PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 01.06.22 | Novak Djokovic is barred from Australia, England changes testing rules for travelers, and Chicago schools cancel classes. But first, here's this week's big story: |  | As the world moves into the third year of the pandemic, the consequences of Covid-19 on other sectors like education, urban development, and more are becoming increasingly clear. With lockdowns grinding life to a halt and the pandemic's urgency diverting many resources, women and children in particular have had services that they rely on, such as routine immunizations and maternal healthcare, interrupted, leading to a so-called shadow pandemic that may become worse in the coming year. Other changes have been more positive, like the conversion of city parking spots into outdoor spaces for diners and pedestrians. The last year threw global inequity into stark relief, with rich nations cutting deals for vaccines as other countries struggled to procure shots. And while this pandemic will recede one day, experts say that the impact on poorer nations will persist for a long time, with low vaccination rates compounding preexisting issues like gender rights and socioeconomic inequality. | | Tennis star Novak Djokovic was ordered today to leave Australia because he has not been vaccinated. He had traveled to compete in the Australian Open, and will be allowed to stay at least until Monday while he challenges the ruling. (New York Times) England has modified its testing rules for fully vaccinated travelers entering the country. They will no longer need to test prior to travel, and can take a lateral flow test on day two of arrival rather than a PCR. (BBC) Chicago's public schools canceled classes yesterday and today while the district and the teacher's union negotiate over Covid safety. Earlier this week, educators voted to return to remote learning given the current surge. (NBC Chicago) Troubling reports have emerged from the city of Xian, which has imposed China's strictest lockdown since Wuhan at the start of the pandemic, with 13 million residents confined to their homes in an effort to cut off transmission. (Washington Post) Italy announced yesterday that vaccinations will be mandatory for everyone over 50, effective immediately. Those who do not get their shots will be suspended from work without pay. (Reuters) | | 2021 brought a slew of exciting film releases, including some that might have slipped under the radar. Now's a great time to catch up. | | For better or worse, when people envision the future, they often foreground technology; nature is an afterthought. But, as Rob Dunn writes in his new book, the natural laws that determined history will also determine the future. | | At the start of each year, developers and tech junkies gather for CES, the biggest event in consumer tech. Here are some of this year's most exciting debuts. | |
