The White House calls on the private sector for vaccine passports, the CDC extends the national eviction ban, and the WHO report dismisses lab leak hypothesis. Here's what you should know: Headlines The White House says the private sector should develop vaccine passports The White House said today that the federal government will not create a centralized system for proving vaccination. So-called vaccine passports should be developed by the private sector, officials said. There will be no federal mandate for a single certification of vaccination; however, the administration did say that federal officials will lead an interagency process to make sure that "important criteria" for data privacy and security are met. The CDC will prolong the national eviction ban through the end of June This morning the CDC extended the national eviction ban, which was set to expire at the end of the month, through the end of June. According to a survey published by the Census Bureau this month, 20 percent of adult renters didn't pay rent last month. Without an extension, advocates say, there could be a rush of evictions, which could in turn interfere with attempts to slow the spread of coronavirus and maintain public safety measures. WHO draft report dismisses Covid-19 lab leak hypothesis A draft of a joint report from the WHO and China on the pandemic's origins says that Covid-19 was most likely transmitted to humans from bats through another animal. The report, which is expected to be made public tomorrow, also lists direct spread from bats to humans as a likely potential cause, and spread from cold chain product packaging as unlikely but possible. It adds that a lab leak would have been "extremely unlikely." The researchers behind the study have proposed further research on every possibility except the lab leak hypothesis. Daily Distraction Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests may have been crushed, but a group of supporters is working to keep the city's spirit of freedom and dissent alive in a new way—through video games. Something to Read As a mode of thinking, psychoanalysis is satisfying in a way that neuroscience is not. In a new book, The Hidden Spring, neuroscientist Mark Solms brings the two disciplines together to put forth a sexy new theory of consciousness. Sanity Check Manufacturers want you to think you need to replace your phone every few years. But replacing the battery instead can help tack a few more years onto your device's life. One Question What should I do if the thought of post-pandemic life is making me anxious? This past year of quarantining has been hard on everyone for a multitude of reasons. But one silver lining has been that there's no need to feel socially anxious when no one is socializing. Now that vaccinations are speeding up and there's more talk of a return to "normal," you might be feeling a wave of this familiar anxiety washing over you. If that's the case, try to remember that the build-up of anticipating social interactions is often more nerve-wracking than the interactions themselves. The best we can do is try to stay present, and be gentle with ourselves and others once we begin to reemerge. Covid-19 Care Package 📦 The Covid-19 virus can linger on objects for as little as a few hours or as long as a couple of days, depending on the surface. Here's a look at the research. 😷 If you're planning to go out in public anytime soon, you're going to need a mask. Here are the best ones you can buy, or how to make one at home. 🧼 It's not just your hands that need washing—your gadgets, clothes, and home need it too. Here's how to properly disinfect your stuff. 💻 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. ✂️ It may still be a while before you can see your hairstylist, so here's how to cut your hair at home, plus other ways to keep yourself lookin' fresh. 🦠Read all of our coronavirus coverage here. |
No comments:
Post a Comment