| Studies investigate new drugs for mild cases, Idaho hospitals ration beds, and South Korea grapples with high case counts. Here's what you should know: Headlines Researchers probe treatments for early Covid, ivermectin included At an NIH talk last month, researchers presented early data on existing drugs that could keep mild cases of Covid from getting worse. This could be a huge boon for treating the disease, given that most of the drugs you may have heard of, like remdesivir and dexamethasone, are for people who are already severely ill. Now, one drug in particular, an antidepressant called fluvoxamine, has some promising trial data—though the drug is still a ways away from becoming part of the standard of care for Covid patients. At the same presentation, scientists shared that ivermectin, which had some encouraging early results in small studies, doesn't help prevent or treat Covid. All of this data hasn't been peer-reviewed or officially published yet, but the trial is well-respected, which means that more definitive answers about how we can treat mild Covid may be on the way. Idaho permits some hospitals to ration care as cases skyrocket Idaho officials announced yesterday that the state had started using "crisis standards of care" to determine how to allocate resources in northern hospitals that are overwhelmed by serious cases of Covid. The state's case count has risen dramatically recently, and it has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country. Affected hospitals are now allowed to determine who has access to scarce resources like ICU beds based on how in need patients are, and how likely they are to benefit from care. These crisis standards will stay in place until hospitals are once again able to provide normal levels of care to all in need. Cases stay high in South Korea even as vaccination rates increase Today, South Korea reported more than 2,000 new cases in a day, and officials are asking residents to stay vigilant, especially ahead of a national holiday later this month when many will travel to be with family. Cases have stayed high in the country recently even though vaccinations have been ticking upward: About 61 percent of South Koreans had received at least one vaccine dose as of yesterday, and officials expect that 70 percent of the country will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. Daily Distraction Self-driving cars are a perpetually buzzy topic, with many people asking when they will arrive. But in the eyes of riders, one Lyft driver writes, we're already living in an age of autonomous vehicles. Something to Read Wikipedia is known for being one of the saner places on the internet. But among editors, battles can be fierce. One, Ksenia Coffman, has taken up a particularly fraught, if crucial, mantle: Shaping how the history of the Nazis is told. Sanity Check With a stable internet connection, it's never been easier to learn a new skill or study up on a topic. Here are some tips for making the most of online learning. One Question How has the pandemic changed the role of pharmacies in the US? Community pharmacies in the US have spent decades advocating to have their services enhanced. Then, amid the pandemic, they underwent a major shift almost overnight. Federal actions like the PREP Act made it possible for pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines to children and Covid shots to anyone eligible, with proper training and under the supervision of a pharmacist. And when health care practices closed their doors, pharmacists in some places were able to step in not just to dispense drugs to those in need but to make sure they were being used properly and effectively. Now, some in the industry say these changes may become the new normal. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 To end this pandemic and prevent future ones, we'll need a good way to track and surveil emerging diseases. Here's a look at the latest efforts. 😷 Masks may not be mandatory where you live, but they're still recommended for many situations. Here are the best masks you can buy, or how to make one at home. 💉 Vaccines are the most effective way to protect yourself and others against Covid-19. 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. 🚗 Itching for a vacation but not quite ready to get on a plane? Hit the road instead. Here's everything you need to plan a post-pandemic road trip. 👋 So you're fully vaccinated! Congrats. Here are some ways you can let others know. 🦠Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
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