How many shots does it take to get to the center of a pandemic?

Happening in the World: It is reported that the Moderna vaccine is capable of controlling the new variants of COVID-19 that have been found in the UK and South Africa. Antibody suggests that those who receive the Moderna vaccine will be immune to the newer more transmissible strain of the virus. These results have yet to be peer-reviewed, and Moderna is now looking into the possibility of giving a third booster shot to increase protection (BBC).

Happening in the United States: In California, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he will be lifting the stay-at-home orders across the state starting on Monday. This is in response to ICU bed capacity beginning to rise again, projected to soon be at 15% above the baseline that deemed it necessary to pass the order. California will now operate as it did before the stay-at-home order was in place, based on a tier system that allows certain businesses to be open with limitations depending on the amount of cases in the county (US NEWS).

Happening in NYC:  In Queens, 63 people were caught attending a basement party with high levels of carbon-monoxide. The New York City Sheriff’s Department broke up the rager early Sunday morning, and the party goers were fined $1,000 for breaking health code violations. 11 of the guests were able to leave the party before being identified and fined (The Gothamist).

Happening in our community: The Food Pantry at Columbia is still working to fight food insecurity on campus. Don’t let the overwhelming amount of food given for quarantine go to waste! There are currently two locations, one in Lerner and one at Haven Ave at the medical school. Find out more about the food pantry and how to donate here.

Book of the week: Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller

Image Via Bwog Archive