Headlines

Some of today's headlines in the COVID alert I received:

• COVID-10 now leading cause of death in U.S.; COVID-19 has surpassed heart disease and cancer
  Congratulations, COVID.
• Some Health Care Workers Are Getting the Vaccine. Other's Aren't. Who Decides?
  Seems like there's a gray area around people who deal with patients but don't work in hospitals, like primary care physicians, traveling nurses who work on contract, dentists, people who handle bodies or samples, hospice workers, chaplains, and first responders. And distribution plans vary by state 🤷‍♀️
• A new coronavirus variant is spreading in the U.K., but its significance is unclear
  I've been hearing about this for a few days from my British friends. When something similar happened in Denmark, they slaughtered all their minks and it was a huge deal. But this is even more widespread in England and it sounds like it's being swept under the rug (or had been)... This article says it's probably not more severe or deadly, but may be more infectious and easy to spread. The mutation is on the spike protein, which is what many of the vaccines target, but the scientist in this article says it's unlikely this will impact the efficacy of the vaccines.
• The latest stimulus plan isn't so bad
  Everyone gets $600 if they earn below a certain amount (probably $75000/yr), plus an extra $300/week for unemployment insurance for several months. If you've been laid off for months and are struggling to pay bills or make rent, that will do basically nothing. See my previous couple posts for my thoughts on needed stimulus. $300 billion in aid for businesses impacted by the recession. This article says the plan doesn't include direct aid for states and cities (crucial, but unpopular with Republicans), and there's no provision for protection for businesses if someone becomes infected on their premises (unpopular with Democrats who say it will lead to reckless behavior and danger for employees).
• French president Macron tests positive for COVID-19
  Heard this yesterday - seems many of the world leaders have gotten it by now...