What the science says about lifting mask mandates With COVID rates dropping and vaccinations on the rise, the United States and other places are removing some requirements for face coverings. Are they moving too fast? Lynne Peeples nature

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COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rises but needs boost Despite the rise, data show uneven levels of trust across US demographics. CIDRAP

Two new studies reveal that although COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has declined in the United States, 35.2% of adults 18 to 39 years and 8.7% of those 65 and older still said they would not partake as of March 2021 and November 2020, respectively.

A new tool puts health disparity data in the public’s hands A new tool called the Health Equity Tracker collects, analyzes, and makes visible data on health disparities entrenched in U.S. medicine. Katie Palmer STAT

Over and over, the pandemic has reinforced the reality of racial disparities in the U.S. health system. But that story remains difficult to see in the data, which is still inconsistently collected and reported across the country.

Coronavirus digest: India posts lowest caseload in six weeks | DW | 25.05.2021 India's second wave appears to be easing as reports suggest an economic stimulus package is being prepared for the worst-hit areas. Melbourne has introduced restrictions after an outbreak. Follow DW for the latest. Deutsche Welle (www.dw.com) DW.COM

For the first time in six weeks, India has registered fewer than 200,000 coronavirus infections over a 24-hour period, according to a Health Ministry update on Tuesday.

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No vaccine provides perfect protection, and so-called breakthrough infections after coronavirus vaccination are rare and unlikely to lead to serious illness. Federal health officials have told fully vaccinated people they no longer need to wear masks or maintain social distance because they are protected, nor do they need to be tested or quarantine after an exposure, unless they develop symptoms.

Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stopped investigating breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated people unless they become so sick that they are hospitalized or die.

CDC: Half of US adults now vaccinated against COVID-19 Half of all American adults are officially fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, marking significant progress since the vaccines were Justine Coleman TheHill

Half of all American adults are officially fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, marking significant progress since the vaccines were first authorized in December.

NIH experts respond to questions about Wuhan lab at House committee hearing

EU leaders agree to donate 100 million doses of vaccines EU leaders have agreed to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine to poorer nations by the end of the year ABC News ABC News

BRUSSELS -- EU leaders agreed Tuesday to donate at least 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to poorer nations by the end of the year as supplies steadily rise across Europe.