A summer COVID wave has swept across much of the world, turning gatherings into superspreader events, disrupting vacations, and reminding everyone that the pandemic is not yet over. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), coronavirus activity in wastewater has reached “high” or “very high” levels in 26 US states. Other indicators, such as the prevalence of COVID diagnoses in emergency rooms and the positivity rate of lab tests, also suggest an increase in virus activity, though not to the extent of the winter surge.
In response to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the Tour de France has reintroduced protective measures. Race organizer ASO announced last Sunday that all race personnel, media, and guests must wear masks when in contact with riders and team staff. This decision follows a spate of COVID-19 cases within the peloton. “We want to keep it out of the race and be as safe as possible. We really don’t want to take any risks. I think we should go back to the rules from 2021, 2022. That is a small invitation to the organization,” stated the ASO.
In Greece, the ongoing extreme heat continues to disrupt the summer tourist season, now compounded by a surge in cases of the new FLiRT COVID-19 variant over the past 20 days. According to The Independent, tourists planning to vacation in Greece this summer have been warned about the increase in infections. Some Greek hospitals have responded by reinstating mandatory mask-wearing policies, limiting the number of visitors, and requiring a negative rapid COVID-19 test for entry.
