The number of Americans now completely vaccinated for COVID-19 has surpassed the number of reported cases of the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
Just over 30 million people have been completely vaccinated, 9.2% of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Johns Hopkins data dashboard counts 29 million cases of the virus reported nationwide. But experts warn that reported cases could represent a fraction of actual infections.
Still, optimism rules as spring ushers in warmer weather – and spring break. Florida is getting busy: Disney theme parks in Orlando are booked solid next Monday through Thursday. Throngs of college students are strolling the strip in Fort Lauderdale, many without masks and ignoring social distancing. At least one hot spot there, however, is pumping the brakes.
The outdoor event space The Wharf, featuring live music, food and drink, announced on social media that during the spring break season guests with out-of-state ID must be age 23 or older. The Wharf says it will be operating at reduced capacity and requires masks be worn at all times while walking through common areas and when not eating or drinking.
In Miami Beach, Mayor Dan Gelber is determined to avoid a new burst of virus cases in his city. Gelber issued a stern warning for spring break revelers: "Don’t be foolish. Don’t come here if you think this is an anything-goes environment. We will arrest you and it will ruin your time here."
Also in the news:
►The U.S. House is expected to finalize the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan Tuesday. It could head to Biden's desk for his signature that day, and stimulus checks could go out soon after.
►Colorado health officials are advising anyone who participated in a raucous Boulder party-turned riot to quarantine for at least 10 days and to get tested for COVID-19. The event turned so violent a car was flipped over and a police SWAT team used tear gas to break up the crowd.
►New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says her country will now use only the Pfizer vaccine to inoculate its population. She says the decision was based on the Pfizer vaccine’s effectiveness.
►Israel started vaccinating Palestinians who work inside the country and its West Bank settlements on Monday. Over 3.7 million Israelis – more than 40% – have received two doses of the vaccine, but Israel had provided few vaccines for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
►Germany is looking to ramp up the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine after authorities last week gave the green light for it to be administered to people 65 and over. Germany’s vaccine campaign has lagged behind Britain and the United States.
Recent studies indicate that adults with Down syndrome, specifically those 40 and older, are three to 10 times as likely to die from COVID-19 than the general population. The findings confirmed what many had already suspected – that those with the genetic disorder, already prone to respiratory issues, heart conditions and other risk factors for coronavirus, were more susceptible to the virus’ harmful effects. But Down syndrome priority for the vaccine varies from state to state.
Today's numbers: The U.S. has over 28.9 million confirmed coronavirus cases and nearly 525,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: More than 116.9 million cases and 2.59 million deaths. More than 116.3 million vaccine doses have been distributed in the U.S. and 90.3 million have been administered, according to the CDC. ...
