| India's government steps up vaccination efforts, Covid brings automation to the workplace, and vaccination rates fall in the US. Here's what you should know: Headlines India's government announces it will provide free vaccines to any adult Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that India's government will provide free coronavirus vaccines to any adult, starting later in June. Up to this point, states and private hospitals have been left to administer shots to anyone 44 and younger, and though most states offered those vaccines at no cost, they were stuck vying for doses alongside the private sector. So far just 5 percent of India's population has been fully vaccinated. On Monday, new cases in the country were the lowest they'd been in two months. Covid brings automation to the workplace, killing some jobs The pandemic triggered a significant shift toward automation after employers struggled to find workers to work in person at places like restaurants. Now technology is filling roles like taking customer orders, and establishments and customers alike are getting used to it, a shift that could mean one day fewer servers are needed. It's still not entirely clear how the pandemic has affected jobs, but recent data shows that women have been disproportionately affected by unemployment over the last year, and automation may be a factor. US vaccination rates drop weeks prior to Biden's July 4 goal President Biden has said he wants 70 percent of American adults at least partially vaccinated by July 4, and though 63.5 percent have been so far, vaccination rates are dropping enough to threaten the country's chances of hitting that goal. At present, the US is averaging fewer than a million shots administered per day, though states and businesses have introduced a slew of incentives to keep that rate from stagnating further. Last week the White House also announced several new initiatives, including a partnership with Black-owned barbershops and salons to raise vaccine awareness. Daily Distraction Some newsletter writers are turning away from Substack over its moderation policies. For those fleeing the platform, Ghost—an open source publisher—has become an unlikely new host. Something to Read Tabletop gaming is in the middle of an unprecedented—and increasingly inclusive—boom. One of the most popular board games in the world right now was designed by a woman! And yet the wargaming space hasn't caught up with the times. Why is it still so male? Sanity Check Texting may be an easy option for chatting, but it can be a difficult way to communicate clearly. Here are a few tips to keep conversation simple and clear. One Question How did the pandemic impact flu season? This past winter, hardly anyone got sick or died from the flu. Same goes for respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus D68, which primarily affect babies and kids. Some modelers say this is cause for concern: Often, a season in which few susceptible people become infected is followed by one in which infections are worse. But on the flip side, this past winter's low numbers mean that mask-wearing, social distancing, and other measures we've put in place are also highly effective at preventing flu spread. Any changes we keep in place post-pandemic, from normalizing masks to expanding work from home policies, could help susceptible people avoid getting infected in the first place.
Covid-19 Care Package 📦 To end this pandemic and prevent future ones, we'll need a good way to track and surveil emerging diseases. Here's a look at the latest efforts. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public, you're still likely to need a mask for some time to come. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 💉 The data is in, and the vaccines are working. Here's how to get an appointment in your area. 💻 Whether or not you're a work-from-home pro, 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. ✂️ Here are some ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh after over a year at home. 🦠Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
