Current Events in March 2021

BMW of North America is recalling 14,011 model year 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles.

If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close.

The sunroof continuing to close after the vehicle is shut off may pose a risk of injury.

What to do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.

Owners may contact BMW customer service at (800) 525-7417.

MW Polar of Norwalk, Calif., is recalling approximately 297,715 pounds of ready-to-eat canned corned beef.

The products that were imported and distributed in the U.S. without undergoing federal import re-inspection.

There are no confirmed reports of adverse reactions

The canned corned beef items, imported between June 6, 2020, and January 21, 2021, are labeled with various “Best Before” dates and the various shipping marks.

A list of the affected codes may be found here.

The recalled products, bearing “Australia Inspected” number “39,” were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase.

Consumers with questions may contact Ramita Garviso, at (562) 921-2800, Ext. 160, or by email at info@mwpolar.com.

1. Clean out your gutters

April showers may bring May flowers, but they’re also really hard on your gutters. Gutters can become clogged with leaves and debris during the winter months, so it’s important to clean them out and check your downspouts before the rainy season hits to avoid flooding.

2. Tune up your A/C

Now is a good time to tune up your air conditioner to prepare for increasing temperatures. Have someone come out and do a once-over on the unit to make sure it’s in proper working order and safe to use in the coming months. A tuneup generally consists of cleaning, calibrating, checking for leaks and ensuring your refrigerant levels are correct. If you have a home warranty, you may be eligible for discounted tuneups.

3. Keep allergens out

Allergy sufferers may be dreading the coming season and all the dust, mold and pollen it brings. You can keep indoor allergens at bay by decluttering your home, keeping it clean and replacing your air filters. A clogged filter cannot do its job efficiently. You should replace furnace air filters every three months.

4. Check your foundation

If your house has a crawl space, you’ll have vents along the foundation that may need to be cleared of leaves and other debris. Cleaning these vents will help increase air circulation and prevent moisture that can cause mold. Keeping them in good condition also helps ensure pests aren’t sneaking under your house. If you don’t have a crawl space, it’s still a good idea to walk around your property and check for any cracks or damage to your foundation. Once the snow and ice begin to thaw and you’ve raked leaves and debris away, you’ll have a clearer view of your home to do this inspection.

5. Check your windows and screens

As with your foundation, you’ll want to check the seals and screens on your windows for any damage. Reseal any cracks to keep your home energy-efficient and prevent cool air from escaping and unwanted warm air from getting in. If you like keeping your windows open in spring for fresh air, you’ll want to make sure those screens are in good condition to prevent any flying pests from sneaking into your home through rips and tears.

6. Invest in a smart thermostat

If you’re searching for ways to cut down your energy bill, a smart thermostat can help. With a programmable thermostat, you can keep the A/C down while you’re away from home and schedule it to turn back on automatically before you arrive so your house is cool when you walk in. Many security systems now include smart thermostats in their equipment options. You can also buy smart thermostats from major retailers, including Amazon.

7. Get your lawn and garden ready

It’s not too early to begin to prep your yard for spring. In fact, early in the season — or even before the season — can be a great time to get your lawn ready. Consider cleaning up winter debris, adding fertilizer, getting your trees trimmed, pruning shrubs and doing other landscaping. You can do this yourself or hire a lawn care company to do the heavy lifting.

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

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 28,763,373 (28,725,592)

Total U.S. deaths: 518,530 (517,006)

Total global cases: 115,331,329 (114,912,129)

Total global deaths: 2,562,739 (2,552,687)

Four states have now rolled back mask mandates

With coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on the decline across most of the country, four states have now decided it’s safe to take off the masks. In addition to Texas and Mississippi, which announced the decision Tuesday, Montana and Iowa have told residents it’s time to get back to normal.

While state mandates are ending, consumers need to keep a mask handy when they go shopping. Major retailers, such as Kroger, Best Buy, and Kohl’s, say their in-store mask mandates will continue to be enforced.

The decision has produced criticism from public health officials who say it’s too early to get back to normal because vaccinations are still in the early stages. But Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told CNBC today that the change isn’t that significant since Texas lacked the means to enforce the mandate.

Fewer Americans may receive a $1,400 check

Congress appears ready to pass the latest stimulus bill containing $1,400 for each American, but possible changes to the bill could mean fewer Americans would receive the payment. President Biden said he is open to a compromise with more moderate Democrats in the Senate who think the money should be more targeted.

In a meeting with some Democrats, Biden reportedly agreed to back new language that would lower the income threshold for people receiving the payments. Various media outlets have reported different levels, but it appears the changes would be fairly minor.

The previous cutoff points for receiving the payments -- part of the $1.9 trillion package -- were incomes of $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples.

Weekly jobless claims rise less than expected

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week, but the increase was less than expected. That suggests that the labor market may be holding up as the pandemic nears the one-year mark.

The Labor Department reports that first-time filings for unemployment insurance in the week ended Feb. 27 totaled a seasonally adjusted 745,000. Market analysts had settled on a consensus reading of 750,000.

In even better news, Americans continuing to receive jobless benefits fell for another week. Continuing claims decreased by 124,000 to just under 4.3 million. 

How effective is the vaccine?

More than 50 million Americans have gotten a COVID-19 vaccination so far. Is there any way to tell if it’s working? Officials say nursing homes may provide a clue.

Residents and staff at long-term care facilities were the first to begin receiving vaccinations in late December. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that cases of the virus have fallen sharply in these facilities.

That’s encouraging, but Dr. Joe Eron of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine says it may take at least 60 percent of the population being inoculated to know for sure whether the vaccine is having an effect.

COVID-19 convinces Disney it needs fewer stores

Americans turned to online shopping in huge numbers over the last year, and the Walt Disney Company has decided that trend will last long beyond the pandemic. The company has announced that it is closing 20 percent of its Disney stores in North America and will continue to emphasize eCommerce.

Disney has provided few details about which stores will be closed, but it has indicated which ones won’t be affected. Stores located in Disney parks and the “store-in-store” locations it has established inside Target stores are likely safe for now.

That leaves Disney stores located in shopping malls, where space is expensive and foot traffic has fallen sharply in the last 12 months.

Around the nation

• New York: The bright lights of Broadway are coming back on. The state has announced that entertainment venues, such as the Lincoln Center and Broadway theaters, can reopen at reduced capacity beginning April 2. They’ve been closed for almost a year.

• South Dakota: State Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon says non-residents are crossing the border in search of COVID-19 vaccinations, and she plans to put a stop to it. Officials say the out-of-staters are being lured by the state’s plentiful supply of vaccine doses and efficient distribution.

• Connecticut: State health officials are keeping a wary eye on hospitalizations, which have fallen dramatically in recent weeks but ticked up this week. The state’s rate of positive coronavirus tests remains below 3 percent.

Although Texas and Mississippi have announced that they will be lifting statewide mask mandates, consumers in the two states may still have to wear face coverings at some stores and businesses. 

Major retailers including Kroger, Target, and CVS have said they will continue requiring customers to wear masks in accordance with pandemic guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"There is no change at this time to the company mask mandate policy or any current safety protocols that are in place in our stores or any work locations to protect our customers and team members,” a spokesperson for Walgreens told CBS News. “We are following current CDC and OSHA guidelines regarding safety protocols.” 

CVS said it will also continue enforcing the use of face coverings in stores in an effort to protect customers and workers. A spokesperson for the company cited “strong scientific evidence that masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19."

"If a customer is not wearing a mask or face covering, we will refer them to our signage and ask that they help protect themselves and those around them by listening to the experts and heeding the call to wear a face covering," the spokesperson added. "For safety reasons, our employees are directed to avoid escalated confrontations with noncompliant customers and to instead help them complete their purchases as quickly as possible."

Other retailers keeping mask requirements

• Kroger. The grocery store giant said it "will continue to require everyone in our stores across the country to wear masks until all our frontline grocery associates can receive the COVID-19 vaccine.” 

• Target. The big box retailer said it, too, would be continuing requiring in-store customers and workers to abide by CDC guidance by wearing a mask. The requirement includes those who have been vaccinated for the coronavirus. The retailer noted that it will make exceptions for young children and those with underlying medical conditions. 

• Aldi. The grocery chain said it’s “aware of the mask mandate lifts in both Texas and Mississippi,” however it said it does “not plan to make any adjustments to our safety measures at this time.” 

• Home Depot. The hardware store chain said it will “continue to follow CDC guidelines, as we've done all along” regarding mask requirements. 

Lifting mask requirements

The governors of both Texas and Mississippi recently announced that they will be dropping mask mandates and allowing business to fully reopen. 

"We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in a statement. "We are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny."

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said his office is "getting out of the business of telling people what they can and can't do." 

The states’ decisions to lift mask mandates was met with criticism, with many expressing concern that a majority of Americans still haven’t been vaccinated. Some state and local officials have urged residents to continue abiding by the guidance of federal health officials. 

“We need to focus not on what the governor tells you the law allows, but what doctors and the facts and the science that we all know well at this point tell us is necessary to keep us safe and give us our best chance of reaching herd immunity as quickly as possible,” Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said, according to the Texas Tribune. 

Consumers have been receiving the COVID-19 vaccine since mid-December, and Moderna emerged as one of two primary vaccination options early on. Though several studies have confirmed the safety and efficacy of these vaccines, a new report is now calling attention to a potential side effect that consumers may experience from the Moderna vaccine. 

According to researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital, some patients have experienced a delayed skin reaction after receiving the Moderna vaccine. However, the team is adamant that this doesn’t affect how well the vaccine works, and they urge consumers to follow up with the second dose of the vaccine regardless of whether this reaction occurs. 

“Whether you’ve experienced a rash at the injection site right away or this delayed skin reaction, neither condition should prevent you from getting the second dose of the vaccine,” said researcher Dr. Kimberly Blumenthal. “Our immediate goal is to make physicians and other care providers aware of this possible delayed reaction, so they are not alarmed, but instead well-informed and equipped to advise their patients accordingly.” 

Delayed reactions aren’t common

The researchers discovered this skin reaction after analyzing Phase 3 data from the Moderna clinical trial. This dataset included information on more than 30,000 participants who had gotten the Moderna COVID vaccine; while nearly 85 percent of the participants immediately experienced a mild reaction at the injection site, just under one percent of the participants experienced a similar kind of reaction more than a week later. 

The researchers followed up with a dozen participants who had developed this delayed reaction and noted several similarities in their experiences. The majority of this group reported that their rash appeared eight days post-vaccine, though some didn’t notice a reaction until 11 days after they were vaccinated. The reaction didn’t last long, as most of the participants said they were symptom-free within one week. 

The researchers are unsure why these skin reactions popped up after so much time had passed since the time of vaccination. However, they explained that these large, bumpy rashes aren’t a cause for concern. Not all of the participants experienced a reaction following the second dose of the vaccine, and treating the rashes didn’t require more than antihistamines.  

“Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity could be confused -- by clinicians and patients alike -- with a skin infection,” said researcher Dr. Erica Shenoy. “These types of reactions, however, are not infectious and thus should not be treated with antibiotics.” 

Consumers should still get fully vaccinated

The researchers hope that this work draws attention to these reactions to ensure that patients are treated appropriately. They stressed that these findings shouldn’t change consumers’ vaccination plans; instead, they should bring awareness to a potentially mild and delayed side effect. 

“For most people who are experiencing this, we believe it’s tied to the body’s immune system going to work,” said researcher Dr. Esther Freeman. “Overall, this data is reassuring and should not discourage people from getting the vaccine.” 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may accelerate the trend of seniors staying in their homes as they age instead of moving to assisted living or long-term care facilities.

Americans are increasingly making modifications to their homes because they are spending so much time there during the pandemic, and this may be a boon to seniors who want to stay in their homes as they get older. Modernize.com, which provides home renovation and other home services, has published a new report highlighting the best ways baby boomers can do just that by “aging in place.”

Small improvements

A survey completed in January, quizzing more than 3,200 homeowners, showed that 57 percent believed COVID-19 had affected their timeline for making improvements that would facilitate their remaining in their homes as they age. In the next 12 months, 63 percent of homeowners said they will explore accessibility projects for their homes.

"Small improvements can make a big difference when it comes to improving safety and accessibility," said Gregg Hicks, vice president at Modernize.com. "It's possible to implement changes over time, and it is a good idea to get ahead of modifications so that they are made before they are absolutely essential."

Among the inexpensive modifications highlighted in the report are:

• Adding grab bars in bathrooms;

• Improving lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms;

• Replacing faucets with levered or motion-sensing models;

• Installing a shower seat; and

• Adding detachable and adjustable showerheads with at least a six-foot reach.

Walk-in tubs and chairlifts

The report also gives seniors some advice when it comes to making more substantial modifications that enhance the safety and functionality of the home. They include things like installing a walk-in tub or chairlift to get up and down steps.

ConsumerAffairs has collected thousands of verified reviews of bathroom remodeling companies here.

The last 12 months have seen a dramatic drop in people entering long-term care facilities. The National Investment Center recently reported that senior housing occupancy in the fourth quarter of 2020 fell to the lowest on record.

In the last 12 months, the occupancy rate in assisted living facilities is down 7.4 percent; it’s 6.2 percent lower for independent living facilities.

With more boomers choosing to age in place, many of the health services provided by those facilities are being picked up by home health services. Demand for home health aides is expected to grow by 34 percent between now and 2029, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

Wanderlusters who have gotten their COVID-19 vaccinations and are looking for an early spring break may have had a wrench thrown in their plans. On top of the State Department’s advisory for all Americans to rethink their travel plans, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added the southern Caribbean nation of Curacao and the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda to its highest advisory list.

Both destinations now carry the CDC’s highest warning level -- “Level 4: COVID-19 Very High.” Two other countries — Oman and Sri Lanka — were also added to the list.

While Curacao’s Tourist Board says the spread of the virus is “under control” and Antigua and Barbuda claim the country has measures in place to “protect and safeguard” both residents and visitors, the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic may not be worth the gamble. The number of positive coronavirus cases continues to grow in both Curacao and Antigua and Barbuda. 

If you really have to go

While island destinations' stock and trade is tourism, the CDC’s stock and trade is issuing guidance to protect Americans in the midst of the pandemic. Antigua and Barbuda reopened its borders to tourists last June and still have out the welcome mat, albeit with a list of requirements that travelers must meet before they can fully immerse themselves in the island life. 

As an example, all travelers over the age of 12 who arrive by air need to have a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within seven days of their flight. All travelers are also subject to assessment by Port Health Authorities for signs and symptoms through a series of checks and the completion of a health declaration form upon arrival. Plus, the CDC mandates that if someone is traveling back to the United States by air, they’ll need to get tested 3–5 days after travel AND stay home to self-quarantine for 7 days after travel. 

Travelers setting off for Curacao also have a long list of must-dos. For example, each visitor entering the country will need to show a negative result from a certified COVID-19 deep pharyngeal nose and throat swab PCR test, a printed document of proof less than 72 hours old, and proof that they are “adequately insured” for medical care and any additional costs if they are quarantined or become ill during their stay.

Then, there’s re-entry into the U.S. to consider. Before traveling back to the United States by air, everyone has to get tested with a viral test no more than 3 days before their flight departs, and that test result must be negative. Many resorts in the Caribbean now offer on-property rapid antigen and PCR tests to guests prior to departure for the U.S. to help ease the skids of re-entry to the U.S.

Even though the CDC would rather you stay at home, it knows that there are some who have been vaccinated and bursting at the seams to soak up the sun. If that’s you, the agency recommends you follow some guidelines. For Curacao, those guidelines are available here; and for Antigua and Barbuba, you can find them here.

The European Union (EU) is reportedly readying formal charges against Apple related to concerns of anti-competitive behavior on its App Store, as well as its music streaming service Apple Music. 

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the Financial Times reported Thursday that the EU plans to argue that Apple restricted music streaming services other than its own Apple Music, giving the tech giant an unfair advantage over competitors and reducing consumers’ options. 

The charges come two years after Spotify accused Apple of using its App Store policies and market dominance to stifle competition. Spotify said Apple’s practice of charging a 30 percent tax on in-app purchases forced rival streaming services to compete with Apple Music.

“In recent years, Apple has introduced rules to the App Store that purposely limit choice and stifle innovation at the expense of the user experience—essentially acting as both a player and referee to deliberately disadvantage other app developers,” Spotify CEO Daniel Ek wrote in 2019. “After trying unsuccessfully to resolve the issues directly with Apple, we’re now requesting that the EC take action to ensure fair competition.”

The U.K. is also currently investigating Apple’s terms and conditions for app developers. The probe will focus on whether Apple’s terms and conditions are unfair and whether they violate the U.K.’s competition laws. 

"Millions of us use apps every day to check the weather, play a game or order a takeaway," Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the U.K.’s competition regulator, said in a statement. "So, complaints that Apple is using its market position to set terms which are unfair or may restrict competition and choice – potentially causing customers to lose out when buying and using apps – warrant careful scrutiny."

The number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths reported weekly in U.S. nursing homes has dropped by 66 percent since December, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. 

While the decline in cases and deaths does coincide with the administration of vaccines to the vulnerable group, Kaiser researchers aren’t attributing the drop solely to vaccines. The researchers wrote that the timing of the drop in cases does “suggest a link” to the vaccine rollout. However, it’s “still unclear how much of the decline in cases and deaths can be attributed directly to the vaccine.” 

Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP, noted that COVID-19 numbers were so high around the holidays in the nation’s long-term care facilities that they “didn't have anywhere to go but down.”

“It's not enough to celebrate the vaccine,” Sweeney told AARP. “We need to commit ourselves to getting to the root of the problem and improving the way we take care of people in this country who need long-term services and support."

Herd immunity could play a role 

Experts say nursing homes may be starting to see the impact of some level of herd immunity. Virus mitigation measures put in place by state and county officials may also be playing a role in the decline in cases, according to Justin Lessler, an associate professor of epidemiology at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

“During the big COVID surges, control measures were put in place,” Lessler told AARP. “Some places had some fairly vigorous control measures — they reduced community transmission. Combined with the accumulated immunity in the population, [they have] been enough to turn the corner.”

In the months ahead, Kaiser says the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to present challenges to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The report authors said long-term infection control issues and staffing shortages remain. Some staff members have also been reluctant to get vaccinated.  

"Barriers to [skilled nursing facility] staff member vaccination need to be overcome with continued development and implementation of focused communication and outreach strategies,” the CDC said in a February report.

The possibility that cryptocurrencies could become a part of everyday life has received a major vote of confidence. In a new report -- “Bitcoin At the Tipping Point” -- Citigroup suggests that the virtual currency could become “the currency of choice for international trade” if all continues to go well for it. The company says that step could be the start of a “massive transformation of cryptocurrency into the mainstream.” 

And if things don’t go well? The Citigroup team says that “speculative implosion” could happen. Analysts explained the potential failure, saying that there are “a host of risks and obstacles that stand in the way of Bitcoin progress. But weighing these potential hurdles against the opportunities leads to the conclusion that Bitcoin is at a tipping point.”

According to the report, Bitcoin’s enormous upside has been driven by recent aggressive moves by companies like Tesla, which invested $1.5 billion in the currency, and Mastercard, which has decided to accept some cryptocurrencies as payments later this year.

“Gold is dead”

The Citi report explains that Bitcoin has worked its way through several stages so far:  technological oddity, censorship-resistant money, and digital gold. It’s that last part that has many analysts cheering the cryptocurrency on, primarily because there is a current lack of alternative gold-like assets. The company says the need for those will only continue to grow. 

“Because of what is going on in the world, besides there being a growing need for money or storehold of wealth assets that are limited in supply, there is also a growing need for assets that can be privately held. Because there aren’t many of these gold-like storehold of wealth assets that can be held in privacy and because the sizes of their markets are relatively small, there exists the possibility that Bitcoin and its competitors can fill that growing need,” Dalio wrote.

The biggest question with Bitcoin, Dalio says, is what it can realistically be used for and what amount of demand it will have. “Since the supply is known, one has to estimate the demand to estimate its price.” While gold can be mined from the earth, bitcoin can only be mined via computational means. Bitcoin’s source code dictates a limited and finite supply of 21 million bitcoins that will ever be produced. 

Billionaire Mark Cuban’s take on the gold vs. bitcoin debate is that the former is "dead.” In a debate with gold lovers on Twitter, he explained his stance this way: “Gold is hyped as much as Crypto. Do we really need gold jewelry? Gold can make you a ring. (Bitcoin and Ethereum) are technologies that can make you a banker, allow friction free exchange of value and are extensible into an unlimited range of biz and personal applications”

The truth is, Cuban doesn’t see gold as having much of a future and will eventually die as a “store of value” (SOV). "What we are seeing built w/crypto today is just proof of concept. As tech continues to get better/cheaper/faster there will be new applications and maybe even something that supersedes what we know as crypto today," Cuban tweeted. "But Gold won't ever change. Which is why it will die as a SOV." 

Cuban ended his debate with a reminder that gold, like bitcoin, was also an SOV built on “mining” technology. “From picks and shovels to mining operations that keep trying to improve. Whoever could use the tech of the day to find and mine the most efficiently was the most rewarded. Much like Crypto is today," he concluded.

A new study conducted by researchers from Penn State explored factors that could affect the likelihood of teens developing depression. 

According to their findings, young people are less likely to experience depressive symptoms when they have go-to, trusted sources to access health-related information. Gathering information and feeling more knowledgeable can go a long way towards improving kids’ mental health. 

“This study was actually inspired by my students, after several of them came to me really stressed out,” said researcher Bu Zhong. “I know firsthand how widespread depression can be among students, so I was interested in what kind of health information people shared with the young people and if it can help them cope with depression.” 

Relying on trusted sources

The researchers surveyed 310 students about their overall mental health and had them complete a questionnaire about how they typically took in health-related information and what kinds of sources they viewed as credible.

One of the biggest takeaways from this study is that teens who made an effort to stay informed about their health -- and utilized sources that they trusted for that information -- were less likely to experience depression. Having a trusted parent or teacher that kids trusted for the right information led to improved mental health outcomes.

When it came to getting health information from media sources, the results were a little more mixed. While the participants tended to trust social media sources less when it came delivering correct information, these sites actually did have a positive effect on mental health. On the flip side, TV news and newspapers were seen as more reliable resources but delivered fewer benefits to mental health.

“The kids weren’t purposefully being misleading when they said they didn’t trust information online, even though that information was ultimately linked with lower depression,” explained Zhong. “They were probably told by their parents and teachers to be wary of information found online or on social media. But our research found that online content has a strong impact on their health behavior and depression mitigation strategies, which are not found in the traditional media content.” 

Improving mental health

The researchers’ main goal with this study was to uncover new ways for young people to deal with their mental health. Finding the right treatment can be a difficult, ongoing process for many teens, and these findings provide another potential course of action for managing depression symptoms. 

“Our research is interested in providing long-term health outcomes, not just temporary relief,” Zhong said. “So we’re looking for anything in addition to drugs, in addition to therapy, that can help people with their depression, and this offers another possibility. It may not be able to remove all the stressors causing teen depression, but it’s possible we could equip adolescents with better health information gathering skills to help battle depression.” 

The Walt Disney Company is expected to benefit from the reopening of the economy this year, but one aspect of its business model during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may persist for a while.

The company said it plans to close at least 60 of its brick-and-mortar stores in North America and rely on e-commerce. Apparently, that’s worked pretty well during the pandemic.

“While consumer behavior has shifted toward online shopping, the global pandemic has changed what consumers expect from a retailer,” Stephanie Young, president of consumer products, games and publishing at Disney, told CNBC.

A December survey of consumers in nine countries by the United Nations Conference and Development (UNCTAD) found that the trend is nearly universal. It found that months into the pandemic, more than half of the survey’s respondents were shopping online more frequently and relying on the internet more for news, health-related information, and digital entertainment.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards a more digital world. The changes we make now will have lasting effects as the world economy begins to recover,” said UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi.

IBM’s U.S. Retail Index reached a similar conclusion. Its data shows that the pandemic has accelerated the shift away from physical stores to digital shopping -- stepping up that process by about five years. In the retail industry e-commerce sales by more than one-third to $791.7 billion in 2020.

Embracing the future

Disney appears to be embracing that future by shrinking its physical footprint. It will start by closing 20 percent of its stores in North America before evaluating where else it can save money and increase profits. The company is said to be looking closely at its stores in Europe.

Disney has provided few details about which stores will be closed but has indicated which ones won’t be affected. Stores located in Disney parks and the “store-in-store” locations it has established inside Target stores are likely safe for now.

That leaves Disney stores located in shopping malls, where space is expensive and foot traffic has fallen sharply in the last 12 months.

Ford Motor Company is recalling 9,979 model year 2020 F-Super Duty F350s with a 6.7L diesel engine, single rear wheels (SRW), 4X4 Crew Cab, Long Box, and a 12k or 12.4k Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.

The vehicles may display overstated payload capacity values on the Tire and Loading Information (TREAD) Label, overstated Accessory Reserve Capacity (ARC) values on the Safety Certification Label, and overstated weight values on the Truck Camper Loading Documentation.

If the vehicle is loaded to the payload stated on the TREAD label, it may exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) and overload the vehicle.

This could increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire and Loading Information Label, Safety Certification Label, and the Truck Camper Loading Document (if applicable) free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin March 22, 2021.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S06.

Vitakraft Sun Seed of Weston, Ohio, is recalling one lot of Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food.

The product may be contaminated with Salmonella, and there is risk to humans from handling it.

There are no reports of illness to date.

The recalled product, lot # 343422 and UPC code 0-51233-34792-9, comes in a 25-oz. container with an expiration date of November 6, 2022.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product should stop using it and may return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at (800) 221-6175 Extension 123, Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm (EST).

BMW of North America is recalling nine model year 2021 X5 sDrive40i and X5 xDrive40i vehicles.

The right front brake disc may have been assembled with incorrect fasteners, which over time, could result in the front brake disc becoming loose.

A loose brake disc could affect vehicle handling and control, and increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front brake disc and replace it -- if necessary -- along with the unaffected left side brake disc free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021.

Owners may contact BMW's customer service at (800) 525-7417.

Home Depot Product Authority of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling about 3,100 StyleWell Wood Windsor dining chair sets.

The chair’s back can detach, posing a fall hazard.

The firm has received 17 reports of the chair’s back detaching from the chair base. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the StyleWell Wood Windsor Dining Chair sets.

The sets of two chairs were sold in black, natural wood, red and white and have eight vertical backrest spindles. The chair seat base measures about 17.5 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep and 17 inches tall.

The chair’s back measures about 19 inches wide and 18 inches tall from the top of the chair seat base. Each chair weighs about 15 pounds.

Only chairs without screw holes and wood screws on the rear underside of the chair seat base are included in this recall.

The chairs, manufactured in China, were sold online at www.homedepot.com from September 2019, through January 2021, for about $150 (set of two).

What to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chairs and inspect the chairs for missing screw holes and wood screws on the underside of the chair seat base. Home Depot is contacting all purchasers directly to provide inspection instructions.

Consumers may contact Home Depot at (800) 466-3337 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET) Saturday or online at www.homedepot.com and click on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

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

Total U.S. confirmed cases: 28,725,592 (28,669,232)

Total U.S. deaths: 517,006 (514,842)

Total global cases: 114,912,129 (114,582,356)

Total global deaths: 2,552,687 (2,541,808)

Texas lifts mask mandate and business restrictions

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had declared it’s time to get back to normal in his state. With coronavirus (COVID-19) cases on the decline, Abbott has lifted the statewide mandate to wear a mask in public places and declared all types of businesses may resume normal operations at 100 percent capacity.

“Removing statewide mandates does not end personal responsibility,” Abbott said. “It’s just that now state mandates are no longer needed.”

Some officials in the state’s urban areas don’t agree with that. They also criticized Abbott’s declaration because they say it doesn’t allow local municipalities to impose their own virus-mitigation practices.

White House steps up vaccination timeline

President Biden has announced that there will be enough vaccine doses available to vaccinate every American adult by the end of May, thanks to the recent addition of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Biden also announced that Merck will assist Johnson & Johnson in producing the drug.

Biden noted that the new timeline is two months earlier than previously predicted. “We’re moving in the right direction,” he said at a White House briefing. “And today’s announcements are a huge step in our effort to beat this pandemic.”

With more vaccine doses entering the pipeline, it should speed up the production and distribution process. Biden urged states to add teachers and child care workers to the list of people who are eligible to receive the vaccine this month.

Most small businesses aren’t requiring vaccinations for workers

A survey by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that most small businesses do not require employees to get COVID-19 vaccinations or tests to return to work, and many have no plans to do so.

When asked if the business required employees to seek a vaccination or to take a COVID-19 test in the last week, 10 percent of business operators said yes and 70 percent said no.

The survey is designed to provide local, state, and federal officials with essential, up-to-date data to help them make informed policy decisions.

Senate ready to take up stimulus bill

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said lawmakers are putting the final touches on a Senate version of the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill passed by the House. Schumer said Democrats have the votes to pass it before the end of the week.

According to CNN, the bill’s text is incomplete, with various versions floating around Capitol Hill. Various factions are competing to get their version accepted.

Whatever version makes the final cut, it will have to win all 50 Democratic votes in the Senate. No Republicans have signed on to support the measure.

Dolly Parton gets a taste of her own medicine

Dolly Parton went to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center on Tuesday and got a shot of the Moderna vaccine. Perhaps that’s newsworthy because the vaccine was developed, in part, with a $1 million donation from Parton’s foundation.

Parton also took the opportunity to address those who are hesitant about receiving a vaccine against the virus, saying she was excited that it was her turn to roll up her sleeve.

“I’ve been waiting a while, I’m old enough to get it. And I’m smart enough to get it,” Parton wrote in a tweet. “So I’m very happy that I’m going to get my Moderna shot today. And I want to tell everybody that you should get out there and do it too.”

Around the nation

• Missouri: State health officials say they are looking at ways to redistribute more vaccine doses to urban areas after many have gone unused at rural vaccination sites. About 1,400 doses were shifted this week from north-central Missouri after not enough people showed up at a mass vaccination event.

• California: The state continues to show significant decreases in COVID-19 cases just a month after hospitals were nearly overwhelmed with patients. In fact, cases are down 35 percent and deaths are 20 percent lower in the last two weeks.

• Tennessee: The state is moving to 1C eligibility next week, health officials say. That means anyone aged 16 and over with high-risk medical conditions will be allowed to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine will also be available to caregivers of people with high-risk medical conditions.