Russians to stay off work for a week as virus deaths rise MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered most Russians to stay off work for a week later this month amid rising COVID-19 infections and deaths, and he strongly urged reluctant citizens to get vaccinated. AP NEWS

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Walkouts and strikes hit hospitals in pandemic hot spots There have been at least 30 strikes of health care workers so far this year, according to a tracker from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. POLITICO

Hospitals taxed by the pandemic over the last 20 months have a new problem: Labor strife and a wave of resignations have people waiting longer for care.

NYC extends vaccine mandate to expand to all public workers, ends New York City on Wednesday announced that it is expanding its vaccine mandate to all public employees and it will also end the option of testing weekly instead of getting the vaccine. Lexi Lonas TheHill

New York City on Wednesday announced that it is expanding its vaccine mandate to all public employees and it will also end the option of testing weekly instead of getting the vaccine.

More than 40 Texas hospitals face ICU bed shortages Hospitals in Texas have reported an increased number of full intensive care units (ICUs) as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to ravage communities. Monique Beals TheHill

Hospitals in Texas have reported an increased number of full intensive care units (ICUs) as the delta variant of the coronavirus continues to ravage communities.

Federal judge rejects bid to block Oregon vaccine mandate PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday denied a last-minute bid by more than three dozen state employees, health care providers and school staff to temporarily stop the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. AP NEWS

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday denied a last-minute bid by more than three dozen state employees, health care providers and school staff to temporarily stop the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate.