Forbes - 100 Million Cases

Plus: Poll: Half Of U.S. Wants Covid-19 Vaccine ASAP

There are now more than 100 million confirmed Covid-19 cases worldwide -- a stunning figure that was nearly impossible to imagine just a year ago when the pandemic first started. And many of those cases are right here in the U.S., where the vaccine rollout is continuing to drag sluggishly along. In an effort to hasten the pace, the Biden administration ordered another 200 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines this week, meaning that we will have the supply to vaccinate 300 million Americans. But this process will likely still take months, an administration official predicted. And in other news, a new report came out today saying that the federal government misused millions of dollars in vaccine research funds during the previous administration.

Business

Billionaire Bill Gates says he’s been surprised by the “crazy” pandemic conspiracy theories about him. 

Abbott has sold more than 400 million Covid-19 tests, leading to rising profits for the company.

Meanwhile, profits have fallen for health insurance company Anthem as pandemic medical costs rise. 

Pharma company AstraZeneca is in an argument with the European Union about whether or not they’re fulfilling their Covid-19 vaccine contract.

Science & Health

A hospital in Seattle reportedly offered major donors invite-only appointments to get Covid-19 vaccines. 

Covid-19 vaccines can have side effects, but you won’t get the virus from them. Learn more here. 

Multiple states have reported that staff in nursing homes are reluctant to get vaccinated against Covid-19. 

On The Upside

Virtual Science Fairs: Science fairs aren’t letting the Covid-19 pandemic stop them. Here’s how these classic events have gone virtual.