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COVID Update, March 3, 2021: Moving Too Fast?

There's plenty of good news -- more vaccines, more opportunities for inoculations, some uptick in the economy, and signs of life in the live events industry. As we go to press, 54 million Americans have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Bur there's worrying news, too: Infections have plateaued even as certain states open up fully, discarding mask mandates. This might not be the time to let down one's guard; let's hope that the very real progress of the last few weeks.

The latest:

The Biden Administration's $1.9 trillion relief package passes in the House: tinyurl.com/3wz9bhu9. To secure the approval of Senate Democrats, eligibility is narrowed for stimulus checks: tinyurl.com/yfke8sjx.

The US adds 379,000 jobs this week, a huge jump over expectations: tinyurl.com/arjyrxvy.

The CDC okays use of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine: tinyurl.com/sz7zeb4u. Health experts were worried that people might shy away from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine because of its slightly reduced efficacy; it turns out that a one-and-done regimen is popular: tinyurl.com/ykzym92h.

Merck is teaming up with Johnson & Johnson to boost vaccine supplies, good news for countries struggling to get doses: tinyurl.com/2jm45h22. The Biden Administration now says it will have enough vaccine for every adult American by the end of May: tinyurl.com/a6yh7fzj.

Mass vaccinations sites are opening up nationwide: tinyurl.com/u5w5s377.

As Texas and Mississippi open up, dropping their mask mandates, experts warn they are moving too fast: tinyurl.com/eceepf4. President Biden dismisses the decisions as "neanderthal thinking:" tinyurl.com/22r2ue3p. Dr. Anthony Fauci chimes in, calling the governors' decisions "ill-advised;" tinyurl.com/2pysn2xd.

Health officials, rattled by a leveling off in the decline of new infections and worried about fears of a fourth wave, urge governors not to relax restrictions too quickly: tinyurl.com/49pfnams.

One-third of US military personnel are refusing to take a COVID vaccine: tinyurl.com/kfxfkwjm. New research shows that the chances of COVID transmission via inanimate surfaces are very, very low: tinyurl.com/y74hpm5a.

The FDA raises major doubts about the efficacy of temperature scanners: tinyurl.com/h7j8s8sn.

Poorer countries and the World Health Organization call on pharmaceutical companies to share vaccine-manufacturing information: tinyurl.com/kpkdbab8.

COVID-19 deaths are higher in countries with more overweight people, a new study finds: tinyurl.com/4w72v5uc.

New unemployment claims for the week come in at 745,000, just under predictions: tinyurl.com/43r24em9.

With his touring career sidelined by the pandemic, David Crosby opts to sell his music catalog: tinyurl.com/5u885wbe.

Food for thought:

The pandemic's effect on the economy, as measured in tax revenue, is decidedly mixed: tinyurl.com/4zf7mpbh.

The pandemic has yielded a baby bust: tinyurl.com/n8k3669r.

Around the country:

In Arizona:

A country outside Phoenix opens up vaccines to all comers: tinyurl.co.m/26m3xjby.

In California: The not-bad opening numbers for the animated film Tom and Jerry gives the movie industry a jolt of hope: tinyurl.com/vvpdku88.

The CEO of WarnerMedia says the company is still figuring out how to balance theatrical and streaming releases: tinyurl.com/4tkmyb8w.

The state will set aside 40% of its vaccine supply to vulnerable communities: tinyurl.com/dc2mts57.

Los Angeles County expands vaccine eligibility to teachers and food and agricultural workers: tinyurl.com/3v5h4xms.

A deal is reached to open the state's schools by April 1: tinyurl.com/myw2e346.

The San Diego edition of Comic-Con, in July, will be virtual: tinyurl.com/62vdzy5t.

San Francisco will allow indoor dining and reopen restaurants, gyms, and museums, with restrictions: tinyurl.com/ff8p2bk.

In the District of Columbia:

A new survey reports that 60% of DC-area theatregoers will be willing to see live shows starting in January: tinyurl.com/59pnzhb2.

In Florida:

People under 65 with certain comorbidities can now get vaccines at pharmacies and doctor's offices: tinyurl.com/82p8hnbk. Also, schoolteachers plus law enforcement personnel and firefighters over 50: tinyurl.com/n2n84k5k.

FEMA vaccine sites open up in Orlando: tinyurl.com/y8czfbhv. The state's pharmacies begin offering vaccines to school staff of all ages: tinyurl.com/38kez45u.

University of Central Florida plans to return to in-person teaching in the fall, but with a mask mandate: tinyurl.com/zbk6b3bc.

"A melting pot for variants:" That's Miami, where all strains of the coronavirus converge: tinyurl.com/nnr5pkbr.

Work begins again on Universal Studios' third theme park: tinyurl.com/vwj47snc.

Spare a thought for the Disney World workers who get spat on and yelled at for trying to enforce coronavirus safety rules: tinyurl.com/yawbey3j.

In Illinois:

Chicago's public schools begin reopening: tinyurl.com/457rec9v.

University of Chicago wins FDA approval of its saliva-based COVID test: tinyurl.com/8v27j8nr.

Bars and restaurants in Chicago can boost capacity to 50% and stay open until 1am: tinyurl.com/r33y8z7v.

In Massachusetts:

Outdoor dining in Boston will resume April 1: tinyurl.com/2z73tfjn.

Massachusetts COVID Vaccination Help is a band of volunteers who help people get appointments for their jabs: tinyurl.com/x4j36esb.

In Mississippi:

Governor Reeves eliminates the mask mandate: tinyurl.com/fs9atxz2.

In Ohio:

The state broadens vaccine eligibility to take in several new types of workers and those with comorbidities: tinyurl.com/2s79t6f8.

In New York:

Here's a brief glimpse of the state's new pop-up performance program: bway.ly/r6fzxz. Several Broadway theatres and other venues will open up for pop-up indoor concerts: tinyurl.com/vf2p94t8. Actor's Equity praises NY PopsUp but pushes back against New York City's Open Culture street performance program, saying it doesn't meet the union's standards for safety or wages: tinyurl.com/22ucae8z.

Glimmerglass Opera, in Cooperstown, will present its summer season outdoors: tinyurl.com/28k9je8t.

Starting March 15 weddings with up to 150 guests will be okayed but stay in your dance zone: tinyurl.com/542rd337.

Governor Cuomo announces a test run of the Excelsior Pass, which vets the vaccination and/or health status of attendees at live events:tinyurl.com/bdpvraxr.

In Texas:

Governor Abbott drops the state's mask mandate, announces a total reopening: tinyurl.com/su7r9nmb.

The Alamo Drafthouse cinema chain files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy: tinyurl.com/j9wcdjwn .

Around the world:

In Australia:

The country is now the center of the theatrical universe, as audiences pile in for local productions of international hits: tinyurl.com/u5z3ctbv. Check out this video detailing the safety protocols at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: tinyurl.com/9b98nv3z.

In Brazil:

Even as the pandemic improves around the globe, it continues to get worse here: tinyurl.com/amaabfmy. Health experts that the outbreak there is opening the door to lethal variants that could spread: tinyurl.com/peakb5bd. The mayor of Rio de Janeiro imposes a COVID curfew to avoid a repetition of what he calls last year's "genocide:" tinyurl.com/fc8np5tc. President Bolsonaro's response to his people? "Stop whining:" tinyurl.com/r34e7s63.

In Canada:

The Stratford Festival will present a smaller season this year, to be staged outdoors: https://tinyurl.com/dkf8jf9z.

In China:

Despite a lack of hard evidence about efficacy, the country engages in intensive vaccine diplomacy, disbursing doses around the world https://tinyurl.com/3np2kcvw.

In India:

Interim tests suggests that the country's Covaxin vaccine has a high degree of efficacy: tinyurl.com/3u3d5cfk..

In Italy:

The Pope says getting vaccinated is an ethical obligation: tinyurl.com/s95mevjn.

The government, unhappy about the slow vaccine rollout, blocks a shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Australia: tinyurl.com/4rxrbnx4.

In New Zealand:

A single COVID case triggers a seven-day lockdown in Auckland: tinyurl.com/kfxfkwjm.

In Papua New Guinea:

The country battles a major COVID outbreak even as hospitals close for lack of funding: tinyurl.com/5kywx5dr.

In the UK:

#WeMakeEvents launches a new campaign, The Government Can't See Us, Can You?, to highlight the economic devastation wrought on the live events industry: tinyurl.com/2t3kynyf.

The West End production of the musical Six reopens on May 21: tinyurl.com/3a3vxuwh.

And the musical Everyone's Talking About Jamie returns on May 20: tinyurl.com/fwrucaeh.

Losses:

Antoine Hodge, opera singer: tinyurl.com/3f2vfe2z.

Education:

Episode 36 of 4Wall Sunday Roundtable welcomes lighting programmers from Broadway, Film, TV, concert touring, and events. This week's discussion will include how the programmers got their start, their influences, their process, the variety of jobs they do, and what a day in the life looks like. Guests Ann DiNardo-Smith, Alex Fogel, Jason Marin, and Felix Peralta join hosts Drew Quinones and Jeff Croiter.

Also this week on the 4Wall Roundtable is the premiere episode of Light Humor, a series of animated shorts that take a humorous look at the world of lighting. Episode 36 will be available to stream on March 7, 2021 at 6pm EST on 4Wall's Facebook Live and YouTube page, and will remain available afterwards.

From Green Hippo: Design, Prepare, Deliver with Hippotizer, V4.6, a new feature introduction on March 11 at 10am ET. It's an overview of the soon-to-be released Hippotizer V4.6 software. Register at tinyurl.com/57dzvv9z.

From JBL: Planning-Communication-Compromise: Foundations for a Great Live Mix w/ Michelle Pettinato, Monday, March 8, 12:00 PM CST: tinyurl.com/asmbsfdu.

Just the Hits! A History of Harman Audio Products from Cinemas to the Stage w/ Peter Moses, Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 PM CDT: tinyurl.com/2udyp5b.

Join Shure's Laura Davidson and Jenn Liang-Chaboud for an engaging conversation with Beckie Campbell, founder of B4 Media Productions, and Samantha Potter, ProSoundWeb senior contributing editor and worship tech liaison, on how to effectively manage multiple house of worship services across several different buildings. During the informal tech talk, speakers will address the unique inherent challenges of connecting campuses, working with volunteers, and the tech behind live streaming sessions. It takes place March 9 at 12pm CT. Register at p.shure.com/how-for-how.

Entertainment:

This weekend only, you can still catch Brian Quijada's Drama Desk Award-nominated solo show, Where Did We Sit on the Bus? It's streaming on demand through March 7: tinyurl.com/tj5bfpsd .

Available for viewing through March 20 from Boston Symphony Orchestra: Andris Nelsons leads the BSO in Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, Pastoral, and Iman Habibi's Jeder Baum spricht; chamber music performance of Debussy's Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp, featuring BSO musicians Cynthia Meyers, flute; Danny Kim, viola; and Jessica Zhou, harp: bso.org/now.

Jagged Live In NYC: A Broadway Reunion Concert will have a special Encore Airing on Saturday, March 6 at 7:00PM ET, to benefit the charitable organizations RAINN, Learn to Cope, GLAAD, and Color of Change. Available exclusively on the premium streaming platform Stellar (www.stellartickets.com), it features cast members of the Broadway musical, including Elizabeth Stanley, Celia Rose Gooding, Sean Allan Krill, Derek Klena, Lauren Patten, Kathryn Gallagher, Antonio Cipriano, and more, alongside the Jagged Little Broadway Band. The concert will also be followed by a special live Q&A session with members of the musical's cast.

Love Letter to Liza: A 75th Birthday Tribute Celebration is available March 12 at 8pm EST on the streaming platform Stellar. Hosted by Frank DiLella, it features Lorna Luft, John Kander, Michael Feinstein, Julie Halston, Melissa Manchester, Jason Alexander, Parker Posey, Kathy Griffin, Nicholas King, Kathy Najimy, Hoda Kotb, Michael York, Craig Ferguson, Haley Swindal, Joel Grey, Lily Tomlin, Chita Rivera, Joan Collins, Ben Vereen and the dancers from the Verdon-Fosse Legacy, Ute Lemper, Billy Stritch, Charles Busch, Kathie Lee Gifford, Lea Delaria, Jim Caruso, Jonathan Groff, Sandra Bernhard, Andrew Rannells, Nathan Lane, Mario Cantone, Tony Hale, Coco Peru, John Cameron Mitchell, Michele Lee, Andrea Martin, Seth Sikes, Neil Meron, and more. Tickets, priced at $30.00, are now available at stellartickets.com and clubcummingnyc.com .

From Manhattan Theatre Club: Streaming on demand from March 11 - 21, Richard Greenberg's drama Three Days of Rain will reunite its original cast: Patricia Clarkson, John Slattery, and Bradley Whitford, directed by Evan Yionoulis. Tickets are free and can be reserved at manhattantheatreclub.com/events/mtc-curtain-call-series.

Metropolitan Playhouse presents a new free livestreamed read, with talkback to follow: Not Smart, by, Wilbur Daniel Steele. It happens March 6 at 8pm and runs through March 10 at 10pm ET. Running time is one hour. Available at: MetropolitanPlayhouse.org/watchnotsmart.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival streams its production of Julius Caesar through March 27: tinyurl.com/574yexb8.

Weekend playlist:

Brian Stokes Mitchell, accompanied by Seth Rudetsky, performs "Stars," from Les Miz: tinyurl.com/22wus53s.

Nick Jonas leads a terrific choir in the gospel version of "Jealous:" tinyurl.com/44e4xeee.

Sherie Rene Scott is "The Life of the Party," in this number from Andrew Lippa's The Wild Party: tinyurl.com/zr7wfbts.

Cool off with Dionne Warwick singing "I Say a Little Prayer:" tinyurl.com/cphxhu8k.

A gang of Broadway dancers performs Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's "Cool," from West Side Story, all over town: https://tinyurl.com/52kphpk9.

That's all for this week. Have a good weekend. Stay safe. Vaccinate. Wear a mask. - DB

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Previous LSA COVID-19 Updates: plasa.me/lsacovid19resources


(5 March 2021)

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