benefit from remote consultations.” 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,099,376 (46,006,251)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 747,296 (746,289)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 247,286,553 (246,929,884)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,009,199 (5,003,404)‌

CDC panel considering Pfizer vaccine for kids

After getting a green light from one advisory committee, a panel of experts advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing to take up the issue of using the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate children between the ages of five and 11.

A committee advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already endorsed the vaccine for that use. Backing from the CDC panel of experts would likely clear the way for millions of young children to get the shot.

Many states have already obtained supplies of child-sized vaccine doses in anticipation of approval. Children would get a much smaller dose of the vaccine than adults have received.

COVID-19 may be fueling the ‘Great Resignation’

Americans are continuing to quit their jobs, and economists attribute most of the resignations to people seeking a change in lifestyle after months of the pandemic. However, some people point to vaccination mandates as the main culprit. Under the mandates, employees who refuse to get the shot will lose their jobs.

Reuters did a deep dive and found that nearly half of the employees at two aircraft companies -- Textron Inc and Spirit AeroSystems -- are not vaccinated, despite a mandate. That’s about 5,000 people who could be headed to the unemployment line.

Cornell Adams, head of a local Machinists union district in Texas, said the vaccine itself is not the objection. He says workers are more upset about being ordered to get vaccinated. "We're going to lose a lot of employees over this," Adams said.

Scientists identify new virus-fighting antibody

Duke and North Carolina may be big rivals on the basketball court, but their scientists are working together on new treatments for COVID-19. Researchers from the two universities report that their collaboration has produced an antibody that limits the severity of infections from the virus.

The antibody was identified by scientists working at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI). It was then tested in animal models at UNC-Chapel Hill. Researchers published their findings on Nov. 2 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

“This antibody has the potential to be a therapeutic for the current epidemic,” said co-senior author Barton Haynes, M.D., director of DHVI. “It could also be available for future outbreaks, if or when other coronaviruses jump from their natural animal hosts to humans.”

Around the nation

• Florida: State health officials are optimistic that the state has turned the corner in its battle with COVID-19. The number of daily cases has dropped for nearly two weeks. The 12,880 cases reported from Oct. 22-29 is 92% lower than the daily caseload in August.

• New York: As many as 9,000 New York City employees are now on unpaid leave following yesterday’s deadline to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Mayor Bill de Blasio said about half that number of employees have submitted exemption requests that have not yet been processed.

• Nebraska: Gov. Pete Ricketts has ordered state agencies not to comply with the U.S. government vaccination mandate. Ricketts said Monday that Nebraska’s attorney general would seek an injunction as soon as the requirements were announced.

• Alaska: State Medical Examiner Dr. Anne Zink is calling on public officials to stop spreading misinformation about the virus and the vaccines. She said these officials should work toward building trust. “I think as scientists, as health care professionals, and as public health professionals, we need to do a better job about communicating the science in a way that people can understand, that they can feel comfortable asking questions,” she said.

• Maine: Hospitals across the state are working with fewer employees this week because a state mandate for hospital workers to be vaccinated took effect. Health officials say hundreds of employees quit or were fired at the end of last week but that the vast majority have been vaccinated.

A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State explored how different COVID-19 testing strategies could impact policies for non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), like lockdowns and social distancing. Their findings showed that combining different testing strategies may have a positive impact on the severity, frequency, and duration of lockdowns and other public health measures. 

“The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the strategies used to manage it have come at significant societal costs; for example, shutdowns of non-essential businesses and stay-at-home orders are powerful tools to control the pandemic spread of the virus, but are unsustainable over time,” said researcher Katriona Shea. 

“Understanding the efficacy of combined public health interventions is a key first step in identifying cost-effective ways to manage the pandemic, especially in areas where there is low vaccine uptake and as we continue to see new, and potentially more dangerous, variants of the virus emerge.” 

Being more strategic with testing

For the study, the researchers used a mathematical model to understand how the combination of different testing strategies and public health interventions impacted the spread of COVID-19 infections. The team was primarily concerned with test administration, delays, and sensitivity. 

“Our work specifically addresses the impact of combining multiple public health interventions,” said researcher Emily Howerton. “Though these interventions have been well studied in isolation, understanding the combined effectiveness of these interventions is important for planning and pandemic response.” 

The researchers learned that these different testing strategies and NPIs have a direct impact on the spread of COVID-19. The study showed that reducing testing delays, meaning the time it takes to receive test results, and increasing the number of available tests would help limit the intensity of social distancing and lockdown orders. 

When test results were rapid and testing went up by 5%, NPI intensity was nearly 13% lower. However, when test results took as many as five days to get back to consumers, NPI intensity was only 1.5% lower. 

“When few tests are available or delays are long, relatively strong NPIs must be continued to keep public health burdens to manageable levels,” Howerton said. “Conversely, the lowest NPI levels are possible only when many tests are administered, and test delays are short. Reducing reliance on NPIs is highly dependent on the ability of a testing program to identify and isolate unreported, asymptomatic infections.”

Combining testing efforts

Ultimately, the researchers say combining these efforts will lead to lower infection rates and less intense public health interventions. 

“Changes in NPIs, such as the intensity of stay-at-home orders, should be coordinated with increases in testing to ensure epidemic control,” Shea said. “Otherwise, even small lifting of these NPIs can lead to dramatic increases in infections, hospitalizations, and death.

“Importantly, higher degrees of immunity in the population -- enabled by vaccination, for example -- reduce the need for testing and NPIs; therefore, we encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” she said. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 46,006,251 (45,963,579)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 746,289 (745,080)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 246,929,884 (246,633,898)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 5,003,404 (4,998, 731)‌

Global death toll tops 5 million

The number of people who have died from COVID-19 complications rose above the 5 million mark over the weekend, according to the unofficial count maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

The United States continues to lead the world in the number of deaths, with more than 746,000. Brazil is second with 608,000 deaths and India is third with 459,000 fatalities.

According to Johns Hopkins’ COVID-19 Tracking Project, there have been 247 million cases of the virus since the pandemic began in early 2020. The 28-day average of cases is 11.7 million, and the 28-day average of COVID-19 deaths is 197,000.

Moderna vaccine use for teens put on hold

Moderna has disclosed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) needs more time to determine whether its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for use on teens. The FDA is investigating whether there is an unacceptable risk of myocarditis in the 12 to 17 age group.

In a statement, the pharmaceutical company, which makes one of the three approved vaccines used in the U.S., said the FDA review would likely not be completed before January 2022.  Myocarditis is a condition that affects the heart. 

“The company is fully committed to working closely with the FDA to support their review and is grateful to the FDA for their diligence,” Moderna said in a statement.

New York City workers face a deadline today

For thousands of New York City employees, today is D-Day -- the deadline for meeting the city’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Thousands of unvaccinated employees are expected to be placed on unpaid leave.

According to WABC-TV, vaccination rates on Sunday night stood at 84% for the city’s police department, 82% for the Department of Sanitation, and 80% for the New York Fire Department. The fire department has already closed some stations because of staff shortages.

At an early morning news conference today, officials of the union representing firefighters complained about a lack of time afforded to members to get vaccinated. Union leaders also denied a claim by city officials that firefighters have engaged in a sick-out.

Around the nation

• Texas: State universities have billions of dollars at stake as a vaccination mandate deadline approaches. Administrators face a Dec. 8 deadline to impose a Biden administration vaccination mandate or lose federal contracts. The state of Texas, meanwhile, has ordered colleges not to impose a vaccine mandate.

• New York: Thousands of people crowded into Greenwich Village on Sunday night for New York City’s Halloween parade. The New York Post reports that many of the costumes had a COVID-19 theme. The annual event was canceled last year because of the pandemic.

• Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds has joined a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration vaccination mandate, saying she opposes government orders to be vaccinated. “I’ve been vaccinated,” she said. “We continue to encourage (vaccinations). It’s our best defense in addressing Covid-19 and the Delta variant, but I believe that is a personal choice.”

• Louisiana: An appeals court has blocked Ochsner Health, the state’s largest hospital system, from enforcing its vaccination mandate for employees. “This ruling is inconsistent with established Louisiana law as well as with decisions of courts across the country upholding COVID-19 vaccine mandates,” Ochsner Health President and CEO Warner Thomas said in a statement.

• Maryland: A 25-year-old Maryland man faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to a fake COVID-19 vaccine scheme. Federal authorities say Odunayo “Baba” Oluwalade conspired with others to market a fake vaccine before the actual vaccines were approved.

By the end of this week, the Federal Register is expected to publish the Department of Labor’s rule mandating that private businesses with 100 or more employees either have to vaccinate those workers or test them weekly.

This is the final step in a requirement that President Joe Biden issued in September -- a plan that impacted some 80 million workers. The Office of Management and Budget completed its review of the rule on Monday.

"Covered employers must develop, implement, and enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, unless they adopt a policy requiring employees to choose either to get vaccinated or to undergo regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work,” a spokesperson for the Labor Department said. “The ETS also requires employers to provide paid time to workers to get vaccinated and paid sick leave to recover from any side effects."

Mandates are a double-edged sword

Government officials who have weighed in on the plan say the standard is a “minimum” and that companies have permission to take the requirements even further -- for example, by mandating vaccinations as opposed to requiring workers who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on at least a weekly basis.

However, if an employer decides to do nothing, there could be trouble. The government could step in and "take enforcement actions,” including fines of up to $14,000 per violation.

Dr. Robert G. Lahita, Director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of the upcoming book Immunity Strong, told ConsumerAffairs that the emergency mandate is a double-edged sword.  

“A lot of people feel this emergency mandate is appropriate. Personally, I am all for mandating vaccines for healthcare workers, school staff, fire, police, EMS, etc. Anybody on the front lines should be mandated to get vaccinated immediately,” Lahita said. 

“However, I do understand that mandating for employers is walking on thin ice. I’m concerned how this will impact the economy if a significant number of people refuse to get vaccinated and are laid off.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,836,469 (45,718,022)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 743,565 (741,597)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 245,746,227 (245,241,884)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,985,122 (4,976,499)‌

Many are willing to quit jobs rather than be vaccinated, survey finds

Vaccine mandates were devised to force people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. A new study suggests it is encouraging people to quit their jobs instead.

The October Survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 40% of unvaccinated Americans are willing to quit their jobs rather than be vaccinated. Nearly 25% of people in the survey said their employers are requiring them to be vaccinated.

This reluctance also extends to parents of children aged five to 11, who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Fifty-three percent of parents are worried that their child may be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 even if they don’t want them to.

Study finds ‘brain fog’ may persist for months

One symptom of COVID-19 is difficulty in thinking clearly, and a new study finds that this “brain fog” created by the virus often lingers for months after a patient recovers. The study, published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source, adds to existing evidence of cognitive issues related to the coronavirus.

“One of the main strengths of our study was that we had reliable and valid in-person cognitive measures,” said study author Dr. Jacqueline Becker.

In the study involving 740 patients, 24% had problems with learning new information. Memory recall, which refers to retrieving previously learned information, was affected in 23% of the participants.

Kiss roadies slam tour group over crew member's death

Roadies for the rock group Kiss are speaking out after guitar technician Francis Stueber died of COVID-19 while the band was on tour. Three crew members told Rolling Stone that not enough was done to protect them. They blamed the tour production company for Stueber’s death.

“Every day during the shows, we weren’t tested,” one of the anonymous crewmembers said. “And there are so many unknowns. Did we super spread this, did we spread this thing from city to city? It’s horrible that Fran passed, and it’s horrible if this is our protocol just for us to tour.”

Steuber died in a Detroit hotel room where he was quarantined by Wayne County health officials after being diagnosed with the virus.

Around the nation

• Washington: State officials say approval to vaccinate young children can’t come too soon. The Washington Department of Health reports that there have been 189 COVID-19 outbreaks related to schools in the state from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, with 1,284 cases associated with these outbreaks.

• Kentucky: Kentucky is another state where cases were surging in September, but they have dropped sharply in the last two weeks. Knox and Laurel counties are in the top 30 for the lowest COVID-19 case rates in the state. “We are almost decreasing in cases at the speed that we increased,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

• New Jersey: New Jersey keeps inching up in the nation’s vaccination standings, The state entered the top 10 this week when its statewide vaccination rate hit 74%. The state’s standing was aided by Paterson, which now has a 90% vaccination rate.

• Massachusetts: Analysts at MassBenchmarks, studying GDP data, report that economic growth in the state slowed considerably in the third quarter. They also report that their outlook for the next six months is less optimistic than it was previously because of the Delta variant’s dampening effect on consumer spending.

• Utah: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is suing Xlear, a Utah-based company, over charges that it made unsupported claims about a COVID-19 treatment product. The complaint accuses the company of “violating the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act, alleging that it falsely pitched its saline nasal sprays as an effective way to prevent and treat COVID-19.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,718,022 (45,638,297)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 741,597 (739,254)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 245,241,884 (244,800,062)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,976,499 (4,967,907)‌

Researchers tout an old drug as a new treatment

There may be a cheap way to treat mild cases of COVID-19 before they get worse. Researchers in Brazil conducted a clinical trial using a generic antidepressant drug to treat the virus and are reporting positive results.

They say the drug, known as fluvoxamine, appeared to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms in close to a third of people in a high-risk category. The drug was administered to about half the subjects in a trial of about 1,500 patients.

"Fluvoxamine may reduce the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, that can be triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection," said Dr. Angela Reiersen, an associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis who worked on the study, 

White House signals flexibility on mandates

In the face of growing resistance and resignations in response to its vaccination mandate for federal employees and contractors, the White House is showing a little flexibility. Coronavirus response coordinator Jeff Zients has signaled that the Biden administration could provide some give-and-take as it enforces the president’s executive order.

The mandate was issued in response to the fourth wave of the virus, which was driven by the spread of the Delta variant. But the administration’s attempt to force people to be vaccinated appears to only have hardened the resistance.

The new approach involves more carrot than stick. Agencies and contractors are being encouraged to counsel unvaccinated team members on the benefits of the vaccine, even after the mandate deadline. Federal employees face a vaccination deadline of Nov. 22; contractors have a Dec. 8 deadline.

COVID-19 slowed the economy in the last quarter

The spread of the Delta variant and worsening supply chain bottlenecks took a toll on the nation’s economy in the last quarter. The Commerce Department reports that the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a measure of economic growth, rose only 2% in the July through September period.

That marked a significant slowdown from strong gains earlier this year when people began to get vaccinated and businesses began to resume full operations. GDP rose at an unusually fast annual rate of 6.3% in the first quarter and 6.7% in the second quarter.

Providing a drag on growth in the third quarter, businesses struggled to find employees, and supply chain bottlenecks kept products from reaching consumers. This week, toymaker Hasbro reported that $100 million in orders went unfilled in the third quarter.

Around the nation

• New York: A judge has denied a motion from New York City’s largest police union to block the city’s vaccination mandate. The Police Benevolent Association had argued that the policy does not make clear potential exceptions for medical or religious reasons. The group also claims that the mandate does not give unvaccinated officers sufficient time to apply for such exemptions.

• North Carolina: Gov. Roy Cooper is urging his constituents to remain vigilant against the coronavirus, but he reports that the state’s numbers are moving in the right direction. "We’re relieved to see fewer people requiring hospital care and ICU beds for COVID-19. Our percentage of tests positive continues to decline and the number of people vaccinated increases every day, even though we want it to go faster," Cooper said at a news conference.

• California: Health officials have already drawn up plans to vaccinate young children. The state has established 4,000 venues to administer 1.2 million shots to children between the ages of five and 11 in the first week after the vaccine is approved for kids.

• Colorado: While the rate of coronavirus cases nationwide is going down, federal health statistics show that Colorado leads the U.S. in per capita case increases over the past two weeks. The state also has the fewest available hospital beds.

• Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott is under increasing pressure from medical professionals and some state legislators to reinstate a statewide mask mandate as COVID-19 numbers continue to increase. Scott says vaccinations are working and that mandating masks wouldn’t help reduce the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,638,297 (45,558,326)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 739,254 (737,615)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 244,800,062 (244,264,890)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,967,907 (4,959,865)‌

FDA panel greenlights vaccine for kids

A panel of health experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer’s vaccine for children as young as five. The group made its recommendation late Tuesday after reviewing clinical trial data.

The decision is now up to the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both agencies typically go along with the recommendations of their advisory committees.

Members of the FDA advisory committee said the clinical trial data shows that the Pfizer vaccine provides a strong defense against COVID-19 and "effectively neutralized the Delta variant" in young children.

Merck will make its pill available to poor countries

Poor nations around the world have struggled to vaccinate their populations. Merck, which recently announced details of a pill that has shown effectiveness in treating COVID-19 cases, says it will make quantities of the treatment pills available to nations that are being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.

The company announced the signing of a voluntary licensing agreement to facilitate affordable global access for molnupiravir, an investigational oral COVID-19 antiviral medicine for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.

“Merck’s mission to save and improve lives is a truly global commitment,” said Frank Clyburn, executive vice president and president of Human Health at Merck. “This agreement...is another important element in our multi-faceted strategy to accelerate broad, affordable access to molnupiravir, if approved or authorized, for patients no matter where they live.

CDC: Some people may need a fourth shot

While Americans are just beginning to roll up their sleeves for a booster shot, health officials at the CDC are contemplating the need for some people to get a fourth shot. Updated CDC guidance issued this week said some people with certain health conditions that make them moderately or severely immunocompromised may get a fourth mRNA COVID-19 shot.

The CDC has already authorized a third dose for certain immunocompromised people who are 18 and older. The agency said a third dose instead of a booster is necessary to bolster these consumers’ immune systems.

The CDC reports that a number of small studies have shown that fully vaccinated immunocompromised people made up nearly 44% of the breakthrough cases that required hospitalization.

Around the nation

• Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis is denying published reports that Florida is trying to recruit unvaccinated police officers from states that have vaccination mandates and are in danger of losing their jobs. However, he acknowledges that the state is seeking officers from northern states to fill vacancies in the state police.

• Louisiana: Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced that the state is ending its COVID-19 mask mandate. It’s the first state to roll back a mask mandate that was enacted during the summer’s Delta variant outbreak. Edwards said he believes the virus surge in his state is over.

• Minnesota: Gov. Tim Walz did a little bragging about his state on Tuesday, noting that Minnesota currently ranks third in the nation for adults who have completed their initial COVID-19 vaccination series, in addition to a booster shot. Walz made his remarks during a photo op, where he received his booster shot.

• Oregon: Officials say 203 state employees have been placed on paid administrative leave for failing to be fully vaccinated by the mandate deadline. The employees are spread across a number of state agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and State Police.

• New Mexico: Health officials report that cases are still rising across the state, even as the numbers fall in other states around the country. The New Mexico Department of Health confirmed 2,335 new cases around the state over the weekend, as well as 15 deaths.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,558,326 (45,445,118)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 737,615 (735,943)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 244,264,890 (243,805,577)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,959,865 (4,951,264)‌

FDA panel meets to consider vaccinations for kids

Scientists advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet today to discuss vaccinating young children against the coronavirus. Specifically, the medical experts will review data on whether the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective when given to children between the ages of five and 11.

The FDA has already signaled its acceptance of the vaccine’s use in children. Last week, it said results from a late-stage clinical trial appeared to check all the boxes for use in that age group.

The panel of experts, officially known as the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, will review scientific data about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in children, then decide whether to recommend the health agency authorize its use.

CDC says travel to Ukraine is risky

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has placed Ukraine on its list of nations where a visit carries a “very high” risk of COVID-19. The country has been moved up to “Level 3” when it comes to the spread of the virus.

Previously this month, the CDC cautioned Americans about traveling to Singapore. It’s a very different situation from August, when the agency warned about travel to 16 countries where the risk from the virus was high.

To reach the “very high” risk category, a country must report more than 500 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days.

Pandemic has affected decision-making, survey finds

Among the many repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new study suggests that it has made it harder for many people to make basic decisions. The survey from the American Psychological Association says the effects are most pronounced among young adults.

The survey found that nearly one-third of Americans agreed that sometimes they are so stressed about the coronavirus pandemic that they struggle to make even basic decisions, such as what to wear or what to eat. Forty-eight percent of millennials were likely to struggle with basic decisions, much higher than the rest of the population.

“The pandemic has imposed a regimen of constant risk assessment upon many,” said Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the organization. “Each day brings an onslaught of choices with an ever-changing context as routines are upended and once trivial daily tasks are recast in the light of pandemic life.”

Around the nation

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy’s Republican opponent in the race for governor is elevating the pandemic and the state’s response to it as a prime campaign issue. A recent poll shows that 25% of New Jersey residents think Murphy has done a “bad” job of handling the pandemic

• California: The Los Angeles Times reports that Gov. Gavin Newsom’s directive that state workers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing is not being followed by a number of agencies. It reports that a number of agencies have low vaccination rates. Nearly 6,700 forest service employees are either not vaccinated or have declined to provide their status. Cal Fire said it is testing just 75 employees.

• Alabama: Gov. Kay Ivey has signed an executive order to fight what she calls “the overreaching covid-19 vaccine mandates from the federal government.” Alabamians – and Americans alike – should and must have the choice to roll up their sleeves to get this shot and certainly not be forced by the government, she said. 

• Connecticut: Connecticut’s metrics are improving except for one area; hospitalizations have remained around 200 for the last few weeks.“Generally the peak of people hospitalized will lag the peak of the prevalence of the community, once we see it go down a bit in the community, it takes a few weeks for the hospitalization rate to go down,” said Dr. Rick Martinello, medical director of infection prevention at Yale New Haven Health.

• Utah: New cases of the virus rose by 8.8% in Utah in the week ending Sunday, as the state added 9,748 cases. That’s significantly higher than the 8,957 new cases of the virus that were reported the previous week, USA Today reports. Utah is among the states where the coronavirus is spreading the fastest.

Many studies have looked at the health benefits linked with receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, a new study conducted by researchers from the American Institute of Physics explored how different vaccine strategies can help slow the spread of infection. 

They explained that the primary method used in the U.S. for COVID-19 is known as a prime boost campaign, which prioritizes getting people to receive both doses of the vaccine. Their work looked at the prime first method, which prioritizes quickly vaccinating more people with one dose of a vaccine before going back to give everyone a second shot. 

Vaccine quantities have been the biggest factor when considering the prime first method, but the researchers say it may also be more effective at limiting infection rates when looking at vaccine effectiveness. 

“We have this giant degree of uncertainty about the parameters of COVID-19,” said researcher Jan Nagler. “We acknowledge that we don’t know these precise values, so we sample over the entire parameter space. We give a nice idea of when prime first campaigns are better with respect to saving lives than prime boost vaccination.” 

Analyzing different vaccination methods

To put the two vaccine methods to the test, the researchers created a simulation of the spread of COVID-19. They looked at how the virus is transmitted among those who are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and unvaccinated. 

Ultimately, the team learned that each vaccination method -- prime first and prime boost -- can play a role in certain communities. When thinking about policies designed to keep consumers safe and healthy, the researchers recommend that public health leaders look at the vaccine waning rate, or the decrease in vaccine effectiveness, if vaccine supply isn’t a factor. 

In most instances, prime boost vaccination works to better slow the spread of a virus because fully protecting people with two doses of a vaccine can help protect them more effectively. However, the prime first method can also be an effective route depending on the effectiveness of the vaccine. 

The researchers explained that if vaccine effectiveness is declining at the same rate following one dose and both doses, then the prime first method may be more effective at slowing the spread of infection. This is because twice as many people would have some layer of protection against the virus. 

“Our results suggest that better estimates of immunity waning rates are important to decide if prime first protocols are more effective than prime boost vaccination,” said researcher Lucas Böttcher. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,445,118 (45,317,284)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 735,943 (733,426)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 243,805,577 (243,124,120)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,951,264 (4,939,467)‌

Vaccines for young children could come next month

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing data on COVID-19 vaccines administered to young children. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), predicts that approval for five- to 11-year-olds could come as soon as next month.

“If all goes well, and we get the regulatory approval, and the recommendation from the CDC, it’s entirely possible, if not very likely, that vaccines will be available for children from five to 11 within the first week or two of November,” Fauci said on ABC’s “This Week.”

Fauci said we shouldn’t “get ahead of” the FDA, but from the data he’s seen, the smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine appears to be safe and effective for young children. FDA researchers shared a study Friday showing that the vaccine had proven to be highly effective at protecting kids from COVID-19.

Officials concerned about fake vaccines

Health experts say medical practitioners are now more knowledgeable about COVID-19, but mitigation efforts are now being threatened by counterfeit vaccines and medicines. Officials say these knock-off products can undermine efforts to control the pandemic. 

According to a report published in STAT, these products can’t prevent or treat the virus. So, in essence, they are contributing to its spread. They say these products also erode confidence in valid vaccines and therapeutics.

These products are less common in the U.S., but the World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced concern that they are becoming more pervasive in poorer countries where legitimate products are in short supply.

Texas universities caught in the middle

Several universities in the state are reportedly on the fence about the Biden administration's directive that institutions receiving federal contracts impose vaccination mandates. The state has issued an order banning mandates, and universities have until Dec. 8 to decide.

Several colleges told the Texas Tribune that they are still analyzing Biden’s executive order, which applies to new federal contracts of $250,000 or greater that were awarded as of Nov. 14 or existing contracts that have been renewed as of Oct. 15.

“This is unprecedented,” said Michael LeRoy, a labor law expert at the University of Illinois College of Law. “There have been conflicts between the state and federal government, but not at this magnitude with this kind of money on the line.”

Around the nation

• Michigan: State officials have announced that Michigan will not require employers in the state to follow COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements that are stricter than policies being implemented by the Biden administration. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer revealed her plans in response to questions from the business community.

• New York: There are only a few days to go before New York City’s vaccination mandate goes into effect. Several hundred municipal workers, including firefighters, staged a protest on Staten Island. Union officials at the protest said any disruption in city services will be the city government’s fault.

• Nevada: We’re well into the second year of the pandemic, and some businesses are continuing to struggle. Small businesses in 16 of Nevada’s 17 counties have been awarded federal COVID-19 grants of up to $25,000 in forgivable loans. The debt is wiped clean after participants complete a nine-month online business training and mentoring program.

• Tennessee: State legislators are headed back to Nashville this week for a special session that lawmakers say will largely focus on vaccine mandates. Two bills have been submitted so far. One would make employers liable for COVID-19 vaccine side effects. 

• Florida: Health officials say the state appears to have turned the corner in its battle with the surge of Delta variant cases. While Florida is still recording an average of just under 2,700 new cases a day, data from Johns Hopkins University shows that the figure represents less than one-tenth of the state's summer high.

A new study conducted by researchers from Umea University explored how the different types of COVID-19 vaccines may impact consumers’ health outcomes. Their findings showed that consumers who received one dose each of the AstraZeneca and mRNA vaccines had a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. 

“Having received any of the approved vaccines is better compared to no vaccine, and two doses are better than one,” said researcher Peter Nordström. “However, our study shows a greater risk reduction for people who received an mRNA vaccine after having received the first dose of a vector-based, as compared to people having received the vector-based vaccine for both doses.” 

How do the different vaccines impact consumers’ health?

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 700,000 people enrolled in the Public Health Agency of Sweden, the National Board of Health and Welfare, and Statistics Sweden. 

The team explained that it was recommended that AstraZeneca’s vaccine wasn’t used on consumers under the age of 65; for those who had received the first dose of that shot, experts recommended they get one of the mRNA vaccines for their second dose. The researchers followed the participants over the course of nearly three months to see how well the two vaccines worked to protect consumers from COVID-19. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that participants who received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine and a second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA vaccines had a lower risk of infection than those who were either unvaccinated or received two doses of the AstraZeneca shot. 

Getting one round of AstraZeneca and one round of the Moderna vaccine was linked with a nearly 80% lower risk of developing COVID-19, while one round of the Pfizer vaccine was linked with a nearly 70% lower risk of infection. On the other hand, receiving two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine was associated with a 50% lower risk of contracting COVID-19. 

The researchers explained that these findings held up even after accounting for several of the known risk factors of COVID-19, including participants’ age. 

“The results of the study may have implications for vaccination strategies in different countries,” said researcher Marcel Ballin. “The World Health Organization has stated that despite the promising results from previous studies regarding immune response from mix-and-match vaccination, there is a need for larger studies to investigate their safety and effectiveness against clinical outcomes. Here we now have one such study.” 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,312,103 (45,234,901)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 733,435 (731,541)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 242,698,743 (242,288,846)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,933,356 (4,925,854)‌

CDC signs off on booster shots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed booster shots using vaccines produced by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. The CDC agreed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recommendation to move forward.

The CDC also backed the FDA’s approval of “mixing and matching” vaccines, allowing someone inoculated with one type of vaccine to receive a booster of another type. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky issued her decision based on a unanimous recommendation of a CDC advisory committee.

“These recommendations are another example of our fundamental commitment to protect as many people as possible from COVID-19,” Walensky said.

FDA to consider Pfizer vaccine for younger children

An FDA advisory committee meets next week to decide if the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine should be given to children between the ages of five and 11. Today, the agency released data collected by the drugmakers that shows the vaccine is 90% effective in young children.

The clinical trials studied a dose of 10 micrograms of the vaccine given to children aged five to 11. The smaller dose, about a third of what adults receive, is aimed at reducing side effects while still generating robust antibodies.

The companies reported that the vaccine appeared to be more than 90% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 while producing minimal side effects in the primary clinical trial. The antibody response to the vaccine was comparable to the one seen in people 16 to 25 years old.

Experts worried about the pandemic’s mental health impact

The world can be a scary enough place for young people without a global pandemic. Health researchers, alarmed at rising mental health issues among teens and young adults, believe COVID-19 may be partly to blame.

The CDC recently reported that visits to emergency rooms for suicides and suicide attempts among girls aged 12 through 17 increased more than 50% in early 2021 compared to 2019.

In a statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. The group said the pandemic “has struck at the safety and stability of families.” 

Around the nation

• Washington: Some state legislators say they are being blocked from entering certain parts of the state capital building after lawmakers passed a law requiring everyone to provide proof of vaccination. As many as 26 legislators have not yet complied, and officials say their key cards have been deactivated.

• Massachusetts: State health officials report that the number of “breakthrough” cases, in which fully vaccinated people test positive for the virus, is declining. In the last week, health officials counted 3,431 new breakthrough cases, down significantly from the previous week's 4,034 cases.

• Arizona: Health officials say they are already planning to vaccinate the state’s children between the ages of five and 11 in preparation for expected approval from the FDA and CDC. Jessica Rigler, an assistant director with the Arizona Department of Health Services, says the state will initially have a third of the doses needed to vaccinate Arizona’s 600,000 eligible children.

• Kentucky: Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Kentucky Medical Association have launched a campaign called “Take it from me,” in which former vaccine skeptics who survived the illness urge people to get vaccinated. Marshall County resident Ethan Koeler, who was hospitalized for two weeks, said he would have gotten the shot if he had known how horrible the virus is.

• North Carolina: The town of Garner will celebrate Christmas this year with a Christmas parade on Dec. 18. The parade was canceled the previous two years -- last year because of COVID-19 and in 2019 because of “threats of violence.”

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,234,901 (45,157,284)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 731,541 (728,826)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 242,288,846 (241,824,120)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,925,854 (4,917,467)‌

Scientists concerned about a variant of a variant

Health experts blame the Delta variant, a mutation of the original coronavirus, for the latest wave of COVID-19 cases. Scientists are now voicing concerns about a mutation of that mutation that they worry could spread even more easily.

The new variant, formally known as AY.4.2, is also being called “Delta Plus.” It has been identified by scientists in the U.K.

British health officials are watching the new variant closely but say that it is too early to tell whether it poses a greater risk to public health than the original Delta variant. So far, Delta Plus accounts for about 6% of infections in the U.K.

FDA clears Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters

As expected, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for COVID-19 booster shots. It previously gave the green light to Pfizer booster shots.

The agency said the Moderna booster should be administered at least six months after the second shot of the initial dose. The Johnson & Johnson booster should be given at least two months after the first shot.

The FDA also gave its approval for so-called “mix-and-match” boosters, saying someone vaccinated with one type of vaccine can receive a booster shot of another type. 

Indiana recruits disgruntled Chicago cops

Chicago requires its police officers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular testing. The state police force in neighboring Indiana has no such requirement and is making a bold move to recruit Chicago police officers who are unhappy with the policy.

“Hey Chicago Police Officers, we’re hiring!  No vaccine mandate,” Sgt. Glenn Fifield, an Indiana State police spokesman, posted on Twitter. “Apply today at http://statetrooper.com Lower taxes, great schools, welcoming communities.”

Chicago police officers who don’t comply with the COVID-19 rules can face disciplinary action. At least 21 Chicago police officers have reportedly been suspended or punished in other ways.

Around the nation

• Louisiana: Gov. John Bel Edwards says the coronavirus is in full retreat across the state, with fewer than 400 people with the virus being hospitalized this week. “Our positivity rates for tests currently in Louisiana is a little less than 3%, it had gotten over 16% at the peak. We had over 3,000 people in the hospital at one time,” Edwards said.

• New Jersey: Virtua Health, which operates five hospitals in South New Jersey, has reported that another 100 employees have quit rather than comply with the network’s vaccine mandate. RWJBarnabas Health announced this week that it had fired 118 unvaccinated employees.

• Maine: State health officials say unvaccinated patients and visitors are driving outbreaks of COVID-19 at hospitals within the state. A health department report shows there have been 13 outbreaks at Maine’s hospitals since March 1, resulting in 45 patients and 142 staff members testing positive.

• Wyoming: Sublette County is experiencing its worst COVID-19 outbreak of the pandemic. The rural county has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state and has no hospital to treat people who get sick. "We literally don't know where to send those patients that just need hospital treatment because the hospitals are full of COVID patients," said Jason Ray, a physician’s assistant at a local health clinic.

• Oregon: A federal judge has denied a motion filed by seven state employees who sought an exception to the state’s vaccination mandate. The employees said they didn’t need a vaccination because they had already had COVID-19 and recovered. The judge ruled that there is no constitutional right to refuse to be vaccinated.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has decided to expand the use of booster doses for all approved COVID-19 vaccines, declaring emergency use authorizations (EUA) for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson single booster doses in “eligible populations.” The agency had previously approved boosters for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine boosters.

In addition to the booster approval, the FDA says people can also choose to mix and match the vaccine boosters. For example, if someone originally got the two-round Moderna vaccination, they can still opt to get the Johnson & Johnson booster.

Dr. Peter Marks, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said the decision to amend the EUAs and add in the mix and match option was thoroughly vetted and will be tracked vigorously. 

“We will work to accrue additional data as quickly as possible to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations and plan to update the healthcare community and public with our determination in the coming weeks,” Marks said in a statement.

How the authorization works

Here is how the new authorizations will be handled for each of the three COVID-19 vaccine makers:

Moderna: A single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals:

• 65 years of age and older

• 18 to 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19

• 18 to 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2

The FDA has more information about the Moderna vaccine here.

Johnson & Johnson: The timeline for the Johnson & Johnson booster shot is a little shorter than Moderna’s booster. Effective immediately, the company said a single booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at least two months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older.

The FDA has set up a web page of FAQs about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine here.

Pfizer-BioNTech: A single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals 18 through 64 years of age with what the FDA calls “frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.” In other words, that means people whose jobs may put them in contact with lots of people. 

For more information about the Pfizer vaccine, the FDA is directing people here.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,157,284 (45,059,288)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 728,826 (726,439)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 241,824,120 (241,305,371)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,917,467 (4,909,653)‌

White House makes plans for vaccinating young children

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet cleared the COVID-19 vaccines for children between the ages of five and 11, but the White House wants to be ready when and if the green light flashes. Administration officials say they plan to use schools, as well as pharmacies and doctor’s offices, as vaccination venues.

The FDA is already reviewing data submitted by Pfizer and BioNTech to determine if their vaccine is safe and effective for use by young children. The government has also procured enough small doses to begin inoculating children.

“Kids have different needs than adults and our operational planning is geared to meet those specific needs, including by offering vaccinations in settings that parents and kids are familiar with and trust,” said White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients.

FDA may consider making booster shots available for younger adults

The FDA is in the process of approving booster shots of all three COVID-19 vaccines for older Americans, but sources say the agency may be ready to lower the age for eligibility. 

CNN quotes a source within the FDA as saying the agency is considering making the booster shot available to people as young as 40. Health officials are concerned about the growing number of younger Americans who require hospital treatment for the virus.

If the FDA decides younger people should receive the booster shot, the proposal would then go to a committee of experts advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with the agency’s director making the final decision.

Sex of baby can determine how pregnant women respond to infection

When pregnant women get COVID-19, they react in different ways. Now, two new studies suggest that the sex of the baby the woman is carrying can play a role in how she fares against the virus.

The studies appearing in Science Translational Medicine found that pregnant women generally produce a lot of antibodies when they are infected with the virus. But the sex of the child appears to determine just how many antibodies.

The researchers conclude that women who are pregnant with a female child have a more robust antibody response than those carrying a male child. The researchers think their findings could shed light on why men generally have more severe cases of the virus than women.

Around the nation

• California: City employees in Los Angeles may get additional time to show that they have been vaccinated. City officials have offered a plan to postpone the city’s vaccination mandate deadline until next month, as long as unvaccinated employees get tested twice a week.

• Virginia: Public health officials in Richmond say they are working now to secure vaccine supplies for young children, even though vaccinations haven’t been approved for five- to 11-year-olds. The officials say they are concerned that the smaller doses intended for children may go quickly and be hard to obtain.

• Missouri: Missouri, once an epicenter of COVID-19 cases, continues to see dramatic declines in positive test results. The state’s seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 cases has dropped below 800 for the first time in over three months, health officials report.

• New York: The NBA’s Brooklyn Nets have started the season without star Kyrie Irving, who has refused to be vaccinated. The NBA doesn’t have a vaccination mandate for players, but New York does, meaning Irving can’t play when the Nets are at home. The team has also benched the star for away games.

• Michigan: A cat from Ingham County is the first pet in Michigan to have a confirmed case of COVID-19, apparently catching the virus from its owner. “Given the other reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 being found in pets throughout the world, this detection is not unexpected,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland. 

That Southwest Airlines initiative to put unvaccinated workers on unpaid leave come December? Consider that plan scrapped -- for now.

CNBC reports that the airline has shelved its plan to put unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave if they have applied for -- but not yet received -- a medical or religious exemption. The policy was originally intended to begin in December.

In a memo to Southwest workers, executives Steve Goldberg and Julie Weber confirmed that employees will be able to continue working if their request for an exemption hasn’t been approved by Dec. 8. As part of the revised stance, these workers will still need to follow mask and distancing guidelines until their request has been reviewed. The company is still giving employees until Nov. 24 to complete their vaccinations or apply for an exemption. 

“This is a change from what was previously communicated. Initially, we communicated that these Employees would be put on unpaid leave and that is no longer the case,” Goldberg and Weber told employees.

Will other airlines follow suit?

Southwest’s move is an about-face from last week when President Biden issued an executive order that requires businesses with more than 100 employees to impose vaccination mandates for everyone who doesn’t have a medical or religious reason. That order became a problem for Southwest and American because they are both headquartered in Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously issued an order forbidding businesses from requiring proof of vaccination.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker reportedly met with labor union leaders last Thursday to review vaccine exemptions. CNBC reports that the airline’s management has “indicated that, unlike the approach taken by United, they were exploring accommodations that would allow employees to continue to work. … They failed to offer any specifics as to what such accommodations might look like at that time.”

As of now, United Airlines’ vaccination mandate has not been modified. However, that could change. On Friday, a Federal District Court judge issued a temporary restraining order against United on behalf of a group of its employees. TheStreet reports that the restraining order prevents the airline from not approving any requests based on religious or medical accommodations due to timeliness. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 45,059,288 (44,937,514)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 726,439 (722,744)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 241,305,371 (240,805,141)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,909,653 (4,901,012)‌

FDA may allow ‘mix-and-match’ booster shots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will reportedly approve a policy allowing someone vaccinated with one brand of vaccine to receive a booster of another. The Wall Street Journal cites sources who say the approval could come this week.

Some studies have suggested that mixing the vaccines is not only safe but highly effective, producing more antibodies than if the same vaccine is used for a booster. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for boosters.

Late last week, an FDA advisory committee recommended both the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines be used for booster shots. The FDA is expected to formally adopt the recommendations this week.

Southwest Airlines shifts position on vaccine mandate

In an abrupt about-face, Southwest Airlines will not put unvaccinated staff on unpaid leave if they have applied for, but not yet received, a medical or religious exemption. The federal deadline for implementing the vaccine mandate begins next month.

As a U.S. government contractor, Southwest is subject to the vaccination mandate issued by the Biden administration, which is stricter than requirements for most private businesses. Federal contractors can’t give unvaccinated staff the option of regular COVID-19 testing.

It’s not known how many Southwest employees have refused to be vaccinated. The union representing Southwest pilots has tried, unsuccessfully, to block the vaccination mandate or to find alternatives such as frequent tests.

Seniors in no rush to get a booster

People aged 65 and older were quick to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they were eligible. Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that they haven’t been nearly as eager to get a booster shot.

The CDC reports that only about 15% of seniors have received a booster, even though people 65 and older make up about half of the people who have received a booster so far.

The low numbers among seniors may be explained by the fact that only the Pfizer vaccine has been cleared by the FDA for booster shots. The FDA has recommended booster shots for people who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, including those 65 and older, those at high risk of severe disease, and those engaged in high-risk occupations.

Washington State fires unvaccinated football coach

Washington State University has fired head football coach Nick Rolovich because he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The firing coincided with the state’s vaccination mandate deadline for state employees.

“This is a disheartening day for our football program,” said Washington State University Athletic Director Pat Chun. “Our priority has been and will continue to be the health and well-being of the young men on our team.”

Rolovich earned an annual salary of more than $3 million, making him the highest-paid state employee in Washington. Four unvaccinated assistant coaches were also fired.

Around the nation

• New York: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has revealed plans to offer New Yorkers booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines, in preparation for approval from the FDA. An FDA advisory committee recommended approval of both vaccines last week, but the government’s health agencies have not yet granted formal approval.

• Nevada: Gov. Steve Sisolak says the state has approved a $30 million contract for a monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 that increases a patient’s antibody response. The drug is intended for COVID-19 patients who have a high risk of getting seriously ill.

• Texas: A bill that would bar any entity in Texas from imposing a vaccination mandate appears to lack the votes to pass the Texas State Senate. Gov. Greg Abbott supports the bill, but opponents call it “anti-business,” suggesting it would trigger a number of discrimination lawsuits.

• Alaska: Hospitals in Alaska continue to be filled with COVID-19 patients, as the state has seen no letup in new cases of the virus. Doctors say they are now being forced to ration care, limiting resources to patients who have the best chance of survival. “It’s terrible that I’m living through this because I’ve never seen more people die in my career,” Dr. Jeremy Gitomer of Anchorage told CNBC.

• Illinois: Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is not ready to lift the state’s indoor mask mandate. Though the state's test positivity rate is down to 2.5%, Pritzker said he is concerned that rising COVID-19 cases in adjoining states could put Illinois residents at risk.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,937,514 (44,804,149)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 724,417 (723,214)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 240,805,141 (240,341,245)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,901,012 (4,899,313)‌

Colin Powell dies of COVID-19

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has died from complications related to COVID-19. His family reported Powell’s death on Facebook today.

"We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a great American," his family members wrote. The Facebook post also noted that the 84-year old Powell was fully vaccinated.

Powell was a career military officer who rose to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He served in Republican administrations as national security adviser and secretary of state.

CDC releases guidance for holiday celebrations

Despite there being a decline in COVID-19 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Americans should exercise caution during the upcoming holiday season. In its holiday guidance, the agency said the great outdoors is the preferred place for large groups to gather.

At the top of the list, the CDC recommends vaccinations for all participants in holiday celebrations. The agency says that’s particularly important when unvaccinated children are present.

"I think we're making some important progress in terms of increasing vaccinations, but the fact of the matter is there are still dangerous gaps in immunity throughout the country, and as long as that's the case, there are still pathways for the virus to spread," Jennifer Nuzzo, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told CNN.

Resistance to vaccination mandates grows

Businesses ordered by the Biden administration to impose vaccination mandates on their employees are facing strong pushback from unvaccinated workers. Hospitals, which are already operating with depleted staff, have scrambled to replace health care workers who quit rather than be vaccinated.

The resistance also appears to be growing in law enforcement. The New York Times reports that the head of the Fraternal Order of Police in Chicago has urged police officers there to ignore the mayor’s order that city employees report their vaccination status.

The issue may be felt most deeply in Seattle, which already has numerous vacancies on the police force. A police union official says the city’s vaccination mandate is likely to cause more officers to quit.

Around the nation

• California: The state’s vaccination rate is among the highest in the nation except when it comes to state employees. The California Human Resources Department reports that nearly 40% of state workers are defying Gov. Gavin Newsom’s vaccination mandate.

• Arkansas: Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s latest COVID-19 report shows that the state is making progress, with 1,027 fewer active cases over the last week. “The sooner we get vaccine doses into the arms of Arkansans, the sooner we can see a further decline of hospitalizations and deaths from covid-19," Hutchinson wrote in a weekend tweet.

• Colorado: San Juan County has among the highest vaccination rates in the country. Federal health data shows that nearly 100% of the eligible population has been vaccinated. The county recorded its first hospitalizations of the pandemic in August.

• Hawaii: After keeping tourists at arm’s length during much of the summer because of a surge in COVID-19 cases, Hawaii is about to put out the welcome mat again. In the days ahead, Gov. David Ige is expected to make an official announcement encouraging tourists to return to the state.

• Iowa: The government of Iowa City is handing out free COVID-19 test kits, which have been hard to find in recent weeks. The Daily Iowan reports that City Hall gave away more than 150 test kits in the first two days of the program.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,787,489 (44,694,149)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 722,000 (719,760)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 239,833,044 (239,341,545)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,885,464 (4,877,533)‌

FDA panel backs Moderna booster

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee has voted unanimously to recommend booster shots of the Moderna vaccine. The health experts on the panel suggest the third shot for people 65 and older and people between the ages of 18 and 64 years old who are either at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions or workplace exposure.

The committee said people fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine should wait at least six months after the second shot before receiving the booster. The booster is about half the dose of the first two shots.

The committee is meeting again today to discuss the potential need for a Johnson & Johnson booster shot. The company has submitted data it says showed the booster significantly increased the antibody response in people who got it at least six months after being fully vaccinated.

CDC sees more declines in COVID-19 cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a more upbeat outlook on the pandemic, predicting that severe cases in the U.S. will continue to fall.

The government health agency says it expects hospitalizations and deaths to decline over the next four weeks, with the U.S. death toll rising to 740,000 to 762,000 deaths by Nov. 6. The current death toll stands at more than 722,000.

Serious cases have declined sharply in many states that reported a surge last month. At the same time, there has been a sharp increase in hospitalizations in northern states that stretch along the U.S. border with Canada.

In Texas, businesses caught in the middle of a mandate battle

President Biden has issued an executive order, requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to impose a vaccination mandate. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order forbidding businesses from requiring proof of vaccination.

So, what are companies based in Texas to do? Increasingly, they are following the path of the Biden administration.

According to The Hill, both American and Southwest Airlines are defying the governor by requiring their employees to be vaccinated. The report says other Texas-based companies have already imposed vaccine mandates and given no indication that they plan to change their policies.

Around the nation

• California: Indoor masking rules are being relaxed, effective today, in San Francisco and Marin counties as many urban areas of the state are seeing a decline in COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, some state legislators are pushing to require companies to make it public when they suffer an outbreak, saying that should be public information. 

• Missouri: Missouri suffered a surge in COVID-19 cases over the summer as many residents refused to be vaccinated. But since then, more people have rolled up their sleeves. State health officials report that four counties have now achieved a 50% or greater vaccination rate and 21 counties now report a 40% vaccination rate.

• Vermont: Since the beginning of the pandemic, Vermont has imposed some of the most strict mitigation measures. That kept cases relatively low until recently. State health officials report that the seven-day average of new cases hit a record high this week. Even so, Gov. Phil Scott has declined to reimpose indoor mask requirements.

• Maryland: Gov. Larry Hogan credits the state’s high vaccination rate -- 85% -- for Maryland’s declining COVID-19 cases. “The vaccines are without a doubt our single most effective tool to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and the surging Delta variant, and Maryland’s vaccination rate continues to outpace the nation,” he said.

• Michigan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is reopening Michigan’s border to fully vaccinated Canadians next month, following guidance from Washington. Canada opened its border to fully vaccinated Michigan residents in August. Cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada had been closed since early in the pandemic.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,694,149 (44,590,780)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 719,760 (717,158)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 239,341,545 (238,947,617)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,877,533 (4,869,812)‌

FDA panel to vote on boosters

People inoculated with the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are waiting to hear whether they should get a booster shot, and the answer will likely come by the end of the week. A panel of experts advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is expected to vote today on Moderna’s vaccine and Friday on Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine.

Moderna wants the FDA to authorize a booster that is half the dosage of the first two vaccine doses. In an initial statement on the application, the FDA didn’t take a position one way or the other, noting that some research suggests that a Moderna booster may not be necessary.

The FDA has authorized booster shots for people who received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. It’s recommended for people aged 65 and older, people in certain occupations, and people with compromised immune systems.

COVID-19 was the second leading cause of death last month

It’s a grim statistic. In September, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reported that COVID-19 was the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., behind heart disease and ahead of cancer.

The Foundation also reported that there were 90,000 deaths from the coronavirus from June through September among people who had not been vaccinated. 

"Most of these preventable deaths occurred in the last month, well after vaccines became available," the KFF said. "In September 2021 alone, approximately 49,000 deaths likely would have been averted if they had chosen to get vaccinated against COVID-19."

Family seeking flu shots were injected with COVID-19 vaccine instead

Joshua and Alexandria Price say they and their two young children were mistakenly given a COVID-19 vaccine last week when they went to a Walgreens Pharmacy in Evansville, Indiana. The children, ages four and five, received a full adult dose of the vaccine.

"When they called us and told us that they had made a mistake and had given us the wrong shot, I was just in shock," Alexandra Price told CNN. "All I could say to them was, 'What does this mean for my kids?'"

Price said the four-year-old began having flu-like symptoms before they got home. Medical experts say both kids should be fine, but they note that they should be monitored. Walgreens declined to comment, citing privacy concerns.

Around the nation

• New Jersey: New Jersey has joined the ranks of the most-vaccinated states. This week, state health officials reported that 75% of eligible residents have been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Only six other states have reached that threshold.

• Montana: The state may have a small population, but an increasing number of residents are getting COVID-19. As a result, health officials say hospitals are being overwhelmed with sick patients. The intensive care unit (ICU) at Billings Clinic is operating at 175% of capacity.

• Texas: A grand jury has indicted an Aubrey man on charges of threatening harm to a doctor because of her outspoken advocacy of COVID-19 vaccinations. The 51-year old man was arrested after the grand jury said he "knowingly and willingly transmitted in interstate commerce a threat to injure the person of another." The doctor who received the threat was not named.

• Arkansas: Gov. Asa Hutchinson, a Republican, continues to walk a political tightrope in a state where the GOP base is increasingly anti-vaccine. This week, he allowed two bills that let employees opt out of vaccine mandates to become laws without his signature, calling them “unnecessary” and “harmful to vaccination efforts.”

• Tennessee: The Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners has adopted a policy allowing for disciplinary action against doctors who spread misinformation about COVID-19. Penalties include suspension and, in extreme cases, the revocation of medical licenses.

A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State explored just how long consumers may be dealing with COVID-19-related symptoms. 

According to their findings, “long COVID,” or experiencing symptoms related to the virus long-term, affects more than half of all patients. They explained that it’s not uncommon for COVID-19 survivors to experience physical and psychological symptoms for up to six months after recovery. 

“These findings confirm what many health care workers and COVID-19 survivors have been claiming, namely, that adverse health effects from COVID-19 can linger,” said researcher Vernon Chinchilli. “Although previous studies have examined the prevalence of long COVID symptoms among patients, this study examined a larger population, including people in high-, middle-, and low-income countries, and examined many more symptoms. Therefore, we believe our findings are quite robust given the available data.” 

How common is long COVID?

For the study, the researchers analyzed nearly 60 earlier reports that included information on over 250,000 people who were infected with COVID-19 between December 2019, and March 2021. They tracked the participants’ health outcomes at three junctures: one month after infection, two to five months post-infection, and six or more months after infection. 

Ultimately, experiencing coronavirus-related symptoms for more than six months after infection was common in half of all the participants involved in the study. The researchers identified several serious side effects as a result of a COVID-19 infection, including lung abnormalities, digestive issues, neurological concerns, skin conditions, mobility issues, cardiovascular issues, and disruption to general well-being. 

COVID-19 attacks the immune system

While it remains unclear why these symptoms persist for so long after infection, the researchers explored several potential links. For starters, they explained that the virus may lead to a serious attack on the immune system. They also noted that the virus can stay alive in the nervous system, which may be the cause of many of the neurological symptoms. Additionally, when COVID-19 antibodies produce autoantibodies, these cells can attack the body’s tissues rather than the virus. 

“Our study was not designed to confirm COVID-19 as the sole cause of these symptoms,” said researcher Dr. Paddy Ssentongo. “It is plausible that symptoms reported by patients in some of the studies examined were due to some other causes.” 

The researchers hope these findings highlight the long-term impact that COVID-19 has on those who become infected. In order to keep consumers safe and healthy long-term, they say the goal for public health officials should be prioritizing infection prevention. 

“The burden of poor health in COVID-19 survivors is overwhelming,” Dr. Ssentongo said. “Among these are the mental health disorders. One’s battle with COVID doesn’t end with recovery from the acute infection. Vaccination is our best ally to prevent getting sick from COVID-19 and to reduce the chance of long-COVID even in the presence of a breakthrough infection.” 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, experts were speculating that telehealth services would become the new way consumers received medical care. Since the start of the pandemic, that prediction has largely come true at a much faster pace than many people expected. 

Now, researchers from the American Psychiatric Association have found that telehealth services specifically geared towards addiction treatment have also increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Telehealth may allow patients to more easily begin and stay in addiction treatment, which has been a longstanding challenge,” said researcher Tami L. Mark, Ph.D. “However, research is needed to confirm this benefit. As providers pivot to telehealth models -- offering both telehealth and in-person treatment -- they need information to help target telehealth to the most appropriate services and patients.” 

Maintaining addiction treatment virtually

There were two components to the study. The first part analyzed data from eight studies that compared the efficacy of in-person and virtual addiction treatments. The second part of the study involved evaluating survey responses from addiction specialists about telehealth treatments, including the benefits of conducting treatment virtually and what the experience is like for patients. 

In the data analysis, the researchers learned that conducting addiction treatment virtually was effective. However, in-person treatments ultimately led to more long-term success. When looking at important factors, like patient satisfaction, substance use, and treatment retention, virtual treatments weren’t as successful as in-person offerings. 

The survey responses from addiction specialists produced similar results. The participants agreed that telehealth services were better utilized in one-on-one counseling as opposed to group settings. However, the group was split in terms of overall efficacy of virtual addiction treatments. 

The specialists explained that while there are benefits to conducting treatment virtually, the platform makes it difficult to connect with patients in the same way that they would in person. They said being face-to-face allows specialists to better connect with their patients and keep them on track with treatment. 

While telehealth services have allowed more patients to stay active in their treatment during the pandemic, more work needs to be done to better understand the impact of these virtual services. 

“This research underscores the importance of offering telehealth for addiction treatment and the dramatic need to conduct more empirical work to test out the concerns regarding telehealth articulated by agency staff and on surveys,” said researcher Dr. Lisa Dixon. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,590,780 (44,505,919)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 717,158 (714,808)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 238,947,617 (238,540,011)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,869,812 (4,862,317)‌

FDA is withdrawing hand sanitizer guidelines

Hand sanitizer was hard to find early in the pandemic, causing some alcohol distillers to shift into hand sanitizer production under guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With demand for these products now much lower, the FDA is withdrawing that authority effective Dec. 31.

The guidance was issued in March 2020, to manufacturers that were not drug companies. The FDA said it was a temporary measure to meet a public health emergency.

At the end of December, companies producing hand sanitizer under that guidance must stop making the products. Hand sanitizers manufactured before or on December 31, 2021, and produced under the temporary guidelines, must no longer be sold to wholesalers or retailers by March 31, 2022.

Judge: United can’t place unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave

A federal judge in Texas has placed limits on United Airlines’ enforcement of its vaccination mandate. The judge ruled the airline may not place unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave.

The judge also placed a temporary restraining order on the airline, barring it from rejecting late requests for religious or medical exemptions.

United was the first U.S. airline to impose a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Six employees filed suit in federal court, arguing unpaid leave is not a reasonable accommodation.

Poll suggests Americans are not that divided on COVID-19

Despite headlines about emotional encounters at school board and town hall meetings, a new poll shows that Americans are not all that divided over COVID-19 and the response to the pandemic.

It’s true that conflict exists as the pandemic and the various remedies to combat it have become politicized, but a Yahoo News/YouGov poll found that just 15% of Americans say they will not get vaccinated, down from 19% in August. 

Just 17% said they “never” wore a mask during the previous week. And just 16% said they believed that face coverings are “not effective at all” in preventing the spread of the virus.

Around the nation

• New York: A federal judge has ruled that New York must accept religious exemptions to its vaccination mandate for hospital employees. The ruling temporarily blocks the state and employers from enforcing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate against medical workers who have a legitimate religious exemption.

• Massachusetts: Members of the National Guard have been enlisted to help schools across the state conduct COVID-19 tests. Gov. Charlie Baker has directed about 200 members of the guard to help schools and another 250 personnel to help correctional facilities deal with staff shortages.

• Florida: The state health department has fined Leon County $3.5 million, saying it violated the state’s ban on vaccination passports. Leon County reportedly fired 14 employees who did not provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by the stated deadline.

• Ohio: A new state law took effect today limiting how schools can issue vaccination requirements. The new law prohibits public schools and colleges from requiring students and employees to get any COVID-19 vaccine that has not received full FDA approval. 

• Oregon: Alex Castro of Portland just may have set the world’s record for the length of time battling COVID-19. Diagnosed just before the first vaccine was available, Castro spent 299 days at Providence Portland Medical Center, at times fighting for his life, before being released this week.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,505,919 (44,350,886)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 714,808 (713,453)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 238,540,011 (238,065,643)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,862,317 (4,854,953)‌

FDA prepares to consider additional booster shots

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee will meet Thursday to consider whether booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are needed. Today, the FDA released briefing documents in which the two drug companies make a case for their respective boosters.

Moderna said its clinical trial showed that a third shot of its vaccine, using about half the dose as the first shot, had minimal side effects and increased recipients’ immune response. It said the booster is needed because of the rapid spread of the Delta variant, but the FDA has declined to consider it at the present time, saying it may be unnecessary.

Johnson & Johnson said its analysis shows a favorable risk-benefit balance when people 18 and older got its booster. It said high-risk individuals could benefit when getting the second shot just two months after the first.

Research suggests vaccines help reduce ‘long Covid’

Since the start of the pandemic, some people who got the coronavirus and recovered continued to suffer symptoms for months afterward. When the vaccines became available, many “long Covid” sufferers told their doctors they felt better after getting the shot.

Researchers now say that receiving a vaccination appears to help alleviate existing symptoms, at least in some patients. Researchers also say that getting a vaccination may reduce the risk of having long-lasting symptoms in the first place. 

A study published in the British medical journal The Lancet last month determined that fully vaccinated people who later got infected were about 50% less likely to develop long-term symptoms than unvaccinated people with COVID-19. 

Back to the office

Employees are returning to the workplace, but it’s happening at a slower-than-expected pace. There was no rush back to the office after Labor Day. Instead, the Wall Street Journal reports that office buildings are only beginning to slowly fill up again.

The Journal cites statistics showing that an average of 31% of the workforce was back at work in the 10 major cities monitored by Kastle Systems. The average rose to only 35% a month later.

Amazon said this week that it will let individual managers decide whether their team needs to be in the office. However, other companies like Lion’s Gate Entertainment have said they want people to be in the office at least some of the time by early November. “There are things we can accomplish together in the office that we can’t do remotely,” Lion’s Gate CEO Jon Feltheimer wrote in a memo to employees.

Around the nation

• Pennsylvania: Health officials in Pennsylvania are expressing concern about the number of “breakthrough” cases among people who are fully vaccinated. The state has seen an increase in infections over the last two weeks, and officials say about 9% are among people who have been vaccinated.

• Idaho: Hospitals across the state are full of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, causing many providers to transfer patients to hospitals in other states. Officials say that is resulting in huge bills for patients and their families, especially if the patient has to be moved by air.

• Oklahoma: Despite the strong advice of health care providers for pregnant women to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, state health officials say vaccination rates are low among that demographic. At last count, officials say only about 30% of pregnant women in Oklahoma were vaccinated against COVID-19. 

• Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order prohibiting employers in the state from imposing a vaccine mandate for employees. That puts businesses in an awkward situation since President Biden has ordered businesses with 100 or more employees to require COVID-19 vaccinations.

• Michigan: To alleviate a critical staffing shortage, one Michigan hospital system is opening its wallet. Beaumont Health is paying a $10,000 signing bonus for new nurses. However, new nurses will have to be vaccinated; the hospital is offering the incentive to make up for the anticipated number of nurses who will not comply with the vaccination mandate.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,350,886 (44,318,179)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 713,453 (712,975)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 238,065,643 (237,673,012)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,854,953 (4,849,471)‌

Merck seeks approval for COVID-19 pill

A pill that treats the symptoms of COVID-19 may be one step closer to becoming available. Merck and its partner Ridgeback have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) for molnupiravir, a pill that may be able to treat mild-to-moderate coronavirus symptoms.

The request is based on positive results from a planned interim analysis from the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT clinical trial, which evaluated molnupiravir in non-hospitalized adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 who were at risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. 

Interim data showed that the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50%. It showed that only 7.3% of patients who received molnupiravir were either hospitalized or died through Day 29 following randomization, compared with 14.1% of placebo-treated patients.

AstraZeneca reports positive results for drug treatment

There’s more good news for health officials working to contain the pandemic. Vaccinations may have stalled, but another pharmaceutical company is reporting positive results of a drug to treat people after they get COVID-19.

AstraZeneca says its experimental drug called AZD7442 reduced the risk of developing severe COVID-19 or death by 67% in a clinical trial. Hugh Montgomery, Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at University College London and the study’s principal investigator, said the drug appears to be another weapon against the pandemic. 

“With continued cases of serious COVID-19 infections across the globe, there is a significant need for new therapies like AZD7442 that can be used to protect vulnerable populations from getting COVID-19 and can also help prevent progression to severe disease,” he said.

Hundreds of thousands of servicemembers not vaccinated

Despite a Biden administration order that all U.S. service members be vaccinated against the coronavirus, hundreds of thousands reportedly have not yet complied with the order. The Washington Post reports that 90% of U.S. Navy personnel have been vaccinated, but only 72% of U.S. Marines have.

Defense Department employees, which include both civilian and military personnel, have until Oct. 28 to be vaccinated or face punishment. Meanwhile, the military is suffering more than its share of severe COVID-19 infections and deaths.

Defense Department Spokesman Maj. Charlie Dietz said more military personnel died of coronavirus infections during the month of September than in all of 2020. According to Deitz, none of the deaths occurred among personnel who were fully vaccinated.

Around the nation

• Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont says 12 state government employees have been fired after refusing to either be vaccinated or to submit to regular COVID-19 tests. "We reached out to them more than once and you get vaccinated or you get tested, and if you say no, you can't work here. It's unsafe," Lamont said.

• Texas: Allen West, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor, has been hospitalized after contracting COVID-19. The Tea Party favorite in the race against incumbent Republican Greg Abbott told the Associated Press that he is “doing great.”

• Virginia: COVID-19 has become a major issue in the bellwether Virginia governor’s race. Democrat Terry McAuliffe has criticized his Republican opponent Glenn Youngkin for not supporting vaccination mandates. Youngkin said he believes people should get vaccinated, but he also said he doesn’t think it should be forced.

• California: Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation requiring health insurers to cover the cost of coronavirus tests, protecting consumers from out-of-pocket fees. State officials say there is evidence that California residents are still being presented with surprise fees when they get tested.

• Wisconsin: The state is in the process of opening additional COVID-19 testing sites across the state. The move comes as consumers and businesses stockpile over-the-counter test kits sold in drug stores. Since September, Walgreens has been limiting customers to four tests per purchase.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,175,158 (44,096,019)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 710,530 (708,434)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 236,940,594 (236,742,215)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,837,772 (4,832,862)‌

COVID-19 cases are in decline

The number of new COVID-19 infections is falling nationwide, with the biggest decreases occurring in states that were ravaged by the virus over the summer. An analysis of Johns Hopkins University data published by Becker's Hospital Review shows that new daily infections fell this week by 6.22%.

There has been a marked improvement in southern states, where the virus surged in July and August. Daily case rates are down 50% in both Florida and Mississippi. When it comes to hospitalizations, Louisiana has shown the most improvement. COVID-19 hospitalization rates in the state are down 43% in two weeks.

While much of the nation has improved, virus hotspots have emerged in the northern tier of states, including Montana, Idaho, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Midwest has the highest average case number per capita, reporting 38 cases per 100,000 people as of Oct. 6.

More people are getting boosters than are getting vaccinated

Some Americans may be reluctant to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but people who are already vaccinated can’t wait to get a booster. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 2.6 million Americans got the Pfizer booster shot this week, more than those getting a first or second shot.

Older Americans appear to be the most eager to get the booster. There have been 6.4 million boosters administered so far, and 4 million have gone to seniors.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is the only one being used for boosters, but Johnson & Johnson this week applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin giving booster shots. Moderna has yet to file data for its vaccine booster.

Economy produced fewer jobs than expected last month

The Labor Department reports that the economy produced 194,000 jobs last month, which was fewer than economists expected and less than the number of positions created in August. At the same time, the nation’s unemployment rate fell to 4.8%, the lowest level since the start of the pandemic.

In September, 13.2% of people with jobs continued to telework because of the coronavirus pandemic, little changed from the prior month. That doesn’t include people who worked virtually for other reasons.

Two sectors hit hard by the pandemic continued to slowly recover. Employment in leisure and hospitality increased by 74,000 in September. Employment in food services and drinking places changed little for the second consecutive month. 

Around the nation

• Missouri: A Springfield TV reporter says she has been fired for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Linda Simmons, a 14-year veteran at KY3, said she applied for a religious exemption to Gray Television’s vaccination mandate, but it was denied. 

• Maryland: Police have charged Jeffrey Allen Burnham with murdering three people, including his brother who was a Baltimore pharmacist. According to court documents, Burnham reportedly believed his brother was “killing people” by administering the COVID-19 vaccine.

• Ohio: If most other states have had the same experience as Ohio, the reopening of schools in August may have fed COVID-19’s latest surge. The state health department reports that half of Ohio’s schools have reported cases of the virus so far during the school year. Children under 12 are currently not eligible for vaccination.

• Minnesota: Severe cases of the coronavirus are rising in Minnesota. Health officials report that nearly 900 people are in hospitals being treated for COVID-19. Of those, 234 require intensive care, the largest number so far this year.

• Oregon: A judge has rejected an appeal by 33 Oregon State Police troopers asking for a temporary injunction to stop a vaccination mandate. The judge ruled that Gov. Kate Brown acted within her authority when she required all state employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 18.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 44,096,019 (43,990,314)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 708,434 (706,522)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 236,742,215 (236,044,100)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,832,862 (4,820,945)‌

Pfizer seeks to vaccinate children five to 11

Pfizer has filed papers with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval to use its vaccine to inoculate children between the ages of five and 11. Currently, the vaccine is only approved for individuals 12 and older.

If the FDA agrees, young children would receive two injections of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with the second shot coming three weeks after the first. Before a decision is made, the clinical trial data will be reviewed by an FDA advisory committee.

A number of states have traced the rise in COVID-19 cases to various school districts, whose officials have urged regulators to approve vaccinations for children. Schools have emerged as a likely venue for vaccinations, much the way they were for the polio vaccine 60 years ago.

Unvaccinated people with COVID-19 are more likely to be reinfected

If you get COVID-19 and recover, you are likely to gain some immunity from future infection, at least for a while. Researchers at Yale University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte have found that the protection unvaccinated people get from the infection doesn’t last very long.

“Reinfection can reasonably happen in three months or less,” said lead study author Jeffrey Townsend. “Therefore, those who have been naturally infected should get vaccinated. Previous infection alone can offer very little long-term protection against subsequent infections.”

The researchers came to that conclusion by analyzing reinfection and immunological data. They believe they were able to accurately model COVID-19 reinfection risk over time.

Employees more stressed by work than COVID-19, survey finds

Much has been made about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Americans’ mental health. The isolation and disruption to daily routines are often cited as major factors.

But a new survey by The Conference Board shows that 57% of workers who cited mental health issues didn’t trace their problems to worry about the pandemic; they blamed it on their mounting workload. Women are disproportionately suffering from work-related pressures -- at more than 1.5 times the rate of their male counterparts. 

Half of the respondents reported that pressure related to their workloads harmed their mental health. Many businesses in a variety of industries have struggled to maintain pre-pandemic workforces, requiring more work from the remaining staff.

Around the nation

• New Jersey: State health officials say school-based outbreaks are on the rise in New Jersey. The state has experienced at least 69 outbreaks in schools that have infected 319 students and 60 staff members. Overall, Gov. Phil Murphy says the state’s numbers are “going in the right direction.”

• Nebraska: On a statewide basis, the COVID-19 case numbers in Nebraska are falling. Federal health officials say new cases in the state dropped nearly 17% over the past week. As of last Thursday, the 7-day average of cases stood at 670. The numbers are still rising in some rural areas of the state.

• Colorado: The number of COVID-19 patients in Colorado hospitals hit its highest level this week since January, before the vaccine rollout. A frustrated Gov. Jared Polis said reversing the trend would be easy if more state residents would get a vaccination.

• Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered school districts across the state not to impose mask mandates, but 102 school districts have done it anyway. An analysis by KXAN-TV in Austin shows that districts that have imposed mask mandates have reported fewer cases of COVID-19.

• Illinois: The City of Chicago has fined six more businesses for violations of the city’s mask mandate. Inspectors issued citations to 12 businesses last week. Under the mandate, places of business must require any individual, regardless of vaccination status, age two or older, to wear a mask when indoors in any public place. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,990,314 (43,867,314)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 706,522 (703,742)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 236,044,100 (235,598,854)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,820,945 (4,812,498)‌

Johnson & Johnson seeks booster shot approval

Johnson & Johnson says it has applied to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) for booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine. The boosters would be given to consumers aged 18 and older who had previously received the company’s vaccine.

The drug company submitted data from clinical trials showing that when a booster was given six months after the single shot, antibody levels increased nine-fold one week after the booster and continued to climb to 12-fold higher four weeks after the booster. The company said the vaccine was generally well-tolerated when given as a booster or primary dose.

"Our clinical program has found that a booster of our COVID-19 vaccine increases levels of protection for those who have received our single-shot vaccine to 94 percent,” said Dr. Mathai Mammen, a top executive at J&J subsidiary Janssen Research & Development.

At-home test kits recalled

Ellume, an Australian company that produces at-home COVID-19 test kits, is recalling thousands of the kits because some have been shown to render false positives. The company said the recall involves 43 lots of the product.

Ellume CEO Dr. Sean Parsons said an internal investigation isolated the cause of the defect and confirmed that this incidence of false positives is limited to specific lots.

“In response, we worked with the FDA to voluntarily remove affected Ellume tests from the market,” Parsons said. “Importantly, the reliability of negative results is unaffected by this issue.” 

Scientists trace COVID-19 link to diabetes

It’s well established that diabetes is one of the underlying health conditions that make COVID-19 symptoms more serious. But researchers now think that one of the lingering effects of having COVID-19 is a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Scientists are trying to determine whether the coronavirus somehow attacks important cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. At the moment, the researchers say the relationship isn’t well understood. However, they say the idea warrants investigation.

"Clearly there's a link, there's some sort of mechanism that makes the diseases fuel one another," Francesco Rubino, chair of metabolic surgery at King's College London, told Yahoo News. "The question is whether new-onset diabetes could be caused by this virus."

Around the nation

• New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul has renewed a push for New Yorkers to be vaccinated, saying it’s the best way to keep kids in schools and people back at work. “We all know the best way to ensure our continued progress is to get more shots in arms,” Hochul said. “If you are still unvaccinated, you are far more vulnerable.”

• Georgia: A federal report credits an increase in vaccinations across the state with slowing the spread of the virus and reducing deaths among seniors. The report said COVID-19 vaccinations may have helped prevent roughly 5,100 new COVID-19 infections and 700 deaths among seniors in Georgia during the first five months of this year.

• New Hampshire: Gov. Chris Sununu is calling for Rep. Ken Weyler, a fellow Republican, to be removed as the House’s top budget writer due to his spread of COVID-19 misinformation. Sununu said Weyler has sent out emails packed with conspiracy theories about the pandemic and the vaccines used to contain it.

• California: New cases of the coronavirus have declined across the state, prompting some local officials to consider easing restrictions. San Francisco officials say they may ease the city’s indoor mask mandate. In a statement, the city's Health Department says it would likely consider settings that are low-risk with low contact rates, as well as places where people are fully vaccinated.

• Tennessee: A new federal study shows that Tennessee has had the most coronavirus-related school closures so far this school year. More than 400 schools in the state have closed for at least one day due to the virus since reopening in August. Tennessee does not allow school districts to enforce mask mandates.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,867,314 (43,694,842)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 703,742 (701,312)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 235,598,854 (235,058,353)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,812,498 (4,804,273)‌

AstraZeneca seeks approval of new treatment drug

Drugmaker AstraZeneca has appealed to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization (EUA) for its antibody drug that helps prevent COVID-19. The company said the treatment displayed strong efficacy in clinical trials.

The company said the treatment, called AZD7442, is not a vaccine. However, it says the shot works like one by blocking symptoms of the virus. The drug would be used primarily to treat people with chronic diseases and other conditions that might make vaccines less effective. 

If the FDA grants the request, the drug would be the first of its kind. AstraZeneca says it’s designed to prevent people exposed to COVID-19 from getting sick.

Study finds Pfizer jab reduced hospitalization risks

Scientists continue to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines. A study published in the British medical journal The Lancet confirms an unexpected positive benefit of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.

The study found that six months after the second shot, the efficacy of the vaccine in preventing the virus dropped from 88% to 47%. But researchers also found that people who received the vaccine had a 90% chance of staying out of the hospital if they were infected.

The study backs up findings from an earlier study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In that study, researchers found a similar decline in protection against infection but a reduced likelihood of severe symptoms.

Things are getting better, but…

The latest numbers from the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University are a reason for optimism. The number of new cases is falling, even with the presence of the highly contagious Delta variant. Deaths, a lagging indicator, are also expected to fall in the weeks ahead. But we’ve been in this spot before, and health experts are urging continued caution. 

"We can't get overconfident. Every time we do and we put our guard down ... we get another surge with another variant,"  Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, a viral researcher and internal medicine physician, told CNN. 

Over the last week, new cases in the U.S. averaged 107,312 per day. That’s the lowest level since early August.

Around the nation

• Colorado: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that it has made $1.6 billion in COVID-19 grants to Colorado since the pandemic began. The money was used to provide various types of assistance, including $7.9 million to cover funeral costs for people who died from the virus.

• Illinois: Public health officials in Chicago say they plan to issue guidance later this week for Halloween, a holiday when people gather for parties and children go door-to-door for candy. In a statement, an official of the Chicago Public Health Department said the agency will follow CDC guidelines.

• Connecticut: As of today, state employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19. As the week began, state officials said 23,000 employees, or 76% of the total workforce, were fully vaccinated. Approximately 5,000 employees, or 17% of the workforce, will receive weekly testing.

• Virginia: Many Richmond parents are keeping their children out of school because of the pandemic, though education officials say the numbers are falling. Attendance records show that there were 650 no-shows on Monday. That’s down from 2,400 two weeks earlier.

• Florida: U.S. Department of Education officials say Florida is the only state that has not submitted a plan outlining how it will spend its allocation of federal COVID-19 education funds. Without a plan, officials say Florida won’t receive its $2.3 billion in remaining American Rescue Plan funds.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,694,842 (43,607,242)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 701,312 (700,418)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 235,058,353 (234,914,862)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,804,273 (4,795,272)‌

U.S. deaths exceed 700,000

The latest wave of COVID-19 cases has begun to recede, but U.S. deaths crossed a milestone over the weekend. Officials have now attributed more than 700,000 deaths to the virus. The U.S. remains the world leader in COVID-19 deaths, with Brazil being the next-closest country.

Because it is so contagious, the Delta variant is responsible for the latest surge in cases. But frustrated health officials say the latest increase in deaths is largely due to many people refusing to be vaccinated. Research suggests that vaccination reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms or death.

"If you're not vaccinated or have protection from natural infection, this virus will find you," warned Mike Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told NPR.

Johnson & Johnson reportedly wants booster approval

Johnson & Johnson may be the next vaccine maker to ask for approval of its booster shot. The New York Times reports that the drug company will ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for booster shot approval later this week.

The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee next week to discuss whether it should authorize the Johnson & Johnson booster. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only U.S. vaccine approved for booster shots for certain individuals.

Johnson & Johnson has previously released its own research that shows the second shot of its vaccine increases effectiveness against the virus to 94%, compared to 70% for the single dose.

Doctors say it may be hard to tell COVID-19 from the flu

The 2020-2021 flu season was almost non-existent, thanks to social distancing, masks, and other virus mitigation measures. But health experts say this flu season is likely to be much worse, and you may have trouble distinguishing the seasonal sickness from the coronavirus.

That’s because so many people have now been vaccinated. Even though they can still get COVID-19, the symptoms among vaccinated people are relatively mild and very similar to the flu.

Doctors suggest that people seek testing if they develop symptoms that could be either flu or COVID-19. A PCR test -- the kind you get at a pharmacy or doctor’s office and is processed by a lab -- is still the most sensitive and accurate way to detect the virus. 

Around the nation

• Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear says the latest numbers suggest that the COVID-19 situation in the state is improving. Cases of the virus surged during the month of September in Kentucky, especially in rural areas that have resisted vaccination and virus mitigation measures.

• Pennsylvania: Schools in Eastern Pennsylvania have grappled with COVID-19 outbreaks since children returned to the classroom. Administrators say it’s changed how they function. “We are educators by trade. Essentially now, we’re health care workers, contact tracers and health care educators,” Jim Thorpe Area Superintendent John Rushefski told the Lehighton Times-News. 

• New Jersey: New Jersey is having better luck with its health care workers than neighboring New York. Health officials say hospitals have received far fewer resignations from employees who refuse to be vaccinated. They say New Jersey’s more accommodating rules, such as allowing unvaccinated employees to stay on the job if they submit to frequent testing, may be partly responsible.

• Idaho: State health officials say the latest surge in severe COVID-19 cases is targeting children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Many of the cases are severe, with pediatric intensive care units (ICU) approaching capacity. 

• Oregon: Gov. Kate Brown faces a growing rebellion among Josephine County officials who are seeking to block her mandate that health workers be vaccinated. The county commission is considering a resolution that declares Brown’s mandate “the direct enemy of liberty.” 

A new study conducted by researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center explored the risks associated with unvaccinated pregnant women contracting COVID-19. According to their findings, the highly contagious Delta variant has increased the risk of unvaccinated pregnant women requiring hospitalization after infection. 

“This is a concerning trend, and we’re primarily seeing these cases in unvaccinated women,” said researcher Dr. Emily Adhikari. 

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,515 pregnant women who received treatment at Parkland Health & Hospital System for COVID-19 between May 2020, and early September 2021. 

Ultimately, the researchers found that the Delta variant was associated with a significant increase in hospitalizations among unvaccinated pregnant women. While hospitalizations for critical cases had slowed in the early months of 2021, those numbers began to spike again in the summer, when the Delta variant was first spreading. 

Eighty-two of the women involved in the study were considered severe cases of COVID-19, and 10 required a ventilator. Only one of the 82 women was vaccinated at the time of hospitalization. 

Dr. Adhikari explained that pregnant women already have an increased risk of respiratory complications from infections similar to COVID-19. This is why Dr. Adhikari advises all pregnant women to get vaccinated.

“If they are exposed and infected, they run a higher risk of severe illness from this most recent Delta variant,” Dr. Adhikari said. “Pregnant women should get immunized as soon as possible.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,471,906 (43,367,242)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 698,149 (695,418)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 233,941,008 (233,434,862)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,786,737 (4,777,272)‌

Researchers rate Moderna vaccine over the others

When the coronavirus vaccines were rolled out earlier this year, people often debated which one to take. For maximum effectiveness, multiple studies now rate Moderna as having the longest-lasting effect.

The subject came up during the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory committee meeting on Pfizer booster shots. Several health experts cited studies showing that the Moderna vaccine was most effective at keeping vaccinated people out of the hospital.

The CDC has approved Pfizer booster shots for people 65 and older, those with underlying health conditions, and those in high-risk professions. But many health experts now suggest that people vaccinated with the Moderna drug may not need a booster.

Merck pill reduced deaths 50% in clinical trial

Efforts continue to vaccinate the population, but Merck has developed what it says is an effective treatment for people who already have the virus. Partnering with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, the pharmaceutical giant says its pill, called molnupiravir, reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 50%.

“With these compelling results, we are optimistic that molnupiravir can become an important medicine as part of the global effort to fight the pandemic and will add to Merck’s unique legacy of bringing forward breakthroughs in infectious diseases when they are needed most,” said Merck CEO said Robert Davis.

Merck said it plans to seek emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use the drug as a way to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms.

Bill would make it harder to fly without a vaccination

Sen. Diane Feinstein has introduced a bill that would require airline passengers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or test negative before taking a domestic flight.

The U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act would give travelers three options. They could be fully vaccinated, show a recent negative COVID-19 test result, or show they had the virus but had fully recovered.

“We know that air travel during the 2020 holiday season contributed to last winter’s devastating COVID-19 surge. We simply cannot allow that to happen again,” Feinstein said.

Around the nation

• Missouri: Missouri has joined the states that were overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases but have recently turned the corner. State health officials are reporting a nearly 25% drop in cases from August to September. The state’s vaccination numbers have also improved, with at least 65% of the eligible population receiving at least one dose.

• South Dakota: Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb has singled out South Dakota’s handling of the pandemic as one of the worst in the nation. “Certainly looking at South Dakota, you know where this was just allowed to travel largely unfettered with public health interventions, where you saw one of the highest death rates per capita,” Gottlieb told CBS’ Face The Nation.

• Michigan: The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, which serves three counties, said it is being forced to rescind recent COVID-19 mandates because it could lose $1 million from the state. The mandates required a quarantine period after exposure to a person infected with COVID-19.

• New York: Four New York City school employees have filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court to block New York’s vaccine mandate. A federal judge earlier in the week ruled that the mandate is legal.

• Maine: Even states with high vaccination rates are not immune to outbreaks of the virus. The Wall Street Journal reports that Maine’s hospitals are filled with COVID-19 patients. State health officials blame the Delta variant, which they say targets people who have not been vaccinated.

Following disappointing clinical trial results with two COVID-19 vaccines of its own earlier in the year, drug manufacturer Merck is returning to the table with an oral treatment.

The company’s year-long clinical study involving the oral antiviral medicine molnupiravir -- a drug originally developed for the treatment of influenza -- found that the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death from the coronavirus by approximately 50%. With those results, Merck says it plans to seek Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the U.S. 

One Merck spokesperson told ConsumerAffairs that molnupiravir’s potential could be game-changing. “Not only is it effective against COVID-19, but other coronavirus strains, as well,” they said. 

Merck reported no deaths among those who received molnupiravir in its outpatient study. That compared to 8 deaths in patients who received a placebo. 

“More tools and treatments are urgently needed to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has become a leading cause of death and continues to profoundly affect patients, families, and societies and strain health care systems all around the world,” said Robert M. Davis, chief executive officer and president, Merck. “With these compelling results, we are optimistic that molnupiravir can become an important medicine as part of the global effort to fight the pandemic.”

What’s next

If granted approval, Merck says it’s prepared to produce 10 million courses of treatment by the end of 2021, with more doses expected to be produced in 2022.

Merck's plans for molnupiravir are global. In fact, the Phase 3 portion of the trial was conducted in more than 170 planned sites in countries including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 

The company has already submitted marketing applications to other global drug regulators and stated that it plans to implement a tiered pricing approach if it is authorized or approved. It says the pricing system will reflect countries’ relative ability to finance their health response to the pandemic.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,367,242 (43,247,791)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 695,418 (693,323)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 233,434,862 (232,967,743)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,777,272 (4,769,021)‌

CDC: Pregnant women should get vaccinated

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is stepping up its campaign to persuade pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In a public appeal, the health agency said vaccination would prevent serious illnesses, deaths, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Through September 27, the CDC reports more than 125,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in pregnant women, including more than 22,000 hospitalized and 161 deaths. Twenty-two deaths occurred in the month of August alone. 

“Pregnancy can be both a special time and also a stressful time – and pregnancy during a pandemic is an added concern for families,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky. “I strongly encourage those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to talk with their healthcare provider about the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe.”

Study finds lingering symptoms are common

Researchers say about a third of people who recover from COVID-19 have at least one symptom of the illness that may persist for months after diagnosis. 

Scientists at Oxford University analyzed data from millions of health records, mostly in the U.S. They found that 36% of recovered patients reported symptoms that emerged after recovery. Some initially had no symptoms at all.

The lingering symptoms include pain in the chest or throat, abnormal breathing, abdominal distress, fatigue, depression, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, and muscle pain.

Hundreds of health care workers fired for refusing vaccine

Hundreds of health care workers across the U.S. are headed for the unemployment line. With vaccine mandates now in effect for most U.S. hospitals, employees who refuse to be vaccinated are being fired.

But with hospitals still full of COVID-19 patients, officials are concerned that even a small number of terminations could lead to staff shortages. Dr. John Brownstein, an epidemiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School, says the system needs everyone.

"We’re seeing a greater need of health care -- there was a lot of deferred care for elective surgeries and behavioral health -- juxtaposed with existing shortages of health care workers,” Brownstein told ABC News. “Any impact is going to create even more pressure on health care systems."

Around the nation

• Arkansas: Arkansas appears to have recovered from the summer’s COVID-19 surge that pushed hospitals in the state to the brink. The state health department reports that the number of active cases of COVID-19 in Arkansas hit its lowest point in two months this week. However, 861 people remain in Arkansas hospitals.

• New York: New York City’s vaccine mandate for city schools has survived another court challenge. After initially granting an injunction against the city, Judge Lawrence Love lifted the restraining order on Wednesday, leaving in place the order that school employees must be vaccinated against the virus.

• California: A state law giving workers expanded COVID-19 sick leave expires today. Under the law passed in March, people who work for companies with more than 25 employees were entitled to up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related sick leave that could also be used for quarantine time. 

• Iowa: Hospitalizations in many hard-hit states began to fall over the last two weeks, but Iowa is an exception. State health officials report hospitalizations for treatment of COVID-19 have increased for a 12th straight week.

• Indiana: Mark Green, a 58-year old man with an underlying lung illness, is one of the latest Americans who refused to be vaccinated, got the virus, and is now urging others to get the shot. “I didn't take the vaccine myself because I was scared, the unknown, what would happen two or three years down the road,” Green told the Indianapolis Star. “Once I got sick, I kind of realized, it didn’t matter what happens down the road. It matters what happens now.”

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,247,791 (43,134,601)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 693,323 (690,918)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 232,967,743 (232,495,646)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,769,021 (4,759,699)‌

YouTube bans all anti-vaccination content

YouTube is taking down video content claiming that the widely used vaccines approved by federal health agencies are ineffective or dangerous. It’s an expansion of a previous policy that targeted content making such claims about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Health officials increasingly blame anti-vaccination groups for using social media to persuade Americans not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. These groups tend to oppose most vaccinations, such as those for childhood illnesses like measles or chickenpox.

Matt Halprin, a YouTube vice president, told the Washington Post that the company focused first on COVID-19 misinformation. He said it expanded its ban when it noticed that incorrect claims about other vaccines were contributing to fears about the COVID-19 vaccines.

CDC: Reaction from booster similar to second shot

If you are wondering what kind of reaction you’ll experience from getting a COVID-19 booster shot, it will probably be very much like your reaction to the second shot of the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a study in which it monitored the reactions of people who received the booster.

Research is available from the nearly 12,600 people who received a third dose of a Pfizer vaccine during clinical trials. Most described their reactions, if any, as mild to moderate. Most said reactions occurred the day following the booster shot.

According to the White House, about 1 million Americans have scheduled appointments to get a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The booster has been approved for people 65 and older, workers in high-risk jobs, and people with underlying medical conditions, 

Researchers find clue related to severe cases among diabetes patients

From the beginning, COVID-19 has produced the most severe symptoms in patients with other health issues, including Type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the University of Michigan now say they think they know why diabetics face increased risks.

The scientists say there is an enzyme called SETDB2 that is probably the reason for severe infections in patients with diabetes. They point out that it is the same enzyme that can make infected wounds in diabetes patients slow to heal.

The research team concluded that there is a likely link between the enzyme and the runaway infections they have witnessed in intensive care units. They noted a similar response among people who have Type 2 diabetes and severe COVID-19 infections.

Around the nation

• Florida: After leading the nation in new COVID-19 cases earlier in the month, Florida has seen cases fall sharply. The state’s 3,706 new cases reported at the beginning of the week represent the smallest daily increase in the state since July 5, according to federal health data.

• New Jersey: New Jersey has reached a COVID-19 milestone, reporting the number of cases of the virus in the state reached 1 million this week. Lately, however, the numbers have moved in the right direction. The seven-day average for new positive tests is now 1,790, down 5% from a week ago.

• Missouri: Cox Medical Center Branson is providing medical personnel with electronic devices to summon help if they are attacked. Hospital officials declared the need for protection after a series of assaults during the last few months of the pandemic.

• Utah: State police making a routine traffic stop arrested a man on charges of possession of drugs, an illegal weapon, and dozens of stolen vaccination cards. Police said the man was selling the cards, stolen from a clinic in Pennsylvania, for $50 each.

• Minnesota: About 200 health care workers have filed a federal lawsuit that seeks to overturn the requirement that they be vaccinated to keep their jobs. Their suit is aimed at the Biden administration’s rule that facilities that accept Medicare and Medicaid patients enforce the vaccination mandate.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 43,134,601 (42,936,899)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 690,918 (688,106)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 232,495,646 (231,962,768)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,759,699 (4,750,658)‌

Pfizer reports positive data in tests on kids

Pfizer and BioNTech, two drug companies that partnered on a COVID-19 vaccine, are reporting positive results in clinical trials involving children under 12. The companies said they are close to submitting a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Researchers reported a "robust" antibody response and "favorable" safety outcomes when the vaccine was administered to children between the ages of five and 11. In the trials, the children received two doses of the vaccine, the same as adults, but the doses were smaller.

The companies say the data has been shared with the FDA for the agency’s initial review. 

People with Moderna vaccination may not need booster

Federal health officials have cleared the way for millions of Americans who received the Pfizer vaccine to receive a booster. There is no such approval yet for people vaccinated with Moderna’s vaccine, and some researchers say such a shot for that group may be unnecessary.

An analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that people who got Moderna's vaccine are less likely to be hospitalized than those who received a Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

A CDC study released in early September revealed similar results. It showed that people who got two shots of the Moderna vaccine reduced their chances of being admitted to a hospital by 92%.

Pfizer tests vaccination alternative

In addition to producing a vaccine, Pfizer says it may also have a solution for the millions of Americans who refuse to be vaccinated. The company is testing a pill that it believes will be effective in preventing and treating the virus.

Pfizer said it has begun mid- to late-stage trials of a drug that is designed to be taken after someone has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or tested positive for the virus. The drug, PF-07321332, is designed to block the main enzyme that the coronavirus needs to grow.

“If successful, we believe this therapy could help stop the virus early – before it has had a chance to replicate extensively – potentially preventing symptomatic disease in those who have been exposed and inhibiting the onset of infection in others,” said Dr. Mikael Dolsten, Pfizer’s chief scientific officer.

Around the nation

• Vermont: Vermont has seen its COVID-19 fortunes turned upside down. Through most of the pandemic, the state’s strict mitigation measures kept cases low. Now, all 14 counties in Vermont are identified by the CDC as having "high transmission" of the virus.

• Oregon: COVID-19 cases declined sharply last week in Oregon. State health officials report that new cases of the virus fell 14.3% from week-over-week, led by a double-digit decline in Lane County. 

• Mississippi: Mississippi has reclaimed the lead in COVID-19 deaths per capita. An analysis by the Mississippi Free Press found that the state has surpassed New Jersey in deaths from the virus and is one of the deadliest areas of the world when it comes to COVID-19 fatalities. At the same time, new cases have declined from their record high.

• Ohio: State health officials are concerned about the rising number of illnesses affecting children. Dr. Amy Edwards, an infectious disease specialist at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, says a record number of kids are now being treated for the virus. The Ohio Hospital Association reports that 159 children were admitted over a six-day period.

• Iowa: Cases of the virus are increasing in the state’s nursing homes. State officials say 29 facilities are dealing with outbreaks affecting 284 residents and staff. Federal health statistics show that 36% of Iowa nursing home employees are unvaccinated.

A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State found that a class of diabetes and obesity drugs may protect diabetics from contracting severe cases of COVID-19. 

According to their findings, diabetics who were taking glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor drugs (GLP-1R) up to six months prior to contracting COVID-19 were more likely to have better outcomes. They had a lower mortality risk, were less likely to be hospitalized, and were less likely to have respiratory issues. 

“Vaccines have been shown to reduce hospitalization and death from COVID-19,” said researcher Jennifer Nyland. “But the scientific community continues to search for treatments that may complement vaccination by further reducing the risk for hospitalization, respiratory complications, and death from COVID-19 in at-risk patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes.”

Understanding the protective benefits

For the study, the researchers analyzed electronic medical records from nearly 30,000 people who had type 2 diabetes and tested positive for COVID-19 between January and September of 2020. The team looked at three different types of diabetes drugs -- GLP-1R, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and pioglitazone -- to see how these medications impacted the participants’ health outcomes. 

Of the three different drugs, GLP-1R was the only one that effectively reduced participants’ risk of hospitalization, death, and respiratory complications when taken within six months of contracting COVID-19. The researchers learned that pioglitazone was solely associated with a lower risk of being hospitalized, and DPP-4 inhibitors were linked only with a reduced risk of respiratory issues. 

“Our results are very promising as GLP-1R agonist treatment appears to be highly protective, but more research is needed to establish a causal relationship between the use of these drugs and decreased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes,” said researcher Patricia “Sue” Grigson. 

More trials needed

The researchers explained that GLP-1R drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, which is likely how they provide protective benefits against COVID-19. Moving forward, the team hopes to conduct more trials with these drugs to better understand how this relationship exists. They also plan to see if these types of medications can help consumers who aren’t diabetic. 

“Further research is needed to confirm whether GLP-1R agonists can protect against severe COVID-19 complications,” said researcher Dr. Nazia Raja-Khan. “There is also a need to determine the conditions in which these drugs could be protective and how they could be used safely during COVID-19 hospitalization.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,936,899 (41,941,348)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 688,106 (687,752)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 231,962,768 (231,642,439)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,750,658 (4,745,185)‌

New York faces shortage of health workers as vaccine mandate take effect

Starting today, health care workers in New York are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. With many workers refusing to get vaccinated, the state could face severe staff shortages.

"I am monitoring the staffing situation closely and we have a plan to increase our health care workforce and help alleviate the burdens on our hospitals and other health care facilities," said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. 

One option that is supposedly under consideration is the deployment of National Guard medical personnel. The governor is also reportedly considering an executive order that would allow medical personnel licensed in other states to temporarily practice in New York.

Pfizer close to seeking vaccine approval for children

Children under age 12 remain a weak link in COVID-19 mitigation efforts since they are not eligible for vaccination. However, that could soon change. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says he expects his company will soon ask the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve his company’s vaccine for children.

On ABC News’ “This Week” program, Bouria said Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech are preparing to submit the clinical trial data they have gathered on children between the ages of five and 11, saying it will “be a matter of days, not weeks.”

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 26% of all COVID-19 cases occur in children. Government figures show that an average of 266 children were hospitalized each day last week for treatment of the virus.

Health experts: Stillbirths may be linked to COVID-19

The coronavirus could be claiming the lives of very young victims. Health experts point to federal health statistics that show an increase in stillbirths among women who have had COVID-19.

“We’re seeing the numbers more out of Mississippi and Alabama. In Florida it’s hard to get hard numbers on these types of occurrences,” Dr. Tiffany Wells, OBGYN from Baptist Health, told WJXT-TV in Jacksonville.

Wells says no research has been done to establish causation between the virus and stillbirths, but she notes that lost pregnancies are increasing in the South while they remain very low in the nation as a whole.

Around the nation

• Idaho: The state is reportedly running out of space in its morgues due to a spike in COVID-19 deaths. It has also caused problems for funeral homes in the state. “We’re so far behind on cremations,” Lance Cox, owner of Bell Tower Funeral Home in Post Falls, Idaho, told the Washington Post. 

• Texas: Hospitalizations are falling across the state but deaths are not. COVID-19 deaths in Texas rose past 62,000 last week. Some media sources report that about half of those fatalities came after vaccines were rolled out in late 2020.

• Virginia: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe is making vaccine mandates a central part of his campaign in an effort to draw a contrast with his Republican opponent, Glenn Youngkin. McAuliffe has urged nursing homes in the state to enforce mandates. Youngkin said he urges everyone to be vaccinated but he has stopped short of supporting mandates.

• Michigan: State health officials are preparing to roll out the Pfizer booster shot this week. Shots will be administered at many pharmacies around the state, but people must make appointments to get the booster.

• New Jersey: Nursing homes across the state, which were hard hit during the early months of the pandemic, are reporting new outbreaks. However, officials say outcomes are better than a year ago because there are fewer severe cases. “People are still testing positive, but they’re not all going to the hospital. And we’re seeing more cases with mild symptoms,” said James McCracken, CEO of a large nursing home group.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses)‌.

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,680,809 (42,553,299)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 684,428 (681,259)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 230,754,396 (230,242,861)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,731,348 (4,721,803)‌

CDC panel overruled FDA advisers on booster shots

A panel of experts advising the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has overruled a similar group advising the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on COVID-19 booster shots. But the FDA group’s view has prevailed.

The FDA panel recommended the booster for people 65 and older, people with underlying health conditions, and people in frontline occupations like health care and food distribution. The CDC panel recommendation limited boosters to the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

But CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky is siding with the FDA group, saying boosters should be offered to people of all ages who are engaged in high-risk occupations. 

WHO backs Regeneron's antibody treatment

Regeneron’s COVID-19 antibody treatment has received a vote of confidence from the World Health Organization (WHO). A panel of experts advising the agency has recommended that high-risk COVID-19 patients receive Regeneron's monoclonal antibody treatment.

The treatment is made up of two synthetic antibodies called casirivimab and imdevimab. They have been shown to boost a patients' immune system, and the FDA approved the treatment for use in the U.S. last November.

The WHO said there are two primary groups of patients who should receive the drug: people who don't have severe symptoms but are at high risk of hospitalization and patients with severe symptoms.

Light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel?

How long will this pandemic go on? It was supposed to end with the rollout of vaccines. But then the Delta variant came along.

Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel thinks we’re in the late innings of the crisis. He told a Swiss newspaper the pandemic could die out next year as more people around the world get vaccinated.

“We will end up in a situation similar to that of the flu,” Bancel told the outlet, saying he predicted that future within the next 12 months. “You can either get vaccinated and have a good winter. Or you don’t do it and risk getting sick and possibly even ending up in hospital.”

Around the nation

• Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis has docked the pay of school board members who are requiring masks at school. But it turns out the board members will be paid after all. The U.S. Department of Education said it will reimburse the board members for the money the state has withheld.

• Delaware: A state court judge has denied a request for an order to force ChristianaCare to use ivermectin to treat a patient with severe COVID-19. The patient obtained a prescription for the drug but the health care facility refused to give it, saying ivermectin is not a part of the system’s standardized COVID-19 response plan.

• California: Health officials in Santa Clara County have reported five deaths so far this month and say all five victims were not vaccinated. Meanwhile, the state has made recent strides in vaccinating its population. Officials report 72% of the state’s eligible population has gotten at least one dose of the vaccine.

• Iowa: The Iowa Department of Public Health reports the number of people hospitalized for treatment of the virus has risen for 12 consecutive weeks. During the last seven days, the agency reports a nearly 10% increase in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals across the state.

• Louisiana: Health officials are concerned about mounting COVID-19 cases among children but are encouraged by what appears to be a decline in severe cases of the virus. The number fell below 1,200 this week and is at the lowest level since July 24.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with a significant drop in life expectancy around the world. 

Now, researchers from Cornell University have found that the pandemic may also be responsible for slowing the birth rate globally. 

“The bottom line is that there was a lot of variation across countries in the decline,” said researcher Seth Sanders. “We don’t address why, but we think a lot of it has to do with the degree of economic disruption, coupled with the degree of social support in the absence of employment.” 

Birth rates are on the decline

For the study, the researchers tracked monthly birth data from January 2016 through March 2021 from high-income countries around the world. They compared the birth rates each month with data from the U.N. Population Division’s World Population Prospects to better understand how the actual number of births stacked up against the projections. 

Ultimately, the researchers point to the COVID-19 pandemic to explain the drop in birth rates around the world. They explained that pandemics play a large role in population figures, including consumers’ decisions to get pregnant. 

Italy had the biggest drop in birth rate between 2016 and 2021, as the country experienced a 9.1% decline over the course of the study. Similarly, the birth rate dipped by more than 7% in the United States in that timeframe. Spain and Portugal experienced similar drops in birth rate as a result of the pandemic. 

However, the researchers also found that the birth rate in several countries in Northern Europe stayed the same between 2016 and 2021. The Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, and Germany all saw no changes to their birth rates. 

“When compared to the large fall in southern Europe, the relative stability of [crude birth rates] in northern Europe points to the role of policies in support of families and employment in reducing any impact on births,” Sanders said.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory explored some of the risks associated with poor ventilation. 

According to their findings, rooms that have poor circulation could be as much as six times more likely to expose consumers to harmful contaminants. 

“When everything’s well mixed, everybody’s exposed to the same conditions,” said researcher Woody Delp. “When it’s not well mixed, you can have, from a COVID perspective, potential hot spots. So, if there’s one infected individual in the room, instead of having their expelled breath fully dispersed and then properly diluted and removed by the HVAC system, another person sitting next to them or even across the room could get a high concentration of that infected person’s emitted viral aerosol.” 

The risks of poor ventilation

The researchers conducted a study using nine test dummies in Berkeley’s FLEXLAB to understand how ventilation plays a role in infection risk. In one trial, the dummies were arranged classroom-style, and in another trial, they were seated in a circle. The dummies were programmed to release heat, much in the way humans would when talking, and the researchers manipulated the controls in the room to determine how ventilation came into play. 

“With the FLEXLAB, we were able to control every aspect of the HVAC system, which is how we were able to iterate on so many different conditions for the two types of occupancy configurations,” said researcher Chelsea Preble. “We were also able to have temperature and air velocity measurements throughout the room in addition to our measurements of CO2. Those helped us verify and quantify the mixing problem.” 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that when heat is forced into rooms, it can often create issues with contaminants if the air isn’t mixing properly around the space. When the air is cool or neutral, respiratory emissions aren’t as likely to travel around the room. 

However, heat can become problematic, regardless of how far apart people are spaced out in the area. The researchers found that when there isn’t proper ventilation, forced heat can make people up to six times as likely to breathe in other respiratory droplets. This is concerning when thinking about the spread of infection. 

“We know the chain of events that it takes to get a person exposed, and it’s complicated and extraordinarily variable,” said Delp. “An infected person talking and breathing expels droplets and aerosols of various sizes. But even when some of those are inhaled by someone else, they may or may not get infected. 

“From others’ studies, we know that the quantity of viruses emitted by an individual infected person can vary widely,” he continued. “One person may expel millions more viruses than another infected person — and that varies over the course of an infection … And to top it off, the number of viruses that it takes to initiate an infection also likely varies between people and with the sizes of the aerosols that are inhaled. As indoor air quality scientists and engineers, our focus is on what can be done with ventilation, filtration, and air distribution to reduce risks even when all the details of the biology are not known.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,553,299 (42,416,012)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 681,259 (678,522)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 230,242,861 (229,665,913)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,721,803 (4,711.253)‌

FDA clears Pfizer booster for those 65 and older

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given its approval to Pfizer’s booster shot. The boosters are authorized for people age 65 and older who received their last vaccination at least six months ago.

In issuing the clearance, the FDA made some exceptions to the age requirements. Vaccinated adults with underlying health conditions can also get the booster. It will also be provided to health care workers, teachers, grocery store employees, prison inmates, and people living in homeless shelters.

Originally, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed boosters for the entire population. But in a meeting last week an FDA advisory committee proposed the shot only for at-risk Americans, saying the evidence did not support its wider distribution.

Vaccination pace continues to slow

A wave of new COVID-19 cases across the country has done nothing to increase vaccinations. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the current rate at which people are getting vaccinated is the slowest since July.

More than 312,000 people started the vaccination process by getting their first shot during the last week. The CDC data shows that's a decline of 7% from the previous week and a 35% decline over the last 30 days.

"We are bracing ourselves for an awfully busy winter ahead," Dr. Megan Ranney, associate dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University, told CNN.

Florida lifts still more COVID-19 restrictions

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made his views on pandemic mandates well known. Through executive orders, he has banned school districts from requiring children and teachers to wear masks.

Early in the vaccine rollout, he signed legislation banning businesses from requiring proof of vaccination. Taking it one step further, this week his newly appointed surgeon general announced that children who are exposed to someone who tests positive, but who don’t have symptoms, will no longer be required to quarantine before returning to the classroom.

"Quarantining healthy students is incredibly damaging for their educational advancement," DeSantis said at a news conference. "It's also disruptive for families. We are going to be following a symptoms-based approach."

Around the nation

• Colorado: Colorado has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in the nation, and state officials want to keep it that way. Gov. Jared Polis said the state has purchased 2 million rapid antigen tests, which deliver results in 15 minutes, and will provide them at no charge to state residents.

• Massachusetts: State health officials say there have been 30,000 “breakthrough” cases of the virus among fully vaccinated people, but most had minor symptoms. Officials say the 217 reported deaths among nearly 4.8 million fully vaccinated people represent a rate of just 0.005%.

• Tennessee: Overall COVID-19 numbers improved this week, but health officials point to one area of concern: Cases among children continue to be elevated, especially among those not yet eligible for vaccinations. Tennessee remains among the top states in terms of the most cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days.

• Utah: To take some of the stress off overburdened hospitals, state health officials have opened the Utah Department of Health Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Center in Murray. The deployable medical center will treat patients early in the disease and can see as many as 50 patients a day.

• Illinois: Illinois’ COVID-19 numbers are looking better every day, and part of that is due to improvements in Chicago. The city’s positivity rate is down to 3%, with average daily cases down 8% since last week and hospital admissions down 50%. “We really are looking like we’re coming down the other side of this,” Chicago Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,416,012 (42,294,019)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 678,522 (676,347)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 229,665,913 (229,222,879)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,711.253 (4,702,936)‌

‘Breakthrough’ cases becoming more common

Data show being vaccinated greatly reduces the chances of getting COVID-19, but the variants of the virus, particularly the Delta variant, have resulted in an increasing number of “breakthrough cases” of vaccinated people being infected.

But there’s good news. Most of these breakthrough cases produce only mild symptoms — and no symptoms at all in some cases. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) correctly notes that severe illness and death are “rare,” state-level data show that milder breakthrough cases are on the rise and may keep rising.

“It’s likely that everybody will probably get infected with COVID-19 [at some point] because it’s an endemic respiratory virus,” Amesh Adalja, a doctor and infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told Roll Call. “The goal is to make sure that at that time, that infection occurs after you’ve been vaccinated so it’s mild.” 

Legal experts suggest vaccination mandates will stand up in court

The U.S. government and large private employers have issued vaccination mandates for employees, producing threats of lawsuits from people who refused to be vaccinated against the virus. But many legal experts say the law may back the employers.

In one case, it already has. In June, a federal judge ruled in favor of Methodist Hospital in Houston after more than 100 of its employees sued to overturn the vaccination mandate. The judge ruled the mandate did not violate anyone’s rights or amount to coercion. 

That may not stop future lawsuits. Anti-vaccination groups have said their legal challenges will be based on a claim that mandates to be vaccinated violate the right to bodily integrity under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Employers counter that it is simply a requirement for employment. 

WHO study finds Delta may be changing symptoms

From the beginning of the pandemic, health experts told health care providers to watch for a certain set of symptoms. COVID-19 was likely to be present if a patient had a dry cough, a fever, a loss of smell or taste, or fatigue.

With the rapid spread of the Delta variant, a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized a new set of common symptoms. It said the virus among the vaccinated population now causes headaches, a runny nose, sneezing, or loss of smell.

For the unvaccinated, the study found the most common Delta variant symptoms are headache, sore throat, runny nose, fever, and a persistent cough.

Around the nation

• Florida: The COVID-19 news is slightly better in Florida this week. Federal health officials released the latest data, showing 6,904 new COVID-19 cases on Monday and 6,297 new cases on Sunday. It’s the first time the state’s case count has been below 7,000 on consecutive days since mid-July.

• New Jersey: The pandemic-related worker shortage isn’t just hitting fast-food restaurants. Many independent restaurants in the state report employees are hard to find. "These people find other jobs like Uber and GrubHub," restaurant owner Ralph Magliocchetti told WABC-TV. "They work whenever they want. They don't have to punch in or punch out."

• Kentucky: The family of a 29-year old woman who died this month from COVID-19 says “misinformation killed her.” Samantha Wendell of Grand Rivers, Kentucky, was engaged to be married this month. In a Facebook post, her cousin said she wasn’t vaccinated because she feared infertility. There is no evidence any vaccines cause infertility.

• Nevada: The epicenter of outbreaks in the state has always been Las Vegas and Clark County, and health officials say an improvement there in recent days has brought down numbers for the entire state. Hospitalizations have declined in Clark County but remain elevated in rural counties.

• Oregon: About 24,000 state employees represented by the Service Employees International Union will have an extra six weeks to become fully vaccinated. The union has negotiated an extension to Gov. Kate Brown’s mandate that all state employees be vaccinated by October 18.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine explored the likelihood of consumers developing an allergic reaction to the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. 

According to the findings, reactions to these types of vaccines are rare. When consumers do experience reactions, they’re usually mild. 

“It’s nice to know these reactions are manageable,” said Dr. Kari Nadeau, an author of the study, published in JAMA Network Open. “Having an allergic reaction to these new vaccines is uncommon, and if it does happen, there’s a way to manage it.” 

Understanding allergic reactions

For the study, the researchers analyzed medical records of 22 individuals (20 women) who experienced possible allergic reactions and were among recipients of the first 39,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines given to health care providers at Stanford. The 22 recipients had symptoms within three hours of receiving the shot, but only 17 met diagnostic criteria for an allergic reaction. Three received epinephrine, and all 22 fully recovered. Fifteen of the 22 had documented histories of previous allergic reactions.

In follow-up testing on 11 of the individuals, the researchers concluded they were likely reacting negatively to polyethylene glycol (PEG), one of the inert ingredients in both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. PEG is used as a stabilizer in household products, medications and cosmetics; the authors suggest that because women use these products more often, they possibly have more sensitivity to PEG.

The allergic reactions experienced by the vaccine recipients weren't severe, suggesting that recipients who do get symptoms such as hives, swelling or shortness of breath can still get the second dose, as long as it's under medical supervision, according to the researchers.

The researchers hope that consumers’ biggest takeaway is that the active ingredients in the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines aren’t likely to be linked with allergic reactions. 

“What’s important is what we didn’t find, as much as what we did find,” Dr. Nadeau said. “It does not seem that mRNA itself causes the allergic reactions.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,294,019 (42,091,633)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 676,347 (673,781)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 229,222,879 (228, 678,343)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,702,936 (4,695,251)‌

COVID-19 death toll eclipses Spanish Flu pandemic

The U.S. passed a grim milestone this week as the death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed the number of deaths from the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918. That pandemic claimed an estimated 675,000 American lives between 1918 and 1921.

More than 676,000 American deaths have been attributed to the coronavirus pandemic, which began in early 2020. The U.S. death toll has risen this year despite the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

A century ago, the health profession had few weapons to fight against the flu. There was no vaccine, and the first antibiotic, penicillin, wasn’t invented until 1928.

J&J offers data showing the effectiveness of its booster

While the widespread deployment of booster shots is far from a settled issue, Johnson & Johnson has offered data showing a second shot of its vaccine, administered two months after the first, is 94% effective against moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.

Company officials say the effectiveness of the booster is so high because of the initial dose, which they say produces a significant antibody response.

“Our single-shot vaccine generates strong immune responses and long-lasting immune memory,” said Dr. Mathai Mammen, a top executive at Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Research & Development. “And, when a booster of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is given, the strength of protection against COVID-19 further increases.”

An increasing number of kids are getting COVID-19

A report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) shows cases of COVID-19 among children have increased “exponentially,” especially since schools opened for the fall term. The report says children now account for about 26% of all new cases of the virus.

"After declining in early summer, child cases have increased exponentially, with over 925,000 cases in the past four weeks," AAP said in a statement.

Children may be especially vulnerable since those under age 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. Health experts predict the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will focus on evaluating vaccinations for kids in the coming weeks. Pfizer has released data that it says shows its vaccine is safe and effective for children between the ages of five and 11.

Around the nation

• Texas: With COVID-19 cases surging, more restaurants are requiring diners to wear masks, but the opposite is true at a restaurant near Dallas. A couple who wore masks because they have an immunocompromised newborn at home were told the restaurant had a “no-mask” policy. When they declined to remove their masks, they were told to leave.

• Michigan: State health officials are dealing with what they say is a significant increase in COVID-19 outbreaks. They’ve identified 583 active outbreaks that occurred last week. That’s a 31% increase from the previous week when there were 444 outbreaks.

• California: California is one of the states where cases were surging just a few weeks ago but now appear to be well under control. The latest data from the COVID-19 tracker at Johns Hopkins University shows just 24.99 new confirmed cases for every 100,000 people in the state.

• West Virginia: West Virginia was a model of effectiveness during the vaccine rollout earlier this year. But despite that, state health officials are dealing with mounting cases that are straining resources. Officials say cases and hospitalizations are currently at a pandemic high.

• Nebraska: State officials discontinued Nebraska’s COVID-19 dashboard when cases of the virus declined sharply back in June. Monday, the state brought it back amid a statewide surge in cases. State officials say only about half of Nebraska’s population is fully vaccinated.

As the Biden administration hinted just last week, the U.S. is modifying the travel restrictions — including for quarantine — placed on foreign visitors starting in November.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients announced the new policy on Monday, saying that the new rules require two things: All foreign travelers flying to the U.S. will need to provide proof of vaccination prior to boarding, and they’ll need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days prior to their flight. 

Zients also said the White House is tightening testing rules for unvaccinated American citizens returning home from traveling abroad. The new rule is that they’ll need to get tested within 24 hours before returning to the U.S., plus they’ll have to have a test after they arrive back in the U.S. 

The only remaining question regarding the announcement is what the move will mean for unvaccinated travelers. 

“The ban had outlived its usefulness”

The change is already being hailed as good news — possibly spurred by U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s visit to the White House. "The PM will make an impassioned case for Brits who've been double jabbed to be allowed to travel to the U.S. There are a lot of family links, business links and millions of tourists usually travel every year," a government official told The Telegraph.

Flight expert Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights has been monitoring the situation for months and says it’s about time.

"The ban on travelers from the European Union and elsewhere had long outlived any usefulness. An unvaccinated traveler from Grenada (currently the most per-capita cases in the world) was welcomed in the U.S., while a fully vaccinated traveler from France was barred,” Keyes told ConsumerAffairs.

“Where’s the sense in that? Today’s announcement is wonderful news for reopening international travel while maintaining reasonable COVID precautions. It will benefit not just those eager to visit family and friends in the U.S., but millions of Americans who work in travel as well."

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses)‌.

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 42,091,633 (42,008,645)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 773,781 (672,406)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 228, 678,343 (228,460,002)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,695,251 (4,689,580)‌

Pfizer says vaccine is safe for young children

Drugmakers Pfizer and BioNTech, who developed one of the three COVID-19 vaccines in use in the U.S., say Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials show their vaccine is both safe and effective for use in children as young as 5 years old.

They report the trials showed a favorable safety profile and robust antibody responses when administered to children between the ages of 5 and 11. Currently, the vaccine is approved only for people age 12 and older.

“Since July, pediatric cases of COVID-19 have risen by about 240 percent in the U.S. – underscoring the public health need for vaccination,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and CEO at Pfizer. “These trial results provide a strong foundation for seeking authorization of our vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old, and we plan to submit them to the FDA and other regulators with urgency.”

FDA panel: Booster shots not for everyone

In a vote late Friday, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted to recommend booster shots only for people age 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems. The panel of health experts concluded most people don’t need a booster shot at this point.

The vote is seen as a setback for the Biden administration, which announced last month that it would pursue a broad rollout of the boosters. But Dr. Luciana Borio, the FDA’s former chief scientist, backs the panel’s conclusion. 

“The advisers made a very sensible decision by recommending that ... the boosters be made available to a subset of the initial population that was proposed, the elderly, the ones that are most vulnerable to complications from COVID,” Borio told NPR. "And I think it also shows that the process really worked, that there was a very fulsome scientific debate on the merits about the proposed plan." 

At-home COVID-19 tests are now hard to find

Last year consumers stockpiled toilet paper. This year they’re loading up on at-home COVID-19 tests. As the Delta variant spread across the nation over the summer, anecdotal evidence showed the tests were almost impossible to find at drug stores.

The Wall Street Journal reports many businesses have snapped up these test kits in anticipation of offices reopening. Some schools are also reportedly stockpiling them.

But just how reliable are these tests, which yield results in about 15 minutes? According to the Journal, scientists say they're most reliable when used on people who have displayed symptoms.

Around the nation

• Florida: The state is finally getting some relief from COVID-19. Federal health officials report there were 8,976 COVID-19 patients in 255 Florida hospitals on Sunday. That’s down nearly 16% from the previous Sunday.

• New York: The latest super-spreader concern is not a concert or crowded sporting event. Health officials are worried about the upcoming meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Diplomats from around the world will meet in person after last year’s virtual gathering.

• South Dakota: South Dakota is one of the states in which many residents have declined a COVID-19 vaccination, but it appears to be catching up. The latest numbers show nearly half the state’s residents are now fully vaccinated and 57% have received at least one shot.

• Oklahoma: State health department officials say they are “cautiously optimistic” that the tide is turning in their state. After reaching new case levels not seen since January’s surge, the Oklahoma State Department of Health reports new cases have declined by nearly 15% in the last week.

• Wisconsin: State health officials report two counties within the state experienced “critically high” COVID-19 case activity levels last week, due primarily to the spread of the Delta variant. Out of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, only Menominee County is showing no significant change in high case activity level.

A new study conducted by physicians at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt explored some of the risk factors that could make kids more likely to develop severe cases of COVID-19. 

According to their findings, children who have preexisting conditions and kids who are older are more likely to develop more serious COVID symptoms. 

“This is one of the largest multicenter studies of children with COVID-19 in the United States,” said researcher Dr. James Antoon. “And given the recent, concerning increases in COVID cases nationwide and the fact that the vast majority of children remain unvaccinated and susceptible, these findings should be taken into account when considering preventive strategies in schools and planning vaccinations for children less than 12 years of age.” 

Identifying risk factors

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 20,000 children in 45 hospitals across the country. They were able to look at the number of children who required hospitalization for COVID symptoms and what risk factors were most common among the most severe cases. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that there were two primary risk factors associated with severe cases of COVID in children: age and preexisting conditions. Children that were older and children with prior illnesses (like neurological conditions, obesity, or diabetes) were at an increased risk of contracting serious cases of COVID-19 or spending time in the hospital as a result of COVID-19. 

“These factors help identify vulnerable children who are most likely to require hospitalization or develop severe COVID-19 disease,” said Dr. Antoon. “Our findings also highlight children who should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines when approved by the FDA.” 

Moving forward, the researchers hope that these findings are used to protect kids -- especially those in school -- who could be at the highest risk of being hospitalized for COVID. With the school year now underway, it’s important to find ways to keep kids safe and healthy. 

“Across the country there is a raging debate on how to best protect children and schools from COVID-19,” Dr. Antoon said. “With schools opening and some already in session, these children need to be protected by vaccinating as many people as possible while also using the practical strategies to limit spread, such as masking, distancing, and ventilation.” 

Housing vulnerability for renters became a major issue for the Biden administration, but now that eviction protection has effectively ended, millions of renters and their families put at risk by COVID-19 may be in harm’s way, according to a new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

The report -- “Financial conditions for renters before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic” -- concludes that, while several government relief efforts may have helped maintain the financial stability of renters and their families, those same people may now be at risk.

“Today’s report confirms that renters, when compared to homeowners, are more likely to be Black or Hispanic, more likely to have lower incomes, and more likely to be women. They are also at particular risk of falling further behind as the nation recovers from the economic impacts of COVID,” said CFPB Acting Director Dave Uejio in a press release. 

“Past recessions and depressions have seen communities of color and low-income communities of all races and ethnicities left behind when the broader economy recovers. We cannot repeat that history. The CFPB is committed to helping renters and their families thrive. We must amplify and protect the modest gains renters made during the pandemic to ensure this nation’s full and equitable recovery from COVID-19.”

Some demographic groups hit harder than others

Comparing renters and homeowners, researchers unearthed some interesting nuances. For example, compared to homeowners, renters are more likely to be Black or Hispanic, younger, and lower-income than other demographic groups.

Prior to the pandemic, renters’ debt obligations were also significantly different from homeowners. As an example, the agency cited the situation in June 2019, when renters were more likely than homeowners to have student debt and to have used some form of alternative financial service, such as payday and auto title loans.

“During the pandemic, despite poor labor market conditions, renters’ financial conditions, on average, appeared to improve as much as, or more than, those of homeowners. Renters’ credit scores grew by 16 points during the pandemic, compared to 10 points for mortgagors and 7 points for other homeowners,” the study reported. The report made special mention that, in situations where renters’ credit scores may have improved, those scores remained substantially below those of homeowners.

What renters can do if impacted by the change

The CFPB appears to be as proactive as possible in defending renters in this situation -- at least with credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. It said it has reminded those companies that they have an obligation to report rent payments and evictions accurately. 

“Accurate reporting is now even more essential with the new mortgage underwriting process announced by Fannie Mae last week, which will add rental payments to the evaluation process for mortgage qualification and approval. The CFPB will use today’s report to inform how best to support an equitable recovery for renters and all Americans,” the agency said.

Consumers who encounter rental information errors or other errors on their consumer reports, or believe such errors exist, have rights and recourse. Consumers have the right to:

• Review their credit reports from the nationwide CRAs. Normally, consumers can request one free consumer report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide CRAs (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). However, through April 2022, consumers can request a free report weekly.

• Dispute errors identified on their consumer reports. Consumers have the right to dispute mistakes on their consumer reports with the CRA and/or the furnisher.

• Review their reports from other consumer reporting agencies. For a list of some of the companies offering reports, such as tenant screening reports, please visit the CFPB blog.

If all else fails, the CFPB is open to complaints on its website. The agency says that consumer complaints are important for its enforcement actions and that consumers should feel free to let it know of any issues.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 41,796,204 (41,645,545)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 670,128 (666,806)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 227,185,960 (226,643,823)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,672,629 (4,662,980)‌

FDA panel meeting to discuss boosters

Whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends vaccinated Americans get a booster shot may be determined by the outcome of an FDA advisory committee meeting in Washington today. Various experts are discussing the data and debating the merits for and against.

As the meeting got underway, Dr. Peter Marks, an FDA official, urged the committee members to “follow the science” as they pore over data from various studies. He noted there may be various interpretations of the data.

“We're committed to focusing on the science, and we'll drive our decision-making, and we'll carefully consider those data in the context of the clear and obvious public health need to continue slowing the spread of Covid-19, which at this time is leading to the deaths of close to 2,000 Americans each day," Marks said.

United Airlines says most of its employees are vaccinated

United Airlines has disclosed that about 90% of its employees have now been vaccinated. That news follows the airlines’ mandate that all employees get a vaccination or be placed on unpaid leave.

To show that they have been vaccinated, United’s employees were told to upload an image of their vaccination card. As of Thursday, United said about 20,000 employees had done so. The deadline to receive their first shot is Sept. 27.

So far, United is the only major domestic carrier to mandate vaccinations for its employees. Other airlines have strongly urged vaccinations and offered incentives for their employees to get the shot.

Florida governor complains about treatment reductions

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has strongly opposed COVID-19 mask and vaccination mandates in his state, says the Biden administration has cut Florida’s allocation of antibody treatment drugs in half. He said the drugs are critical to reducing COVID-19 deaths.

“This is a dramatic reduction,” DeSantis said at a news conference in Fort Lauderdale, where he appeared with health care providers. “We are facing a massive cut in antibody treatments.”

The Department of Health and Human Services says it faces a shortage of the treatment drugs because of surging demand, especially in Southern states. Officials said 70% of the drugs have been distributed to Southern states, with Florida receiving the most of any state.

Around the nation

• Texas: A Texas man has been sentenced to 31 months in prison for allegedly running a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $3.3 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Federal prosecutors say Fahad Shah, of Murphy, claimed his family business had 100 employees when it had none except for him and his wife.

• New Jersey: State health officials report the Delta variant is extremely widespread throughout the state and now accounts for 99% of new cases of the virus. The state reports the seven-day average of new cases is 1,832, up 7% from a week ago and 25% higher than a month ago.

• Virginia: The number of new cases has leveled off in Virginia’s metropolitan areas, but cases are surging in Southwest Virginia. State health officials report cases in that region are up 63% since Aug. 30. Southwest Virginia lags the state in the percentage of people who are vaccinated.

• Idaho: Idaho began rationing hospital care amid a significant increase in coronavirus cases. Hospitals throughout the state are now on a “crisis standards of care” footing. “The situation is dire,” said Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen.

• Hawaii: Flu season is about to begin, and the state’s program to screen for that virus has turned up plenty of COVID-19 cases. Officials report that over the last few weeks more than one-third of the samples of negative flu tests turned out to be COVID-19.

Hopeful international travelers are coping with new reports from the White House. On Wednesday, Biden administration Coronavirus Response Coordinator Jeff Zients told the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board that the Biden team has zero plans to relax any travel restrictions anytime soon.

Citing the rising COVID-19 delta variant cases in the U.S. and around the world, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo supported Zients, saying that, before the U.S. can fully reopen, it has to prove it can handle the COVID-19 situation at home first, “which requires us to get everyone vaccinated.”

While that’s an obstacle, Reuters reports that the U.S. is working on creating a "new system for international travel" that will include contact tracing when it ultimately lifts the current travel restrictions that keep many travelers from entering the U.S. 

For travel companies who feel this development might hinder their return to normal, Zients urged them to pick up the pace on mandating employee vaccinations and sharing contact tracing information so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can make contact with travelers who have been exposed to COVID-19.

"The American people need to trust that the new system for international travel is safer even as we -- I mean at that point -- we'll be letting in more travelers," Zients told the board. 

“Long overdue”

In response to the White House’s intentions, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) claimed that the plan to restart international travel is “long overdue.”

“We urge the Biden Administration to finalize this plan as quickly as possible and to otherwise make safely restarting international travel occur by opening borders an immediate priority,” ASTA wrote in a statement.

"The plan should incorporate the common-sense measures we called for along with our travel industry colleagues last week, including expeditiously developing clear vaccination and testing standards, loosening entry restrictions for fully-vaccinated travelers and aligning standards with the governments of our main outbound markets, including Canada, the EU and the U.K. Given its enormous impact on the global economy, an expedited recovery of cross-border travel is critical.”

It’s not exactly news that the travel and tourism industry has been devastated by the pandemic, but ASTA feels that any help the sector has been given by the U.S. and other governments has been “uneven at best.”

"The travel industry as a whole will not recover from COVID until international travel restarts in earnest. We urge the Biden Administration in the strongest possible terms to do its part to make that happen,” the group concluded.

Tit for tat?

While the U.S. is keeping international visitors at arm's length, countries around the world are forcing Americans into a holding pattern, too.

In late August, after seeing the rise in COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the European Union (EU) recommended that Americans be banned from nonessential travel to its 27-nation bloc, which includes France, Germany and Italy.

The EU's move prompted some countries, like the Netherlands, to reinstate quarantines for American travelers, according to Travel + Leisure's Stefanie Waldek. "It remains to be seen if those restrictions will be lifted in time for Christmas, a traditionally popular period for overseas travel," she wrote.

Nonetheless, Americans hoping to get out of the country for the holidays aren't giving up hope -- just shifting how they approach their travel plans.

Matt Clarke, the VP of marketing at online travel agency Kayak, told Travel + Leisure that, unlike the pre-pandemic era when Americans would book holiday flights weeks or months in advance, he thinks they're patiently waiting for changes to settle in before they leap for the 2021 holidays. "The trend for last-minute bookings is strong," he says.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 41,645,545 (41,371,382)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 666,806 (664,019)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 226,643,823 (225,988,972)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,662,980 (4,652,516)‌

CDC: Pregnant women more likely to avoid vaccination

Pregnant women appear to be avoiding COVID-19 vaccinations. As a group, they have one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of Sept. 4, the agency said only about 25% of pregnant women ages 18 to 49 had received at least one vaccine dose.

The CDC says all women in that age group have a 61% vaccination rate. Doctors interviewed by The Texas Tribune say there’s no single reason pregnant women have avoided vaccination, although they suggest vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have played a role. Doctors say it’s a cause for concern.

“We’re just seeing a lot more of them progress [to serious illness] very quickly,” said Dr. Manisha Gandhi, chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “This variant is much more aggressive, [and] pregnant women are getting sicker much faster.”

Pfizer makes its case for a booster shot

Scientists are not in agreement whether healthy people need a COVID-19 booster shot, but Pfizer has submitted data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration making a case for its product. The company said a third shot six months after the second restores the vaccine efficacy to 95%.

Pfizer's report, based on real-world data from Israel, said the two doses of the vaccine become less effective as time passes, with efficacy dropping to around 84% four months after the second shot.

An FDA advisory panel meets tomorrow for what may be a spirited debate about booster shots. Some scientists question the need for healthy people to receive another dose.

Many parents want their young children to get vaccinated ASAP

Many Americans refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19. But a growing number of parents are so eager to have their children get the shot that they are competing to have them enrolled in clinical trials that are administering the different vaccines to children under age 12.

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rachael DiFransico, mother of 14-month-old daughter Sybil, who was recently enrolling her child in a vaccine trial in Cleveland.

“This trial is our best shot at getting the vaccine as quickly as possible,” said DiFransico. “We want some semblance of normalcy for her.”

Around the nation

• Wisconsin: State health officials say COVID-19 cases spiked this week, with 3,400 confirmed positive test results on both Tuesday and Wednesday. There was some good news, however, as the positivity rate fell last week to below 8%. The Wisconsin Hospital Association reports 1,054 COVID-19 patients are currently being treated in hospitals, with more than 300 in intensive care.

• Alaska: The state’s largest hospital has shifted to crisis standards of care, prioritizing resources and treatments on the basis of the predicted outcome. “While we are doing our utmost, we are no longer able to provide the standard of care to each and every patient who needs our help,” Dr. Kristen Solana Walkinshaw, chief of staff at Providence Alaska Medical Center, wrote in a letter to Alaskans.

• California: Officials in Los Angeles County are imposing more requirements to visit indoor public places. Consumers will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at indoor bars, wineries, breweries, nightclubs, and lounges throughout the county.

• Florida: Cases of the coronavirus have surged throughout the state over the summer, and a report from AARP, the senior advocacy group, says the state’s nursing home population has been hit especially hard. “These sadly predictable data trends are also preventable,” said AARP’s state director, Jeff Johnson. “Our most vulnerable residents deserve to be protected from this devastating disease. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated.”

• Delaware: The Newark City Council plans to reintroduce limits on large gatherings after cases of the virus spiked at the University of Delaware. The measure was first implemented in August 2020.

With the Delta variant of COVID-19 still expanding its footprint, the number of concerned Americans is growing, and consumers are reverting back to their old shopping habits from the early days of the pandemic.

A new study by Numerator — a data and tech company serving the market research space — found that 61% of the shopping crowd think the Delta variant will cause a return to lockdowns where they live, and nearly half of consumers believe a return to normal isn't likely to happen until 2022 or later. 

There are still believers that things will be OK, but that number is dwindling. According to the study, 20% of the consumers questioned are "highly optimistic" about a return to normal, which is down from about 33% two months ago.

What are people’s current concerns about COVID-19?

How concerned are people? When COVID-19 cases zoomed upward in August, so did people’s uneasiness. Nearly half (46%) of consumers say they are highly concerned about COVID-19, up 10 percentage points from July 2021. Slightly more than a quarter (26%) rate their concern a 10/10 – a level not seen since March 2021, when that metric hit 25%.

Delta: better or worse than the original? The Delta variant is definitely creating anxiety. The study found that half (50%) of all consumers are more concerned about the Delta variant than the original strain. In addition, 3 out of every 5 consumers (61%) think the Delta variant has the capability to push where they live back into lockdown status.

How worried are people about becoming infected? If you think that getting vaccinated eases the stress level, think again. Numerator’s study shows that 48% of vaccinated consumers are worried about being infected, 66% of vaccinated consumers say they’re worried about the Delta variant, and 62% stress over their adult family and friends becoming infected.

Please, no more mandates or closures. Among consumers who opt not to get the vaccine, the greatest concerns are focused on mandates, closures, and lockdowns. According to the study, 44% are worried about reimposed or extended mask mandates, 43% are concerned about new or extended lockdowns or restrictions, and 32% are concerned about the impact on students returning to schools.

Getting back to normal might take longer than expected. If these numbers sound like a repeat of late 2020, they essentially are. Nearly half of consumers (48%) believe a return to normal won't happen until 2022 or later, up from 23% in July and 18% in June.

The great mask debate roars on

The study showed that consumers are less comfortable with indoor activities, particularly shopping maskless. Underneath that conclusion, the numbers look like this: 

• Consumers indicating they are comfortable shopping inside a store without a mask dropped 15 percentage points from July to August.

• Comfort levels decreased significantly in August for attending a concert or show (-13%), gathering maskless with friends and family (-11%), attending in-person classes (-11%), and eating inside a restaurant (-9%).

• More than half of consumers (53%) say they prefer to wear masks in public at this point in time (63% of vaccinated consumers vs. 25% of unvaccinated consumers).

• Slightly under half (46%) of consumers say they prefer to shop at retailers that require masks (56% of vaccinated vs. 22% of unvaccinated).

• Over 2 in 5 (43%) think proof of vaccination should be required for public indoor spaces (60% of vaccinated vs. 12% of unvaccinated).

A recent study found that climate change may impact whether people decide to have kids in the future. Now, researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine explored what impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on consumers considering expanding their families. 

According to their findings, about half of the mothers in New York City who were trying to have more kids before the pandemic put their plans on hold at the beginning of stay-at-home orders. 

“Our findings show that that initial COVID-19 outbreak appears to have made women think twice about expanding their families and, in some cases, reduce the number of children they ultimately intend to have,” said researcher Linda Kahn, Ph.D. “This is yet another example of the potential long-lasting consequences of the pandemic beyond the more obvious health and economic effects.” 

How the pandemic impacted family planning

For the study, the researchers surveyed over 1,100 mothers in New York City. All of the women had at least one child at the start of the study, and they were surveyed in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic about their plans for subsequent children. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that the pandemic changed the way many women were thinking about their families and their plans for more children. 

Just about half of the women in the study reported actively trying to conceive before the start of the pandemic. However, as infection rates rapidly increased, these plans were paused. It’s also important to note that less than half of the women in this group thought they’d reconsider and start trying to get pregnant again when the pandemic began to get under control.

Additionally, nearly 40% of women changed their minds entirely about expanding their families once the pandemic started. These decisions may have long-term impacts on fertility rates and population growth. 

The researchers also learned that financial status played a big role in many women’s decision to get pregnant. The pandemic significantly impacted consumers’ employment status and finances, both of which are important factors to consider when thinking of adding another child into the family. 

Though the team plans to do more work in this area to better understand how the vaccine may or may not play a role in women’s decision to have more kids, these findings highlight yet another way the pandemic has impacted consumers’ lives. 

“These results emphasize the toll the coronavirus has taken not only on individual parents, but perhaps on fertility rates overall,” said researcher Melanie Jacobson, Ph.D. 

A new study conducted by researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital explored how people’s diets can impact their likelihood of contracting COVID-19 and the severity of their infections. 

The researchers' findings showed that eating a healthier, plant-based diet may be beneficial in reducing the risk and severity of COVID-19.

“Although we cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, our study suggests that individuals can also potentially reduce their risk of getting COVID-19 or having poor outcomes by paying attention to their diet,” said researcher Andrew Chan, M.D.

The benefits of a healthy diet

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from nearly 600,000 participants enrolled in the COVID-19 Symptom Study. Participants answered questions about their diets at the start of the pandemic in March 2020, and the researchers tracked their health outcomes through the end of the year. 

Ultimately, the researchers learned that following a healthier diet was associated with a lower risk of developing COVID-19 and a lower risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19. In terms of severity, a healthy diet was linked with a 41% lower risk of having a severe case of COVID-19. 

“These findings were consistent across a range of sensitivity analysis accounting for other healthy behaviors, social determinants of health, and community virus transmission rates,” said researcher Jordi Merino, Ph.D. 

However, the researchers also learned that the combination of a poor diet and low socioeconomic status made the risk of COVID-19 much higher. 

“Our models estimate that nearly a third of COVID-19 cases would have been prevented if one of two exposures -- diet or deprivation -- were not present,” said Dr. Merino. 

Moving forward, the researchers hope that these findings make their way into the conversation about COVID-19 and more consumers understand the importance of both of these factors. 

“Our findings are a call to the government and stakeholders to prioritize healthy diets and well-being with impactful policies, otherwise we risk losing decades of economic progress and a substantial increase in health disparities,” Dr. Merino said. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses)‌.

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 41,371,382 (41,223,899)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 664,019 (662,262)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 225,988,972 (225,389,505)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,652,516 (4,642,054)‌

U.S. stocks up on COVID-19 treatments

As it encourages more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, the U.S. government is taking steps to treat those with the virus. The government is purchasing 388,000 doses of Eli Lilly’s antibody therapy and 1.4 million more doses of Regeneron’s antibody cocktail.

"The recent increase in COVID-19 cases has caused a substantial rise in the utilization of monoclonal antibody drugs, particularly in areas of the country with low vaccination rates," Lilly's chief scientific and medical officer Daniel Skovronsky told Reuters.

The purchases by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are a response to the continuing wave of new cases of the virus, caused primarily by the Delta variant.

Vaccination for kids may come sooner than expected

Many of the new cases of the coronavirus are among young children, which isn't surprising — children under 12 aren't yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

That may be about to change. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s chief medical adviser, believes that approval to vaccinate children between the ages of five and 11 could come this fall as clinical trials are evaluated.

"If you look at the studies that we at the National Institutes of Health are doing in collaboration with the pharmaceutical companies, there will be enough data to apply for an emergency use authorization both by Pfizer, a little bit later by Moderna," Fauci said.

Mixed views on booster shots

Many vaccinated Americans are making plans to get a COVID-19 booster shot. Some have already gotten one. But the scientific jury is still out on when or if a booster is necessary.

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel meets later this week to discuss booster shots, and Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, told CNN he expects spirited debate.

Earlier this week two FDA staffers, who were expressing frustration with President Biden’s announcement last month that the administration would launch a booster program, publicly questioned the need for booster shots. They co-authored an article saying the data does not appear to support a need for booster shots for the general public right now.

Around the nation

• New Jersey: Another 1,500 New Jersey residents are projected to die of COVID-19 by December, according to a statistical model that has proved accurate in the past. And that’s if public masking and other mitigation steps are observed. Without those steps, the model predicts the death toll could double.

• Kentucky: Six of the state’s 120 counties are in the top 10 in the nation when it comes to new cases of the virus. Perry County ranks number one in the nation. “COVID is as bad in Kentucky as it has ever been in this pandemic,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Right now, sadly, we are one of the hottest states in the country.”

• Maine: The state’s COVID-19 patients are getting younger. State officials reported this week that people under 20 years old accounted for nearly half of the 667 new COVID-19 cases. That’s a big change from the early days of the pandemic and a significant increase from earlier this summer.

• Nevada: State health officials report mixed COVID-19 news. The rate of positive test results has declined sharply this week. At the same time, the number of active cases remains high.  Nevada’s 26 deaths last week included 19 from the Las Vegas area.

• Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis is not letting up in his campaign against mask and vaccination mandates. The governor this week threatened to fine local governments that require employees to be vaccinated. An appeals court recently upheld DeSantis’ order banning mask mandates at public schools.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses)‌.

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 41,223,899 (40,956,556)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 662,262 (659,985)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 225,389,505 (224,792,464)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,642,054 (4,633,281)‌

Daily death toll highest since March

One measure of how quickly the U.S. has fallen off its pandemic recovery track is the daily death toll. Back in June, before the spread of the Delta variant, it was a little more than 250. This week it is more than 1,600 — the highest since March — according to The New York Times.

Since records have been kept, there have been more than 41 million COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and nearly 678,000 people have died. At the current rate of deaths, it’s estimated the death toll could exceed 700,000 next month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 179 million Americans are fully vaccinated, which is nearly 54% of the total population. Of those Americans over age 12 and eligible to receive the vaccine, 63% are fully vaccinated.

Another study finds fewer deaths among vaccinated people

British researchers have released the results of their study of COVID-19 deaths in England between January and July. This study by the UK Office For National Statistics found that 51,281 people died of the virus — but only 640 were fully vaccinated.

It follows three studies released by the CDC last week showing that the unvaccinated were 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the fully vaccinated.

“The risk of death involving COVID-19 was consistently lower for people who had received two vaccinations compared to one or no vaccination, as shown by the weekly age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for deaths involving COVID-19,” the authors wrote.

Kroger CEO says pandemic hiring is a challenge

Kroger, along with every other supermarket chain, is having to contend with inflationary pressures in the wake of the pandemic, but company CEO Rodney McMullen says that isn’t its biggest challenge. Hiring employees is.

Kroger is the nation’s largest supermarket chain, with 2,700 stores operating under different brand names. Right now, McMullen says the company needs to hire 20,000 people.

“We’re aggressively hiring anywhere we can,” McMullen told CNBC. “One of the biggest constraints we have right now is finding talented people.”

Around the nation

• Mississippi: COVID-19 is surging through the state’s public schools. State health officials say more than 18,000 Mississippi students have tested positive for the virus since school began in August. More than 3,600 teachers and staff have also tested positive.
• Ohio: Several hospital groups across the state have joined forces to ask their communities to wear masks in public and get vaccinated, warning the medical centers are in danger of being overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. "We are concerned with what the coming weeks will bring," the group said in a statement. "We want to continue to provide the care our patients need, and when and where they need it."
• Missouri: Cases of the virus are surging once again, and the new outbreak is hitting the southeast portion of the state hardest. In a Facebook post, the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston reported the number of COVID-19 patients has significantly increased over the summer and that all of its ICU beds are full.
• Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont’s latest COVID-19 update shows hospitalizations have declined by 37, with 327 state residents still in hospitals for treatment of the virus. Of those, Lamont says more than 72% are not fully vaccinated.
• Iowa: An analysis of public health data shows children age 17 and younger make up the majority of new COVID-19 cases in the state. The report also says the percentage has steadily increased in recent weeks. Children under age 12 are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses).

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 40,956,556 (40,923,034)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 659,985 (659,696)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 224,792,464 (224,329,369)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,633,281 (4,625,993)‌

Delta hits the unvaccinated particularly hard

Federal data show the recent surge in COVID-19 cases is hitting young people — especially those who have not been vaccinated — in particular. Current death counts of people under age 55 are about the same as those during last winter’s surge, before vaccines were readily available.

Today, COVID-19 deaths are well below what they were during January’s peak — but the fatalities are unevenly distributed throughout the population. Some researchers say deaths among the vaccinated older population are much lower than they were in January.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released studies that show unvaccinated people were 4.6 times as likely to be infected with the virus. Worse: The data shows they are 10 times as likely to require hospital care and 11 times as likely to die.

Resignations force New York hospital to pause baby deliveries

According to a mandate issued by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, all medical personnel in the state of New York must be vaccinated by Sept. 27. Because so many nurses have quit rather than get the vaccine, Lewis County General Hospital has “paused” maternity services because they can’t operate safely.

According to CNN, 30 of the hospital's employees have quit, six of whom worked in the maternity ward. Hospital officials expressed hope that state health officials would agree to a pause in service and not require the maternity department to close permanently.

There could be more resignations as the deadline approaches. Hospital officials say 165 employees have not been vaccinated.

Yale releases encouraging antibody study

People who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 have a level of protection that, in most cases, reduces bad outcomes, according to a new study from Yale researchers.

The researchers examined the role of T-cells and B-cells in COVID-19 infections and differences in protection produced by vaccines and natural infection. When a person is infected with COVID-19 for the first time, both T-cells and B-cells play a role in combating the infection.

“We saw that antibodies [generated from both vaccine and natural infection] were also sufficient to protect against the … Beta variant. That’s the variant that — at least until this point — had been shown to be the most evasive of antibody responses,” said Benjamin Goldman-Israelow, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the Iwasaki Lab. “Even more so than the Delta variant.”

Around the nation

• Massachusetts: Massachusetts is tied with Vermont for the highest vaccination, rate but that’s not stopping its residents from getting COVID-19. Health officials report “breakthrough” cases exceeded 4,400 last week as 600 fully vaccinated people a day tested positive.
• Pennsylvania: The state begins the week with a spike in new cases of the coronavirus. Health officials reported just over 5,000 new cases on Friday, the most since May. Hospitals in three western counties report the increased caseload is straining resources.
• Florida: An appeals court Friday reinstated Gov. Ron DeSantis’ ban on school district mask requirements. This means the state could withhold funding from districts that defy the governor’s order.
• California: A California father of five children died of COVID-19, sending his children to an orphanage. The man’s wife, a 37-year-old delivery nurse, died three weeks ago of the virus. Neither had been vaccinated.
• Arkansas: After being one of the epicenters of new outbreaks just two months ago, Arkansas’ numbers continue to move in the right direction. The Arkansas Department of Health reports hospitalizations fell for the fifth straight day, declining by 13 patients to a total of 1,118. However, the number of patients on ventilators remains high.

A new study conducted by researchers from King’s College London emphasized the importance of people following through with both rounds of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Their findings showed that should individuals contract the virus after getting both doses of the vaccine, their symptoms aren’t likely to last very long. Though it’s possible to experience COVID-related symptoms for several weeks after infection, having both doses of the vaccine reduces the likelihood of what is known as “long COVID” by nearly 50%. 

“Vaccinations are massively reducing the chances of people getting long COVID in two ways,” said researcher Tim Spector. “Firstly, by reducing the risk of any symptoms by 8 to 10 fold and then by halving the chances of any infection turning into long COVID, if it does happen. Whatever the duration of symptoms we are seeing that infections after two vaccinations are also much milder, so vaccines are really changing the disease and for the better. We are encouraging people to get their second jab as soon as they can.” 

Several benefits of getting both shots

For the study, the researchers analyzed data entered into the UK ZOE COVID Symptom Study app from December through July. All participants logged information about their vaccination records, symptoms, and COVID tests.

The study showed that having both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine came with significant health benefits. Though the risk of contracting the virus while fully vaccinated is low, those who did were nearly 50% less likely to develop long COVID, about 75% less likely to be hospitalized, and about 30% less likely to have severe symptoms. 

“COVID-19 vaccines have saved more than 105,000 lives and prevented over 24 million infections in England alone,” Sajid Javid, the U.K. secretary of state for health and social care, said. “This research is encouraging, suggesting vaccines are not only preventing deaths but could also help prevent some of the longer-lasting symptoms.” 

The researchers did learn that some groups remain at risk of contracting COVID even after vaccination. They found that older people and those who live in low-income areas are at the greatest risk of getting infected post-vaccination. 

“In terms of the burden of long COVID, it’s good news that our research has found that having a double vaccination significantly reduces the risk of both catching the virus and if you do, developing long-standing symptoms,” said researcher Dr. Claire Steves. “However, among our frail, older adults and those living in deprived areas the risk is still significant and they should be urgently prioritized for second and booster vaccinations.” 

The Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration has decided to increase the penalties for people who won’t mask up while flying or taking public transportation. The new penalties — which take effect Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 — will be $500 to $1,000 for first offenders and $1,000 to $3,000 for second offenders and apply at airports and on commercial aircraft, railroads, intercity bus service, and other public transportation.

The federal mask mandate for transportation — extended just a few weeks ago — will remain in effect until Jan. 18, 2022.   

“Wearing a mask protects the traveling public and all of the personnel who make the travel experience safe, secure, and comfortable,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “We will continue to enforce the mask mandate as long as necessary to protect public health and safety.”

The TSA administrator, David Pekoske, said, “We appreciate the majority of travelers each day who voluntarily follow the requirement, but find this action necessary to maximize the protections for those who use and work within the transportation system, and to contain COVID-19. By doubling the range of penalties, we seek to reinforce the importance of voluntary adherence.”  

The TSA warns anti-maskers that these mask mandate penalties are separate from the ever-growing civil penalties the Federal Aviation Administration issues for individuals who engage in unruly and unsafe behavior. 

ConsumerAffairs reviewers speak out

Mask requirements are increasingly becoming a lightning rod. Since the start of the year, 31 ConsumerAffairs reviewers have expressed their appreciation — or disdain — for mask mandates on airlines.

On the 5-star end of the review scale, Yulia of Colorado gave Frontier Airlines some props for being considerate of a child who is mask-averse. “Frontier is so nice and not what I was expecting when flying during Corona. They were so considerate and not mean or anything like people are writing. I was flying with 2.5 y.o. who absolutely refuses to wear mask and was afraid they'd do something but no, they were very understanding!” Yulia said.

Then there are people like Clyde from South Carolina, who appreciated the lengths American Airlines went to ensure safety.

“I was impressed with their attention to detail to truly make me feel safe and comfortable in leiu of pandemic that we are living thru,” Clyde said in a 4-star review. “They took the time to make sure all seats and armrest were clean and dry, made sure to ask all to place mask over their nose and made it a point to ask if there was anything else they could do to make me feel comfortable."

While Clyde’s experience with American was positive, Simon's wasn't. “I flew with American Airlines business and the second they closed the door they starting treating their customers that they will send down all members that don't cover the nose with the mask, I made sure that my nose is covered and when I started eating one crew member came to me saying that I can't eat so long, and prior to landing they gave me a card saying that I am a dangerous passenger, (while I had my mask on during the whole flight besides when I ate), they are bad people, they don't like people, don't travel with American Airlines," wrote Simon of New York.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University ‌(previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses)‌.

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 40,606,600 (40,470,429)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 654,632 (652,869)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 223,318,139 (222,761,144)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,608,243 (4,599,706)‌

All federal workers must be vaccinated

President Biden’s plan for getting the COVID-19 pandemic under control centers on getting more vaccines into more arms. The president has announced that one way to do this is to require all federal government workers to be vaccinated.

Biden didn’t mince words in a brief address Thursday, laying out his rationale for the new policy. "We've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin, and your refusal has cost all of us," he said to Americans who have declined the vaccine.

Biden didn’t stop at a government worker mandate; he also directed the Labor Department to require all employers with more than 100 workers to require either the vaccine or regular testing. 

LA County Schools mandate vaccinations for students

A number of school districts require school employees to be vaccinated. The Los Angeles Unified School Board may be the first to take it another step. It voted Thursday night to require eligible students, age 12 and up, to be vaccinated by Dec. 31.

“We want to do everything possible to make sure that L.A. Unified doesn’t end up on the long list of school districts that have had to re-close and go back to distance learning after welcoming students back this fall,” said board member Nick Melvoin.

Other board members said the move was logical and not without precedent, noting that schools have long required students to be immunized against a number of childhood diseases.

FDA considers vaccines for young children

Children under 12 remain the weak link in the fight against COVID-19 since they're not yet eligible to be vaccinated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is studying the issue but says it will follow the science and not rush approval.

Part of the problem is a lack of data. The FDA notes that clinical trials testing the efficacy of the vaccine on children under 12 have not been completed.

“It’s important that the public recognize that, because young children are still growing and developing, it’s critical that thorough and robust clinical trials of adequate size are completed to evaluate the safety and the immune response to a COVID-19 vaccine in this population,” the FDA said in its most recent update.

Around the nation

• Utah: Doctors at Primary Children's Hospital say they're dealing with a big increase in patients with coronavirus and other respiratory infections — often at the same time. A teenage patient died at the hospital last week of COVID-19 complications.

• Virginia: School officials in Henrico County have announced they're easing some quarantine guidelines in an effort to keep students and staff engaged with in-person learning as much as possible. The quarantine period following a “close contact” with the coronavirus has been shortened from 14 to 10 days.

• Kentucky: COVID-19 cases in the state continue to approach record highs, but state lawmakers have determined that masks are unnecessary. The Kentucky House of Representatives has voted to revoke the statewide mask mandate in public schools.

• Nevada: As of today, a mask mandate is in place in all Nevada counties. Every county in the state now meets the government’s threshold of “substantial” or “high” risk of transmission.

• Arkansas: Some schools in Arkansas have made fundamental adjustments to education, planning for more remote learning in the wake of the pandemic. A growing number of teachers in the state are choosing to teach from home. “You don’t have busy duty or lunch duty, or you know, car line duty,” said Melissa Curiel, a teacher at Arkansas Connections Academy.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 40,470,429 (40,290,187)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 652,869 (650,838)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 222,761,144 (222,112,738)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,599,706 (4,590,004)‌

Biden to unveil new COVID-19 strategy

President Biden plans to speak to the nation later today to outline a new White House strategy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic — in particular, the fast-spreading illnesses caused by the Delta variant.

"He's going to outline the next phase in the fight against the virus and what that looks like, including measures to work with the public and private sector," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

White House officials told ABC News that the plan will include six areas of focus, starting with vaccinating the unvaccinated. It will also focus on increasing protection for people who have already been vaccinated, keeping schools open, and increasing testing.

Study shows Mu variant can resist vaccines

Japanese researchers have confirmed health officials’ worst fears. The newly emerged Mu variant, first identified in January in Columbia and now present in 49 states, appears to show resistance to current vaccines.

“Since breakthrough infection by newly emerging variants is a major concern during the current COVID-19 pandemic, we believe that our findings are of significant public health interest,” the team from the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Chiba University, and Tokai University in Kanagawa wrote in its findings. “Our results will help to better assess the risk posed by the Mu variant for vaccinated, previously infected and naïve populations.”

Left unsaid is whether current vaccines limit the severity of symptoms as they do for infections caused by the Delta variant. The Japanese study is currently under peer review.

The Delta variant puts a damper on travel

A number of domestic airlines have dialed back their optimistic travel forecasts and reported a slowdown in bookings for the remainder of the year. The reason, they agree, is the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines reported this week that ticket sales have fallen over the last four weeks. United said it is reducing flights to compensate for the falling demand and warned that if present trends continue, it will fail to turn a profit in this quarter or the next one.

Southwest, which depends more on leisure travel than business travel, said it has seen a significant drop in bookings. “Impacts experienced, thus far, and currently estimated through October 2021, are less severe than experienced during prior waves of rising COVID-19 cases,” Southwest said in a statement.

Around the nation

• New Jersey: Gov. Phil Murphy says he will issue an executive order requiring school employees to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or undergo regular testing for COVID-19 during the upcoming school year. “From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have called for following the guidance of public health officials to keep the students and staff in our public schools safe,” the New Jersey Education Association said in a statement.
• Florida: As Florida’s COVID-19 cases have surged, the state’s vaccination rate has also edged higher. According to government health statistics, more than 53% of the state’s residents have completed the two-dose series of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or have completed Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine.
• Ohio: Ohio is experiencing a rapid spread of new coronavirus cases across the state, prompting some municipalities to consider reimposing mitigation measures. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he’ll issue an executive order requiring all residents, whether vaccinated or not, to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.
• Illinois: Every state is now on Chicago’s travel advisory list. Vermont, which has experienced a sharp rise in cases of the virus, was added this week. States are added to the advisory's "orange list" when COVID cases rise above the threshold of 15 per day per 100,000 people.
• Colorado: State health officials warn that hospitals across the state are nearing capacity. They report COVID-19 hospitalizations are at the highest level since January’s surge. "We, of course, continue to see that most of the transmission, most of the hospitalization is really occurring among our unvaccinated population, and that's certainly true in the state of the hospitalization data," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization explored what it would take for COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted. 

They explained that restrictions should be lifted at the same pace as vaccination rates to give consumers more freedom while also preventing new infections.

“Our results demonstrate that the pace of vaccination first and foremost determines the expected gain in freedom (i.e., lifting of restrictions) during and after completion of the COVID-19 vaccination programs,” the researchers wrote. “Any premature lifting of restrictions risks another wave with high COVID-19 incidence and full ICUs.” 

Looking to the future

The goal of the study was to determine how to approach lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The team utilized mathematical models that combined vaccination rates with other epidemiological data from several countries across Europe. 

In order to ensure consumers are safe from infection and big surges of cases don’t crop up — particularly in high-risk areas — safety restrictions can’t be lifted too quickly. This is especially true if vaccination rates are low or stagnant. 

The researchers found that keeping pace with vaccination rates is the best way for public officials to go about changing restrictions. The higher vaccination rates are in a given area, the more successful it would be to loosen restrictions. 

However, the researchers also learned that lifting COVID-19 restrictions completely with 80% of adults being vaccinated can still lead to significant spikes in infection rates. This emphasizes how important it is for policymakers to take these decisions seriously — changing restrictions can have significant consequences. 

“In such an event, restrictions would quickly have to be reinstated, thus quickly vanishing the mirage of freedom,” said researcher Viola Priesemann. “Furthermore, an early lift would have high morbidity and mortality costs. Meanwhile, relaxing restrictions at the pace of vaccination shows almost the same progress in ‘freedom’ while maintaining low incidence.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 40,028,975 (39,820,117)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 649,134 (648,281)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 221,314,774 (220,937,269)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,579,064 (4,563,447)‌

U.S. cases top 40 million

The U.S. has now recorded more than 40 million cases since the COVID-19 pandemic began thanks to the most recent spike in cases caused by the spread of the Delta variant. The majority of the cases were not serious, but the death toll is nearly 650,000 -- a death rate of 1.6%.

Before the rapid spread of the Delta variant, the U.S. appeared to be on the road to putting the pandemic behind it. Things seemed almost back to normal by July 4th, but cases were surging again by the middle of that month, with a growing number of vaccinated Americans also testing positive.

"Here's the important thing: Everyone that I'm hospitalizing is not vaccinated,” Dr. Megan Ranney, professor of emergency medicine and associate dean at Brown University's school of public health, told CNN. “We are, by and large across the country, not needing to hospitalize people that have gotten both doses of the vaccine. This is a disease of the unvaccinated right now."

Fauci: Three shots may be necessary

If you got two shots of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you’ll probably need a third one. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the White House’s chief medical adviser, says a third dose several months after the second one might help the body’s immune system mature.

“I must say from my own experience as an immunologist, I would not at all be surprised that the adequate full regimen for vaccination will likely be three doses,” Fauci told reporters during a White House COVID-19 briefing.

Fauci also says he expects the Pfizer vaccine to be the first to be approved for booster shots, a decision that could come by Sept. 20. He said approval for the Moderna booster may require additional research.

Enhanced jobless benefits end

Some people who were laid off from work early in the pandemic have been collecting an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits provided under the CARES Act. That extra assistance ended Monday.

The White House said there are no plans to extend the enhanced benefits again since the economy has resumed economic growth and there are a record number of job openings. Unfortunately, businesses have had trouble filling those positions. The Labor Department's latest report shows that the economy added only 325,000 jobs in August.

An estimated 7 million Americans were receiving the extra benefit when it expired. 

Around the state

• Vermont: Health officials say the state has so far escaped the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases that many other states have experienced over the summer. After a brief mid-July spike caused by the Delta variant, state health officials say cases have begun trending lower again.

• Texas: The Texas Education Agency reports that at least 45 state school districts have temporarily halted in-classroom sessions because of a spike in new cases of the coronavirus. The shutdowns mean that about 42,000 students are attending school online again.

• Oregon: Costco stores in Oregon are cautioning shoppers about hoarding. The warning comes amid concerns that the spike in COVID-19 cases will once again cause a run on toilet paper and other staples. In an update on its website, the retailer said "some warehouses may have temporary item limits on select items."

• Florida: The state has already been ravaged by an August spike in COVID-19 cases, and state health officials fear it could get worse. They cite a survey by Value Penguin showing that Florida was the top destination for the Labor Day weekend. “When you see people crowded together in tight confines, you know there’s going to be an increase in cases,” said Dr. John Greene with the Moffitt Cancer Center.

• Arkansas: State health officials are cautiously optimistic that attitudes about COVID-19 vaccines are beginning to change. After a spike in cases that led to deaths and a crisis at hospitals in the state, officials say there has been an increase in the vaccination rate over the last four weeks.

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of California Berkeley explored the benefits associated with teens spending quality time online during COVID-19 lockdown orders. 

According to their findings, interacting with others in a positive, meaningful way online can help young people feel less lonely while home during quarantine. 

“Our findings support our hypothesis that how you spend your time on screens, and not how much time you spend online, is the best predictor of loneliness and well-being,” said researcher Dr. Lucía Magis-Weinberg. “In light of this, teachers and parents might want to focus more on promoting positive online experiences for youth rather than limiting screen time.” 

Beating loneliness during quarantine

For the study, the researchers followed more than 15,000 teens across Peru and Mexico for six weeks. At the time of the surveys, teens in both countries were spending most of their time indoors because of strict lockdown restrictions. They answered questions about how long they were usually online every day, their mental health, and how their online interactions made them feel. 

Though many studies have warned of the risks associated with teens spending too much time online, this study found that having thoughtful and meaningful connections on social media was beneficial for teens’ mental health. The team found that participants who spent more time online as a way of getting support were better able to handle their time in isolation.

“The results show that using social media to actively connect with friends and family and find support -- instead of just scrolling endlessly through Instagram and comparing oneself to others and feeling excluded -- can have a positive impact on well-being,” said Dr. Maris-Weinberg. 

“There has been this negative discourse about screen time causing loneliness and depression. But our findings provide more nuance and show that, when used positively, online interactions are actually associated with less loneliness. This is especially true when teenagers have no other option but to connect with their friends online.” 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 39,431,142 (39,220,117)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 642,255(640,281)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 218,666,686 (217,947,269)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,546,775 (4,523,447)‌

Mu variant is the latest on the WHO watch list

While the Delta variant continues its rampage across the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) says it’s keeping an eye on the Mu variant, which may be the next mutation of the coronavirus to cause trouble. It was first identified in Colombia in January.

"The Mu variant has a constellation of mutations that indicate potential properties of immune escape," the organization said in a bulletin.

WHO scientists are concerned because they say the Mu variant has mutations that suggest it could have resistance to vaccines. The scientists stressed that further studies were needed to better understand the variant and its risks.

FDA increases criticism of ivermectin as COVID-19 defense

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stepped up its campaign to discourage people from using an animal drug to prevent or treat COVID-19. The drug, ivermectin, has become a social media sensation, with advocates encouraging its use. Popular podcaster Joe Rogan reported late Wednesday that he had used it after testing positive over the weekend.

But the FDA said it is ineffective and could actually cause harmful side effects. The agency points out that the drug is used to treat parasitic infections in livestock and has not been tested on humans.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Mississippi’s State Department of Health reports that at least 70% of its recent calls have been related to ingestion of ivermectin formulations intended for animals. It says many consumers purchased the drug at livestock supply centers.

Cutting jobless benefits didn’t send people back to work

In the early days of the pandemic, when millions of people were thrown out of work, Congress approved an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, then renewed it before it was set to expire. About half the states ended the benefits early after small businesses complained that it dissuaded people from returning to work.

But an analysis by the Wall Street Journal calls that hypothesis into question. It found that states that continued paying the extra $300 a week have seen the same job growth as states that ended it early.

“If the question is, ‘Is UI (unemployment insurance) the key thing that’s holding back the labor market recovery?’ The answer is no, definitely not, based on the available data,” Peter Ganong, a University of Chicago economist, told the Journal.

The benefits expire next week.

Around the nation

• Illinois: Illinois health officials have reported their findings of an investigation into an outbreak of COVID-19 cases linked to an overnight church camp and a two-day men’s conference. The report documented a total of 180 cases of coronavirus, including 122 that occurred among attendees. Neither event required vaccinations or testing.
• New Jersey: State officials say they expect to begin administering the first COVID-19 booster shots to the most vulnerable consumers in three weeks. Gov. Phil Murphy said the state will reopen large-scale vaccination sites for a limited time to accommodate those who want boosters.
• Maine: Ten of Maine’s 16 counties are reporting COVID-19 transmission rates that federal health officials categorize as “high.” At midweek, the state reported 475 new cases over a three-day period.
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma doctors expressed concern this week about the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state and how it is affecting hospitals. The president of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, Patti Davis, says hospitals are preparing for what’s coming. “We very much follow these trend lines and we know that positive cases, when those are on an uptick, there is a lag until hospitalizations start ticking upward as well,” Davis said.
• Mississippi: Data shows that the state continues to struggle to contain the coronavirus. The New York Times’ data chart of COVID-19 cases ranks Mississippi second in the nation in rate of COVID-19 deaths. It is tied for last place with Alabama for the lowest percentage of fully vaccinated individuals.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 39,220,117 (39,076,637)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 640,281 (639,050)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 217,947,269 (217,359,371)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,523,447 (4,514,209)‌

FDA under growing pressure to vaccinate children

With the school year underway, children under 12 are accounting for a growing proportion of the nation’s COVID-19 patients. These young people are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine because clinical trials on children have not been completed.

More than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have written to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to urge officials to provide an update on a timeline for childhood vaccinations. Lee Savio Beers, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has also pressed the FDA to expedite vaccinations for children.

Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gotlieb told CNBC that he expects approval of vaccinations for children under 12 to come by winter. “The application probably isn’t going to be submitted until some point in October,” he said.

High viral load in lungs linked to death

Why do some COVID-19 patients die and others recover with few ill effects? Doctors are still trying to figure it out, but researchers at NYU Langone Health's department of medicine have offered a new clue.

They say people who die from the virus almost always have a large amount of the coronavirus present in their lungs -- much more than people who recover or have no symptoms. On average, people dying from the disease had a viral load in their lungs that was 10 times higher than survivors.

"Our findings suggest that the body's failure to cope with the large numbers of virus infecting the lungs is largely responsible for COVID-19 deaths in the pandemic," said lead study author Dr. Imran Sulaiman. 

Health workers face increased threats from stressed patients

Health care workers say they have always been the target of angry, deranged, and emotionally charged people who confront them with verbal and physical abuse. In the age of COVID-19, they say the abuse is off the charts.

Karen Garvey, vice president of patient safety and clinical risk management at Parkland Health & Hospital System in Dallas, tells the Texas Tribune that so far this year there have been examples of “people being punched in the chest, having urine thrown on them and inappropriate sexual innuendos or behaviors in front of staff members. The verbal abuse, the name-calling, racial slurs … we’ve had broken bones, broken noses.”

While the attacks are a source of concern for doctor and nurse safety, health officials have another worry. Texas is already experiencing an acute nurse shortage. Hospital executives worry that the increase in hostility from patients and family members will cause even more nurses to quit.

Around the nation

• Texas: The Connally Independent School District in suburban Waco has closed its five schools for at least the next few days after two teachers died of COVID-19. Natalia Chansler and David McCormick died within days of one another. Chansler was 41; McCormick was 59.

• Virginia: Richmond is dealing with a worsening outbreak. Health officials say the city saw 211.3 new cases per 100,000 people in the last seven days. The state said that was a 300% increase from the same period last month.

• Tennessee: The state health department has revised its COVID-19 hospitalization records for the entire pandemic, revealing a significant undercount. The revised data shows that an extra 5,100 Tennessee residents required hospital treatment for the virus.

• Washington: People attending the Washington State Fair this month will be required to mask up both indoors and outdoors, regardless of vaccination status. The order follows a 964% increase in reported cases over the past seven weeks. 

• Arkansas: State health officials have expressed alarm at the rate at which the Delta variant is spreading through schools across the state. “We’re in an acute surge, and all communities statewide have very, very high levels of transmission,” Dr. Joe Thompson, CEO of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement, told KUAR Radio.

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would like unvaccinated Americans to stay at home over the Labor Day holiday weekend and not risk venturing out where they can pick up or transmit COVID-19.

"First and foremost, if you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky urged during a briefing at the White House on Tuesday.

And Walensky can back that request up. This week, the CDC forecast that the number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths will likely increase over the next four weeks, with anywhere from 5,800 to 18,600 new deaths likely to occur by September 25, 2021. If that happens, the CDC's predictive model estimates that a total of 666,000 to 697,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by that date.

Walensky said her agency “carefully” watches travel health notices every single day. “Those look at testing capacity as well as case rates. And we update our travel guidance by country in real time,” she said.

“We have actually articulated that people who are fully vaccinated and who are wearing masks can travel. Although given where we are with disease transmission right now, we would say that people need to take their own — these risks into their own consideration as they think about traveling.”

White House lays out more reasons for vaccination

The White House suggested that a better trip to take over the Labor Day weekend would be to get vaccinated if you’re not already -- especially those who are looking for work.

“Notably, the share of job postings that require vaccinations are up 90% according to Indeed.com,” said Jeff Zients, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator. 

Zients certainly did his homework. When ConsumerAffairs checked Indeed.com for vaccination requirements, we found everything from a part-time job as a Distillery Associate at Michter's Distillery in Louisville, Ky., to a package sorter for Amazon in Victorville, Calif., required proof of vaccination. 

Companies are making it worth a job applicant’s while, too. As an example, the package sorter gig at Amazon comes with a $4,000 sign-on bonus.

“Bottom line: Vaccination requirements work. They drive up vaccination rates. And we need more businesses and other employers, including healthcare systems, school districts, colleges and universities to step up and do their part to help end the pandemic faster,” Zients stated.

“We need more individuals to step up too. As people across the country prepare for Labor Day weekend, it’s critical that being vaccinated is part of their pre-holiday checklist. Getting vaccinated is free. It’s easy and convenient. It’s safe and effective. And it’s never, ever been more important.”

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 39,076,637 (38,818,764)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 639,050 (637,658)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 217,359,371 (216,664,634)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,514,209 (4,505,400)‌

CDC finds vaccines’ protection declines slightly over time

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that the COVID-19 vaccines’ effectiveness against more severe symptoms appears to decline among older adults after a few months.

That said, it’s still pretty strong. CDC researchers found that seniors aged 75 and older who got the vaccine at the beginning of the year had an 80% chance of staying out of the hospital at the end of July.

The agency’s finding confirms previous research that suggests the vaccine’s protection against the virus declines, especially among people with underlying conditions. It may provide ammunition to health policymakers who have suggested that booster shots may be needed to increase the vaccines’ durability.

Five states are running out of ICU beds

As the Delta variant continues to sweep the nation, hospitals in states with a large percentage of unvaccinated residents are reaching a breaking point. Five states are reportedly at 90% capacity or more in their intensive care units (ICU).

Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas are down to 10% ICU capacity. In Georgia, one hospital is so full of COVID-19 patients that it is adding beds in hallways.

Dr. Matthew F. Daley, a CDC vaccine adviser, told CNN that the hospitalization rate is 16 times greater in the unvaccinated population than in those vaccinated.

"This to me seems to be a strong indication that the current epidemiologic curve that we're seeing is really a reflection of failure to vaccinate, not vaccine failure," he said.

More NFL players in COVID-19 protocols

As the National Football League (NFL) prepares to kick off the 2021 season, the toughest opponent appears to be COVID-19, which has been made stronger in the offseason by the acquisition of the Delta variant.

The Indianapolis Colts report that quarterback Carson Wentz, center Ryan Kelly, and wide receiver Zach Pascal have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list after coming in contact with a staff member who tested positive for the virus.

ESPN reports that the move suggests the three players are not vaccinated since vaccinated players would only be placed on the list for a positive test result. The NFL has said that if unvaccinated players force a game to be canceled, their team will forfeit the game and the players on both teams will give up a week’s pay.

Around the nation

• Minnesota: Just five days into the new school year, education officials in Albert Lea are confronting a worst-case scenario.  Superintendent Dr. Mike Funk reports that 36 people have tested positive for COVID-19, and 290 students are currently quarantined from exposure to the virus following a "large virus spread within our community."
• Mississippi: Dolly Monceaux, who’s 82 and lives in Pascagoula, was unvaccinated when she got COVID-19 and was admitted to the hospital. She’s one of the lucky ones. After an ordeal, she’s left the ICU and has convinced her unvaccinated family to get inoculated. "All my family wasn't going to get the shot, but now we are," Monceaux told CNN. "All my family." 
• New York: Newly sworn-in Gov. Kathy Hochul has revised the state’s COVID-19 death toll, adding more than 12,000 names to the list of the virus’ victims. The previous reporting system did not factor death certificate data submitted to the CDC, which included deaths in any location, including at home.
• California: Rural counties in Northern California are seeing the same spikes in COVID-19 cases that erupted in early August in urban areas of the state. Health officials in some counties say the spike is the worst so far during the pandemic. Making matters worse, the smaller hospitals in those areas are reaching capacity.
• Arkansas: Some state prison inmates have been given the drug ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19, even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has strongly advised against its use to treat or prevent the virus. The drug is approved for use in animals to treat parasitic infections.

While several studies have emphasized the importance of consumers receiving both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, a new study conducted by researchers from Northwestern University explored the role that antibodies play for the vaccinated and unvaccinated. 

Their findings suggest that following up with the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines is very important because consumers’ antibody levels lower naturally over time, as does protection from the vaccines. They also learned that prior exposure to COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily impart higher antibody levels that will be maintained long-term -- but it does improve the odds.

“Many people, and many doctors, are assuming that any prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2 will confer immunity to re-infection,” said researcher Thomas McDade. “Based on this logic, some people with prior exposure don’t think they need to get vaccinated. Or if they do get vaccinated, they think that they only need the first dose of the two-dose Pfizer/Moderna vaccines. 

Understanding the body’s immune response

For the study, the researchers analyzed the antibody levels of more than 8,000 participants who had previously been infected with COVID-19. Participants utilized at-home antibody tests three times: two weeks before their first dose of the COVID vaccine, two weeks after their second dose, and two months after their second dose. 

While the researchers observed higher antibody levels after the first dose of the vaccine, by the time they had reached the final antibody evaluation, antibody levels were declining by about 20%. They explained that over time, immunity to infection -- even after vaccination -- gets lower. This highlights the importance of consumers getting both doses of the vaccine to ensure that they’re as protected from the virus as possible. 

The researchers also learned that participants who had been infected with COVID-19 before getting vaccinated had higher antibody levels than those who hadn’t tested positive for the virus. Additionally, those who were symptomatic had more antibody protection than those who were asymptomatic. 

Staying protected against the delta variant

As the Delta variant continues to spread around the world, staying protected from COVID-19 continues to remain a priority. 

“As far as protection goes after vaccination, the story is the same for all the variants, including delta -- the vaccine provides good protection, but not as good protection as the original version of the virus for which the vaccine was designed,” McDade said.

“Combine that with the fact that immunity wanes over time, you get increased vulnerability to breakthrough infection. So, it’s two strikes right now -- delta plus waning immunity among the first wave of the vaccinated.”

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 38,818,764 (38,756,508)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 637,658 (632,275)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 216,664,634 (216,213,175)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,505,400 (4,498,657)‌

U.S. deaths continue to climb

Analysts poring over data from the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University report that news about the coronavirus continues to get worse. They say death rates increased in 42 states last week. In 14 states, deaths increased by more than 50%.

Alabama state health officer Dr. Scott Harris told CNN that so many people have died that some hospitals have run out of morgue space for the bodies of COVID-19 patients.

"We have enough people dying that there is no room to put these bodies," Harris said. "We are really in a crisis situation. I don't know how much longer we're going to be able to do this."

Florida remains an epicenter

The COVID-19 situation remains grim in Florida, but hospitalizations decreased over the last week. However, demand for beds in intensive care units (ICU) continues to climb, suggesting that cases not requiring hospital treatment are more severe.

Officials report that more than 53% of ICU beds in the state are filled with COVID-19 patients. State records show there have been more than 3,000 COVID-19 patients in the ICU each day since Aug. 9.

Meanwhile, a Florida judge has blocked the state from enforcing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order that prohibits school districts from requiring masks to be worn in classrooms. A handful of larger school districts in the state have defied the governor’s order and challenged it in court.

Anti-vaccine radio host dies of COVID-19

Conservative talk show host Marc Bernier, who criticized the COVID-19 vaccines and urged his listeners not to get vaccinated, has died of COVID-19. His death was reported by WNDB Radio in Daytona, Fla., where he had been on the air for more than 30 years.

According to Politico, he is the third conservative radio vaccine opponent to die of the virus. Another Florida conservative radio host who had criticized the coronavirus vaccine, Dick Farrel, died Aug. 4. Phil Valentine, a conservative radio host in Nashville who had questioned the need for the vaccines, died last week.

In Texas, Caleb Wallace, who led a campaign against face mask mandates, died Saturday of COVID-19. ABC News reports that Wallace wrote a letter to the local school district in April, demanding that it rescind all its COVID-19 protocols.

Around the nation

• Massachusetts: People in Boston are now required to wear face masks in all indoor public spaces. Officials have declined to issue a statewide mask mandate and instead have left it up to local jurisdictions to decide. This week, Newton and Cambridge will also require masks.

• Texas: More than 8,000 medical workers have arrived in the state in recent days to help overwhelmed hospitals cope with the surge in COVID-19 cases. The reinforcements include nurses, respiratory therapists, and other contract staff.

• North Carolina: Classes have just resumed, but two state universities, the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and North Carolina State, are reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases. Officials from both schools insist that the spread is not occurring in classrooms.

• Ohio: While cases of COVID-19 are increasing across the state, wildlife officials say they have determined that some wild white-tailed deer have tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Virus experts say people with COVID-19 should be careful around pets because humans can transmit the disease to animals.

• Nevada: State health officials say case levels are still high, but they note that the numbers are trending in the right direction. A total of seven counties --  Pershing, Humboldt, Eureka, White Pine, Lincoln, and Lander -- have been removed from Nevada’s “high risk” list.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have highlighted the ways that consumers’ mental health has taken a hit. 

Now, researchers from Georgia State University found that survivors of COVID-19 may have an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

“When we looked within the COVID-19 survivor group, we also found a significant relationship between the severity of their post-traumatic stress symptoms and how often their brain patterns are in that state,” said researcher Vince Calhoun. “If they spend more time in that state, they tend to have higher values on those symptom scales.” 

Long-term impacts on brain function

For the study, the researchers analyzed fMRI scans from 50 COVID-19 survivors six months after they were infected with the virus to see if there were any noticeable changes to brain function. The participants also answered questions about their mental health and PTSD-related symptoms.

Ultimately, the participants reported several symptoms associated with PTSD, and the risk for the condition was highest when participants also experienced changes to brain connectivity patterns. 

The researchers explained that brain connectivity patterns can change over time in major ways. The said COVID-19 survivors were more likely to experience a wide variety of different connections between visual capabilities and sensorimotor functions that ultimately increases their risk for developing PTSD. 

Although anxiety symptoms were common among all recovered COVID-19 patients, the team found that women were more likely than men to develop PTSD-related symptoms. Moving forward, the team plans to do more research to better understand how brain function changes before and after a COVID-19 infection. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 38,422,999 (38,249,118)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 633,870 (632,475)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 214,962,872 (214,185,805)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,479,309 (4,468,507)‌

Study finds COVID-19 is linked to blood clots

News reports of rare cases of blood clots forming after people got vaccinated may have contributed to vaccine hesitancy. But a new study puts those reports in a different light.

Researchers at Oxford and other British universities have concluded that you have a greater chance of suffering blood clots from catching COVID-19 than from being vaccinated. They analyzed data from more than 29 million people who got either the AstraZeneca vaccine or the one produced by Pfizer and BioNTech.

They compared the rate of blood clotting after the first dose of a vaccine with clotting after a positive COVID-19 test. The researchers say the risk of blood clots was “substantially higher” following infection than it was after receiving either vaccine.

More companies consider penalizing unvaccinated employees

Delta Air Lines was the first to hit unvaccinated employees with a $200 a month health insurance surcharge. The Wall Street Journal reports that other companies are edging closer to following its example.

Human resources experts say the financial penalty allows companies to pressure their employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 without mandating vaccinations.

“The measures [businesses] have taken so far aren’t leading to the levels of vaccination in the workforce that they want,” Wade Symons, a regulatory resources consultant, told the Journal. “They are starting to think about some of the more strict measures they can take.”

Deaths rise while new cases slow

Epidemiologists carefully watch the COVID-19 numbers compiled in real-time by the COVID-19 Tracking Project at Johns Hopkins University. The numbers have recently shown a rise in deaths from the virus, but the pace of new cases has slowed this week.

Over the last seven days, new cases have averaged around 152,000 a day -- the highest level since January. But that’s only an 11% increase, a decline from the 30% growth rate that the U.S. experienced just two weeks ago.

Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious disease at Northwell Health in Manhasset, New York, told CNBC that unvaccinated and uninfected people have been fueling the latest wave. He says the combination of new cases and additional people getting vaccinated means the virus has fewer people to infect.

Around the nation

• Illinois: Gov. J.B. Pritzker has reinstated the state’s mask mandate and will require masks in indoor public places. He says the move is necessary as hospitals fill up with COVID-19 patients. "Illinois will join several other states that have reinstituted statewide indoor mask requirements, regardless of vaccination status, effective on Monday," Pritzker said. "Masks work. Period."

• Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday was a particularly bad day in the Bluegrass State. There were more than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases, the third-highest daily caseload since the pandemic began. He said the state’s inpatient, ICU, and ventilator rates are continuing to rise at an alarming rate.

• Texas: A 38-year-old army veteran near Houston died from gallstones because officials say there were no available hospital beds in the state. CBS News cites doctors as saying that the simple procedure to remove the stones could have been performed in minutes, but hospitals were full of mostly unvaccinated COVID-19 patients. They say his condition had become critical by the time a bed was secured at a VA hospital.

• New Jersey: The Wayne County School Board meeting this week was the scene of an emotional debate over COVID-19 protocols. One parent claimed that masks and vaccinations amount to “child abuse.” Other parents joined teachers in urging exceptional steps to contain the deadly virus.

• Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds remains a supporter of a state law barring mask mandates, telling reporters she’s not sure that masks would stop the spread of the virus. Most experts disagree. "There's definitely a benefit," Dr. Ashlesha Kaushik, a national spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and a board member for the academy's Iowa chapter, told the Des Moines Register. "Scientific evidence is pretty strong in favor of masks." 

A new study conducted by researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine explored trends related to the spread of COVID-19.

According to their findings, there are two key points in the timeline of the virus when it’s most contagious: two days before symptoms start and three days after symptoms start. 

“In previous studies, viral load has been used as an indirect measure of transmission,” said researcher Dr. Leonardo Martinez. “We wanted to see if results from these past studies, which show that COVID cases are most transmissible a few days before and after symptom onset, could be confirmed by looking at secondary cases among close contacts.” 

Understanding the spread of the virus

For the study, the researchers performed contact tracing for nearly 9,000 people who were considered close contacts of those who had been infected with COVID-19. They monitored their symptoms over the course of three months and studied how the virus spread among the participants’ own network of close contacts. 

The researchers learned that timing played a large role in how the virus spread. The study showed that people living in the same house as the infected person were the most likely to contract the virus, but other close contacts were likely to become infected depending on when they were exposed. The days right before and right after symptoms appeared were when the virus was the most contagious. 

In terms of asymptomatic cases, the researchers learned that these participants were less likely to spread the virus to others; however, when they did, those cases were also more likely to be asymptomatic. 

“Our results suggest that the timing of exposure relative to primary-case symptoms is important for transmission, and this understanding provides further evidence that rapid testing and quarantine after someone is feeling sick is a critical step to control the epidemic,” said Dr. Martinez. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 38,249,118 (38,088,128)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 632,475 (630,928)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 214,185,805 (213,461,327)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,468,507 (4,457,027)‌

Data shows August 2021 is worse than August 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that more than 100,000 people are in U.S. hospitals for treatment of COVID-19. Health officials say that’s more than double the number hospitalized this time a year ago.

The hospitalization trend has been moving higher over the last two months as COVID-19 vaccinations have declined and the Delta variant has quickly spread. Severe cases appear to be centered in states with low vaccination rates and where officials have resisted masking in public. The surge has put a severe strain on hospitals. 

"I had to turn away a cancer patient that needed an emergency treatment," Florida oncologist Dr. Nitesh Paryani told CNN. “There was simply no room in the hospital to treat the patient."

WHO believes cases are leveling off

Granted, the COVID-19 news in the U.S. has been grim lately. But the World Health Organization (WHO), which views the pandemic through a wider lens, says the situation may be improving. At least it’s not getting worse.

In its latest pandemic snapshot, the WHO reported that most of the new cases are coming from the Western Pacific region and the Americas. While worldwide cases are leveling off, they are plateauing at very high levels.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says cases can vary widely by region, country, province, and even town. "As long as this virus is circulating anywhere, it’s a threat everywhere," he said.

YouTube removed 1 million ‘misinformation’ videos

YouTube said it has removed at least 1 million videos that contained misinformation about COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. YouTube’s chief product officer Neal Mahon says distorted or false information has moved from the marginal to the mainstream.

“No longer contained to the sealed-off worlds of Holocaust deniers or 9-11 truthers, it now stretches into every facet of society, sometimes tearing through communities with blistering speed,” he wrote in a company blog post.

Mahon said YouTube removes almost 10 million videos each quarter for various reasons. He said these videos don’t have that much impact since most of them don’t even reach 10 views.

Around the nation

• Connecticut: Hospitalizations for treatment of COVID-19 have increased in Hartford County but declined in New Haven County. The latest report from Gov. Ned Lamont shows a total of 378 hospitalizations in the state. That’s 13 fewer than the day before.

• West Virginia: Gov. Jim Justice has told his constituents that it may be necessary to reimpose a statewide mask mandate to slow the spread of the coronavirus. He said the mandate would begin in public schools. Justice reported an additional 20 COVID-19 deaths since Monday.

• Minnesota: Severe cases of the virus are on the rise and putting a strain on hospitals. The Minnesota Department of Health reports that ICU beds in Minneapolis-area hospitals are close to capacity because of a significant increase in cases linked to the Delta variant.

• Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott is doubling down on opposition to COVID-19 mandates. His latest executive order bans businesses and organizations in the state from enforcing vaccine mandates. His order banning mask mandates is being challenged in court by several municipalities.

• South Carolina: The American Civil Liberties Union has filed suit in federal court to overturn the state’s ban on mask mandates. The suit claims that the action runs counter to the Americans with Disabilities Act, arguing that it increases risks for children with disabilities and underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida explored how the COVID-19 vaccine may protect breastfeeding mothers and their children. 

According to their findings, samples of breast milk from women who had received the COVID-19 vaccine contained antibodies that protect against the virus. The team says this may be beneficial in keeping infants free of infection. 

“Our findings show that vaccination results in a significant increase in antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus that causes COVID-19 -- in breast milk, suggesting that vaccinated mothers can pass on the immunity to their babies, something we are working to confirm in our ongoing research,” said researcher Joseph Larkin III, Ph.D. 

Increasing the number of antibodies

The researchers had 21 breastfeeding women who had never been infected with COVID-19 participate in the study. The researchers tested samples of the women’s breast milk and blood prior to getting vaccinated and after each dose of the vaccine to get an accurate antibody reading. 

Ultimately, the results showed that the women’s breast milk contained significant amounts of COVID-19 antibodies. According to the team, there was about “a hundred-fold increase” in antibody levels between pre- and post-vaccination. 

“These levels are also higher than those observed after natural infection with the virus,” said researcher Dr. Vivian Valcarce. 

Protection for children

Despite these positive results, the researchers are left with further questions for future studies. They say it remains unclear if the antibodies detected in the women’s breast milk will serve as a protective barrier for infants. 

“We would like to know if infants who consume breast milk containing these antibodies develop their own protection against COVID-19,” Dr. Larkin said. “In addition, we would also like to know more about the antibodies themselves, such as how long they are present in breast milk and how effective they are at neutralizing the virus.” 

While more work is likely to be done to determine the efficacy of this form of protection for infants, these findings highlight one of the ways that the COVID-19 vaccine can be beneficial to breastfeeding women. 

“Think of breast milk as a toolbox full of all the different tools that help prepare the infant for life,” said researcher Dr. Josef Neu. “Vaccination adds another tool to the toolbox, one that has the potential to be especially good at preventing COVID-19 illness. The results of our study strongly suggest that vaccines can help protect both mom and baby, another compelling reason for pregnant or lactating women to get vaccinated.” 

It’s a good week for COVID-19 vaccines so far. On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved the Pfizer version. On Wednesday, Johnson & Johnson released data supporting the use of its vaccine as a booster shot for the 14 million people previously vaccinated with its own single-shot vaccine.

The key takeaway in the company’s research is that the vaccine demonstrated neutralizing antibody responses that were “strong and stable” through eight months after immunization. The team said a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine produced a “rapid and robust increase” in spike-binding antibodies that was nine times higher than 28 days after the primary single-dose vaccination.

Hoping for the best and preparing for the worst

Earlier this summer, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy said he thinks people who received the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine may be protected against the Delta variant. 

Backing Dr. Murthy up is recently released data from a clinical trial in South Africa. That trial tracked nearly a half-million health care workers and found that Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by 71% and the risk of death by 95% in cases that were linked to the Delta variant.

True, some people who have been fully vaccinated have become infected with COVID-19 -- but those cases are in the minority. The majority of those people only experienced mild symptoms and did not require hospitalization -- a viewpoint shared by the CDC.

As the Delta variant continues to spread rapidly, breakthrough infections are increasing among recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna. That finding was explained in full by Reategui Schwarz in an article from The Association of American Medical Colleges.

“Right now, all the vaccines are still effective against the variants,” Schwarz says. “We haven’t seen a variant that can fully escape immunity.”

The next step for Johnson & Johnson

As it was with Pfizer, getting more buy-in and FDA approval is a short-term goal for Johnson & Johnson. 

In announcing its new findings, the company said it is engaging with FDA officials, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and other health authorities regarding using its vaccine as a booster. 

The company also said it will continue to “diligently” produce and assess data from ongoing trials and real-world evidence in case the virus mutates further. Medical professionals are championing Johnson & Johnson’s research efforts and applauding the positive effect the company’s vaccine has produced. 

“People who have received the J&J vaccine should be confident they have a high level of protection against hospitalization and severe disease,” Schwarz said. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 37,954,406 (37,725,260)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 629,739 (628,580)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 212,802,557 (212,073,519)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,446,164 (4,435,581)‌

Disney and unions agree on vaccine mandate

The Disney Company has reached an agreement with its Disney World employee unions. It requires that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 by Oct. 22.

After extensive negotiations with the company, the Service Trades Council Union, which represents six affiliate groups, said it is fully on board.

“Vaccines are safe, effective, and free,” the union said in a memo to members. “The Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved and is being offered by the company. Getting vaccinated is the best way for workers to protect themselves from this deadly virus.”

WHO to test new drug treatments

As some vaccinated people get the coronavirus -- along with those who refused to be vaccinated -- health experts say effective treatments against the virus will be extremely important. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it has restarted clinical trials to test the effectiveness of three more potential treatments.

In the previous Solidarity trial, WHO researchers tested four COVID-19 treatments. It reported that none of them achieved an acceptable rate of efficacy.

The rebooted Solidarity trial will investigate three potential treatments: artesunate, imatinib, and infliximab. A panel of WHO experts selected the three drugs because they had demonstrated positive results in previous observational studies. Last week, AstraZeneca said recently completed clinical trials of an antibody drug showed that it was effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms.

Conservatives harden their stance against vaccines and masks

Former President Donald Trump was no doubt shocked over the weekend when he received a round of boos after telling a rally in Alabama that they should be vaccinated against COVID-19. Recovering quickly, Trump said people are free to do what they want, but he said he was glad he got the shot.

While polls show there is vaccine hesitancy among all political stripes, there is little doubt that it has become a political badge of honor among some conservatives. While many of them increasingly resist wearing masks in public, there was one recent case in which voluntary masking was banned.

During a Sunday sermon at Global Vision Bible Church in Nashville, Pastor Greg Locke threatened to deny entry to any of his flock who show up wearing a mask. “If...you start showing up with all these masks and all this nonsense, I will ask you to leave,” he warned.

Around the nation

• Arkansas: Arkansas has one of the lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates in the nation, and it’s setting dubious records in other areas as well. Health officials say the number of patients on ventilators has reached its highest level, with the addition of 12 patients in the last 24 hours. That increases the number to 349.

• Florida: A state court judge is holding hearings this week on a lawsuit from parents that is challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order prohibiting school districts from requiring students to wear masks in the classroom. It comes as a growing number of Florida school districts have defied the governor’s order.

• New Jersey: The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) is endorsing Gov. Phil Murphy’s requirement that public employees, including teachers, show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or undergo regular testing for COVID-19 during the upcoming school year. The union said it will continue to urge everyone who is eligible and able to get vaccinated. 

• Oregon: Although it was one of the early states to achieve a high rate of vaccination, Oregon is now struggling to contain the coronavirus. The Oregon Health Authority reports a three-day total of 4,701 new cases and 24 deaths. The average number of daily cases and hospitalizations continue to set records throughout the state.

• Ohio: With cases surging within the state, even backers of an anti-vaccination bill are having second thoughts. Republican leaders in the legislature are holding a one-day hearing on the bill today but are taking no action. 

There are another six destinations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning Americans they should avoid -- vaccinated or unvaccinated.

The most-traveled spot added to the CDC’s "Level 4: Covid-19 Very High" list is The Bahamas. Historically, most of the nearly 6 million tourists who visit The Bahamas each year come from the United States. So far in August, The Bahamas has recorded 2,625 COVID-19 cases -- an increase of 20% since last month.

Joining The Bahamas on the list is its Caribbean neighbors Saint Maarten and Haiti, along with Morocco, Kosovo, and Lebanon. 

Countries with uncertain COVID-19 conditions

The CDC is doing its best to keep tabs on the COVID-19 situation in all countries so that international travelers can stay safe. However, ConsumerAffairs found that the agency’s list is far from complete. There are currently 37 countries in which the CDC says the situation with COVID-19 is “unknown.” Those countries include:

• Algeria

• Antarctica

• Azores

• Bhutan

• Canary Islands

• Christmas Island

• Cocos (Keeling) Islands

• Cook Islands

• Eritrea

• Kiribati

• Macau SAR

• Marshall Islands

• Mayotte

• Monaco

• Nauru

• Niue

• Norfolk Island

• North Korea

• Pitcairn Islands (U.K.)

• Saint Helena

• Samoa

• San Marino

• Solomon Islands

• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

• Sudan

• Syria

• Tajikistan

• Tanzania

• Tokelau

• Tonga

• Turkmenistan

• Tuvalu

• Uzbekistan

• Vanuatu

• Venezuela

• Wake Island

• Yemen

U.S. citizens who plan to visit any of those countries should check the websites of the U.S. State Department and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) for a complete list of travel advisories and alerts.

It would also be a good idea to sign up for the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Once signed up, consumers will automatically receive important information from the U.S. Embassy about safety conditions in other countries so that they can make more informed decisions about travel plans. 

Take precautions

The CDC has no power to prevent someone from traveling, but it’s in a good position to keep a watchful eye out for Americans. The agency suggests that everyone should avoid traveling to locations designated with the "Level 4: Covid-19 Very High.” If travel to one of these places is unavoidable, the agency says consumers should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 first.

The U.S. Embassy in Nassau, Bahamas, added another reason why Americans should curtail their Bahamian travel plans. 

“Moreover, even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants, and we recommend US citizens delay travel unless absolutely necessary,” it said.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 37,725,260 (37,678,088)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 628,580 (628,342)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 212,073,519 (211,471,882)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,435,581 (4,429,183)‌

FDA grants full approval of Pfizer vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech. It, along with the vaccines from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, had been administered under emergency use authorization.

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. “While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product.”

Health officials said they hope the approval persuades more people to get vaccinated. Some people have based their refusal to be vaccinated on the fact that none of the available vaccines had full FDA approval.

Hospitalizations among children rise sharply

Children under 12 can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine yet, and doctors say that is making them highly vulnerable to the fast-spreading Delta variant. An analysis of recent data shows that hospitalizations among children have risen sharply in the South and Midwest.

Health officials expect even more pediatric cases as schools reopen. While children appeared less vulnerable to the original strain of the virus, the Delta variant is making many children sick enough to require hospital care.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Children’s Hospital New Orleans has treated as many as 20 children for the coronavirus at a time during August. Hospital officials say that last year, the number was never higher than seven.

Another study finds weaknesses in cloth masks

If you have decided to wear masks in public, as many jurisdictions are strongly advising, it just might pay to wear a really good one. A new study concludes that cloth masks aren’t that effective at preventing transmission of the virus.

Canadian researchers at the University of Waterloo found a large buildup of aerosol droplets suspended in the air when it had subjects wear cloth masks in a large room. The researchers found N95 or KN95 masks were much more effective at containing droplets.

“There is no question it is beneficial to wear any face covering, both for protection in close proximity and at a distance in a room,” said Serhiy Yarusevych, who led the study. “However, there is a very serious difference in the effectiveness of different masks when it comes to controlling aerosols.”

Around the nation

• Georgia: A rise in COVID-19 cases could not come at a worse time for the state. Georgia’s chronic nurse shortage is being described as a “crisis” thanks to the pandemic. As of last week, Georgia hospitals had 11,000 job openings for nurses.

• California: Health officials in Los Angeles say the demographics of the COVID-19 outbreak have shifted. They say cases are no longer largely confined to poorer neighborhoods with older people. West Hollywood, Venice, and Santa Monica have become new hotspots for the virus.

• Indiana: State health officials are expressing concerns about the rapid growth in new cases of the virus. They say there were 4,120 new cases reported on Friday. That’s the first time since the height of the pandemic in January that cases have exceeded 4,000.

• Missouri: The City of Joplin is the first municipality in the state to report that at least 50% of its population is fully vaccinated. The state was among the first to be hit by the fourth wave of the virus. Many Missouri residents are still refusing to be vaccinated.

• Mississippi: The state health department has ordered residents who contract COVID-19 to isolate or face prison time. Mississippi is one of the least vaccinated states in the country. It is estimated that only 38% of the eligible population has gotten the shot.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 37,309,040 (37,171,724)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 625,330 (624,346)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 210,224,392 (209,561,882)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,407,917 (4,397,871)‌

AstraZeneca drug reportedly blocks COVID-19 symptoms

For those who refuse to get the COVID-19 vaccination, AstraZeneca has an alternative. The drugmaker has just completed clinical trials of an antibody drug that the company said showed it is effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms.

It and other similar drugs in development are being advanced as vaccine alternatives. They might not prevent you from becoming infected but they may be tools to keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital.

AstraZeneca said the drug, given the name AZD7442, showed 77% efficacy in reducing the risk of COVID-19 symptoms when compared with a placebo in a late-stage clinical trial.

Vaccinations increase, along with hospitalizations

As the Delta variant spreads across the U.S., ravaging states with a large number of unvaccinated people, something interesting has happened. The vaccination rate has increased.

The number of people suddenly deciding to get vaccinated has coincided with a sharp increase in the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in states like Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports more than 1 million people were vaccinated on Thursday, the biggest increase since June. The CDC says vaccinations are up 70% from this time in July.

Three senators test positive on the same day

Three members of the U.S. Senate have announced they tested positive for COVID-19 on the same day. All three have been fully vaccinated.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) have what is known as a “breakthrough case,” becoming infected in spite of a vaccination. In nearly all breakthrough cases, symptoms are not severe.

Hickenlooper said he is experiencing only mild symptoms and is at his home in Colorado. "I’m feeling much better and will continue to isolate at the direction of the Congressional Attending Physician," he said.

Around the nation

New York: New York City restaurants are going to court to try to block the city’s proof of vaccination mandate for bars and restaurants. The suit says there is no option for those who want to wear a mask and provide a negative recent COVID test. 

Tennessee: The Shelby County Health Department this week reinstituted a face mask requirement for indoor public places such as restaurants, bars, and other businesses. Health officials said they responded to a surge in COVID-19 cases that strains hospital resources and causes concern in schools.

Louisiana: A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by six state residents seeking to restore the $300 a week federal unemployment benefit. Louisiana is among several states that moved to terminate the benefit early, citing businesses’ difficulty in hiring people. The benefit established under the CARES Act is scheduled to expire early next month.

Georgia: Savannah Mayor Van Johnson is calling out Gov. Brian Kemp for telling businesses across the state that local mask or vaccine ordinances will not be enforced. “It is disappointing, but not surprising, that amid historic COVID-19 infections and abysmal vaccination rates, Governor Brian Kemp would again attempt to proactively preempt local governments like Savannah from protecting themselves by following the science,” Johnson said.

Utah: The U.S. Department of Education has signaled plans to get tough with states, like Utah, that have passed laws preventing local school officials from enacting mask rules in schools. In a letter to Gov. Spencer Cox, federal officials warn these states risk a federal investigation, as well as the loss of federal COVID-19 aid.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 37,171,724 (37,033,445)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 624,346 (623,418)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 209,561,882 (208,833,116)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,397,871 (4,386,814)‌

Hospitalization rates for young people hit new highs

At the beginning of the pandemic, it was older people who suffered the most severe COVID-19 symptoms. But with most seniors now vaccinated, it’s children and adults under 50 who are being hospitalized at the highest rates so far in the pandemic.

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that every age demographic under 50 has exceeded previous hospitalization rates. The biggest increase is among adults aged 30 to 39 and children under 18.

The CDC said both groups’ hospitalization rates are 30% higher than their previous peaks. Health officials are concerned about all age groups, pointing out that the U.S. averaged 11,000 new hospitalizations last week.

New jobless claims dipped last week

More people are going back to work, especially at bars and restaurants, despite the summer surge in coronavirus cases. The Labor Department reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits totaled 348,000 last week, 29,000 fewer than the week before and fewer than economists expected.

Last week’s total is the lowest level for initial claims since March 14, 2020, when it was 256,000 -- just before the economy shut down. The four-week moving average of claims was 377,750, a decrease of 19,000 from the previous week's revised average. That’s also the lowest level since just before the economic shutdown.

The number of people still drawing unemployment benefits also continues to fall. The total number of continued weeks claimed for benefits in all programs for the week ending July 31 was 11,743,515. That’s down 311,787 from the previous week.

Survey finds more parents plan to avoid school buses

In some areas of the country, school districts are struggling to find school bus drivers as schools reopen. A new survey from Cars.com suggests that they might not need that many drivers.

The survey found that 90% of parents have strong concerns about exposing their children to the Delta variant -- especially children under age 12 who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. As a result, more parents plan to drive their kids to school each day.

"It's not surprising that parents are prioritizing health and safety, and by driving their kids themselves, parents feel they can better protect their family — even if it means longer drop-off lines or for many, a disruption to their family's daily routine," said Jenni Newman, editor-in-chief for Cars.com.

Around the nation

• Florida: Two more school districts in the state have voted to defy Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order by requiring teachers and students to wear masks this fall. The school boards in Hillsborough and Miami-Dade counties issued mask mandates Wednesday, citing health concerns.

• Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont reports that 348 people in the state are being treated in hospitals, with about two-thirds of them in the state’s two largest counties. New Haven County reports 107 hospitalizations and Hartford County reports 106.

• Oregon: In the midst of a surge in cases involving the Delta variant, Oregon hospitals are nearing capacity, particularly in critical care areas. Data from the Oregon Health Authority shows that 94% of the state’s adult ICU beds are occupied by mostly unvaccinated patients.

• Michigan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has yet to impose a statewide mask mandate for Michigan schools, a move advised by the state’s chief medical officer. "I have recommended that if a mask mandate were in place and it was followed, it would likely decrease the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the state health department.

• Arkansas: The state is starting to feel some relief after becoming one of the early epicenters of the Delta variant outbreak this summer. The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Arkansas fell for the second day in a row on Wednesday. Health officials say that decline suggests that the spread is slowing.

In addition to the toll it’s taking on our mental health, the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on our physical health. Many consumers who exercised regularly before the pandemic struck have been unable to reliably return to those good habits, leading to weight gain and muscle loss. 

But results from a recent study suggest that some consumers shouldn’t worry about a long trek back towards fitness. The findings suggest that consumers who trained their muscles before the pandemic will be able to bring them back into shape more quickly than people who didn’t work out or exercise.

After reviewing the findings, lead researcher Keven Murach concluded that “it’s better to have worked out and lost muscle, than to have not worked out at all.”

Using “muscle memory” to get fit

The researchers came to their conclusions after conducting an experiment that measured skeletal muscle in mice. One group of mice was trained on a weighted wheel over eight weeks to build up their muscles before being taken off the wheel for 12 weeks to “detrain” them. After the 12 weeks were up, the researchers retrained the mice on the weighted wheel for four weeks and compared their muscle growth to another group of mice that had never undergone any training.

The team found that the group of mice that had prior training on the weighted wheel saw accelerated muscle growth when compared to the untrained group of mice. They theorize that this is caused by a sort of “muscle memory” that allows muscle cells to remember the kind of training they previously went through. This allows the muscles themselves to adapt to working out again, leading to better results over shorter periods of time. 

So what does this mean for consumers? In short, if you exercised and trained your physical fitness before the pandemic, it won’t take you as long to gain back the muscle you once had. For people who are worried about falling out of shape over the last two years, the findings may be the shot in the arm they need to get back to their exercise regimen.

The full study has been published by Oxford University Press and the American Physiological Society.

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected hundreds of millions of people and led to over four million total deaths worldwide. With those kinds of statistics, it may be easy to think that virus mitigation efforts like vaccines have been ineffective. But researchers say that’s far from the truth. 

In a recent study, they found that early vaccination campaigns in the U.S. prevented nearly 3 million additional cases of COVID-19 and 140,000 deaths. They say these efforts helped the average state experience five fewer deaths per 10,000 adult residents over the first five months of the pandemic.

“This study brings into focus the dramatic success of the early months of the nation’s coronavirus vaccine rollout,” said senior author Christopher Whaley. “The findings provide support for policies that further expand vaccine administration to enable a larger proportion of the nation’s population to benefit.”

Saving lives and helping economies

By state, Whaley and his colleagues say New York experienced the largest reduction in potential COVID-19 cases. They found that the Empire State had 11.7 fewer COVID-19 deaths per 10,000 adult residents due to vaccination efforts. The state that saw the smallest reduction in potential deaths was Hawaii, but it still experienced 1.1 fewer COVID-19 deaths per 10,000 residents because of vaccination efforts. 

Those saved lives add up to a lot when it comes to each state’s economy. The researchers estimate that the total economic value of the lives saved during the study period equated to between $625 billion and $1.4 trillion. They note that those figures far surpass the $13 billion that the federal government allocated for vaccine development and manufacturing by the end of 2020.

“Our results suggest that further efforts to vaccinate populations globally and in a coordinated fashion will be critical to achieving greater control of the COVID-19 pandemic,” concluded Sumedha Gupta, the study’s first author.

The full study has been published in the journal Health Affairs.

COVID-19 vaccinations have been a hot-button issue around the globe. Health officials have largely advocated for widespread vaccinations to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and the emergence of the Delta variant, but many anti-vaxxers simply refuse to be inoculated due to safety concerns. 

Many pregnant women, for example, have opted not to get vaccinated because they fear that they’ll have a much worse reaction to the shot. However, a recent survey suggests that those concerns may be off-base. A team from UW Medicine recently found that pregnant women did not have reactions to COVID-19 vaccines that were “beyond what is expected from a vaccine.”

“Pregnant people do well with the vaccine,” said lead author Dr. Alisa Kachikis. 

Evidence of safety

The researchers surveyed over 17,000 pregnant and lactating consumers who received a COVID-19 vaccine. They were asked to describe their reactions to the shot, including any side effects they experienced after the first dose.

The most common effects from the vaccination included pain at the injection site, fatigue, and a slight temperature that averaged 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A very small percentage (between 5% and 7%) also reported a decrease in milk supply. Based on the responses, the researchers say their findings support the idea that COVID-19 vaccines are not dangerous to pregnant women.

"We hope that this data will be another reassuring piece of information ... about why pregnant individuals need to get vaccinated against COVID-19," said senior author Dr. Linda Eckert. "Not only is the vaccine safe, our research shows just how well the vaccine is tolerated in pregnant individuals -- which is a common fear I hear from my patients. In contrast, we are continuing to learn more and more about just how dangerous COVID-19 infections are in pregnancy."

The full study has been published in JAMA Network Open.

The National Park Service (NPS) has issued a new mask mandate that will apply to all visitors, employees, and contractors. Effective immediately, masks will be required inside buildings and in outdoor areas where it’s difficult to physically distance from others. 

The service said everyone is required to follow the rule, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels. Officials say the new mandate is based on the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will stay in effect until further notice. 

"Visitors to national parks are coming from locations across the country, if not across the world. Because of this, and recognizing that the majority of the United States is currently in substantial or high transmission categories, we are implementing a service-wide mask requirement to ensure our staff and visitors' safety," NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge said in a news release. 

The NPS added that being vaccinated is the “most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of the coronavirus” and that wearing a mask provides an even greater level of protection. 

“Masking in addition to being vaccinated will help prevent the spread of new variants and protect those who are more at risk of severe disease. This simple act of kindness allows us to be safe while we continue to enjoy the benefits of our national parks," said Capt. Maria Said, an epidemiologist in the park service's Office of Public Health and a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

With the COVID-19 Delta variant getting stronger by the day, the Biden administration is calling for booster shots to be made available to Americans to bolster their original vaccinations. The White House says the launch date for that initiative is September 20. 

In a press briefing on Tuesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Biden administration has had booster shots in its planning processes for months and that the U.S. has “enough supply” to serve the “eligible population.”

Who gets the booster shot first?

In a joint statement, the top echelon of the Biden health team said people would need boosters starting eight months after they received their second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

There’s currently no official pecking order once the boosters begin on September 20, but those who were fully vaccinated early on during the pandemic -- including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors -- are likely candidates, the officials said. They added that the plan is for booster doses to be delivered directly to residents of long-term care facilities.

"Based on our latest assessment, the current protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death could diminish in the months ahead, especially among those who are at higher risk or were vaccinated during the earlier phases of the vaccination rollout. For that reason, we conclude that a booster shot will be needed to maximize vaccine-induced protection and prolong its durability," the officials said in a statement.

The only two hurdles

The move is expected to be rubber-stamped by each agency, but it is subject to an independent evaluation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assure that the safety and success of a booster dose of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are "based on a thorough review of the evidence."

While a final determination is yet to be made, officials said they expect booster shots will likely also be needed for people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, they said that determination should be made in the next few weeks. 

The timeline on that won’t throw anything off for recipients of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because it was not made available until March -- so booster shots wouldn’t be needed until at least November.  

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 37,033,445 (36,902,721)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 623,418 (622,529)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 208,833,116 (208,109,987)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,386,814 (4,376,019)‌

Troubling data pushes CDC toward recommending boosters

Administration officials were reportedly undecided about whether to recommend COVID-19 booster shots, but new and troubling data apparently helped them reach a consensus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that, over time, there is a decline in vaccines’ ability to prevent infection.

“This is what moved the needle,” one senior administration official told Politico. 

The CDC today said it recommended booster shots for people who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, with shots beginning next month. Health officials believe the third shot will prolong the vaccine’s durability against the virus.

Mask mandate for travelers extended into early 2022

If you plan on traveling by air, rail, or bus over the next few months, keep a mask handy. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has confirmed that travelers will be required to wear masks at least through Jan. 18.

Reuters reports that major airlines have been briefed on the extension and were told the rule is being extended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Airlines, meanwhile, are debating whether to require all employees to be vaccinated against the virus. United has said that all 67,000 of its employees must be vaccinated, but other airlines have declined to take that step so far.

NFL cracks down on COVID-19

The National Football League is among the organizations that quickly took a strong position on COVID-19 prevention, and teams appear to be falling into line. The Las Vegas Raiders have announced that fans attending home games can watch the game without a mask if they can prove they have been vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons have become the first NFL team to announce that 100% of its players have been vaccinated. That’s notable because several high-profile players on other teams have refused to get vaccinated.

The NFL has made it clear to teams that it’s in their best interest to have all players vaccinated. It says no games will be rescheduled because of an outbreak among unvaccinated players. Instead, that team will forfeit and players on both teams won’t get paid.

Around the nation

• Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott, who signed an executive order barring cities and counties from imposing mask mandates, has tested positive for COVID-19. A statement from the governor’s office says Abbott has been isolated and is receiving the Regeneron treatment.

• California: State health officials are cautiously optimistic that California may have blunted the spread of the Delta variant. They report that the number of positive tests and severe illnesses is lower this week. The good news comes as schools around the state get set to reopen.

• Kentucky: By the end of this week, Gov. Andy Beshear says the state’s hospitals will be treating more COVID-19 patients than at any time during the pandemic. “We are seeing an increase in COVID-19 patients across our hospitals as the delta variant continues to spread,” said William Haugh, CEO of Georgetown Community Hospital. 

• Arkansas: Hospitals in Arkansas are adding intensive care units (ICU) and surge beds to deal with severe cases of COVID-19 caused by the fast-spreading Delta variant. Gov. Asa Hutchinson says half of all ICU patients in the state are being treated for the virus.

• North Carolina: The number of severe cases of COVID-19 has risen sharply in the last six weeks. State health officials report that at least 2,828 people were hospitalized with the virus as of Tuesday. On July 9, hospitals were treating 409 patients.

Just weeks shy of its original plan to remove the mask requirement on airlines, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended the mandate until January 18, 2022.

In announcing the change, the TSA said the mask rule will continue to apply to employees on planes and public transportation -- including airplanes, trains, and buses -- as well.

Mask controversy continues

Masks have become a lightning rod for bad behavior on airplanes. They’re a point of contention between passengers who don't want to wear them and flight attendants who are asked to enforce the mandate. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says airlines have reported close to 3,000 incidents involving passengers who refused to mask up.

In an email to ConsumerAffairs, U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes applauded the TSA’s extension. “Extending the federal mask mandate for travel makes sense for the current health environment and has the travel industry’s full support,” she said.

“The universal wearing of masks in airports and on airplanes, trains and other forms of public transportation is both an effective safeguard against spreading the virus and boosts public confidence in traveling—both of which are paramount for a sustained economic recovery.”

Blame the Delta variant

The TSA’s decision is most likely a response to the rising number of new COVID-19 cases that have been attributed to the Delta variant.

While the TSA was updating its mask mandate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was also modifying its own policies. In an update on its website, the agency said all consumers over the age of two who are not fully vaccinated should wear a mask. It also included vaccinated consumers who have weakened immune systems in that request.

“To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, fully vaccinated people should wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission,” the agency said.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 36,902,721 (36,689,470)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 622,529 (621,688)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 208,109,987 (207,422,686)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,376,019 (4,366,259)‌

Booster shots could be coming soon

The Biden administration is reportedly planning an announcement about COVID-19 booster shots. Officials will reportedly recommend them for eight months after the second shot of an mRNA vaccine.

CNN cites two sources who say the plan is still being developed, but it could be launched next month, pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pfizer and BioNTech previously said they have submitted initial data to the FDA to support the use of booster doses for their COVID-19 vaccine.

The officials say the booster shot program will first target those who received either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Data for Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine is still being gathered, but some health experts have suggested that those who received that vaccine may also need a booster at some point.

U.S. cases reach pre-vaccination levels

Thanks to the Delta variant, new cases of COVID-19 are surging in the U.S. More than 900,000 new cases of the virus were logged last week, the first time that’s happened since the early vaccine rollout in February.

According to an analysis by USA Today, the number of cases of the coronavirus is increasing in 46 states -- some with significant vaccination rates. The hot spots last week were in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Oregon, Hawaii, and Mississippi. 

Vaccination efforts have largely stalled. Just 50.7% of the total U.S. population is fully vaccinated against the virus, a number held down by the fact that children under 12 are not yet eligible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 72% of Americans over the age of 18 have received at least one dose. 

Infections increase among vaccinated people

New research shows that the Delta variant is able to infect fully vaccinated people at a higher rate than earlier variants, but the percentage of breakthrough cases is small and the effects are not as severe. A Wall Street Journal analysis of health data puts the percentage of infections of fully vaccinated people at 0.1%.

Health experts say the percentage may be slightly higher because many vaccinated people who get infected don’t have symptoms and are not tested. They say that’s yet another argument for being vaccinated since it prevents severe illness in most cases.

The analysis shows that most of the breakthrough cases occurred in late July and early August, coinciding with outbreaks of the Delta variant. In at least six states, a third of breakthrough cases occurred during that period.

Around the nation

• Mississippi: Mississippi has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation, and cases are surging. Of particular concern are cases among children. Another child has died from COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths among children to five.

• Arizona: A University of Arizona researcher says COVID-19 conditions in the state are getting worse and could reach a peak by the end of the month. “No matter how I squeeze the lemon, this week's coronavirus update is sour,” said Dr. Joe Gerald, a researcher at the College of Public Health at the University of Arizona.

• Florida: The state board of education has scheduled an emergency meeting for today to take up Gov. Ron DeSantis’ demand that funds be withheld from school districts that impose mask mandates during the school year. So far, at least 10 Florida school districts have imposed mask mandates.

• New Jersey: The New Jersey Marathon has been canceled for a second straight year, a victim of the pandemic. “While we were hoping to return to you with more positive news, we have received official confirmation that the in-person 2021 Novo Nordisk New Jersey Marathon & Half Marathon (and RWJBarnabas Health 5K) will not take place this October,” organizers said in a statement.

• Illinois: All counties in the state except one are seeing “substantial” or “high” rates of COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC. Stark County is the lone exception. Elsewhere in the state, residents are advised to mask up when in indoor public spaces.

Young children and teens have had their worlds flipped upside-down by the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything from how they spend time with their friends to how they go to school has been changed, but researchers say there are ways parents can help with the coping process. 

In a recent study published in PLOS ONE, the team says setting a structured daily schedule and reducing passive screen time can help young people better deal with the mental strain that has been linked to the pandemic.

"Mental health problems increased dramatically among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among those who experienced high levels of pandemic-related stressors including serious illness or death of a family member, significant financial loss, and social isolation,” the researchers said.

Negative and positive influences

The researchers based their recommendations on a study of 224 young people and their caregivers who lived in the greater Seattle area. Participants filled out a questionnaire that assessed various factors related to the pandemic, their social behaviors, and their stress levels. 

The findings showed that stressors that were linked to the pandemic had a very strong association with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in young people. Some of the stressors included increased passive screen time and too much exposure to news media. 

While the team says parents should be mindful of these negative influences, there are some positive influences that can be focused on to produce better outcomes. For example, the team found that providing children and teens with a structured schedule helped minimize negative mental health symptoms. Spending time in nature and getting the recommended amount of sleep were also positive influences on participants’ mental health. 

The researchers admit that the pandemic has made it hard for some families to focus on these positive influences, but they say the investment is well worth it.

“Although maintaining routine and structure is challenging as school closures continue and many aspects of daily life remain unpredictable, creating a structured daily routine for children and adolescents may promote better mental health during the pandemic,” they said.

There are now four more countries on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) travel warning list. The four destinations added to the agency’s “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High” list are Dominica (an island in the Caribbean that shouldn’t be confused with the Dominican Republic), Jersey (near the coast of north-west France), Montenegro (part of the Balkans in Southeastern Europe), and Turkey. 

The CDC advises that all travelers should “avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel.”

While the CDC added those four nations to its highest travel advisory level, it also moved five countries to its "Level 3: Covid-19 high" category. Those countries include Chile, Mozambique, and Uruguay -- which moved down from Level 4 -- and Kosovo and North Macedonia -- which moved up from Level 2.

Much like the higher levels, the CDC says consumers should avoid nonessential travel to locations on its Level 3 list. Travelers who must go to these areas are also urged to get vaccinated before departing.

"Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19. However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants," the agency said.

An ever-evolving list

If there’s ever been any doubt about how quickly travel advisories can change, the new CDC update puts that to rest. The prime example in the new advisory is Dominica. In the agency’s last update, it was listed as a low-risk, Level 1 destination. But within two weeks, the country’s 7-day average of positive cases moved from 1 to 81. 

Turkey’s designation has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride. In mid-April, the country’s 7-day average of cases was around 60,000. That number had plummeted to 5,000 by mid-June, but it rose again to nearly 24,000 over the weekend. 

Montenegro went from a 7-day average of 17 in mid-June to nearly 400 on August 16, and Jersey went from a 7-day average of zero cases in early June before rising to 259 by the end of July.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 36,689,470 (36,602,004)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 621,688 (621,264)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 207,422,686 (206,904,480)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,366,259 (4,357,699)‌

Latest COVID-19 wave affecting businesses

The first wave of COVID-19 resulted in restaurant shutdowns, automobile shortages, and sky-high lumber prices. This second wave, fueled by the Delta variant, is taking a toll on many other businesses.

Domestic airlines saw a big boost in business in July, but now they have more empty seats as consumers curtail travel plans again. Southwest Airlines recently warned investors that it is seeing a rise in cancellations.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the increase in new cases has disrupted factory operations that only recently returned to normal. Consumers returned in greater numbers to grocery stores, gas stations, gyms, restaurants, and retail stores in June and July. All those businesses are seeing August declines.

Millennials see big rise in hospitalizations

The number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospital care has jumped in recent weeks, and one statistic is giving health officials pause. Hospitalizations of patients who are in their 30s have hit a record high this month.

Doctors believe the Delta variant is partly responsible. Earlier in the pandemic, this age group largely avoided getting sick. They are also the age group least likely to get a vaccination. Now that they are exposed to the highly contagious virus, their unvaccinated status means they are more likely to require hospital care when they get sick.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the vaccination rate for Americans between the ages of 25 and 39 is slightly less than 50%. That compares to 61% of all other U.S. adults.

Anti-vax protest turns violent in California

The politicization of the coronavirus was on stark display over the weekend in Los Angeles. Police say Trump-supporting anti-vaxxers clashed with suspected Antifa activists, resulting in several injuries.

The Los Angeles Police Department reported that one man was stabbed and was treated by paramedics. The man was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital where he is reportedly in serious condition.

The protestors, many displaying Trump banners, said they rallied at city hall to take a stand against rules requiring COVID-19 vaccinations and so-called vaccine passports. Some in the group said they also object to wearing masks.  

Around the nation

• New York: New York City’s trailblazing vaccination mandate for most businesses begins today. Customers at indoor bars and restaurants, gyms, and other businesses must show proof of vaccination in order to get service.

• Texas: The Texas Supreme Court has sided with Gov. Gregg Abbott by temporarily suspending mask mandates enacted by local officials in Dallas and Bexar counties. The mandates requiring masks in schools were issued amid a surge in cases of the virus. However, they run counter to Abbott’s executive order forbidding mask mandates.

• Maryland: Despite a rise in the number of coronavirus cases around the state, Gov. Larry Hogan allowed Maryland’s coronavirus state of emergency to expire Sunday. But Hogan has said the state’s response to the virus will not end with his emergency orders.

• Nevada: As the state battles an increase in severe COVID-19 cases, it faces another problem -- hospital staffing shortages. The Nevada Hospital Association says hospitals need more traveling nurses and nurses with ICU training and experience.

• Florida: After being battered for weeks by surging cases of the Delta variant, Florida is seeing a little relief. The number of people in Florida hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 declined slightly over the weekend. However, the number of severely ill patients requiring ICU treatment rose.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 36,326,952 (36,210,096)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 619,200 (618,572)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 205,752,476 (204,986,180)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,340,137 (4,329,089)‌

FDA clears boosters for immunocompromised

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved COVID-19 booster shots for one group of people: those who have chronic conditions that may compromise their immune systems.

“The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. “After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines.” 

The approval applies to several million Americans who may be especially vulnerable because of organ transplants, battles with cancer, or other conditions. In allowing some to get booster shots, the U.S. is following the lead of some other nations, including Israel and France.

Analysis shows case surge centered in just eight states

The U.S. is in the grips of another wave of COVID-19 cases, but the surge is not uniformly spread across the country. By looking at a heat map of cases, it’s clear that the outbreak is centered in just eight states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, and Texas.

A CNN analysis of government health data shows that those states also happen to be at the bottom of the rankings for vaccinations. In the case of Nevada, its new cases are focused in the Las Vegas area, which has resumed drawing visitors from all corners of the country.

The analysis shows that the eight named states' combined total of new cases makes up approximately 51% of COVID-19 patients. That’s alarming because data shows that they account for only around 24% of the nation's population.

Florida county seeks to limit 911 calls

COVID-19, fueled by the Delta variant, is tearing through Florida. Hospitals are filling with virus patients, and emergency rooms are busy night and day -- so much so that Brevard County Fire and Rescue officials are asking citizens not to call 911 unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Brevard County Fire Rescue Chief Mark Schollmeyer says people with less than serious medical issues should look for alternatives. Ambulance trips, he says, should be reserved for those facing life and death situations.

"Just being COVID positive but asymptomatic does not always make it a life-threatening emergent condition requiring a trip to the ER," he said. "We ask people to take advantage of your primary care physician, telemedicine, or urgent care and leave emergency room and ambulance trips for those with life-threatening or serious emergencies."

Around the nation

• Virginia: Amid a flare-up in COVID-19 cases, three Richmond concert venues have announced that they will only admit people who have been vaccinated. The National, The Broadberry, and The Camel said this week that they will require people to be vaccinated or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend events.

• Vermont: Vermont is proof that being vaccinated doesn’t provide 100% protection from the virus, though it greatly reduces bad outcomes. State health officials are reporting a surge in new cases this week despite the fact that the state has the highest vaccination rate in the nation.

• Ohio: Although the state is experiencing a new wave of COVID-19, one state legislator wants to prevent local school officials from imposing mitigation measures. State Rep. Mike Loychik said this week that he will soon introduce a bill that prohibits schools from enforcing mask mandates.

• Arkansas: Anti-mask sentiment runs high in the state, which is also experiencing a wave of new coronavirus cases. But that hasn’t stopped state colleges from announcing that students will be required to mask up this fall. An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of a state law banning mask mandates.

• Colorado: With schools prepared to reopen, Gov. Jared Polis has announced that the state will launch a school-based COVID-19 testing program and provide masks to K-12 schools and school districts that want them. The state is recommending masks for teachers and students this fall.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 36,210,096 (36,071,850)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 618,572 (618,220)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 204,986,180 (204,286,683)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,329,089 (4,319,262)‌

Expert says ‘herd immunity’ is not possible

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials have set so-called “herd immunity” as a goal for stopping the virus. The idea is that the virus will eventually die out when enough people are vaccinated. A noted health expert says it isn’t going to happen.

Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, told Parliament that vaccines have failed to stop the virus completely. Now that the highly contagious Delta variant is spreading across the globe, he said “herd immunity” is a “mythical” concept.

“I think we are in a situation here with this current variant where herd immunity is not a possibility because it still infects vaccinated individuals,” Pollard told British lawmakers.

LA demands vaccinations for public venues

If you want to go to a bar, restaurant, or movie theater in Los Angeles, you’ll have to be vaccinated and able to prove it. The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to draft an ordinance requiring a vaccination to enter most indoor spaces, including retail stores.

The proposed measure -- the toughest in the nation so far -- comes as the Delta variant has swept across every state. Most of the people who are getting severely ill are unvaccinated.

“COVID-19 could be eradicated if we had mass vaccinations across the country and across the world,” said Councilman Mitch O’Farrell.

Florida governor faces growing rebellion

You might call it the Florida rebellion. While people are pushing back against vaccine and mask requirements in some southern states, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is encountering opposition to his firm stand against these mandates.

DeSantis signed a law barring entities from requiring proof of vaccinations and has ordered school districts not to require students and teachers to wear masks. That has prompted at least three large school districts to defy the governor. 

The school districts -- in Ft. Lauderdale, Tallahassee, and Gainsville -- have said they will not obey the governor’s executive order in an effort to limit the fast-spreading virus. In an interview on NPR, Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber accused DeSantis of politicizing a health care crisis, which he said helps explain some of the backlash.

The severity of the current outbreak may also help explain it. Florida hospitalizations from COVID-19 hit a record Wednesday for an 11th straight day.

Around the nation

• Tennessee: The Williamson County School Board voted to require teachers and students to wear masks in schools, triggering an angry demonstration by parents. Dozens of people filled the parking lot after the meeting chanting “will not comply.”

• Nebraska: Several state senators are asking the state government to reinstate its real-time COVID-19 dashboard, which was replaced with weekly numbers when the pandemic appeared to be fading. “Basic numbers shared on a weekly basis is not enough,” the senators wrote in a letter to the governor.

• Louisiana: Louisiana has the fastest growth of new COVID-19 cases in the nation, and many of the victims are children. One in four children now tests positive for the virus in the state. “There is clearly a lot more virus in the pediatric community,” Dr. William Lennarz, the system chair for pediatrics for Ochsner Health, told WWNO Radio.

• California: State health officials say the virus is spreading throughout the state at a rate not seen since last winter. As a result, officials say hospitals are nearing capacity. Official records show that hospitalizations statewide have almost doubled in the past two weeks, with 5,358 people in hospitals at the start of the week.

• Hawaii: With a steep rise in cases of the Delta variant, Hawaii has reimposed COVID-19 restrictions, including orders for restaurants to reduce capacity again. “The Delta variant has truly changed the COVID-19 pandemic here in the islands,” said Gov. David Ige.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 36,071,850 (35,983,375)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 618,220 (617,704)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 204,286,683 (203,708,052)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,319,262 (4,308,757)‌

Vaccination rate is on the rise

As the Delta variant swept through unvaccinated areas and is now spreading through states where vaccination rates are high, holdouts are apparently changing their attitude. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the U.S. vaccination rate has nearly doubled in the last 30 days.

As of Aug. 5, the CDC says there have been 441,198 new vaccinations per day. That compares to just 226,209 daily doses reported on July 5.

Alabama and Louisiana, which had among the lowest vaccination rates in the nation, saw the biggest increase in inoculations. Vaccinations also increased in Missouri, where some people reportedly got vaccinated in secret because they feared backlash from anti-vax family and friends.

Biden pushes for corporate vaccination mandate

President Biden is pointing to United Airlines as an example of how corporate America can limit the spread of COVID-19. The airline recently told all of its 67-thousand employees they must be vaccinated by Oct. 25 if they want to keep their jobs.

While there is a growing movement toward vaccination mandates, not all companies are joining in. Three major airlines, Southwest, Delta, and American, say they will not join rival United in requiring employees to be vaccinated.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian told a New York City TV station that about 75% of Delta’s employees are already vaccinated, so he doesn’t see the need to impose a mandate. CNN cites an internal memo from Southwest CEO Gary Kelly telling employees he “strongly encourages” vaccinations but that the company won’t require it.

Study points to faster vaccine development and testing

New research shows how scientists may be able to more quickly develop new vaccines and boosters to combat the coronavirus. It involves doctors being able to immediately test a vaccine recipient to measure antibody production.

Instead of lengthy clinical trials, a vaccine’s effectiveness can be quickly demonstrated. The research identifies antibodies that scientists can test for to see if a COVID-19 vaccine is effective. Peter Gilbert, co-author of the study posted Tuesday to medRxiv, calls it “the Holy Grail” of vaccine research.

"The hope is that the Food and Drug Administration will see these data and use them as a provisional approval mechanism," he said.

Around the nation

• Texas: Like his counterpart in Florida, Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order banning mandates to wear masks. Now he’s facing lawsuits from school districts that argue that mask mandates are necessary to keep people safe. Bexar County school officials have sued Abbott, seeking the power to impose a local mask mandate in their schools.

• Michigan: Cases of the virus are on the rise again statewide. "In Michigan, the number of cases has jumped 100% and 80% in the past two weeks, and hospitalizations statewide are up by about 35%," said Dr. Adnan Munkaraha, the chief clinical officer at Henry Ford Health System.

• New Jersey: The CDC now classifies all 21 counties in the state as “substantial” or “high” risk areas. The state began the week with 884 new cases of the coronavirus, but deaths remain low.

• Minnesota: Cases of the virus are up with the spread of the Delta variant, but doctors say deaths from the virus have remained at low levels so far. The state health department reports that no more than four deaths have occurred on any single day since June 12.

• Mississippi: School officials across the state are voicing concerns about rising COVID-19 cases among children ahead of the school year. A new report from the Mississippi State Department of Health shows that nearly 1,000 students were infected with COVID-19 for the week of Aug. 2-6. 

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 35,983,375 (35,775,272)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 617,704 (616,864)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 203,708,052 (202,970,177)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,308,757 (4,298,791)‌

Pentagon to make vaccinations mandatory

Members of the U.S. armed services will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said he plans to ask President Biden to approve a vaccine requirement by the middle of next month. Biden has already signaled his support for such a move.

"I have every confidence that Service leadership and your commanders will implement this new vaccination program with professionalism, skill, and compassion," Austin said in the memo to armed forces personnel. 

Military vaccinations are voluntary unless the vaccine has full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That approval, for at least one vaccine, is expected by mid-September. If approval is not granted, the Defense Department has the option of seeking a waiver from the White House to make the vaccine mandatory.

CDC adds seven more destinations to risky travel list

People planning international travel need to pay close attention as the Delta variant spreads around the world. Risk levels seem to change daily and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added seven more countries to its list of risky destinations.

Aruba, Eswatini, France, French Polynesia, Iceland, Israel, and Thailand have risen to a Level 4 risk designation. People should avoid travel to locations carrying the "Level 4: Covid-19 very high" notice, according to CDC guidance.

"Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread Covid-19,” the CDC said in a statement. “However, international travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some Covid-19 variants." 

Restaurants struggle due to surge in Delta cases

Perhaps no industry has had it as tough during the COVID-19 pandemic as restaurants. Many of them were closed at the beginning of the pandemic or went out of business entirely. As things began to reopen in the spring, they couldn’t find enough employees.

Now, just as things began to seem almost normal, the Delta variant has caused a surge in new cases, primarily in areas with low vaccination rates. The Wall Street Journal reports that many restaurants in those areas began curtailing operations late last month.

“All the fears that were in the background are just coming out,” Chelsea Gross, an industry analyst at Gartner, told the Journal. “It’s not great to have to adjust your business this many times.”

Around the nation

• Arkansas: Even as masks and vaccinations have become a highly-charged partisan issue, Gov. Asa Hutchinson is breaking with his fellow Republicans. Hutchinson, who signed a law earlier this year banning mask mandates, is asking the legislature to reverse the law. "In hindsight, I wish that had not become law,” said Hutchinson at a press conference. 

• Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis is doubling down on his fight with school districts that want to require school employees and students to wear masks. DeSantis now says he may withhold the pay of school board members who defy his order against mask mandates.

• Wisconsin: Gov. Tony Evers says he has given Wisconsin hotels $70 million in federal coronavirus relief as the state continues to get back on its feet amid the Delta variant surge. Evers said grants of up to $2 million went out Friday to 888 lodging businesses around the state.

• Illinois: The state is dealing with a surge in COVID-19 cases among children. While the state’s vaccination rate is high, the rate among children is low. “Our 12 to 17-year-olds had an increase in their case counts of 704%,” said Dr. Sarah Patrick of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “And the 18 to 22-year-olds had a 1345% increase.”

• Connecticut: More Connecticut towns and cities are requiring face masks in municipal buildings. The percentage of people testing positive Monday was 3.33%, and hospitalizations continued to increase, rising by 34.

Are you planning on traveling outside of the U.S. anytime soon? If you are, then you should be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just added seven international destinations to its “Very High” COVID-19 travel risk list. 

Just a week ago, the CDC added 16 to the highest level of its riskiest places to visit.

At the top of the list is France, where more than 3 million Americans visit each year to take in the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Euro Disneyland, and sip on a little Beaujolais. The other six include Aruba, Eswatini (aka Swaziland), French Polynesia, Iceland, Israel, and Thailand.

To be clear, the CDC doesn’t say you “can’t” go to these places. Rather, it says you should “avoid” traveling to these places. But if you “must,” the agency says you should be fully vaccinated before traveling.

Delta variant flips Iceland on its head

One might look at that list and question why Iceland was mentioned. Yes, the same country that was a shining example of protecting its own citizens and monitoring travelers against the coronavirus has now reversed course. 

Less than two months ago, the average number of new daily COVID-19 cases in Iceland was… one. Pandemic watchers say that was primarily a result of the country’s vaccination rate -- 96% of females and 90% of males 16 years or older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, making it the third-highest vaccinated country in the world behind Malta and the U.A.E.

In fact, things were so good that the Reykjavík government felt that it had beaten the pandemic and lifted almost all restrictions. Then came the Delta variant, and all bets were off. Iceland’s 7-day average for new cases is now well over 100.

The positive impact of vaccination

While travelers who’d like to go to Iceland might have to press pause for a while, the country feels that its high vaccination rate is paying dividends when it comes to reducing the impact of the Delta variant. 

“Evidence shows that the vaccines used in Iceland protect about 60% of those fully vaccinated against any kind of infection caused by the Delta variant of the virus and over 90% against serious illnesses,” Iceland’s Director-General Bryndís Kjartansdóttir said.

Kjartansdóttir reported that nearly 97% of those infected have experienced mild or no symptoms. While that’s a good selling point, the country as a whole has decided to wage an all-out war on the virus. It’s preparing to roll out the Pfizer vaccine among 12- to 15-year-olds, bring back travel and social distancing restrictions, and once again require masks.

“This and other pandemics are here to stay,” Páll Matthíasson, director of Iceland’s National University Hospital, reminded the Icelanders. “We must strengthen the healthcare system so that it is not always on the brink of collapse. We are all in the same boat in this society. It’s a pretty good boat despite everything, but we must work together to ensure success.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci said he hopes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will give full approval to Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine by the end of August. He also said he expects the move to result in a growing number of vaccine mandates. 

"I hope — I don't predict — I hope that it will be within the next few weeks. I hope it's within the month of August," Fauci said. "If that's the case, you're going to see the empowerment of local enterprises, giving mandates that could be colleges, universities, places of business, a whole variety and I strongly support that. The time has come. ... We've got to go the extra step to get people vaccinated."

At this point, the three available COVID-19 vaccines have only received emergency use authorization from the FDA. The agency is expected to give full approval to Pfizer’s vaccine within weeks. 

The Biden administration is currently pushing for more Americans to get vaccinated to help curb the spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. At the end of July, Biden approved rules requiring federal workers to be vaccinated or required to wear masks and undergo repeated testing. 

The administration hasn’t mandated vaccines outside of the federal workforce, but it has encouraged “mandates at the local level” amid the surge in Delta cases. Many businesses have recently reintroduced indoor mask requirements, and some cities are considering requiring proof of vaccination in order to dine indoors. 

An analysis of data from a recent Israeli study has found that people who got a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine experienced similar or fewer side effects than they did following the second dose. 

Israel has started administering a third dose of Pfizer’s vaccine to people aged 60 and older in an effort to address a potential decrease in efficacy among those who were vaccinated early on. Of more than 240,000 people in the country that have received a booster dose, about 4,500 responded to a study carried out by Clalit Health Services, Israel’s largest health maintenance organization. 

Clalit Health Services said Sunday that 88% of respondents reported “a similar or better feeling” than they had following the previous dose. Commonly reported symptoms were pain or swelling at the injection site (24%). About 15% of people had other symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, or fever. Less than 1% reported difficulty breathing or chest pains.

“Although we do not yet have long-term research on the efficacy and safety of the third dose, these findings continue to point to the benefit of immunisation now, in addition to careful behaviour by older adults and avoiding gatherings in closed spaces during these weeks,” said Professor Ran Balicer, Clalit’s chief innovation officer. 

U.S. hasn’t sanctioned third dose

The Delta variant continues to concern health officials across the globe, however U.S. officials have said they don’t believe third doses are necessary for the general public at this time. Still, Pfizer said it intends to meet with U.S. regulators to discuss booster dose authorization. 

Dr. Anthony Fauci said last month that Americans with weakened immune systems may be among the first to need a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. 

“Those who are transplant patients, cancer chemotherapy, auto-immune diseases, that are on immunosuppressant regimens, those are the kind of individuals that if there’s going to be a third booster, which might likely happen, would be among first the vulnerable,” Fauci told CNN.

Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 35,775,272 (35,647,582)‌

Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 616,864 (616,352)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌ 202,970,177 (202,485,291)

Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,298,791 (4,281,527)‌

Court allows cruise line to check for vaccination status in Florida

A U.S. District Court judge has sided with Norwegian Cruise Line in its legal challenge against Florida’s law barring vaccination mandates. Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami ruled the cruise line is within its rights to require proof of vaccination for passengers and crew in spite of the state law.

Norwegian Cruise Line said it needs to be able to verify vaccination status to ensure the health and safety of those on board. The law was a major obstacle because ports for Caribbean cruises are mostly in Florida.

Williams granted Norwegian’s request for a preliminary injunction overturning the law, saying she believed the company would likely prevail in its lawsuit.

Scientist: End isn’t in sight

Dr. Larry Brilliant is considered to be a leading expert among epidemiologists. He was part of the World Health Organization (WHO) team that eradicated smallpox. So when he ventures an opinion about the Delta variant, people pay attention.

In an interview with CNBC, Brilliant said the end of the pandemic is “nowhere in sight,” calling Delta one of the most contagious viruses he’s ever seen. As long as most of the world remains unvaccinated, he says the virus will continue to spread.

The good news, however, lies in the power of the vaccines. Brilliant says the three vaccines being used in the U.S. are holding up well against the Delta variant.

Boosters aren’t approved but some are getting them anyway

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not given its blessing to vaccinated people getting a “booster” shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Some preliminary data suggests that some vaccines, particularly the Johnson & Johnson variant, may need additional help in producing necessary antibodies. Johnson & Johnson disputes those findings, and medical opinions vary.

That’s not stopping people who are fully vaccinated from seeking and receiving a booster shot. NBC News interviewed a fully vaccinated person who walked into a retail pharmacy and got a booster shot.

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are strongly discouraging people from getting a booster shot. "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time," the agencies stated.

Around the nation

• Texas: The City of Austin activated its Emergency Alert System to warn residents of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. In a message sent via text, city officials warned that "the COVID-19 situation in Austin is dire. Healthcare facilities are open but resources are limited due to a surge in cases."

• Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis faces two lawsuits challenging his order that bars school districts from requiring teachers and students to wear masks while at school. “The danger to Plaintiff and his children and all others they come into contact with is severe, unreasonable, and growing by the day," one of the suits states.

• Massachusetts: Data from state health officials sheds light on why some people who are vaccinated not only contract the virus but also die. The report shows that 73% of the people who died from “breakthrough” cases in the state had underlying conditions. Their median age was 82.5.

• Oklahoma: Oklahoma was one of 24 states to discontinue the federal $300 a week unemployment benefit, but a judge has ordered the state to resume paying the supplemental payment. The benefit, established under a COVID-19 relief law, expires next month.

• North Carolina: State officials say they will begin verifying vaccination status for all state employees and urging local jurisdictions to do the same. “Until more people get the vaccine, we will continue living with the very real threat of serious disease, and we will continue to see more dangerous and contagious variants like Delta,” said Gov. Roy Cooper.

Many Americans who celebrated being able to ditch their masks are receiving bad news from several major U.S. retailers. Companies across the country are issuing new guidelines on face coverings for both employees and customers due to the continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant. 

Below you’ll find a list of establishments that are currently asking or requiring that customers and employees mask up once again to curb the spread of the virus:

ALDI

Mandatory face coverings: unvaccinated customers and employees

Optional face coverings: vaccinated customers.

Apple

Mandatory face coverings: both shoppers and employees

Optional face coverings: vaccinated customers

AT&T

Mandatory face coverings: both shoppers and employees regardless of vaccination

Bed Bath & Beyond

Mandatory face coverings: both shoppers and employees. However, the company allows an exemption for fully vaccinated customers “in U.S. locations where permitted by local order or law.”

BJ's Wholesale

Mandatory face coverings: unvaccinated shoppers and employees, as well as all shoppers and staff in BJ’s optical department.