Forbes - Hospitals Ask For More Federal Help

Plus: Rep. Jake LaTurner positive for Covid-19 after House vote

Additional cases of the more-contagious strain of Covid-19, variant B.1.1.7 which was first discovered in the U.K., have been reported across the U.S. There are now a total of 56 known cases in the country in multiple states, from Texas to Connecticut. What does this mean? That the variant is likely already widespread in the U.S., and even more cases will be reported in the coming days. Speaking of new cases-- the American Hospital Association wrote in an open letter today to the Trump administration that the vaccine rollout in the U.S. has been too slow, and the likelihood of the U.S. achieving herd immunity against the virus this year is uncertain. AHA President Richard J. Pollack wrote that hospitals need more support from the federal government in order to help create a comprehensive vaccination plan.

Business

Some sort-of good news: weekly unemployment claims remain flat at under 800,000. 

8 million Americans will be getting their stimulus checks via prepaid debit cards sent to them in the mail.

Science & Health

One side-effect of the Covid-19 pandemic is that it has opened consumers’ eyes to more of the costs of healthcare. Here’s some suggestions for how healthcare executives should respond. 

A new study shows that romance isn’t dead--yet. But the Covid-19 pandemic did have a big impact on the end of many romantic relationships. 

On The Upside

Tiny Giraffes: This isn’t Covid-19 related, but it’s too cute not to share. For the first time ever, scientists have spotted mini giraffes in the wild. You read that right.