The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9,&nbsp;updated its guidance to help reopen&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms.

The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12&nbsp;schools&nbsp;in the United States should continue to mandate wearing masks indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated.

The agency said that if localities decide to remove prevention strategies in&nbsp;schools&nbsp;based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time.&nbsp;Schools&nbsp;should monitor closely for increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-out-for-good-lebanese-teachers-flee-as-financial-crisis-builds-396821">Also read |&nbsp;School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds</a>

"Because of the importance of in-person learning,&nbsp;schools, where not everyone is fully vaccinated, should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures, but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the new guidance said.

A study by the CDC also released on Friday showed that half of unvaccinated adolescents and parents of unvaccinated adolescents reported being uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or did not intend to get one at all.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9, updated its guidance to help reopen schools in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday, July 9, updated its guidance to help reopen schools in the fall, including recommending masking indoors for everyone who is not fully vaccinated and three feet of distance within classrooms. The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools in the United States should continue to mandate wearing masks indoors by all individuals who are not fully vaccinated. The agency said that if localities decide to remove prevention strategies in schools based on local conditions, they should remove them one at a time. Schools should monitor closely for increases in COVID-19 cases before removing the next prevention strategy. Also read | School's out for good? Lebanese teachers flee as financial crisis builds "Because of the importance of in-person learning, schools, where not everyone is fully vaccinated, should implement physical distancing to the extent possible within their structures, but should not exclude students from in-person learning to keep a minimum distance requirement," the new guidance said. A study by the CDC also released on Friday showed that half of unvaccinated adolescents and parents of unvaccinated adolescents reported being uncertain about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, or did not intend to get one at all.

CDC recommends masking indoors for unvaccinated students, teachers in US schools

In the United States, current guidelines concerning masks allow fully vaccinated people to be out in public without one. But on Friday the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that vaccinated people should wear face masks.

WHO's latest mask guidance goes against US CDC's

The health agency said on its website that this must not deter anyone from getting vaccinated as these cases are far fewer per million population.

CDC Says Myocarditis ‘Likely’ Linked to mRNA Vaccines

The result of two vaccine safety monitoring system suggests that the number of heart inflammation cases have been much higher than expected after the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19: CDC warns over heart inflammation cases linked to mRNA vaccines

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions.&nbsp;

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside.&nbsp;

But fully vaccinated kids need not wear masks, indoors or outside. It's the first in a wave of guidance updates that seek to incorporate recent CDC decisions to tell Americans they don't have to be as cautious about using masks and social distancing outdoors. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, masks are no longer required at the three main movie theatre chains in the United States for people, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to updated guidelines on Friday.&nbsp;

AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas said on their websites that moviegoers who are not fully vaccinated will be asked to continue wearing masks and that other social-distancing measures and cleaning protocols will remain in place.&nbsp;

"In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated," AMC said on its website, referring to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theater unless actively enjoying food or drinks."&nbsp;

Similar updates to mask policy were made on Regal and Cinemark websites. All three chains said they would follow state and local mandates on mask-wearing, which may be different from the CDC guidelines.&nbsp;

The changes for movie theatres come two weeks after the CDC said that fully vaccinated people need not wear masks in any setting. Movie-going has begun ramping up in the United States after lengthy pandemic-related closures and a lack of new film releases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside.

Kids at summer camps can skip wearing masks outdoors, with some exceptions. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention posted the guidance on Friday. Children, who aren't fully vaccinated should still wear masks outside when they're in crowds or in sustained close contact with others and when they are inside. But fully vaccinated kids need not wear masks, indoors or outside. It's the first in a wave of guidance updates that seek to incorporate recent CDC decisions to tell Americans they don't have to be as cautious about using masks and social distancing outdoors. Meanwhile, masks are no longer required at the three main movie theatre chains in the United States for people, who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to updated guidelines on Friday. AMC Entertainment, Cinemark and Regal Cinemas said on their websites that moviegoers who are not fully vaccinated will be asked to continue wearing masks and that other social-distancing measures and cleaning protocols will remain in place. "In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are not required for guests who are fully vaccinated," AMC said on its website, referring to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "If you are not fully vaccinated, we ask that you continue to wear a mask throughout the theater unless actively enjoying food or drinks." Similar updates to mask policy were made on Regal and Cinemark websites. All three chains said they would follow state and local mandates on mask-wearing, which may be different from the CDC guidelines. The changes for movie theatres come two weeks after the CDC said that fully vaccinated people need not wear masks in any setting. Movie-going has begun ramping up in the United States after lengthy pandemic-related closures and a lack of new film releases. (With inputs from agencies)

CDC loosens mask guidance for summer campers 

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations'&nbsp;before June 15. 
 
Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes">UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes</a> 
 
However, California Health &amp; Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State'&nbsp;would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.'

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business ">Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business&nbsp;</a> 
 
California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. 
 
"There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. 
 
California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. 
 
Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. 
 
One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. 
 
The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15.

Health authorities in California have said that the most populous US state will not 'implement the CDC guidelines that allow fully vaccinated people to go without a mask in most situations' before June 15. Last week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that it was safe for fully vaccinated people to skip face coverings and social distancing in most situations, following which many states have lifted their mask mandates, reports Xinhua news agency. Also read- UK eases coronavirus restrictions further; reopens pubs, cafes However, California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Mark Ghaly on Monday stressed that the 'Golden State' would keep the existing guidance until June 15, meaning 'in indoor settings, face coverings continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.' Also read- Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business California's rules permit people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus not to wear a mask outdoors unless they are attending crowded gatherings, but require persons to wear masks indoors unless they are meeting with other inoculated people. "There's certain areas where masking will and should continue. We'll be watching that list closely with the CDC, but for now we don't have any additions beyond what we've seen with the CDC's guidelines," Ghaly said. California's decision came amid confusing and seemingly contradictory messages from President Joe Biden, the CDC, Governors, state officials and local officials, who have been under pressure to ease mask restrictions. Since some supermarket chains including Trader Joe's, Costco and Walmart have dropped the mask requirement for fully vaccinated customers, Ghaly said on Monday these businesses need to align with the current state rules. One of the worst hit states in the US, California has so far reported 3,665,904 confirmed coronavirus cases and 61,510 deaths. The state has vaccinated 34,536,581 residents in total.

California won't implement CDC mask guidance

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday.

The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools "should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing."

Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination for teachers and staff provide additional layers of COVID-19 protection in schools. The recommendation comes after the agency on Thursday said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

The CDC said masks should be worn at all times by all people in school facilities and buses while maintaining a six-foot distance between teachers and students. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday announced that people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need their masks indoors and outdoors.

In a guideline on its website, the CDC said that if people are fully vaccinated, they can resume their activities without any further restrictions prior to the pandemic. "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," it said.

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday.

Schools in the United States should continue to use masks for the 2020-2021 academic year as all students will not be fully vaccinated, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Saturday. The CDC in its latest guidance said all kindergarten through grade 12 schools "should implement and layer prevention strategies and should prioritize universal and correct use of masks and physical distancing." Testing to identify individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination for teachers and staff provide additional layers of COVID-19 protection in schools. The recommendation comes after the agency on Thursday said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places. The CDC said masks should be worn at all times by all people in school facilities and buses while maintaining a six-foot distance between teachers and students. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday announced that people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need their masks indoors and outdoors. In a guideline on its website, the CDC said that if people are fully vaccinated, they can resume their activities without any further restrictions prior to the pandemic. "Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance," it said.

US schools should continue to use masks: CDC

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. &nbsp;

But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.&nbsp;

Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn.&nbsp;

"So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. &nbsp;

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. &nbsp;

But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. &nbsp;

"The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces.&nbsp;

In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!'&nbsp;

Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.&nbsp;

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots.

Jill Biden says finally going mask-free feels like 'we're moving forward’. A Republican senator says going unmasked 'certainly helps the flow of conversation’. But the conversation on the House floor on Friday approached sniping as lawmakers objected to being required to keep masking up until all 435 of them get their COVID-19 shots. Across Washington, the government is adjusting to new federal guidance easing up on when masks should be worn. "So much for following the science," Rep Greg Murphy, R-NC, a urologist, said after complaining that he'd have to put his mask back on after his House floor speech despite being fully vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that fully vaccinated people ‘those who are two weeks past their last required dose of a COVID-19 vaccine’ can stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings. Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated people should keep wearing masks, the guidance says. But on Capitol Hill, lawmakers have to keep wearing masks on the House floor, according to a memo from the Office of the Attending Physician, Dr Brian Monahan. "The present mask requirement and other guidelines remain unchanged until all Members and Floor staff are fully vaccinated," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a memo to her Democratic colleagues. “Returning the Capitol to the welcoming and safe venue that it has been requires us to not only secure it physically but to make it safe from the virus." Recent surveys suggest that about 1 in 4 House lawmakers are not fully vaccinated. Lawmakers can remove their masks while on the House floor to make speeches, but must mask up after they finish. They are, however, free to resume 'pre-pandemic activities' elsewhere in the House complex of office buildings and public spaces. In the Senate, Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Joni Ernst of Iowa were among senators, who didn't hesitate to remove their masks as soon as they heard the news. They were seen entering the Senate chamber on Thursday marveling at being mask-free and calling out, 'Freedom!' Senate leadership has not commented on the updated mask guidance, which came down as Biden and a group of Republican senators discussed infrastructure in the Oval Office.

Let's face it: Washington adjusts to new mask guidance 

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

"I think it's a great milestone, a great day," Biden told reporters from the White House rose garden.

"If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile," he said, flashing a brief smile himself.

Biden described the new milestone as&nbsp;a major victory in the battle against the virus that has caused more than 580,000 Americans to die.

The CDC move sparked joyful reactions in some, but others experienced whiplash and said they would continue to wear their masks out of caution.

"I'm still going to wear a mask inside," said Mubarak Dahir, a 57-year-old tourist in the capital Washington who was visiting from Florida. "I think it's premature, it's a little dangerous to believe that we are that far already."

But Desmond, a 67-year-old in Lafayette Square, said: "It's great news... we have come a long way in 14 months!"

Accumulating data shows the extremely high efficacy of authorised vaccines, not just to prevent symptomatic Covid but also asymptomatic infection and onward transmission.

Almost 60 per cent of US adults now have one or more doses, while cases are falling fast, down to a seven-day-average of 38,000 or 11 per 100,000.

And on Thursday, the campaign to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15 began in earnest following the authorisation of the Pfizer vaccine in this age group.

According to the CDC's website, masks may still be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in US transportation hubs such as airports and stations.&nbsp;

Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States still need to get tested within three days of their flight, or show documentation of recovery from Covid-19 in the past three months.&nbsp;

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance just two weeks after its most recent update, was based on a sharp reduction in cases, expansion of vaccines to younger people and vaccine efficacy against coronavirus variants.

The CDC had faced criticism, even from public health officials, that it has been too cautious in its guidance. Critics have said people need to see more benefit of getting vaccinated in terms of returning to normal activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

US President Joe Biden celebrated new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday that said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places. "I think it's a great milestone, a great day," Biden told reporters from the White House rose garden. "If you're fully vaccinated and can take your mask off, you've earned the right to do something that Americans are known for all around the world: greeting others with a smile," he said, flashing a brief smile himself. Biden described the new milestone as a major victory in the battle against the virus that has caused more than 580,000 Americans to die. The CDC move sparked joyful reactions in some, but others experienced whiplash and said they would continue to wear their masks out of caution. "I'm still going to wear a mask inside," said Mubarak Dahir, a 57-year-old tourist in the capital Washington who was visiting from Florida. "I think it's premature, it's a little dangerous to believe that we are that far already." But Desmond, a 67-year-old in Lafayette Square, said: "It's great news... we have come a long way in 14 months!" Accumulating data shows the extremely high efficacy of authorised vaccines, not just to prevent symptomatic Covid but also asymptomatic infection and onward transmission. Almost 60 per cent of US adults now have one or more doses, while cases are falling fast, down to a seven-day-average of 38,000 or 11 per 100,000. And on Thursday, the campaign to vaccinate adolescents aged 12 to 15 began in earnest following the authorisation of the Pfizer vaccine in this age group. According to the CDC's website, masks may still be required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in US transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States still need to get tested within three days of their flight, or show documentation of recovery from Covid-19 in the past three months. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the new guidance just two weeks after its most recent update, was based on a sharp reduction in cases, expansion of vaccines to younger people and vaccine efficacy against coronavirus variants. The CDC had faced criticism, even from public health officials, that it has been too cautious in its guidance. Critics have said people need to see more benefit of getting vaccinated in terms of returning to normal activities. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor, outdoor activities without mask, social distancing

The US&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it had found more cases of potentially life-threatening blood clotting among people who received the Johnson &amp; Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and sees a "plausible causal association".

The CDC said in a presentation the agency has now identified 28 cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) among the more than 8.7 million people who had received the J&amp;J vaccine. TTS involves blood clots accompanied by a low level of platelets - the cells in the blood that help it to clot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turning-a-corner-on-pandemic-says-white-house-coordinator-384020" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turning-a-corner-on-pandemic-says-white-house-coordinator-384020&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzqsH-hsbwAhUb73MBHd0VAUQQFjACegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3uUoEIvRjC4YmtKZHS4-gu" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-turning-a-corner-on-pandemic-says-white-house-coordinator-384020" target="_blank">US turning a corner on pandemic, says White House coordinator</a>

So far, three of the 28 have died. Previously, as of April 25, the CDC had reported 17 cases of clotting among nearly 8 million people given vaccines.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or ACIP, which advises the U.S. CDC, recommended on April 23 that the U.S. lift a 10-day pause on the J&amp;J vaccinations imposed to review safety data on the clotting issue. The panel will review the new data later on Wednesday.

The CDC said on Wednesday the events appear similar to what is being observed following administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ray-of-hope-cdc-predicts-us-covid-cases-could-see-sharp-decline-in-july-383167">Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July</a>

Both vaccines are based on technology that uses adenoviruses, which can cause the common cold, as vectors. The modified viruses are used to carry DNA instructions into the body to make specific coronavirus proteins, priming the immune system to make antibodies that fight off the actual coronavirus.

Scientists are working to find the potential mechanism that would explain the blood clots. A leading hypothesis appears to be that the vaccines are triggering a rare immune response that could be related to these viral vectors.

The syndrome does not appear to be associated with either of the COVID-19 vaccines produce by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SA or Moderna Inc.

Most of the cases were among women aged 18 to 49, the CDC said, with rates among women aged 30-39 at 12.4 cases per million and those aged 40-49 at 9.4 cases per million.

Only six of the clotting events identified were in men.

Symptoms typically occur several days after vaccination to up to 2 weeks.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it had found more cases of potentially life-threatening blood clotting among people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and sees a "plausible causal association".

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday it had found more cases of potentially life-threatening blood clotting among people who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and sees a "plausible causal association". The CDC said in a presentation the agency has now identified 28 cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) among the more than 8.7 million people who had received the J&J vaccine. TTS involves blood clots accompanied by a low level of platelets - the cells in the blood that help it to clot. Also read | US turning a corner on pandemic, says White House coordinator So far, three of the 28 have died. Previously, as of April 25, the CDC had reported 17 cases of clotting among nearly 8 million people given vaccines. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or ACIP, which advises the U.S. CDC, recommended on April 23 that the U.S. lift a 10-day pause on the J&J vaccinations imposed to review safety data on the clotting issue. The panel will review the new data later on Wednesday. The CDC said on Wednesday the events appear similar to what is being observed following administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe. Also read | Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July Both vaccines are based on technology that uses adenoviruses, which can cause the common cold, as vectors. The modified viruses are used to carry DNA instructions into the body to make specific coronavirus proteins, priming the immune system to make antibodies that fight off the actual coronavirus. Scientists are working to find the potential mechanism that would explain the blood clots. A leading hypothesis appears to be that the vaccines are triggering a rare immune response that could be related to these viral vectors. The syndrome does not appear to be associated with either of the COVID-19 vaccines produce by Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SA or Moderna Inc. Most of the cases were among women aged 18 to 49, the CDC said, with rates among women aged 30-39 at 12.4 cases per million and those aged 40-49 at 9.4 cases per million. Only six of the clotting events identified were in men. Symptoms typically occur several days after vaccination to up to 2 weeks.

US CDC finds more clotting cases after J&J vaccine, sees causal link

As locals rush to get vaccinated against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated a sharp decline in covid cases by July.

Researchers have announced if the vaccine drives continue with the same speed and dedication, a decline in cases and lockdowns is very close for the US locals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/largest-study-on-pfizer-covid-vaccine-says-drug-offers-over-95-protection-383099">Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection</a>

Experts used scenario modelling techniques to study the long-term projections of potential trends related to coronavirus, hospitalisations and deaths caused due to covid. Initially, researchers had feared that a decrease in social distancing, mask-wearing and increased transmission rate of new variants may lead to a massive increase in cases, hospitalisations and death toll.

However, high vaccination rates and adherence to prevention norms showed the way to a sharp decline in cases by July.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-registers-record-412262-new-cases-over-300000-cases-recover-383119" hreflang="en">COVID-19: India registers record 412,262 new cases, over 300,000 cases recover</a>

The researchers have also warned that the month of May will see a peak of cases and deaths caused by coronavirus, after which decline will start to take place.

While the good news has been delivered, the researchers have urged people to not let loose of the preventive measures and treat this as a favourable outcome, instead of a forecast.

As locals rush to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated a sharp decline in covid cases by July.

As locals rush to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated a sharp decline in covid cases by July. Researchers have announced if the vaccine drives continue with the same speed and dedication, a decline in cases and lockdowns is very close for the US locals. Also read | Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection Experts used scenario modelling techniques to study the long-term projections of potential trends related to coronavirus, hospitalisations and deaths caused due to covid. Initially, researchers had feared that a decrease in social distancing, mask-wearing and increased transmission rate of new variants may lead to a massive increase in cases, hospitalisations and death toll. However, high vaccination rates and adherence to prevention norms showed the way to a sharp decline in cases by July. Also read | COVID-19: India registers record 412,262 new cases, over 300,000 cases recover The researchers have also warned that the month of May will see a peak of cases and deaths caused by coronavirus, after which decline will start to take place. While the good news has been delivered, the researchers have urged people to not let loose of the preventive measures and treat this as a favourable outcome, instead of a forecast.

Ray of hope: CDC predicts US covid cases could see sharp decline in July

Fully vaccinated adults 65 years and older were 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were not vaccinated, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).

The new study, published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), showed that the risk of hospitalisation dropped significantly two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-americans-can-exercise-ditch-the-mask-outdoors-cdc-380846">Also read | Vaccinated Americans can exercise, ditch the mask outdoors: CDC</a> 
 
“These findings are encouraging and welcome news for the two-thirds of people aged 65 and up who are already fully vaccinated,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, said in a statement.&nbsp;

“COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and these real-world findings confirm the benefits seen in clinical trials, preventing hospitalisations among those most vulnerable.”

To conduct its assessment, the CDC said that it collected hospitalisation data from two surveillance networks originally established to monitor serious influenza disease.

This study differentiates itself from recent studies out of Israel which yielded similar results, but only looked at the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; this study represented both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna equally.

Even the partially vaccinated were 64% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19.

Nearly 40 per cent of adults in the United States are now fully vaccinated.

As India cautions people to wear masks even at home behind closed doors, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had released new guidelines on April 27, saying people who have been fully vaccinated in the country can stop wearing masks during many outdoor and indoor activities.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fully vaccinated adults 65 years and older were 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were not vaccinated, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).

Fully vaccinated adults 65 years and older were 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were not vaccinated, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). The new study, published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), showed that the risk of hospitalisation dropped significantly two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Also read | Vaccinated Americans can exercise, ditch the mask outdoors: CDC “These findings are encouraging and welcome news for the two-thirds of people aged 65 and up who are already fully vaccinated,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, MD, said in a statement. “COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and these real-world findings confirm the benefits seen in clinical trials, preventing hospitalisations among those most vulnerable.” To conduct its assessment, the CDC said that it collected hospitalisation data from two surveillance networks originally established to monitor serious influenza disease. This study differentiates itself from recent studies out of Israel which yielded similar results, but only looked at the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine; this study represented both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna equally. Even the partially vaccinated were 64% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19. Nearly 40 per cent of adults in the United States are now fully vaccinated. As India cautions people to wear masks even at home behind closed doors, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had released new guidelines on April 27, saying people who have been fully vaccinated in the country can stop wearing masks during many outdoor and indoor activities. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccinated adults 65 and older 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19, says US CDC

US President Joe Biden said that fully vaccinated Americans can go outdoors without a face mask, but not in crowd. President Biden touted the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as another reason for people to get vaccinated.

US: Biden says fully vaccinated people can go without masks outdoors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines&nbsp;detailing activities that vaccinated people can safely resume, including attending small outdoor gatherings without the need to wear a mask.

The CDC is still calling for caution, however, because it’s not clear whether a vaccinated person can transmit the virus. 
 
Studies show the vaccine is extraordinarily effective in preventing a person from getting seriously ill after becoming infected. But less is known about whether they could still carry the virus and infect others who aren’t vaccinated. 
 
Vaccinated Americans can exercise outside without a face covering, the CDC said. 
 
US President Biden also reacted to the new guidelines and Tweeted," Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask."

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Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1387104758335479813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to new guidance released by CDC, “In public spaces, the vaccination status of other people or whether they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 is likely unknown,”.&nbsp;“Therefore, fully vaccinated people should continue to follow guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a well-fitted mask, when indoors or in an outdoor setting or venue where masks are required.”

“CDC cannot provide the specific risk level for every activity in every community, so It is important to consider your situation and the risk to you, your family, and your community before venturing out without a mask,” the agency added.

Masks are still considered necessary for vaccinated people if they are at concerts, parades or large sporting events, even when outdoors, the CDC said.

Previously the CDC had been advising that people should wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines detailing activities that vaccinated people can safely resume, including attending small outdoor gatherings without the need to wear a mask.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released updated guidelines detailing activities that vaccinated people can safely resume, including attending small outdoor gatherings without the need to wear a mask. The CDC is still calling for caution, however, because it’s not clear whether a vaccinated person can transmit the virus. Studies show the vaccine is extraordinarily effective in preventing a person from getting seriously ill after becoming infected. But less is known about whether they could still carry the virus and infect others who aren’t vaccinated. Vaccinated Americans can exercise outside without a face covering, the CDC said. US President Biden also reacted to the new guidelines and Tweeted," Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask." Because of the extraordinary progress we’ve made in the fight against COVID-19, the CDC made a big announcement today: If you are fully vaccinated — and if you are outdoors and not in a large crowd — you no longer need to wear a mask. — President Biden (@POTUS) April 27, 2021 × According to new guidance released by CDC, “In public spaces, the vaccination status of other people or whether they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 is likely unknown,”. “Therefore, fully vaccinated people should continue to follow guidance to protect themselves and others, including wearing a well-fitted mask, when indoors or in an outdoor setting or venue where masks are required.” “CDC cannot provide the specific risk level for every activity in every community, so It is important to consider your situation and the risk to you, your family, and your community before venturing out without a mask,” the agency added. Masks are still considered necessary for vaccinated people if they are at concerts, parades or large sporting events, even when outdoors, the CDC said. Previously the CDC had been advising that people should wear masks outdoors if they are within 6 feet of each other. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccinated Americans can exercise, ditch the mask outdoors: CDC

The highly contagious variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday.

The strain, known as B.1.1.7, was identified in Britain last fall and has since been detected in 52 jurisdictions in the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters at a White House briefing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/these-are-the-three-new-symptoms-of-covid-19-dont-take-them-lightly-375900">These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly</a>

U.S. public health officials have urged Americans to get vaccinated as soon as possible in part to prevent new variants of the novel coronavirus from spreading.

The United States has also detected cases of a variant first discovered in South Africa that is thought to be resistant to some COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. That strain has been found in 36 U.S. jurisdictions, according to federal data last updated on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-ontario-imposes-1-month-lockdown-amid-fears-of-third-wave-375982" hreflang="en">Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of third wave</a>

The United States is administering about 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses per day on average over the past week, up 8% over the previous seven-day average, Walensky said.

Vaccine supply has increased significantly in the United States in recent weeks as Johnson &amp; Johnson has begun making millions of doses of its recently authorized shots. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have also recently boosted their vaccine production capacity.

U.S. President Joe Biden has doubled his goal for shots administered in his first 100 days in office from 100 million to 200 million and urged states to begin giving shots to all adults by mid-April.&nbsp;

The highly contagious variant of COVID-19 first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday.

The highly contagious variant of COVID-19 first discovered in the United Kingdom has become the most common strain of the virus in the United States as cases continue to climb, a top US health official said on Wednesday. The strain, known as B.1.1.7, was identified in Britain last fall and has since been detected in 52 jurisdictions in the United States, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky told reporters at a White House briefing. Also read | These are the three new symptoms of COVID-19. Don't take them lightly U.S. public health officials have urged Americans to get vaccinated as soon as possible in part to prevent new variants of the novel coronavirus from spreading. The United States has also detected cases of a variant first discovered in South Africa that is thought to be resistant to some COVID-19 vaccines and treatments. That strain has been found in 36 U.S. jurisdictions, according to federal data last updated on Tuesday. Also read | Canada: Ontario imposes 1-month lockdown amid fears of third wave The United States is administering about 3 million COVID-19 vaccine doses per day on average over the past week, up 8% over the previous seven-day average, Walensky said. Vaccine supply has increased significantly in the United States in recent weeks as Johnson & Johnson has begun making millions of doses of its recently authorized shots. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have also recently boosted their vaccine production capacity. U.S. President Joe Biden has doubled his goal for shots administered in his first 100 days in office from 100 million to 200 million and urged states to begin giving shots to all adults by mid-April.

UK variant of COVID-19 is now most common strain in United States: CDC

A top public health official&nbsp;said young people are driving the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases, as the increasing rate of vaccination in older Americans prevents the most serious cases among seniors.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cited the increasing spread of variants as well as a rise in youth sports and extracurricular activities as factors contributing to the steady increase in cases over the last four weeks.

But Walensky pointed to positive developments among seniors, who are the most vulnerable age group. Senior virus deaths have fallen to their lowest level since the early fall. More than 75 per cent of those age 65 or older nationally have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 55 per cent are fully vaccinated.

''What we're seeing is both a decrease in emergency department visits as well as hospitalisations associated with that demographic,''&nbsp;she said Monday.

More than 23 per cent of all adults in the US are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.

Hundreds of people, mostly teenagers and students, gathered in the park in central Brussels last week&nbsp;despite&nbsp;Belgium's COVID-19 lockdown.

Ten people were arrested after police, many in riot gear and some on horseback, dispersed the would-be revellers beside a lake in the Bois de la Cambrepark, local media said.

The gathering took place in the same park where tear gas and water cannons were used on Thursday (April 1) to disperse crowds gathered for an event that began as an April Fool's joke on Facebook.

Around 2,000 people showed up towards the end of a warm and sunny day to attend "La Boum" (the party), local police said, even though the organisers had revealed days earlier that their invitation on social media was a hoax. Local media put the number of people at about 5,000.

Belgium&nbsp;entered a third COVID-19 lockdown last weekend, with groups limited to four people meeting outside, but this week's sunny weather saw thousands coming out to the park.

European countries scrambled on Monday to tamp down a surge in COVID-19 cases and ramp up vaccinations, hoping to spare hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by the pandemic's latest deadly wave of infections.

The rush of coronavirus patients has been relentless for hospitals in Poland, where daily new infections hit records of over 35,000 on two recent days and the government ordered new restrictions to prevent large gatherings over the long Easter weekend. France's health minister warned that the number of intensive care unit patients could match levels from a year ago.

But in a sign of the disparities from one country to the next, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that barbers, gyms, and outdoor bar and restaurant patios would be able to open next week after the country reported progress with vaccines and its recent lockdown.

Meanwhile, the US vaccination campaign kept accelerating, with 40 per cent of the nation's adult population receiving at least one dose.

On Sunday, coronavirus patients filled almost all of the 120 beds at the County Hospital of Bochnia, 40 kilometres&nbsp;(25 miles) east of the southern city of Krakow. One patient, 82-year-old Edward Szumanski, voiced concern that some people still refuse to see the virus that has killed over 2.8 million people worldwide as a threat. About 55,000 of those deaths have occurred in Poland.

''The disease is certainly there, and it is very serious. Those who have not been through it, those who do not have it in their family, may be deluding themselves, but the reality is different,''&nbsp;he said.

The more contagious and more aggressive virus variant identified in Britain is fueling much of the increase in Europe. Meanwhile, voters in many countries are angry at the European Union's strategy but also at their own governments' handling of the pandemic and the failure to prevent repeated spikes in infections.

France's health minister, Olivier Veran, warned Monday that the number of COVID-19 patients in the country's intensive care units might match the level of the first crisis a year ago.

Speaking on TF1 television, he said the country could approach the ICU saturation levels of April 2020, when French ICUs held more than 7,000 virus patients, many of whom were in temporary facilities because demand far outstripped the country's pre-pandemic ICU capacity.

Veran expressed hope that France's new infections could peak this week thanks to new partial lockdown measures. After long resisting calls for a new lockdown, the French government closed schools and shuttered all non-essential stores nationwide and imposed travel restrictions for four weeks.

''We will manage,''&nbsp;Veran said.

The British government announced Monday that all adults and children will be able to have routine coronavirus tests twice a week as a way to stamp out new outbreaks. The tests are being introduced as Johnson announces the next steps in the country's road map out of its three-month lockdown.

Britain has recorded almost 127,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe. But both infections and deaths have fallen sharply during the lockdown and since the start of a vaccination campaign that so far has given a first dose to more than 31 million people, or 6 in 10 adults.

Authorities in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, introduced tighter lockdown restrictions following a recent spike in virus cases. All schools in the city of 3 million people will be closed for the next two weeks, and only people with special passes will be allowed on public transport.

 
''The hospitals are almost full. The situation is difficult,''&nbsp;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

Elsewhere, North Macedonia has delayed mass immunization amid vaccine shortages as its hospitals fill up following record new COVID-19 infections and deaths last week.

In Greece, which is struggling to emerge from a deep recession, most retail stores were allowed to reopen Monday despite an ongoing surge in COVID-19 infections. Lockdown measures have been in force since early November, although shops opened briefly around the Christmas season.

The prolonged closures piled pressure on the economy.

Serbia also has eased measures against the coronavirus despite high numbers of infections and a slowdown in vaccinations. The government on Monday allowed bars and restaurants to serve guests outside at reduced capacity and with respect of social distancing rules.

A top public health official said young people are driving the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases, as the increasing rate of vaccination in older Americans prevents the most serious cases among seniors.

A top public health official said young people are driving the latest uptick in COVID-19 cases, as the increasing rate of vaccination in older Americans prevents the most serious cases among seniors. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cited the increasing spread of variants as well as a rise in youth sports and extracurricular activities as factors contributing to the steady increase in cases over the last four weeks. But Walensky pointed to positive developments among seniors, who are the most vulnerable age group. Senior virus deaths have fallen to their lowest level since the early fall. More than 75 per cent of those age 65 or older nationally have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and nearly 55 per cent are fully vaccinated. ''What we're seeing is both a decrease in emergency department visits as well as hospitalisations associated with that demographic,'' she said Monday. More than 23 per cent of all adults in the US are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC. Hundreds of people, mostly teenagers and students, gathered in the park in central Brussels last week despite Belgium's COVID-19 lockdown. Ten people were arrested after police, many in riot gear and some on horseback, dispersed the would-be revellers beside a lake in the Bois de la Cambrepark, local media said. The gathering took place in the same park where tear gas and water cannons were used on Thursday (April 1) to disperse crowds gathered for an event that began as an April Fool's joke on Facebook. Around 2,000 people showed up towards the end of a warm and sunny day to attend "La Boum" (the party), local police said, even though the organisers had revealed days earlier that their invitation on social media was a hoax. Local media put the number of people at about 5,000. Belgium entered a third COVID-19 lockdown last weekend, with groups limited to four people meeting outside, but this week's sunny weather saw thousands coming out to the park. European countries scrambled on Monday to tamp down a surge in COVID-19 cases and ramp up vaccinations, hoping to spare hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by the pandemic's latest deadly wave of infections. The rush of coronavirus patients has been relentless for hospitals in Poland, where daily new infections hit records of over 35,000 on two recent days and the government ordered new restrictions to prevent large gatherings over the long Easter weekend. France's health minister warned that the number of intensive care unit patients could match levels from a year ago. But in a sign of the disparities from one country to the next, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that barbers, gyms, and outdoor bar and restaurant patios would be able to open next week after the country reported progress with vaccines and its recent lockdown. Meanwhile, the US vaccination campaign kept accelerating, with 40 per cent of the nation's adult population receiving at least one dose. On Sunday, coronavirus patients filled almost all of the 120 beds at the County Hospital of Bochnia, 40 kilometres (25 miles) east of the southern city of Krakow. One patient, 82-year-old Edward Szumanski, voiced concern that some people still refuse to see the virus that has killed over 2.8 million people worldwide as a threat. About 55,000 of those deaths have occurred in Poland. ''The disease is certainly there, and it is very serious. Those who have not been through it, those who do not have it in their family, may be deluding themselves, but the reality is different,'' he said. The more contagious and more aggressive virus variant identified in Britain is fueling much of the increase in Europe. Meanwhile, voters in many countries are angry at the European Union's strategy but also at their own governments' handling of the pandemic and the failure to prevent repeated spikes in infections. France's health minister, Olivier Veran, warned Monday that the number of COVID-19 patients in the country's intensive care units might match the level of the first crisis a year ago. Speaking on TF1 television, he said the country could approach the ICU saturation levels of April 2020, when French ICUs held more than 7,000 virus patients, many of whom were in temporary facilities because demand far outstripped the country's pre-pandemic ICU capacity. Veran expressed hope that France's new infections could peak this week thanks to new partial lockdown measures. After long resisting calls for a new lockdown, the French government closed schools and shuttered all non-essential stores nationwide and imposed travel restrictions for four weeks. ''We will manage,'' Veran said. The British government announced Monday that all adults and children will be able to have routine coronavirus tests twice a week as a way to stamp out new outbreaks. The tests are being introduced as Johnson announces the next steps in the country's road map out of its three-month lockdown. Britain has recorded almost 127,000 coronavirus deaths, the highest toll in Europe. But both infections and deaths have fallen sharply during the lockdown and since the start of a vaccination campaign that so far has given a first dose to more than 31 million people, or 6 in 10 adults. Authorities in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, introduced tighter lockdown restrictions following a recent spike in virus cases. All schools in the city of 3 million people will be closed for the next two weeks, and only people with special passes will be allowed on public transport. ''The hospitals are almost full. The situation is difficult,'' Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Elsewhere, North Macedonia has delayed mass immunization amid vaccine shortages as its hospitals fill up following record new COVID-19 infections and deaths last week. In Greece, which is struggling to emerge from a deep recession, most retail stores were allowed to reopen Monday despite an ongoing surge in COVID-19 infections. Lockdown measures have been in force since early November, although shops opened briefly around the Christmas season. The prolonged closures piled pressure on the economy. Serbia also has eased measures against the coronavirus despite high numbers of infections and a slowdown in vaccinations. The government on Monday allowed bars and restaurants to serve guests outside at reduced capacity and with respect of social distancing rules.

CDC says young people are driving pandemic surge

A U.S.&nbsp;Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study has found that last year was the deadliest in U.S. history, with COVID-19 helping to drive a 15% increase in deaths, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

Over 3 million people died in the United States in 2020, Politico said, adding COVID-19 was the third most common cause of death, behind only heart disease and cancer.

The CDC will summarize its findings in an upcoming issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Politico said.

The analysis will detail the rates at which U.S. residents of various races and ethnicities died as a result of the coronavirus as well as the total number of deaths in each demographic group, according to Politico.

The CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

More than 117.6 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 2,736,909​ have died thus far, according to a Reuters tally.

The United States has had the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 in the world, with over 528,000 fatalities, according to the tally. The country has thus far reported more than 29 million cases.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has said the recent plateau of COVID-19 cases appeared to be trending downward, while new hospital admissions and coronavirus-related deaths were also decreasing.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study has found that last year was the deadliest in U.S. history, with COVID-19 helping to drive a 15% increase in deaths, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing sources.

A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study has found that last year was the deadliest in U.S. history, with COVID-19 helping to drive a 15% increase in deaths, Politico reported on Wednesday, citing sources. Over 3 million people died in the United States in 2020, Politico said, adding COVID-19 was the third most common cause of death, behind only heart disease and cancer. The CDC will summarize its findings in an upcoming issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Politico said. The analysis will detail the rates at which U.S. residents of various races and ethnicities died as a result of the coronavirus as well as the total number of deaths in each demographic group, according to Politico. The CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment. More than 117.6 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 2,736,909 have died thus far, according to a Reuters tally. The United States has had the highest number of deaths from COVID-19 in the world, with over 528,000 fatalities, according to the tally. The country has thus far reported more than 29 million cases. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky has said the recent plateau of COVID-19 cases appeared to be trending downward, while new hospital admissions and coronavirus-related deaths were also decreasing.

CDC finds Covid-19 drove 15% spike in US death rate in 2020, report says

The Biden administration published revised guidelines Wednesday for nursing home visits during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing guests to go inside to see residents regardless of whether they or the residents have been vaccinated.

The recommendations, released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with comment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the first revision to the federal government’s nursing home guidance since September. And they arrived as more than 3 million vaccine doses had been administered in nursing homes, the agency said.

Federal officials said in the new guidance that outdoor visits were still preferable because of a lower risk of transmission, even when residents and guests have been fully vaccinated.

The guidance was also the latest indication that the pandemic in the United States was easing, with coronavirus cases continuing to decrease across the nation, though the seven-day average remains at more than 58,000. The CDC released long-awaited guidance Monday for Americans who have been fully vaccinated, telling them that it was safe to gather in small groups at home without masks or social distancing.

About 62.5 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 32.9 million people who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson &amp;amp; Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

In a statement laying out the reasons for updating the recommendations, Dr. Lee A. Fleisher, the chief medical officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, cited the millions of vaccines administered to nursing home residents and staff and a decline in coronavirus cases in nursing homes.

“CMS recognizes the psychological, emotional and physical toll that prolonged isolation and separation from family have taken on nursing home residents and their families,” he said.

Earlier in the pandemic, the coronavirus raced through tens of thousands of long-term care facilities in the United States, killing more than 150,000 residents and employees and accounting for more than a third of all virus deaths since late spring. But since the arrival of vaccines, new cases and deaths in nursing homes have fallen steeply, outpacing national declines, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data.

The eight pages of recommendations, which are not legally binding, did come with suggested limits, saying that “responsible indoor visitation” should be allowed at all times unless a guest is visiting an unvaccinated resident in a county where the COVID-19 positivity rate is higher than 10% and less than 70% of residents in the nursing home have been fully vaccinated. The guidance also says to limit visits if residents have COVID-19 or are in quarantine.

So-called compassionate care visits — when a resident’s health has severely deteriorated — should be allowed regardless of vaccination status or the county’s positivity rate, the guidance said.

When a positive case is identified in a nursing home, visits should be halted and residents and staff tested, the guidance said. Visits can resume in other parts of the facility if there are no positive tests there, but if cases are discovered in other areas, nursing homes should suspend all visits.

The Biden administration published revised guidelines Wednesday for nursing home visits during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing guests to go inside to see residents regardless of whether they or the residents have been vaccinated.

The Biden administration published revised guidelines Wednesday for nursing home visits during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing guests to go inside to see residents regardless of whether they or the residents have been vaccinated. The recommendations, released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with comment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the first revision to the federal government’s nursing home guidance since September. And they arrived as more than 3 million vaccine doses had been administered in nursing homes, the agency said. Federal officials said in the new guidance that outdoor visits were still preferable because of a lower risk of transmission, even when residents and guests have been fully vaccinated. The guidance was also the latest indication that the pandemic in the United States was easing, with coronavirus cases continuing to decrease across the nation, though the seven-day average remains at more than 58,000. The CDC released long-awaited guidance Monday for Americans who have been fully vaccinated, telling them that it was safe to gather in small groups at home without masks or social distancing. About 62.5 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 32.9 million people who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson &amp; Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In a statement laying out the reasons for updating the recommendations, Dr. Lee A. Fleisher, the chief medical officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, cited the millions of vaccines administered to nursing home residents and staff and a decline in coronavirus cases in nursing homes. “CMS recognizes the psychological, emotional and physical toll that prolonged isolation and separation from family have taken on nursing home residents and their families,” he said. Earlier in the pandemic, the coronavirus raced through tens of thousands of long-term care facilities in the United States, killing more than 150,000 residents and employees and accounting for more than a third of all virus deaths since late spring. But since the arrival of vaccines, new cases and deaths in nursing homes have fallen steeply, outpacing national declines, according to a New York Times analysis of federal data. The eight pages of recommendations, which are not legally binding, did come with suggested limits, saying that “responsible indoor visitation” should be allowed at all times unless a guest is visiting an unvaccinated resident in a county where the COVID-19 positivity rate is higher than 10% and less than 70% of residents in the nursing home have been fully vaccinated. The guidance also says to limit visits if residents have COVID-19 or are in quarantine. So-called compassionate care visits — when a resident’s health has severely deteriorated — should be allowed regardless of vaccination status or the county’s positivity rate, the guidance said. When a positive case is identified in a nursing home, visits should be halted and residents and staff tested, the guidance said. Visits can resume in other parts of the facility if there are no positive tests there, but if cases are discovered in other areas, nursing homes should suspend all visits.

US releases new COVID-19 guidance for nursing homes, permitting indoor visits

The new guidelines issued by the US Centres for Disease Control(CDS) and prevention say that people who have been fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-intelligence-used-fake-news-websites-to-spread-misinformation-about-vaccines-report-368747">vaccinated</a> can safely meet other vaccinated people without wearing masks.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-senate-19-trillion-dollars-covid-19-relief-bill-368523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The CDC directives also said that fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-regulator-urges-caution-on-sputnik-v-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-368720">vaccinated</a> people can also visit unvaccinated, low-risk people from other households without masks but it cautioned fully vaccinated people that they should continue avoiding large crowds and continue to wear masks when interacting with people from multiple households.

"CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people in small gatherings indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. Remember, here we are talking about private settings where everyone is vaccinated. So what does this mean? If you and a friend or you and a family member are both vaccinated, you can have dinner together wearing masks without distancing. You can visit your grandparents if you have been vaccinated and they have been too," Rochelle Walensky, CDC director said.

The guidelines addressed how vaccinated people can safely resume some normal activities and contact with those outside their own households.

"CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people can visit unvaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing as long as the unvaccinated people and any unvaccinated members of their household are not at high risk for severe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-free-new-caledonia-record-first-cases-of-coronavirus-368639">COVID-19 </a>disease," Walensky added.

The guidelines addressed how vaccinated people can safely resume some normal activities and contact with those outside their own households.

The recommendations come as about 31 million people or 9.4 per cent of the US population have been fully inoculated with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-auckland-emerges-from-weeklong-coronavirus-lockdown-368547">COVID-19 </a>vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

According to reports, nearly 18 per cent of the US population, or 58.9 million adults have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines prevent people from becoming ill but not necessarily from being infected.

Data on whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus to unprotected people is sparse. The CDC also maintained that there have been no changes made to its travel guidelines and that it recommended that people delay travel and stay at home.

However, some cities and states have already begun lifting pandemic restrictions against the advice of public health experts.

The new guidelines issued by the US Centres for Disease Control(CDS) and prevention say that people who have been fully vaccinated can safely meet other vaccinated people without wearing masks.

The new guidelines issued by the US Centres for Disease Control(CDS) and prevention say that people who have been fully vaccinated can safely meet other vaccinated people without wearing masks. Watch: The CDC directives also said that fully vaccinated people can also visit unvaccinated, low-risk people from other households without masks but it cautioned fully vaccinated people that they should continue avoiding large crowds and continue to wear masks when interacting with people from multiple households. "CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people can visit with other fully vaccinated people in small gatherings indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing. Remember, here we are talking about private settings where everyone is vaccinated. So what does this mean? If you and a friend or you and a family member are both vaccinated, you can have dinner together wearing masks without distancing. You can visit your grandparents if you have been vaccinated and they have been too," Rochelle Walensky, CDC director said. The guidelines addressed how vaccinated people can safely resume some normal activities and contact with those outside their own households. "CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people can visit unvaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing as long as the unvaccinated people and any unvaccinated members of their household are not at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease," Walensky added. The guidelines addressed how vaccinated people can safely resume some normal activities and contact with those outside their own households. The recommendations come as about 31 million people or 9.4 per cent of the US population have been fully inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. According to reports, nearly 18 per cent of the US population, or 58.9 million adults have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine. Currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines prevent people from becoming ill but not necessarily from being infected. Data on whether vaccinated people can still spread the virus to unprotected people is sparse. The CDC also maintained that there have been no changes made to its travel guidelines and that it recommended that people delay travel and stay at home. However, some cities and states have already begun lifting pandemic restrictions against the advice of public health experts.

People who have been vaccinated can meet other vaccinated people without masks: CDC

New guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that fully vaccinated people can gather with other vaccinated people indoors without wearing a mask or social distancing.

CDC says fully vaccinated people can gather without masks

Japanese supercomputer simulations showed that wearing two masks gave limited benefit in blocking viral spread compared with one properly fitted mask. The findings in part contradict recent recommendations from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that two masks were better than one at reducing a person's exposure to the coronavirus.

Japan supercomputer shows doubling masks offers little help preventing viral spread

The coronavirus vaccines were being hailed as lifesaver and people had assumed that the inoculation drives will bring immediate relief in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a> struggles.&nbsp;

However, as per a recent warning by the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a "fourth surge" can occur before the whole population of the US is vaccinated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-psychological-distress-japan-asks-china-to-stop-anal-swab-tests-for-coronavirus-on-citizens-367309" hreflang="en">'It's a psychological distress': Japan asks China to stop anal swab tests for coronavirus on citizens</a>

"At this level of cases, with variants spreading, we stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground we have gained," Rochelle Walensky said in a White House briefing.

Walensky urged people to not put down their guards. She asked people to not relax and keep following the coronavirus restrictions imposed by the medical experts.

"Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know can stop the spread of Covid-19 in our communities, not when we are so close. We have the ability to stop a potential fourth surge of cases in this country," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-sells-stake-in-moderna-for-more-than-1-billion-report-367063" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca sells stake in Moderna for more than $1 billion: Report</a>

This can, however, be helped by the recently approved single-shot coronavirus vaccine of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-approves-johnson-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-biden-warns-americans-366715">Johnson &amp; Johnson.</a>

Jeff Zients, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus response team, reported that the single-shot vaccine's delivery will start "as early as tomorrow".

The pharmaceutical company has a ready plan to distribute nearly 3.9 million doses of the vaccine in the upcoming days. This will add to the already-existing stockpile of Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines in the US.&nbsp;

However, he also added that "J&amp;J has indicated that the supply will be limited for the next couple of weeks".

The approval of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine, however,&nbsp;is being predicted to be a great help in ramping up the immunisation process in the country which has lost more than 500,000 people to this deadly virus, as this vaccine only requires a single dose, as compared to the other two which are two-dose vaccines.

The coronavirus vaccines were being hailed as lifesaver and people had assumed that the inoculation drives will bring immediate relief in the pandemic struggles.

The coronavirus vaccines were being hailed as lifesaver and people had assumed that the inoculation drives will bring immediate relief in the pandemic struggles. However, as per a recent warning by the director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a "fourth surge" can occur before the whole population of the US is vaccinated. Also read | 'It's a psychological distress': Japan asks China to stop anal swab tests for coronavirus on citizens "At this level of cases, with variants spreading, we stand to completely lose the hard-earned ground we have gained," Rochelle Walensky said in a White House briefing. Walensky urged people to not put down their guards. She asked people to not relax and keep following the coronavirus restrictions imposed by the medical experts. "Now is not the time to relax the critical safeguards that we know can stop the spread of Covid-19 in our communities, not when we are so close. We have the ability to stop a potential fourth surge of cases in this country," she said. Also read | AstraZeneca sells stake in Moderna for more than $1 billion: Report This can, however, be helped by the recently approved single-shot coronavirus vaccine of Johnson & Johnson. Jeff Zients, the coordinator of the White House coronavirus response team, reported that the single-shot vaccine's delivery will start "as early as tomorrow". The pharmaceutical company has a ready plan to distribute nearly 3.9 million doses of the vaccine in the upcoming days. This will add to the already-existing stockpile of Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines in the US. However, he also added that "J&J has indicated that the supply will be limited for the next couple of weeks". The approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however, is being predicted to be a great help in ramping up the immunisation process in the country which has lost more than 500,000 people to this deadly virus, as this vaccine only requires a single dose, as compared to the other two which are two-dose vaccines.

Potential 'fourth surge' of coronavirus possible soon, CDC chief warns

United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that "wearing a mask — any mask — reduces the risk of infection with the coronavirus, but wearing a more tightly fitted surgical mask, or layering a cloth mask atop a surgical mask, can vastly increase protections to the wearer and others.

COVID -19 Update: CDC says "tight-fitted masks or double-masking increases protection"

New COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations appear to be on a downward trajectory in the United States as the Biden administration remains confident that it can hit its target of 100 million vaccines in 100 days, the White House Coronavirus Task Force said on Wednesday (February 3).

CDC Director Walensky says COVID variants threaten to reverse positive trends

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