| Other viruses return as Covid protections wane, a Covid-19 response team heads to Missouri, and experts look at the pandemic's impact on sleep. Here's what you should know: Headlines Covid protections kept other viruses at bay—but now they're back The CDC sent an advisory to state health departments and health care providers last month notifying them that respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, had begun cropping up among young children and seniors in 13 southern and southeastern states. RSV is usually a winter infection, and the fact that it's spreading in summer is a reminder that the country is about to see what happens when typical winter viruses come back after more than a year of widespread viral protections. There aren't many templates for what next winter will look like, but what we do know is that the mitigation measures we already have in place—masks, staying home when sick—are clearly effective. A federal Covid-19 response team heads to Missouri as cases and hospitalizations rise The Biden administration is sending a Covid-19 surge team to southwest Missouri, which now has one of the highest caseloads in the country. The team will include an epidemiologist, a health communication specialist, contact tracers, and more who will help boost vaccinations and do other outreach. Experts say the new surge in Missouri is owed to its relatively low vaccination rate coupled with the rise of the Delta variant, which now accounts for more than half of cases in the US. The pandemic changed sleep habits, and that might be a good thing For scientists who study sleep, the pandemic provided a real-time opportunity to look at how work and school schedules affect when people rest and how long they rest for. Now, as more businesses and schools are moving back towards pre-pandemic routines, some experts are arguing that this is an opportunity to reschedule the workday to optimize individuals' sleep cycles, which could improve productivity in addition to people's physical and psychological health. Especially amid the growth of teleworking, workers have more scheduling choices, and that's likely a good thing. Daily Distraction Netflix is practically synonymous with streaming. But despite its ubiquity, the platform is losing its luster as more interesting competitors build buzz. Something to Read Researchers need to study deadly diseases in a lab to develop treatments and vaccines for combating them, but few facilities are secure enough to accommodate that. Next year, however, the Department of Homeland Security will open a new $1.25 billion lab in Manhattan, Kansas, that will make use of cutting-edge engineering controls to create a safe space for studying future plagues. Sanity Check Summer heat can throw a wrench into plans for outdoor exercise. If you're keen to keep running, here's our favorite gear for the season. One Question How do I travel safely this summer? The pandemic is definitely not over, but parts of the country and world are opening up to travelers. Before you hop on a plane, you'll want to know the entry rules for where you're going, especially if you're traveling internationally. You'll want to mask up, and check the Covid-19 protocols of whatever airline you're flying on. And if you're unvaccinated, this process will likely be much more complicated—not to mention less safe. Beyond logistics, all travelers should think about the impact they'll have as a tourist in the place they're going.
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 more than a year at home. 🦠 Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. | 
