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The path to U.S. immunity

February 05, 2021
Bloomberg Quicktake
Bloomberg

Greetings, Quicktake readers! This week, health experts warn against Super Bowl parties that could become superspreader events. Plus, as Bezos bows out, what's a billionaire to do? Stream now for free.

The path to U.S. immunity

The U.S. hit hopeful pandemic milestones this week as deaths dropped in every part of the country, and the number of Americans given at least one dose of a vaccine against the virus eclipsed those who've been infected with it. The latest signs of relief follow an uneven rollout of shots, which are now administered at an average rate of 1.34 million doses per day. That means it'd take 11 months to inoculate 75% of residents with two jabs.

Despite promising dips, health officials warned that cases are still high, and the virus could roar back if emerging variants take hold. Dr. Anthony Fauci urged against Super Bowl parties, telling fans to "just lay low and cool it" this weekend. Two studies revealed more optimistic news: AstraZeneca's vaccine may cut virus transmission on just a single dose, and antibodies in Covid patients last for at least six months after infection.

Meanwhile, the Senate took up a 2021 budget resolution in a bid to clear the way for Democrats to pass President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus without any GOP support.—Andrew Mach

What to watch if

...you want to catch up on Brexit. Virus lockdowns overshadowed the U.K.'s first month outside the EU, but the landmark trade deal seeped deep into the economy, affecting everyone from farmers to bankers.

...you come for the game, stay for the ads. Big brands from Budweiser and Pepsi to Hyundai and Avocados From Mexico are sitting out Super Bowl LV, a shift away from what's usually the advertising event of the year.

...a secret Wuhan film sounds appealing. Coronation, the newest film from dissident artist Ai Weiwei, documents the original Covid lockdown, the people who lived through it and the government that ordered it.

Episodes to binge watch now

One question, answered

What'll Jeff Bezos do now? Ceding the title of Amazon CEO will free up the 57-year-old billionaire to focus on his "other passions," such as owning The Washington Post, pursuing commercial space travel with Blue Origin and funding efforts to fight climate change and homelessness.

We want to know

Information void. While pregnancy is linked to more severe Covid cases, scientists have mostly failed to study the effects of vaccines on pregnant people. Mixed messages from experts have stirred fear and confusion at a time when misinformation thrives—and pregnant people deserve better.

Tell us: What questions do you still have about getting vaccinated?

Our favorites of the week

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