| US death toll surpasses 500,000, a leaked Israeli report indicates the Pfizer vaccine is cutting infections, and experts warn that Covid-19 will likely become endemic. Here's what you should know: Headlines US deaths surpass 500,000 as daily new cases trend downward On Sunday, the US' coronavirus death toll surpassed 500,000. While America makes up less than 5 percent of the world's population, it accounts for more than 20 percent of the world's deaths. Though the average number of new cases has gotten lower in recent weeks as more and more people are vaccinated, numbers are still higher than they were over the summer, and experts have reinforced that it's important to keep pandemic precautions in place. Leaked report suggests that the Pfizer vaccine is sharply reducing infections in Israel A leaked report by the Israeli health ministry and Pfizer indicates that vaccinations are stopping nine out of ten infections in the country. So far Israel has fully vaccinated 32 percent of its citizens using the Pfizer vaccine and has the world's highest per capita rate of vaccinations. The study also claims that Israel could reach herd immunity by March. Outside experts caution that the report is far from conclusive, but it is certainly encouraging. Experts adjust to the possibility that Covid-19 is here to stay We've only ever eradicated one human disease—smallpox—so experts say it's all but certain that Covid-19 is here to stay. Part of the reason diseases become endemic, or permanently present, is because people can't get to all of the places these pathogens can shelter; in the case of Covid-19, these include bats, minks, and any humans who are unprotected. This reinforces the importance of distributing vaccines equitably worldwide to give the virus few hosts to live and mutate in. Daily Distraction Something as gooey, fatty, and tasty as cheese can't possibly be good for you, right? Not true! New research gives you the green light to indulge guilt-free. Something to Read In 2003, then college student and security researcher Barrett Lyon used his network mapper to sketch the entire internet. Now, he's done it again, creating an interactive video that shows how the internet has grown since 1997. Sanity Check Whether you're working in person or remotely, you're probably spending a lot of time indoors this winter. So we compiled our favorite items for getting cozy at home. One Question How should I talk to relatives who are hesitant about getting vaccinated? Now that vaccination efforts are underway, it's critical that people get inoculated as soon as it's their turn. But what with all of the misinformation and skepticism swirling in the air, it's likely that many of us have at least a few loved ones who are wary of getting vaccinated. Research shows that empathy and an established relationship can change people's minds, and that "prosocial" messages that focus on altruism, family, and community work better than scare tactics. So if anyone you care about is vaccine-averse, try explaining gently that getting a shot is good and valuable, for them and for society. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's a look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Whether or not you're a work-from-home pro, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
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