In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Sam Torbati, co-chair of the department of emergency medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. 

Topics today include: 

• White House unveils its strategy for next phase of pandemic. 

  • Another round of free at-home tests will become available next week for Americans. 
  • Biden administration to launch initiative making antiviral pills free for those COVID-19 positive. 
• LAist: LA County's Mask Mandate Could End For Everyone, Regardless Of Vaccination Status, As Soon As Friday. 

• Latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

  • C.D.C study finds vaccine protection decreases in adolescents after 5 months. 
  • Universal case investigation and contact tracing no longer recommended. 
  • Estimates show 140 million COVID-19 infections in the United States. 
• NYT Opinion: “We’ve Entered a New Phase of the Pandemic. It’s Time for New Metrics.” 
• California nears 75% vaccination rate against COVID-19. 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.