PLUS: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 06.02.22 |
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| Pfizer and BioNTech submit data on shots for young children, the WHO raises concern about North Korea's surge, and Shanghai emerges from lockdown. But first, here's this week's big story: | |
Infections and reinfections surge as America faces another wave Covid infections and hospitalizations continue to rise across the country, and case numbers are likely far higher than reported due to at-home testing. Thanks to a perfect storm of waning immunity, loosened restrictions, and an extremely transmissible variant, many of these people now coming down with Covid were also likely infected at earlier points in the pandemic. Experts say it's not surprising that reinfections are becoming more common—not least because this is a sign that the virus is starting to mimic the natural rhythms of other coronaviruses, with which people get infected roughly every three years. The sliver of good news is that data suggests people who are reinfected have a much lower chance of ending up in the hospital or dying than in their first bout. And while repeat infections may seem inevitable, vaccines can be designed and tailored to provide more universal coverage against the virus. In fact, Moderna has already published initial data on a booster vaccine that aims to do this. | |
Headlines Pfizer and BioNTech have filed for emergency use authorization from the FDA for their vaccine for children under the age of 5. The drugmakers say that three lower-dose shots generated a strong immune response. (CNBC) North Korea claims its outbreak is under control, but a top official at the World Health Organization said earlier this week that he assumes the situation is in fact "getting worse, not better." (Associated Press) Shanghai authorities lifted the city's lockdown earlier this week, allowing residents to work in person and move freely for the first time in two months. (Reuters) Elon Musk informed employees at SpaceX and Tesla yesterday that, going forward, they will be required to work in the office at least 40 hours a week, spurning the hybrid work model favored by many other tech companies. (The New York Times) Italy lifted its remaining entry restrictions yesterday and will no longer require travelers to show proof of vaccination, prior infection, or a negative test result upon entering the country. (The Washington Post) | |
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| In the months since Russia invaded, Ukraine has defended itself valiantly on both real-life and virtual battlefields. In an interview with WIRED, President Volodymyr Zelensky discusses the role of technology and the future of the fight for his country's freedom. | |
| Summertime is the perfect season for hitting the trails. Here are all of our hiking tips to get you ready to go. | |
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