Stock futures indicated a flat opening Tuesday following the announcement from U.S. banks to return tens of billions of dollars to shareholders over the next year in the form of dividends and stock buybacks after being recently freed from regulators’ coronavirus restrictions. President Joe Biden refocused on the bipartisan infrastructure deal, highlighting its expected economic benefits, including the creation of millions of jobs.

Only about two in 10 people are leaving unemployment for work despite the economic recovery providing a record number of job openings. Economists said most of the factors holding back transitions from unemployment are probably temporary, including the pandemic unemployment benefits. At least 20 states have already ceased payments and the rest are slated to end in July.

Synchrony Financial began to test reopening plans in recent weeks by bringing some employees back, but under orders that they can not come back to the office five days a week. The Swiss bank UBS Group also boasted its commitment to flexible working by allowing around two-thirds of its staff to mix working from home and the office after determining it will not hurt productivity. These announcements mark a departure from other major banks that are pressuring employees to return to the office.

Several key products whose prices soared in the spring have grown less expensive, including lumber, corn, copper and a variety of other economically important commodities. But not all markets are immune – many restaurants are dealing with shortages of key ingredients as companies deal with end-of-lockdown distortions in supply chains.

United Airlines is betting on a return to travel after purchasing 270 new planes from Boeing and Airbus, making it the biggest jet purchase placed by a U.S. airline in the last decade. The order will create 25,000 new unionized United jobs. The July 4th weekend is expected to be the busiest travel period since the beginning of the pandemic, with AAA forecasting 43 million Americans will hit the roads over the holiday and the demand for fuel is pushing gas prices up – almost 5 cents higher than a month ago and 92 cents higher than this time last year.

The Ohio House passed a controversial bill banning employers from forcing workers to get vaccinations not yet fully approved by the FDA, including COVID-19 vaccines. The city of San Francisco announced this week that city employees are required to get a coronavirus vaccine and must upload proof of vaccination to an online database by July 29. Up to half of the world’s global companies are planning major redesigns to their office spaces as employees return this year, according to some office furniture companies. Many companies said they are looking for new ways to make employees feel safe and excited to return to the office, meaning wider hallways, fewer desks, and improved air circulation. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer vetoed legislation that would provide tax relief for purchases of personal protective equipment during the pandemic, prompting backlash from business groups. Whitmer said she supports PPE tax relief but vetoed the legislation because it was a tax credit rather than a grant. An Indiana judge issued an order allowing federal pandemic unemployment benefits to continue in the state until a lawsuit challenging Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision to end the benefits early makes its way through the court system. U.S. consumer spending was flat in May as incomes dropped for the second month in a row. Supply shortages hurt sales for motor vehicles and household appliances, but the increased demand for services pushed inflation higher. Consumers have largely returned to their pre-pandemic drinking habits, with home consumption down as bar and restaurant sales surge. AB InBev has adjusted its supply chain to produce a more “normal balance” of bottles and draft beer, although more state lawmakers are proposing legislation to permanently allow cocktails to go.

The SandP 500 is on track to close out its best week since April as stock futures edged higher Friday, highlighting renewed confidence in global economic recovery. The Centers for Disease Control announced its final extension of the agency's pandemic ban on evictions through the end of July. A new study found that life expectancy in the U.S. dropped by nearly two years from 2018 to 2020 due primarily to the pandemic, the largest drop since World War II. The decline was especially sharp among Black and Hispanic Americans, two communities severely impacted by the virus. Nearly all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. now are in people who have not been vaccinated, highlighting the effectiveness of the shots against the disease. Frontier Airlines revoked its "COVID recovery charge" a day after the charge received widespread publicity. The fee was intended to give transparency into what portion of the airfare was used towards business recovery, including repayment to the company's CARES Act loan. Frontier reversed the charge after just one month to avoid "misinterpretation." The prevalence of coronavirus infections in the UK rose last week with 122,500 total UK residents infected. The country reported more than 35,000 new cases of the Delta variant in the same week. The variant now comprises 96% of cases in the UK. Pride returned to Tel Aviv, Israel, as tens of thousands convened at one of the largest gatherings held since the beginning of the pandemic. Israel renewed its indoor mask mandate amid a slight rise in cases just hours before the parade began.

Jobless claims in the past week resumed their downward trajectory, reaching 380,000 in a steady decline along with a pickup in hiring and optimistic consumer sentiment. The decline comes as a record 4 million people left their jobs this spring in search of better pay, flexibility and fulfillment, prompting a nationwide labor shortage. Restaurant and hotel workers led the way in resignations, signaling a post-pandemic change in employee desires for how and when to work.

‘The pandemic has proven it’s doable’: Inside Pepsico’s flexible-working model - Digiday

Why you might not want to rush back into the office - Marketplace

Federal health officials noted that there is a “likely association” between the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and heart inflammation in teens and young adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said at a public meeting on Wednesday that the side effect is extremely rare and that most people who experienced it have recovered and are doing well.

Savannah doctor eases concern of heart inflammation in young adults who've been vaccinated - Fox 28 Savannah

@toadmeister: The U.S. medicines regulator is set to add a warning to the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines after the CDC said there is a "likely link" between them and cases of heart inflammation.

The American Red Cross is warning of a “severe” blood shortage as the return to pre-pandemic activities results in an increase in elective surgeries, organ transplants and emergency care. The organization said it has experienced a 10% increase in red blood cell demand from hospital trauma centers over last year and distributed 75,000 more blood products than expected over the past three months.

@RedCrossLA: CALLING ALL TYPE O DONORS: Type O+ and O- blood are the most in-demand blood types, helping patients facing life-threatening conditions and emergencies every day. Right now, there is a severe shortage of your essential blood type. Please schedule your donation

@modrnhealthcr: More than a third of community blood centers across the country reported having a one-day supply or less, according to America's Blood Centers' daily update from 59 community blood centers.

Australia's most populous state reported a rise in new cases of COVID-19 for the third straight day as the region fights to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant, prompting tough new restrictions. Brazil passed 500,000 coronavirus deaths with no sign of letup, while Uganda faces a serious shortage of oxygen for hospitalized coronavirus patients.

They Relied on Chinese Vaccines. Now They’re Battling Outbreaks. - The New York Times

AstraZeneca, Pfizer vaccines effective against Delta COVID-19 variants-study - Reuters

New York abruptly ended its popular cocktail takeout program after New York’s state of emergency was lifted, sending restaurant and bar owners scrambling. In Colorado, the governor signed into law a provision that permits alcohol takeout and delivery for another 4 years, noting that the state could create a “new normal that’s even better.”

RI lawmakers send to-go alcohol extension bill to McKee’s desk WPRI 12

@bern_hogan: “The Legislature failed to permanently codify the ability of restaurants to offer alcohol to-go," the @NY_SLA told The Post, blaming state lawmakers for failing to pass a bill that would permit takeout booze post pandemic.

"The U.S. COVID-19 Outbreak Is Still Bad—And it Could Get Worse" - Time / Source: Time

CONTENT FACTS

Turbine Labs has tracked 88,981 media articles and blogs over the last 24 hours and 105,788 social media posts over the last 24 hours.

The next Turbine Labs Daily COVID-19 briefing will be delivered on Friday, June 25 at 9:30AM EST.

Questions or feedback? Don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

Stock futures edged higher Wednesday, signaling that major indexes may inch toward all-time highs ahead of data on growth in the service and manufacturing sectors. Amid annual online sales, like Amazon Prime Day, merchants continue to experience supply chain disruptions that elevate shipping expenses and eat into margins.

Powell notes economic improvement, but says the pandemic remains a risk - CNBC

Covid-19 Delta Variant Threatens to Set Back Europe’s Recovery - The Wall Street Journal

Bank of Japan policymakers saw prospects of quicker recovery in April - Reuters

The U.S. will narrowly miss President Joe Biden’s original goal of getting at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine to 70% of adults by July 4. The White House said the nation needs a “few extra weeks” to ensure Americans ages 18 to 26 are vaccinated at rates similar to older adults. A mix of misinformation, low vaccination rates among teens and the spread of the Delta variant is fueling urgency and spurring a new push by the administration.

Jill Biden touts vaccine in poorly inoculated Mississippi - ABC News

Covid boosters in the fall? As calls grow for third shots, here's what you need to know - CNBC

Delta coronavirus variant: scientists brace for impact - Nature

Pressure mounted for lawmakers to open the U.S.-Canada border as business owners worried about losing another lucrative summer season. With the restrictions reaching their 16th month this week, the timeline remains unclear despite Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly discussing a potential end to restrictions at the Group of Seven summit this month.

U.K. Poised to Ease Travel Curbs as Airlines Step Up Demands - Bloomberg

China to keep COVID-19 border restrictions for another year - Reuters

“For vaccinated Canadians, it’s now easier to take your summer vacation in Provence than to do a car trip around Atlantic Canada. And with the Canada-US border still closed, it’s easier for vaccinated Torontonians to visit Paris than to drive to Buffalo.” - @PerrinBeatty

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced California will pay off all the past-due rent that accumulated in the nation’s most populated state due to fallout from the pandemic. It is still unclear whether California will continue to ban evictions for unpaid rent beyond June. California has $5.2 billion to pay off people’s rent – the money comes from multiple aid packages approved by Congress.

Housing inequalities exacerbated by coronavirus still remain, report finds - The Washington Post

Nearly 27,000 Families Asked The City For Rent Relief. Chicago Won't Be Able To Give It To Many - Block Club Chicago

The majority of Houston renters are now cost burdened, finds Kinder Institute - Houston Chronicle

“Thousands of low-income tenants across CA face eviction on June 30 when many moratoriums expire, but housing advocates are ecstatic over the news that Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislators are moving toward covering every penny of unpaid rent.” - @oflores

Plant sales boomed during the height of the pandemic, but as the U.S. returns to normal, many are beginning to neglect their greenery. An increase in plant sales is typical during recessions, as is the decrease during recoveries. The U.S. spent $8.5 billion more on gardening-related items in 2020 than they did in 2019 and gardening-related sales so far in 2021 are up 30% from last year.

Prague Plant Evangelist Says Greenery Can Ease Stress, Loneliness - Bloomberg

Fighting the pressure for pandemic personal growth - Vox

“While millennials are delaying traditional milestones of adulthood, they're buying plant babies in droves. What's causing the boom in houseplant sales?” - @BusinessInsider

"Static More States Offer Million Dollar Cash Prizes for COVID Jabs" - PEW / Source: National Governors Association, Association of Immunization Managers, news reports

A NOTE FROM TURBINE LABS

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Beginning June 28, the...

The Delta variant is expected to become the predominant strain of the coronavirus in the U.S. within weeks, according to a new analysis. Transmission of the variant could drive a fall surge if only 75% of the country's eligible population is vaccinated, potentially reaching 20% of last winter's peak.

What We Know About the Dangerous COVID B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant - Intelligencer

There may be trouble ahead as dangerous Covid-19 variant appears to cause hospitalization spike in a Missouri city - CNN

@EricTopol: “You have three choices: You get fully vaccinated, you had prior COVID infection and maybe a reduced risk, or three, you get delta COVID”

Fast-food chains started pairing back their value meals in favor of more expensive combination meals in an effort to boost sales and offset rising food costs amid the post-pandemic economic recovery. Factories are having trouble competing with fast-food restaurants for hiring thanks in part to slow growth in pay for manufacturing employees following shutdowns.

Grocery-to-Table Is a Challenge for Restaurants in the Pandemic - The New York Times

What Quitters Understand About the Job Market - The Atlantic

@jasminchua: As the Covid-19 pandemic threatens to unravel the rights, wages, health and safety of workers around the world, a new Senate bill seeks to redress the “deteriorating” environment where exploitation born of greed and economic desperation can flourish.

As coronavirus caseloads ease for hospitals, the emotional toll on health care workers will likely be permanent. More than 300 medical workers in the UK attempted suicide during the pandemic, according to a six-month study that highlighted an emerging pandemic of mental health problems for frontline workers.

Stress of serving on COVID frontlines led to EMT's suicide, mother says - CBS News

Unpaid Caregivers Were Already Struggling. It's Only Gotten Worse During The Pandemic - NPR

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to order the arrests of Filipinos who refuse COVID-19 vaccinations as the country struggles to contain one of Asia's worst outbreaks. Duterte called for anyone refusing the shots to leave the country if they would not cooperate with efforts to end the pandemic.

Vaccine Shortages Hit Global Supply Program, Halting Rollouts - Bloomberg

Saying ‘No’ to Covid-19 Vaccine in Pakistan Carries Consequences - The Wall Street Journal

@lianbuan: On President Duterte's threat to arrest those who refuse to be vaccinated, Justice Sec Menardo Guevarra makes clear: "There is no law as yet that compels vaccination against covid-19, much less criminalizes it."

High-end restaurants are relaxing jacket-required dress codes as in-person dining returns to America's cities. While some restaurants would provide loaner jackets to dressed-down diners to maintain decorum pre-pandemic, the system became an unsanitary policy in the COVID-19 era as it required staff to get too close to diners.

Reemerging from lockdown? Fashion and beauty tips for a post-confinement world - CNN Style

Baltimore-area women come face-to-face with an old foe after a year of pandemic: the underwire bra - Baltimore Sun

@keeneTV: Just saw another one of those stupid "outdated clothes you should purge from your wardrobe NOW!!" articles like, one positive thing to come from pandemic times is that fashion is dead and you should wear whatever you want / feel good in!

“Statistics and Research: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations” Our World in Data, June 21, 2021 / Image: Source: Official data collated by Our World in Data

CONTENT FACTS

Turbine Labs has tracked 89,919 media articles and blogs over the last 24 hours and 230,776 social media posts over the last 24 hours.

The next Turbine Labs Daily COVID-19 briefing will be delivered on Wednesday, June 23, at 9:30AM EST.

Questions or feedback? Don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.

U.S. stock futures rose Monday, regaining a relative calm following a sell-off in Asia. Supply chain bottlenecks pushed inflation to its highest level in more than a dozen years as a record volume of cargo piled up in ports.

Dow futures jump 150 points, as stocks rebound from the average's worst week since October - CNBC

The economy isn’t going back to February 2020. Fundamental shifts have occurred. - The Washington Post

As Lumber Prices Fall, the Threat of Inflation Loses Its Bite - The New York Times

@Neil_Irwin: The pandemic stimulus was front-loaded, creating a strongly positive fiscal impulse in the first quarter and a negative fiscal impulse in the quarters ahead. The question now: How smooth will the hand-off to an economy driven by private spending be?

American Airlines announced it will trim some flights in July to alleviate strains on its operations as staffing shortages maintenance and other issues met growing demand for travel post-pandemic. Though the number of canceled flights equaled about 1% of planned flights in the first half of July, the scrapping of roughly 950 flights highlighted how travel companies are trying to adjust to a new normal as vacation-rental operators and rental-car companies face similar pressure.

American Airlines canceling hundreds of flights through mid-July - The Hill

Southwest still struggling with flight delays, cancellations - Associated Press

@newly: Even with the new trims, American is flying much more than its closest competitors, United and Delta —an aggressive approach it has taken throughout much of the pandemic

Remote learning is poised to outlast the pandemic as a small subset of families who have come to prefer online classes are pushing to keep the option and districts rush to accommodate them. Some studies have shown students falling behind in the era of remote learning. Advocates are calling for common-sense solutions to help get students back up to speed, especially Black, Hispanic and low-income students who have fallen further behind in the past year.

Remote learning a bust? Some families consider having their child repeat kindergarten - NBC News

School superintendents leaving their jobs in larger numbers than usual - The Washington Post

A significant portion of the Indian population is still reluctant to get a coronavirus vaccine, threatening the country's gains against COVID-19 following a deadly surge that ripped through the country in April and May. Indian health officials have reported more than 28,000 cases of a deadly fungal infection that is increasingly seen in coronavirus patients and survivors.

India's vaccinations hit record with free COVID shots - Reuters

More Than 31,000 Black Fungus Cases in India COVID-19 Survivors - Insider

@prasannavishy: Just today, India has administered almost 70 lakhs (7 million) Covid-19 vaccine doses. Madhya Pradesh alone has done more than 10 lakhs. Karnataka close to 9 lakhs.

Olympic organizers said up to 10,000 domestic spectators will be allowed in Tokyo 2020 venues, contradicting recommendations from medical experts who said holding the events without fans was the least risky option. Though the limit is set at 50% capacity for both indoor and outdoor events, organizers noted that the rules could be changed and fans could still be barred altogether if coronavirus cases rise. A recent poll found that 86% of people in Japan are concerned about a rebound of COVID-19 if the Olympics and Paralympics are staged this summer.

Why the Tokyo Olympic Games are allowing spectators - Quartz

The Pandemic Has Some of the Best Boxers Watching the Olympics From Afar - The New York Times

@jakeadelstein: On June 23rd, the anti-Olympics movement is going to surround the capital of Tokyo. It seems like the IOC has no regard for human life, friendship, harmony--the values in their charter. The Pandemic Games will go on no matter what Or maybe not.

“Coronavirus Tracker: Charting the spread of Covid-19” The Wall...

Applications for U.S. state employment insurance rose for the first time since late April, though experts said it's likely a temporary blip for a labor market that’s otherwise improving. The numbers preface the ending of pandemic-era federal unemployment benefits in multiple states. Stock futures edged lower following the Federal Reserve’s announcement that it raised its expectations for inflation this year and brought forward the time frame on when it will next raise interest rates.

US Weekly Jobless Claims Jump to 412,000, Above Economist Projections - Insider

The Fed is about to shift gears. This time it may be different. - Reuters

Which states will end unemployment benefits and $300 bonus this week? What to know - CNET

As coronavirus cases fall, common viruses are showing up at a distinctly uncommon time of the year. The comeback of ordinary viruses, like the common cold, is growing as people shed masks and abandon social distancing. A new study found that exposure to the rhinovirus can protect against infection by the virus which causes COVID-19 by jump-starting early-response molecules in the immune system. However, researchers caution the efficacy is very dependent on timing.

5 Ways To Stop Summer Colds From Making The Rounds In Your Family - NPR

Is It Just Me Or Does Everyone Have A Cold Right Now? - Refinery29

“I have a wicked cold, and I'm not the only one! So what gives!? I spoke to Dr. Rebecca Kurth to understand why common illnesses are on the rise.” - @katiecouric

Royal Caribbean’s launch of its new megaship was delayed after eight crew members tested positive for the coronavirus. The Odyssey of the Seas had been scheduled to make its debut sail with paying passengers at the beginning of July, more than a year after the pandemic hobbled the cruise ship industry. Under new guidelines, cruise ships will be able to operate under near-normal conditions if a large portion of passengers and crew are fully vaccinated.

Why the cruise industry is still navigating choppy waters - BBC

Do I Need A Covid Test To Travel And Other Summer Travel Questions - Forbes

Where can Americans travel? What to know about COVID-19 restrictions around the world - CBS News

As routines return to normal, pollution is rebounding and climate change is accelerating. When the pandemic initially upended daily life, there was a moment when it seemed to be making a dent in the climate crisis and energy-related pollution plummeted almost 6% globally. Despite changes made throughout the pandemic, carbon and methane concentrations are reaching their highest-known levels and fossil fuels still reign in the transportation and power sector.

How Climate Change Impacts Poor People During Pandemics - TIME

How climate change is impacting retiree portfolios - CNBC

G7 leaders address climate change, activists say it isn't enough - Fortune

Customized pandemic cookbooks are popping up across the country after being stuck in a house for prolonged periods gave some people time to resurrect long-deferred plans of compiling favorite recipes. Many often recount events and stories from the height of the pandemic, allowing cookbooks to serve as a sort of a time capsule.

Chef Jacques Pépin got through the pandemic with kitchen utensils, a video camera, and a great wardrobe - The Counter

Covid Survivors Smell Foods Differently - The New York Times

“It's airplane food, but homemade. Nik Sennhauser started cooking meals he's had on flights before the pandemic, to recreate a part of the travel experience.” - @cbcradio

"Which states have vaccinated at least 70% of adults?" - Axios / Source: CDC; Chart: Danielle Alberti/Axios

CONTENT FACTS

Turbine Labs has tracked 87,884 media articles and blogs over the last 24 hours and 183,710 social media posts over the last 24 hours.

In honor of Juneteenth, Turbine Labs will be closed Friday, June 18, 2021. The next Turbine Labs Daily COVID-19 briefing will be delivered on Monday, June 21, 2021 at...

Stock futures were flat ahead of the Federal Reserve’s latest projections, which could provide cues on when policymakers may begin to dial back support for the economy. The Fed is also slated to release new forecasts and could pencil in an initial rate hike for 2023.

Fed expected to signal start of monetary policy shift debate - Reuters

The Fed is heavily favored to stay the course with easy policies through 2021 - CNBC

“Any signal that the Federal Reserve will tighten policy on Wednesday could ripple across emerging markets that are dependent on the U.S. dollar. Prime among them is Turkey.” - @WSJmarkets

A new study offers evidence that seven people in five states may have been infected with coronavirus well before the first confirmed cases appeared in those states. The results are consistent with those of another study that identified coronavirus antibodies in blood donated as early as mid-December 2019. Still, some experts caution the new study is flawed and may simply be a methodological error.

How prior coronavirus infections factor into herd immunity - Axios

Coronavirus map: Tracking cases in the US and around the world - The Washington Post

NIH researchers find more evidence Covid was circulating in the US in December 2019 - CNN

As the U.S. COVID-related death toll reached more than 600,000, over half of the country’s population has received at least one shot of a coronavirus vaccine. For the medically vulnerable, studies continue to seek to understand how the vaccines will affect people with immune disorders, cancer and transplants. A new study suggests a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine may boost protection for some people with weakened immune systems.

‘This gives hope’: A third COVID-19 vaccine dose can boost protection for organ transplant recipients - Science

US COVID-19 deaths hit 600,000, equal to yearly cancer toll - The Associated Press

CDC Has Declared Coronavirus Delta Variant A 'Variant Of Concern' - NPR

Fresh scrutiny from the Biden administration and calls for greater candor from prominent scientists have brought the lab leak theory back to the fore. The idea that the coronavirus may have escaped from a lab had previously been widely dismissed by scientists and shunned by others for its connection with former President Donald Trump.

Jon Stewart on Stephen Colbert: Does the former Daily Show host believe the lab-leak theory? - Slate

The Battle Over the Coronavirus Lab-Leak Theory - The New Yorker

Why Scientists Tweak Lab Viruses to Make Them More Contagious - Scientific American

“Evaluation of SARS2 sequence is just one element of a broader mosaic of information we must evaluate to assess lab leak theory. Another highly relevant set of facts are the decisions of Chinese government to withhold key data. It’s reasonable to draw inferences from that behavior” - @ScottGottliebMD

The Girl Scouts have found themselves with 15 million boxes of unsold cookies after the pandemic prompted thinner demand and had many troops nixing their traditional cookie booths for safety reasons. The impact will be felt by local councils and troops, who depend on cookie sales to fund programming. The Girl Scouts normally sell around 200 million boxes of cookies per year, or around $800 million worth.

No, you can't buy the Girl Scouts' 15 million extra cookie boxes - Fast Company

Girl Scout cookies take flight in Virginia drone deliveries - The Associated Press

“I immediately reached out to a source with a connection to the local Girl Scout troop to see if they wanted to unload cookies on a willing customer. Response: No, they don't want to diminish the brand by making the cookies available on demand. So why are they complaining to NYT?” - @HopeSeck

"U.S. cases of COVID-19 have fallen as vaccination increases" - PBS News Hour / Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CONTENT FACTS

Turbine Labs has tracked 99,363 media articles and blogs over the last 24 hours and 113,639...

California lifted most of its coronavirus restrictions on Tuesday as part of its “grand reopening” that removes all capacity limits and physical distancing restrictions in the state. Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state has administered over 40 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, 16 million more than any other state.

Disneyland ending mask requirements tomorrow as it fully reopens to all - CNET

Need Help Remembering Life Before Covid? Head to Vermont - Wall Street Journal

@GovPhilScott : Vermont has been a leader throughout this pandemic, and today, we're the first state to vaccinate 80% of its eligible population. Effective immediately, I'm lifting all remaining COVID restrictions. Our work continues, but Vermonters can be proud of what they've done.

The Delta virus variant, first detected in India, has now been identified in 74 countries. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the U.K. will delay its reopening by four weeks due to the Delta variant, which accounts for more than 90% of new cases. In the U.S., health officials say cases of the variant are doubling roughly every two weeks.

Delta variant doubles risk of COVID hospitalisation - Scottish study - Reuters

England’s delayed reopening is a blow to culture and nightlife. - The New York Times

Gottlieb says Delta virus variant likely to become dominant U.S. strain - CBS News

@Independent : More than 40,000 people could die this summer as the Delta variant of coronavirus sweeps through the UK, even after Boris Johnson’s decision to delay the lifting of lockdown restrictions by four weeks to 19 July, scientists have warned.

A virus outbreak in southern China threatens to drive up costs and worsen supply chain disruptions. Soaring demand, a shortage of containers, overwhelmed ports and a shortage of workers have already contributed to rising prices that experts say will soon reach consumers’ pocketbooks.

Retailers plead with Biden to fix port congestion that has upended supply chains - CNN

How 'Chaos' In the Shipping Industry Is Choking The Economy - NPR

AstraZeneca’s antibody treatment for COVID-19 failed to provide evidence that it protects people who came into contact with an infected person. The results were a small setback in finding an alternative for coronavirus vaccines, although other tests are underway that examine whether the treatment is effective for other groups.

Many Post-Covid Patients Are Experiencing New Medical Problems, Study Finds - The New York Times

Coronavirus infections dropping where people are vaccinated, rising where they are not, Post analysis finds - Washington Post

This July 4, the White House will expand on the meaning of independence with a celebration to mark America’s freedom from the pandemic. The Biden administration announced its largest event yet to mark the milestone, although the U.S. is not expected to quite reach its goal of having 70% of adults vaccinated by the holiday.

@AnaCabrera : 14 states have reached Biden administration’s goal to vaccinate 70% of adults against Covid-19 w/ at least one shot by July 4th, CDC data shows— California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, NH, NJ, NM, NY, Pennsylvania, RI, Vermont, Washington (+ DC)

"Delta variant of Covid spreading rapidly and detected in 74 countries" - The Guardian / Source: Johns Hopkins University

CONTENT FACTS

Turbine Labs has tracked 95,129 media articles and blogs over the last 24 hours and 96,953 social media posts over the last 24 hours.

The next Turbine Labs Daily COVID-19 briefing will be delivered on Wednesday, June 17 at 9:30AM EST.

Questions or feedback? Don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.