| The CDC tells states to prepare for vaccine distribution, countries sign on to WHO's vaccine allocation program, and startups provide workers with remote perks. Here's what you should know: Headlines CDC tells states to prepare to distribute a vaccine by early November The CDC is telling state officials to be ready to distribute a coronavirus vaccine to at-risk groups and health care workers as soon as late October or early November. Public health experts agree that preparing to administer a vaccine as soon as it's available is critically important, but some are concerned that this timing is an attempt by the Trump administration to drum up vaccine hype before Election Day. WHO's COVAX initiative brings countries together to ensure efficient and fair distribution of Covid-19 vaccines around the world Seventy-six wealthy nations have joined the WHO's COVAX initiative, which aims to fairly allocate Covid-19 vaccines around the world. COVAX is keeping an eye on nine different vaccines and plans to procure and distribute 2 billion doses of whichever is approved by the end of 2021. The US said yesterday that it would not join due to the White House's objection to WHO involvement. Startups perks go remote—and take a more inclusive approach Tech companies have long been known for the workplace perks they offer to woo potential employees. They've also been among the first employers to commit to remote work for the long haul. Outside of the office, many are introducing new amenities to help workers cope with the times, like child care support and mental health resources. Daily Distraction One good thing to come out of this summer: TV. The season's new shows—notably Lovecraft County, P-Valley, and I May Destroy You—are smart, revelatory genre-benders, even though they're stories rooted in deep pain. Something to Read For nearly 30 years, physics professor Jim Woodward has been trying to build an engine that would send people into outer space with the power of electricity rather than a propellant. Now he thinks he's figured out. If this works, it could conceivably produce enough energy to travel to faraway stars within the span of a person's lifetime. Sanity Check Labor Day weekend is almost upon us, and it's the perfect opportunity to stock up on gear for socially distanced adventures. We've put together a list of the week's best outdoor gear deals. One Question What happens to buildings when they sit vacant for months due to the pandemic? Whether you're heading back into the workplace or returning home after time spent elsewhere, keep an eye out for mold. Unoccupied buildings can easily become a petri dish for fungi. Not all mold is harmful, and if it's contained, you may be able to get rid of it using household cleaners. But as you return to your school, office, vacation rental, or home, stay on the lookout—and get rid of anything you find. Covid-19 Care Package ❓ From social distancing to viral spread to staying sane, here's everything we know and advise about the coronavirus. 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple days, depending on the surface. Here's the research. 😷 If you're planning on going out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 Some of you are work-from-home pros, but if you're new to it, here's how to stay productive without losing your mind. 😔 It's hard not to be anxious about a global pandemic, but here's how you can protect yourself and your family without spiraling, and how to not hate the loved ones you're quarantined with. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
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