Coronavirus Update: America prepares for another Covid winter

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 | 10.10.22 Programming Note: Like the coronavirus itself, the Coronavirus Update is evolving. Soon we'll be pivoting this newsletter to encompass more topics within WIRED's science coverage. We'll still bring you the latest Covid and health news, along with stories about space, climate, robotics, and more. If you want to stay on the list and see what we have in store, you don't need to do anything. If our new format isn't right for you, you can always unsubscribe at any time. The US braces for winter viruses, China puts more restrictions in place, and cases rise in Europe. Here's what you should know: Headlines US hospitals gear up for increasing cases of Covid and other viruses (NBC) As winter approaches, US hospitals are preparing for Covid cases—which are currently trending downward—to start increasing again. According to the CDC, flu cases in parts of the country are already going up, as are cases of respiratory syncytial virus and enteroviruses in children. What's more, the rate of health care workers quitting their jobs is 23 percent higher than it was at the start of the pandemic, which could present problems if hospitalizations increase in the winter months. China imposes new restrictions after a holiday spurs new cases (Associated Press) After a weeklong national holiday last week, cases are rising in many parts of China, leading to another set of lockdowns and travel restrictions. The largest reported outbreaks are in Inner Mongolia and the Xinjiang region, where strict rules have been imposed in hopes of curbing the virus's spread. Officials had encouraged people not to venture to other parts of the country during the holiday this year, and there was less travel than usual, but the national daily infection count still tripled over the course of the week. The EU faces rising cases of Covid (CNN) Covid cases in the European Union rose 8 percent last week compared to the week prior, and hospitalizations are also increasing in many parts of the region. And though Omicron-specific boosters have been approved in Europe, uptake is lagging. Experts say this may be at least in part because many people have come to believe that the pandemic is over. Science Spotlight Cities Need More Native Bees—Lots and Lots of Adorable Bees Faced with the rise of monocrops and pesticides, some bees have found an unlikely new home: urban farms. Experts say this could prove fruitful for pollinators and people. Wildfire Smoke May Carry Deadly Fungi Long Distances Researchers have long known that wildfire smoke is terrible for people in the short and long term. Now, it's becoming clear that the potential risk is even worse than they thought. Daily Distraction Forget quiet quitting. For some tech workers, flexible work means working two or even four jobs at once. Something to Read After Hurricane Ian tore through the southeastern US, a nonprofit called GiveDirectly partnered with Google to pilot a new way of helping people in need: sending money directly to their phones. Sanity Check As the school year ramps up, it's time to get focused. Here are some tips and tools for students young and old. 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 email was sent to you by WIRED. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our email 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.