Several European cities saw anti-lockdown protests on Saturday, with some leading to clashes between demonstrators and police.
Why it matters: As case numbers and variants in Europe surge, the vaccine rollout has been sluggish and countries have gone back into lockdown. The protests are part of the rising frustration with COVID-19 restrictions on the continent.
The U.S. is unlikely to face a fourth wave of the coronavirus, but will likely see plateauing case numbers before they continue to decline, Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb told ABC's "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
Why it matters: It comes amid growing concerns about a possible surge in the U.S. Gottlieb noted that there are still many unanswered questions about new COVID-19 variants that could pose problems down the road.
The Idaho Legislature has shut down for two weeks after at least 10 members and staff tested positive for COVID-19, CNN reported Saturday.
Why it matters: The recess comes as House and Senate lawmakers are due to debate major issues, like "setting budgets and pushing through a huge income tax cut," per AP.
Poland reintroduced coronavirus lockdown measures starting Saturday to combat the latest surge of cases across the country, closing most of its public venues and non-essential businesses and canceling all in-person classes for three weeks.
Why it matters: Poland's Health Minister Adam Niedzielski attributed the case spike to the coronavirus variant first discovered in the United Kingdom that may spread more easily than the original strain of the virus, according to Politico.
A research-stage company is developing a wearable dosing and delivery device for medication, including for the painkiller drug ketamine.
Why it matters: Wearable drug delivery systems allow doctors to precisely control doses delivered to someone at home, which could help reduce the risk of drug abuse while ensuring patients receive their medication seamlessly.
By the numbers: The U.S. has administered a total of 121 million doses and vaccinated 42.9 million people 18 years and older, representing 16.7% of the adult population. Roughly 40.8% of people 65 years and older have been fully vaccinated.
Why it matters: The country administered a record 711,1oo doses on Friday and is fourth in the world for total population vaccinated, coming just behind Israel, United Arab Emirates and Chile, according to Reuters.
The coronavirus variant first discovered in the United Kingdom may account for up to 30% of new COVID infections across the U.S., NIAID Director Anthony Fauci said during a White House briefing on the virus Friday.
Why it matters: The variant, called B.1.1.7, has been detected throughout the U.S., and studies have suggested it appears to spread more easily than the original strain of the virus.
Three cruise liners announced plans to launch Bahamas-only trips as soon as June.
Why it matters: It's the most significant move for the struggling industry since cruise lines halted in March 2020 after becoming the source of some of the most extensive coronavirus outbreaks early in the pandemic.
The state of play: The White House Historical Association announced the event will instead take place virtually. The holiday celebration is organized by the first lady and typically draws crowds of 30,000 people.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for the coronavirus and is self-isolating with a mild cough and fever, Health Minister Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday.
The big picture: The news comes two days after Khan received his first dose of the vaccine, likely China's Sinopharm which is the only shot available in Pakistan and takes a few weeks to build immunity, per Reuters.
Why it matters: The decision highlights "the realities of COVID-19 even as [the organizers] forged ahead with plans to hold the world’s largest sporting event," the New York Times writes.
