Coronavirus Update: Moderna’s Omicron booster is approved in the UK

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 | 08.15.22 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 UK approves a new booster, the FDA updates guidelines for testing after an exposure, and Shanghai announces plans to resume in-person classes. Here's what you should know: Headlines The UK approves Moderna's Omicron-specific booster (The Guardian) The UK's drug regulator approved a new booster from Moderna for people over 18 that's designed to target both the original strain of Covid and the BA.1 iteration of Omicron. The agency said that the vaccine was shown to generate an immune response against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants as well. Next, the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization will weigh in on whether to use the shot in a booster campaign this fall. The FDA changes guidance for detecting asymptomatic cases (NBC) The FDA recently updated its recommendations for people who have been exposed to Covid but don't have any symptoms. The agency now suggests that these people take three at-home rapid tests over multiple days before considering themselves negative, as opposed to earlier guidance that they test negative twice over three days. The CDC also updated Covid protocols late last week, loosening many restrictions for quarantining and social distancing. Shanghai schools will fully reopen next month (Reuters) Shanghai officials announced yesterday that the city will reopen all of its schools on September 1. Schools were closed in mid-March during the city's two-month lockdown, and while some students were permitted to return to in-person classes in June, most continued to learn remotely through the end of the school year. All teachers and students will need to test daily, and they are being asked to do "self health management" for two weeks before returning to school. Science Spotlight Police Used a Baby's DNA to Investigate Its Father for a Crime When babies are born in the US, they undergo blood tests to scan for certain diseases. But some states hold on to those samples, and this DNA could have unexpected legal uses. Why NASA Wants to Go Back to the Moon It's been 50 years since NASA put an American on the moon. Now the agency is preparing to launch an ambitious new lunar mission in a few weeks. Daily Distraction In recent years, Hollywood depictions of abortion have gradually gotten more realistic and less alarmist. Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, there's a new sense of urgency for creators in film and TV to be thoughtful about reproductive health care, both on- and off-screen. Something to Read When new technologies are constantly proliferating, what is the best way for a society to weigh their consequences and benefits? Democracies seem like they should be up to the task, but they may need an update to do so. Sanity Check In a few weeks, college campuses will be swarmed with new and returning students. If you're preparing for moving day, check out our list of dorm essentials. GET WIRED 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.