Florida breaks record in cases, hospitalizations; over 1M vaccine doses thrown away in 10 states: Latest COVID-19 news Florida on Sunday broke its record for current hospitalizations, days after it recorded the most new daily cases since the start of the pandemic. Elinor Aspegren and Steven Vargas USA TODAY

Infections surging and 'things are going to get worse,' Fauci says

Delta variant raises fears of worsening mutations The rapid spread of the delta variant is raising concerns among scientists that the coronavirus could mutate into more transmissible or deadlier strains. Justine Coleman TheHill

The fresh fears come as the U.S. vaccination rate has largely plateaued and with much of the world still unvaccinated. Such a large number of people without even one vaccine dose gives the virus more chances to spread, replicate and potentially develop mutations. . . 

CDC warns that delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox and may make people sicker than original Covid "The war has changed," CDC officials wrote in a confidential document given to lawmakers this week. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. CNBC

A confidential CDC document said delta is more transmissible than the common cold, the 1918 Spanish flu, smallpox, Ebola, MERS and SARS.

US to maintain travel restrictions due to delta variant The United States will keep current international travel restrictions in place for the time being due to the delta variant and rising coronavirus cases domestically, the White House said Monday. Morgan Chalfant TheHill

The CDC just advised Americans against travel to the United Kingdom this past Monday given the surge in cases. They will evaluate and make recommendations based on health data,” Psaki added, referring to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

What is a COVID-19 vaccine 'breakthrough' case? What is a COVID-19 vaccine “breakthrough” case? It’s when a fully vaccinated person gets infected with the coronavirus. A small number of such cases are expected and health officials say they're not a cause for alarm . AP NEWS

What is a COVID-19 vaccine “breakthrough” case?

White House announces new funds for COVID-19 testing and vaccination The White House on Thursday announced new funding for vaccination and testing efforts as the delta variant fuels COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly among the unvaccinated. Peter Sullivan TheHill

The White House on Thursday announced new funding for vaccination and testing efforts as the delta variant fuels COVID-19 outbreaks, particularly among the unvaccinated.

Missouri to offer vaccine incentives amid emerging COVID-19 hotspot As Missouri emerges as a new epicenter of a summer coronavirus surge, Gov. Reid Wilson TheHill

Missouri residents who have already received or choose to receive a vaccine protecting them from COVID-19 would be eligible to receive one of 900 prizes worth $10,000, either in cash or in an education savings account.