Coronavirus Update: The US might slash global vaccine funding

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 | 04.04.22 As the news keeps evolving, we're here to bring you the most reliable coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe to support our journalism. The US could reduce global vaccine funding, Shanghai will stay in lockdown, and the UK reports a record case count. Here's what you should know: Headlines The Senate reduces global vaccine funding in a new pandemic bill (New York Times) Today the Senate ironed out its next coronavirus response package, and legislators proposed axing as much as $5 billion that had previously been allocated to boost vaccinations efforts worldwide and reduce global inequity. It's not yet clear whether a narrower bill will have the votes it would need to progress. While 80 percent of the population in many middle- and high-income countries has been vaccinated, only around 15 percent of people in lower-income countries have received at least one dose. Shanghai extends its city-wide lockdown (Reuters) Officials said today that Shanghai's lockdown, which began last week and was supposed to end tomorrow, will continue as they look at the results of a testing program that all 26 million residents participated in. It was China's largest public health move since the first outbreak in Wuhan in 2020, with thousands of military personnel and health care workers coming into the city to help. But some are beginning to question Shanghai's approach, particularly its decision to separate children who test positive from their parents. Cases reach new heights in the UK (Associated Press) Cases in the UK are at a record high, with the Omicron BA.2 subvariant now the country's dominant strain. Hospitalization and death rates are also rising, though mortalities are still much lower than they were earlier this year. Cases started surging in late February, around the same time Prime Minister Boris Johnson ended all remaining pandemic restrictions. The government also stopped providing free rapid testing for people without underlying health conditions last week. Science Spotlight Chernobyl Was a Wildlife Haven. Then Russian Troops Arrived Until recently, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone was, improbably, a rewilding success story. Then Russia invaded. Peptides on Stardust May Have Provided a Shortcut to Life How did the universe's first protein form? To answer this question, scientists have primarily focused on Earth. But now it seems like the answer may lie beyond our planet. Daily Distraction Whether you're planning to head to the beach or relax at home, there's no better time than the summer to crack open a new book. Here are a few of WIRED's recent favorites. Something to Read There's something deeply unnerving about seeing those three little bubbles emerge on iMessage … and then disappear. WIRED's spiritual advice columnist has thoughts on the fraught etiquette of texting. Sanity Check One of the best ways to live more sustainably is to cut down on single-use products. These reusable alternatives will help you get there. GET WIRED A helicopter on Mars. What to expect post-Covid. The next electrifying/terrifying leap in A.I. explained. Give yourself the gift of information. Get 1 year of 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.