2021 COVID Deaths Top 2020; Fauci Barks Back at Harassers; Unvaxxed Athletes Benched

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U.S. COVID-19 deaths in 2021 have now surpassed those from 2020, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (The Hill)

As of Monday at 8 a.m. EST, the unofficial U.S. COVID toll is 47,731,237 cases and 771,118 deaths, increases of 656,538 cases and 8,026 deaths versus a week ago.

NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, MD, said vaccinated family members can certainly enjoy a maskless Thanksgiving together. (CNN)

Fauci also detailed how he was inundated with calls about beagle experiments after a “misleading image” went viral. (Washington Post)

Disney World announced that it has “paused” its COVID vaccine mandate, in light of the new anti-mandate Florida law. (Fox Business)

A new analysis projects that at least 12 states will have over 70% of their population fully vaccinated by the end of the year, while nationwide the U.S. vaccination rate among eligible Americans could reach 65%. (Verywell Health)

The Marine Corps is expected to come in last for military vaccine compliance. (Washington Post)

Michigan is asking that everyone ages 2 and up wear face masks indoors, as the state now leads the nation in new cases. (WXYZ)

Experts note COVID outbreaks are certainly now resembling those of a seasonal virus. (The Atlantic)

Older individuals and people with underlying conditions are most susceptible to breakthrough COVID infections requiring hospitalization, a Wall Street Journal analysis shows.

An employee of a New Jersey Starbucks tested positive for hepatitis A, potentially exposing thousands of customers. (CNN)

Meanwhile, FDA announced that it is reclassifying certain hepatitis C diagnostic tests from Class III to a less stringent Class II.

And the agency said it is temporarily suspending the REMS programs for the schizophrenia treatment clozapine due to complaints about its implementation.

U.K. and U.S. health officials are set to work together on new international standards for medical devices, following research showing oximeters may be inaccurate for racial and ethnic minorities. (The Sunday Times)

Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes took the stand in her own defense during her trial on Friday, and she is also expected to testify this week. (CNN)

A vaccination site in Colorado was suspended from the COVID-19 Vaccination Program after “irregularities in vaccine handling and storage” were discovered. State public health officials recommended revaccination for anyone vaccinated there. (KKTV)

Overseas, Germany refused to rule out a lockdown similar to neighboring Austria after the latest COVID surge, which is “worse than anything we’ve seen,” said acting Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Reuters, Bloomberg)

In the Netherlands, three people were hospitalized in Rotterdam after police opened fire during a protest over COVID restrictions. (The Guardian)

And in sports, Canada will soon only allow vaccinated U.S. athletes from pro sports teams into the country. Unvaccinated athletes will have to stay home. (New York Post)

Relatedly, the Australian Open tennis tournament will require all players to be fully vaccinated, which could pose a problem for the men’s top-ranked player. (New York Times)