Americans in poorer countries died at twice the rate of those in wealthy countries during the pandemic, reports The Dallas Morning News. While COVID-19 highlighted the difference in health and health care access between groups, these disparities have existed since before the pandemic.
CNN reports that COVID-19 infections can set off massive inflammation in the body. A new study published Wednesday revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can infect certain kinds of immune cells called monocytes and macrophages.
COVID-19 cases continue to fall globally, but another Omicron subvariant has appeared, reports the Los Angeles Times. The WHO said early estimates suggest that the recombined Omicron could be about 10% more transmissible than previous mutations.
The Houston Chronicle says that Texas schools won’t lose funding for COVID-19-caused attendance declines. Schools were initially insulated from COVID-19-related drops. State lawmakers added back financial penalties last year to incentivize getting students back to class.