Children are more at risk than ever. New vaccine and mask mandates take effect. The FDA also authorizes booster shots. Here's what you need to know:You can sign up to receive the weekly roundup of coronavirus news and other information. Register hereHeadlinesAs the number of cases rises among children, schools prepare for the beginning of classesThe spread of the Delta variant means that more children are being diagnosed with Covid-19, some of which can be fatal. Hospitals are under pressure as the average number of children hospitalized for the disease has risen by almost 30% to 239 in seven days. This spike comes as schools all over the country begin the new school year. The National Education Association, America's largest teacher union, has recently supported the requirement of vaccinations for school workers in response to an increase in cases.More school districts are following the CDC's guidance and requiring universal masking in schools. Virginia, which joined the ranks of these states, announced Thursday that its governor would require all students, teachers and staff to wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. Experts agree that remote learning should be minimized while being cautious.More mandates for vaccine and mask use are in placePublic health policy has changed in the United States over the past week. Some places are imposing more stringent vaccine and mask mandates. For instance, the Department of Health and Human Services became the latest federal agency to mandate vaccinations for all employees. San Francisco also announced that it would limit access to gyms, restaurants and other indoor spaces to those who can show proof of vaccination, much like New York City.Some legislators, however, have expressed strong opposition to mandates for masking or vaccination despite increasing case numbers. Half of the country's Covid-19 hospitals are located in eight states, which includes many other states with low vaccination rates and poor public health. Hospitals across Texas are flooded with Covid-19 patients, for example. Judges have given two counties the authority to set their own mandates to stop the spread of the virus despite Governor Greg Abbott's ban on mask orders.FDA approves boosters, while the CDC improves vaccine guidance for pregnant womenYesterday, the FDA approved a third booster shot for the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. This is for immunocompromised people. Other people already fully vaccinated do not require an additional dose, according to the FDA. The CDC's vaccine advisory committee will meet today to discuss boosters. If the CDC approves the shots on their recommendation distribution could begin immediately. The US could follow the lead of Israel and other countries that offer third doses to patients with immunocompromised. They also recently extended eligibility for boosters to those over 50.The CDC updated its recommendations earlier this week for pregnant women. The agency clarified its guidance to clarify that pregnant women could be vaccinated.Daily DistractionFlirting is fun because it gives you the possibility of something happening. What happens when the AI bot is the other party? WIREDs columnist for spiritual advice weighs in.Some Things to ReadThe Instagram hedgehogs have created one of the most charming corners on the internet. Noelle Mateer, a writer, asked the question: What happens to an animal species that goes viral?Sanity CheckQR codes are a staple of pandemic survival. They make it simple to order coffee or read a menu without having to touch a new surface. Here's how to scan them correctly.One questionWhat should I expect and where can I find a Covid-19 vaccination?There are more cases in the US than ever before. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family from Covid-19. These shots won't prevent you from getting the virus, but they will make it less likely that you get it. You can get vaccinated at your doctor's office, hospital or urgent care center as well as major pharmacies. You can schedule your appointment online if you don't want to wait. Although the vaccine is free, it's a good idea that you bring your ID and your health insurance card. Although you can expect mild side effects that will last a few days, it is best to not take any medication, even non-prescription pain relievers, prior to your appointment. These shots will not alter your DNA or make it more magnetic, contrary to misinformation that is being spread online. Talking to others in your family who may need assistance to get vaccinated can help stop Covid-19 spreading further.Wired has more information about Covid-19
