Prime Minister Modi faces lockdown pressure, the EU says it won't renew its AstraZeneca contract, and the UK continues its reopening. Here's what you should know: Headlines Calls for a national lockdown in India mount as cases stay high Daily infections and deaths are still at near-record highs in India, and experts say that case counts could actually be much higher than reported. But while many states and cities within the country have imposed lockdowns or other pandemic prevention measures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has yet to institute a national lockdown like he did during India's first wave of the pandemic. Now he's facing mounting pressure from within the country and around the world to take more decisive action. The EU doesn't plan to renew its contract with AstraZeneca The European Union doesn't plan to renew orders of the AstraZeneca vaccine when the current contract ends in June, the European Internal Market Commissioner said on French radio on Sunday. The news comes shortly after the region announced a new deal for 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech doses, which it hopes will allow for booster shots and donations in addition to providing initial shots for residents still in need. Two weeks ago, the EU also sued AstraZeneca for not upholding all of the terms of their initial contract. The UK announces a new phase of reopening, allowing for indoor dining and small gatherings Boris Johnson announced today that the next phase of easing pandemic restrictions in the UK will go into effect next week. Starting May 17, people can meet up in groups of up to six, or two full households, indoors. Pubs, cafés, and restaurants will also be able to begin serving indoors. Under these new guidelines, people are encouraged to make informed personal decisions about how they interact with their close contacts, from gathering inside to hugging. Daily Distraction What is there to be learned about death and destruction, especially in the wake of this pandemic year? Monster movies may hold the answer. Something to Read The question of how to have ethical funding is top of mind in many fields—AI included. Today, three Black and queer AI groups announced they won't accept money from Google over the company's treatment of several former employees, including ethical AI researcher Timnit Gebru. It's the first time any of these groups has turned down money from a sponsor. Sanity Check Older relatives are a font of knowledge and family history. Here are some tips for using tech to record their stories. One Question Is it possible to plan a virtual work hang that's actually fun? It's no secret that Zoom happy hour is a lackluster substitute for drinks at the nearest dive bar. Structured fun—Jeopardy, a cooking class—is probably the best option, especially if you have a smaller office. But even then, meeting online will never be as fun as the real deal. WIRED's tip? Try a weekend park gathering. 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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