Will COVID create “Two Americas”?: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/20/us-covid-delta-variant-spreads-vaccination-rates-drop . My expectation is yes, and people will be dying in the unvaccinated one in far greater numbers than in the vaccinated one. The Delta variant appears to be the deliverer of this reality.
New England blood shortage forces surgery delays: https://www.theday.com/statenortheast-news/20210621/pandemic-delayed-surgeries-share-blame-for-new-england-blood-shortage . I regard this as an effect of the pandemic. As such, it does not change my view that analysis of excess deaths is the best way to attribute COVID deaths.
COVID cases in Africa indicate a building wave of infections: https://www.aljazeera.com/program/inside-story/2021/6/20/are-african-nations-doing-enough-to-curb-covid-19 .
China passes 1 billion vaccine shots administered: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/20/china-vaccine-doses-pass-one-billion-mark-health-officials . The goal is to have 40% of the 1.4 billion population fully vaccinated by the end of June. Other reports indicate China is currently administering 17 million shots per day. That is consistent with the figures given in this report. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-other-asian-countries-vaccinate-against-covid-19-faster-than-ever-11624186800 .
Chile admits violating COVID protocols at Copa America: https://apnews.com/article/chile-soccer-health-coronavirus-pandemic-protocols-a82f4c43e50933b746d3950ed14b7763 . The Chilean players involved will be fined.
Qatar will require COVID vaccinations for 2022 World Cup attendees: https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/public-global-health/559332-qatar-will-require-2022-world-cup-attendees-to-be . The World Cup happens in November, 2022.
WSJ: Bipartisan infrastructure group may drop gas tax increase: https://www.wsj.com/articles/bipartisan-infrastructure-bill-could-lose-gas-tax-rise-senator-says-11624215252 . This inch-by-inch negotiation could eat up the available time for legislation in Biden’s first year.
Could Grassley be out on his ass-ley?: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/20/iowa-poll-chuck-grassley-495283 . My sense is that his blade has been dulling for some time. Still, incumbency is a powerful advantage.
The weeks run into one another in the pandemic … and golf. Jon Rahm was big news two weeks ago as he had to withdraw from the PGA Memorial Tournament with a six-shot lead after Day 3. He tested positive for COVID. This week, Richard Bland, an unknown journeyman golfer, led the US Open after Day 2. After many lead changes on Day 4, coming out of the pack to win was … Jon Rahm: https://sports.yahoo.com/us-open-rahm-outduels-oosthuizen-to-win-first-major-001653591.html . Rahm had just finished the COVID protocol, sitting out last week. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/jon-rahm-wins-the-u-s-open-torrey-pines-11624234626 .