‘Lab Leak’ Theory Gains Steam; Post-Pfizer Myocarditis; Swipe Right for Vaxxed

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In November 2019, three researchers from Wuhan’s Institute of Virology were all sick enough to seek hospital care for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or seasonal illness, adding fuel to the “lab leak” theory. (Wall Street Journal)

CDC is investigating a handful of myocarditis cases following COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents and young adults. (New York Times)

As of Monday at 8:00 a.m. EDT, the unofficial COVID-19 toll in the U.S. was 33,117,920 cases and 589,893 deaths, increases of more than 176,000 cases and 3,900 deaths versus a week ago.

Daily new case counts and deaths are now at their lowest since last June. (CNBC)

Latest CDC data indicate that 58.2% of the vaccine-eligible U.S. population (12 and up) has received at least one shot of a COVID vaccine, and 46.4% are fully vaccinated.

Popular dating apps will now add features to help users filter by COVID vaccination status, the White House announced at a Friday press briefing. (NPR)

Could women with polycystic ovary syndrome be at increased risk of COVID-19? (CNN)

With more and more people getting vaccinated, the value of COVID-19 testing has declined. (AP)

In addition to vaccines, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, also credited warmer weather, “cautious behavior,” and prior infection for the drop in COVID-19 rates. (CNBC)

Meet the guy who’s taking full advantage of Krispy Kreme’s promise of one free donut a day to those who got the COVID shot. (Slate)

So, what exactly is safe for children who are too young to get vaccinated? (The Atlantic)

India would really like people to stop calling B.1.617 the “Indian variant.” (Reuters)

In other news:

• The so-called QAnon Shaman will undergo a mental health evaluation to see if he is competent to stand trial for events surrounding the January 6 “storming of the U.S. Capitol.” (Washington Post)
• FDA announced the seizure of more than 200,000 units of “adulterated” dietary supplements containing kratom.
• Federal authorities issued a complete recall for a bottled water company claiming to sell “premium alkalized drinking water” after at least one death and cases of liver illness were reported after drinking it. (AP)
• Seven medical professionals were charged in the death of Argentinian soccer star, Diego Maradona. (NPR)