| India holds elections amid its devastating outbreak, the COVAX initiative receives more shots, and Hong Kong plans mandatory vaccinations for workers. Here's what you should know: Headlines Prime Minister Modi's party loses a key election as India's outbreak persists Despite rising case numbers over the last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a number of large campaign rallies, particularly in West Bengal, where his party faced a close race. These events drew criticism from many, including one of India's high courts, for flouting pandemic guidelines. But in the election on Sunday, Modi's party lost in the key state. The country continues to face a mounting surge, though there are signs of hope: Mumbai was one of India's worst-hit cities a month ago, but now has a positivity rate just under 10 percent. Moderna and Sweden supply vaccine doses to the COVAX initiative Today the GAVI vaccine alliance, which is co-leading the COVAX initiative alongside the WHO, announced that Moderna would provide 34 million doses of its vaccine to the program this year. COVAX aims to secure donations and vaccine deals for low-income countries. The contract with Moderna is for up to 500 million doses, the bulk of which will only become available starting in 2022. Sweden has also donated 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to the initiative, making it the second EU nation after France to contribute to the global effort. Hong Kong proposes mandating vaccination for foreign domestic workers Hong Kong's government is outlining plans for mandatory vaccination for foreign domestic workers. There are hundreds of thousands of foreign workers in the region, the majority of whom are migrants from the Philippines and Indonesia. These new provisions would require workers to get vaccinated before they enter Hong Kong or have their contracts renewed. Some are saying that this proposition is discriminatory and unfairly singles out domestic and migrant workers. Daily Distraction Last year, Chanhee Choi was attacked by a racist assailant on the streets of Seattle. Afterwards, she wanted to do something to raise awareness about the rise of xenophobia and anti-Asian hate crimes—so she designed a video game. Something to Read In his new book on the perils of Big Tech, Missouri senator Josh Hawley makes some worthwhile claims about the technology industry. The problem is, he plants his argument in a vision of American history that gets almost everything wrong. Sanity Check Have you scored an invite to Clubhouse recently? Here's everything you need to know before signing on. One Question What's the best gear for working from home? Many Americans are more than a year into working entirely or largely remotely. While offices are beginning to reopen, it's likely that WFH will remain a reality for many for years to come. With that in mind, we've put together a list of the tried-and-true gear you need for the ultimate home office.
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. 💉 The data is in, and the vaccines are working. Here's how to get an appointment in your area. 💻 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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