PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 03.24.22 | | | | Cases rise in Europe, the White House warns it's low on Covid funds, and Eric Adams lifts some NYC mandates. But first, here's this week's big story: | | | Moderna announced yesterday that it plans to ask the FDA to issue an emergency use authorization for its coronavirus vaccine for kids under the age of 6. The drugmaker said that the two-shot course, in which doses are one-fourth the strength of those given to young adults, was roughly 44 percent effective in preventing symptomatic illness in kids 6 months to 2 years old, and slightly less effective in kids ages 2 through 5. There were reportedly no cases of severe illness, hospitalization, or death among trial participants. Last month, the FDA delayed granting Pfizer and BioNTech emergency authorization to use their shot for young children after the drugmakers found that their shots were also less than 50 percent effective in protecting against symptomatic illness. The companies say they'll have data on a three-dose course early next month, and it's possible the FDA will compare those numbers to Moderna's before making a decision about either vaccine. For many parents of young kids, the wait for vaccines has grown increasingly agonizing in recent months. Even once shots are granted approval, it will still be a long road to getting the youngest Americans inoculated. But as experts have repeatedly pointed out, vaccinating young children will be a key step to moving past this pandemic once and for all. | | | The BA.2 subvariant is driving a surge in cases in 18 European countries, including the United Kingdom, Italy, and France. The region's WHO director has said that lifting restrictions too soon may be partly to blame for these numbers. (CNN) The White House has procured enough doses to provide fourth shots to Americans over 65 and initial vaccines for kids under 5, should the FDA grant authorization. But officials also said earlier this week that they don't have the funds to secure fourth doses for the rest of the population. (Washington Post) New York City mayor Eric Adams is lifting several of the city's pandemic policies, including the mask mandate for toddlers in city daycare centers and the requirement that performers and athletes in local venues be vaccinated. (Politico) Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker and a major Apple supplier, recently said that it has resumed normal operations in Shenzhen after they were halted during the city's week-long lockdown. (Reuters) Today Singaporean officials announced that the country will amend many of its pandemic restrictions next week, including lifting its outdoor mask mandate and increasing capacity limits for large events. (CNBC) | | | | | Over the last 20 years, Russian tech giant Yandex has become the country's answer to Google, Spotify, Uber, Amazon, and more. But gaining even a toehold in the West took a long time. And once Putin invaded Ukraine, everything crumbled in no time at all. | | | There are so many mental health resources on the internet, but they can be tough to access. Here are tips for getting the help you need online. | | | | |
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