Forbes - 500,000

Plus: Covid-19 dating terms

Though Covid-19 cases in the U.S. are steadily dropping, our country has reached another grim milestone: 500,000 Americans have died from Covid-19. With half a million dead and counting, the U.S. is still the top country for Covid-19 deaths -- but it didn’t have to be this way, Dr. Fauci said today. So, where do we go from here? Leaders have been discussing what the future of Covid-19 looks like, and while vaccines are helping bring down the cases the virus likely won’t be eliminated any time soon. In fact, the U.S. may never reach full herd immunity against Covid-19, says a former FDA director. And though vaccines are proving to be highly effective, we may have to wear masks for several more years to come. 

Business

It’s a big week for President Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus plan as the bill moves through the House. Here’s what you need to know. 

The Biden administration announced changes to the Paycheck Protection Program that will make small businesses a priority. 

Air New Zealand will start trialing a vaccine passport proving Covid-19 immunization status on flights to Australia.

Science & Health

A new study shows that nearly one-third of Covid-19 survivors have symptoms of the disease 9 months later, most commonly issues with blood pressure. 

Does weather play a role in Covid-19 spread? It depends on who you ask. 

New variants of Covid-19 may require a quarantine of three weeks instead of two. Here’s why.

What Else We Are Reading

• Delay a Shot? Skip One? Vaccine-Dosing Messaging Is a Nightmare. (The Atlantic)

• Countless Homebound Patients Still Wait for Covid Vaccine Despite Seniors’ Priority (Kaiser Health News)

• False claims tying coronavirus vaccines to infertility drive doubts among women of childbearing age (Washington Post)