News

VIRUS TODAY: Nursing home residents can get hugs again

Posted March 10, 2021 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this March 11, 2020, file photo Judie Shape, center, who has tested positive for the coronavirus, blows a kiss to her son-in-law, Michael Spencer, left, as Shape's daughter, Lori Spencer, right, looks on, as they visit on the phone and look at each other through a window at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Wash., near Seattle. Nursing home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 can get hugs again from their loved ones, and indoor visits may be allowed for all residents, the government said Wednesday, March 10, 2021 in a step toward pre-pandemic normalcy (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File) The Associated Press

Here's what's happening Wednesday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:

THE NUMBERS:

VACCINES: More than 62.4 million people, or 18.8% of the U.S. population, have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some 32.9 million people have completed their vaccination, or 9.9% of the population.

CASES: According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily new cases in the U.S. decreased over the past two weeks from 67,713 on Feb. 23 to 55,844 on Tuesday.

DEATHS: According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling average for daily new deaths in the U.S. decreased over the past two weeks from 1,986 on Feb. 23 to 1,566 on Tuesday.

STATE VACCINATION RATES: According to the CDC, the percentage of population that received at least one dose of vaccine: New Mexico (26.1%); Connecticut (25.8%); Alaska (25.7%). Lowest rates: Alabama (15.7%); District of Columbia (14.9%); Georgia (13.4%).

THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY

- Congress sent President Joe Biden the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which tackles the coronavirus pandemic and economic crises that have upended the nation. Most noticeable to many Americans are provisions providing up to $1,400 direct payments this year to most adults and extending $300 weekly emergency unemployment benefits into early September. But the legislation goes far beyond that.

- New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced restaurants, gyms, salons and other indoor recreational activities in his state can increase their capacity to 50%, up from 35%.

- Texas' coronavirus restrictions ended despite objections from public health officials as more migrants cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Texas is now fully open, allowing full capacity in restaurants and bars and large gatherings.

QUOTABLE: 'œThe truth is, I want my job back.'ť - Boston hotel worker Esther Montanez, who like millions, has used savings, unemployment and food stamps since the arrival of the coronavirus.

ICYMI: Nursing home residents can get hugs again. The government says nursing home residents vaccinated against COVID-19 can get indoor visits from family with masks.

ON THE HORIZON: As New Orleans eases virus rules, entertainment venues can start hosting live music this weekend, with some restrictions.

___

Find AP's full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic

Bartender Angie Gibson, center, waits on customers at Mo's Irish Pub Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Houston. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott allowed the state mandates for COVID-19 safety measures to expire Wednesday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Associated Press

Bartender Daniel Vazquez, right, paces a plate to Betsy Campbell as she eats lunch at Picos Mexican restaurant Wednesday, March 10, 2021, in Houston. Picos, like many restaurants across the state, continue to operate at a reduced capacity and ask customers to wear masks despite Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ending state mandates for COVID-19 safety measures Wednesday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) The Associated Press

Staff of Ochsner Health carry trays filled with syringes containing the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine as people come into the Castine Center in Pelican Park to be vaccinated in Mandeville, La., on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. (Chris Granger /The Advocate via AP) The Associated Press

A woman in a wheelchair exits the United Center mass COVID-19 vaccination site on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, in Chicago. The site will administer 6,000 shots per day at full capacity and will remain open seven days a week for eight weeks. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Nation and World News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.