Coronavirus Update: 51 million in China go into lockdown

Plus: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.

View this email in your browser  |  Manage newsletter subscriptions     By Eve Sneider | 03.14.22 As the news keeps evolving, we're here to bring you the most reliable coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe to support our journalism. Chinese cities go into lockdown, Puerto Rico eases restrictions, and Pfizer's CEO plugs fourth doses. Here's what you should know:     Headlines China battles its worst outbreak since 2020 (ABC News) Fifty-one million people in China are now on lockdown as the country fights to contain its worst outbreak in two years. This includes the city of Shenzhen, sometimes called China's Silicon Valley. As a result, Foxconn, a supplier for Apple, has closed two plants and moved production elsewhere. Despite the surge of cases, China shows no signs of abandoning its zero Covid policy. Puerto Rico lifts its mask mandate (New York Times) Today the governor of Puerto Rico announced that he would lift the island's mask mandate, citing a rapidly declining hospitalization rate. It's one of the last regions in the US to start lifting restrictions, though masks will still be required in places such as health care and eldercare facilities. More than three-quarters of Puerto Rico's population is fully vaccinated, compared to 65 percent in the US overall. Pfizer CEO says a fourth dose will be necessary (Politico) Albert Bourla, the CEO of Pfizer, said in an interview yesterday that data suggests a fourth dose of the drugmaker's Covid vaccine will be necessary. While a third shot does protect against hospitalizations and deaths, he noted, it isn't as effective against infections, especially over time. He has added that the company is about to submit data for an additional booster to the FDA. Science Spotlight The War Puts Ukraine's Clinical Trials—and Patients—in Jeopardy There are over 250 drug trials underway in Ukraine. Russia's invasion could mess with that data. What's worse, it could have a devastating impact on the patients involved.   The EPA May Extend the Use of Pesticides that Paralyze Bees The European Union has banned the use of a handful of pesticides that have decimated insect populations. But the EPA appears likely to allow four of them to stay in use in the US. Daily Distraction   Lately, startup sagas are all over the silver screen. But Hollywood still hasn't figured out how to tell the story of Silicon Valley. Something to Read Palmer Luckey is among the rare founders who have built multiple successful companies. In an interview with WIRED's Steven Levy, he talks about everything from the ethics of defense technology to his interactions with the president of Ukraine. Sanity Check The pandemic may not be over, but the US is well on its way to reopening. If you're planning any upcoming domestic travel, here's how to do it safely. GET WIRED A helicopter on Mars. What to expect post-Covid. The next electrifying/terrifying leap in A.I. explained. Get 1 year of unlimited access to WIRED for less than $1 per month. That includes Steven Levy's exclusive newsletter and a free tote! Subscribe now.           Have questions or comments? Reply to this email.   This e-mail was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, wired@newsletters.wired.com, to your address book.   View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe or Manage your newsletter subscriptions   Copyright © Condé Nast 2022. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.