Your Weekly Covid Speed Round

☝️ US Covid deaths have reached their highest levels since early last year, overtaking daily averages from the recent delta wave per CDC data. A quick recap of other virus-related news:

• The FDA revoked emergency use authorization for monoclonal antibody drugs made by Eli Lilly and Regeneron after several recent studies found they’re ineffective against omicron; several treatments remain effective against the variant, including a monoclonal antibody produced by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology.
• A NY judge threw out the state's mask mandate on Monday, ruling the governor's office doesn’t have the authority to establish such a rule.
• The Biden administration withdrew its emergency Covid vaccine mandate for private businesses with 100+ employees after it was blocked by the Supreme Court last week; OSHA said it’ll continue to pursue the mandate through the regular, lengthier rule-making process.
• Pfizer/BioNTech began testing its omicron-specific vaccine in adults; studies show the original vaccines still offer good protection against severe illness and death.

+Listen to this: In a since-deleted letter published yesterday, Neil Young demanded Spotify remove his music from the platform “because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines” (referring to The Joe Rogan Experience); Young’s music is currently still available.

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