Plus: The Covid-19 headlines you need to know, a distraction, and something to read.
By Eve Sneider | 02.28.22 | The CDC debuts new mask guidelines, Hong Kong mortuaries fill, and White House rapid tests are still in stock. Here's what you should know: |  Headlines The CDC updates its mask guidelines (New York Times)
The CDC issued new recommendations on masking and other pandemic mitigation measures on Friday. The guidance calculates a county's risk level as either low, medium, or high based on Covid-related hospital admissions, percentage of hospital beds occupied by Covid patients, and new cases over the previous week. The CDC says residents should only be required to wear a mask in high-risk counties. The same guidelines apply to schools. Based on the new guidance, less than 30 percent of Americans are in high-risk areas. Of course, the agency adds, people who are vulnerable because of their age, health, or job might still choose to take additional precautions. Mortuaries fill as cases rise in Hong Kong (Reuters)
Hong Kong reported a record number of new cases and deaths today, and public mortuaries and facilities for storing the dead are at capacity. Another concern amid the surge is the city's unvaccinated elderly population. Many older residents remain hesitant, despite a push for more people to get their shots. To battle the recent wave of cases, authorities are also going to start a compulsory testing program in March. 46 percent of the White House's 500 million free tests are still in stock (ABC News)
Americans have placed a total of 68 million orders for free Covid-19 tests since the White House made them available last month, leaving just under half of the Biden Administration's cache of tests still in stock. As cases decline, people may feel less urgency to test, but experts say it will be an important part of the pandemic going forward, as more mask mandates are repealed. Private insurers now cover eight free rapid tests per person each month, and Medicare will start covering them in the spring. | | False press releases. Niche trade groups. Trendy mocktails. The story of Reynald Grattagliano, a nonalcoholic spirit brand founder and alleged internet troll, has it all. | |
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