Forbes - Cases And Deaths Continue To Drop

Plus: An increase in counterfeit N95 masks

The number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. continues to drop dramatically, with the average case count declining by 43% in the past two weeks. In the same time frame, hospitalizations and deaths have dropped more than 30%. Experts are mostly attributing the dip to better social behaviors, like double-masking and staying away from people who are not in the same household. It feels like we may be turning a corner in the pandemic, but we’re not out of the woods yet. Compared to most countries, the number of American Covid-19 deaths are devastatingly high and rapidly approaching half a million. And new data from the CDC shows that the average life expectancy in the U.S. dropped a full year in the beginning of the pandemic, the biggest drop since World War II. 

Business

Unemployment claims increased last week to more than 860,000. 

Casino revenue has taken a hit from the pandemic, falling 31% in 2020. 

When luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises resumes operations its passengers will be required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 at least two weeks prior to setting sail.

Science & Health

A new study finds that half of patients with severe Covid-19 may have lasting heart damage. 

Top cancer organizations are urging the government to prioritize people with cancer when it comes to getting Covid-19 vaccines. 

Experts are saying that patients with mental illnesses should also be prioritized for Covid-19 vaccines.

What Else We Are Reading

• U.S. won’t share vaccine before all Americans receive shots, officials say (POLITICO)

• The myth of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ Covid vaccines (STAT)

• The coronavirus is here to stay — here’s what that means (Nature)