1. Daily COVID-19 stats, state-by-state:

• Test positivity rates
• Hospitalizations
• Death rates
• Where the virus is spreading fastest, slowest

2. Biden to issue mask mandate today; new US variant may be driving California's surge — 6 COVID-19 updates Full story

3. Houston hospital lockout forces physicians to treat patients in parking lot Full story

4. It's time for hospitals to clear the air. Join this live discussion for tips and strategies on how to eliminate surgical smoke in the OR. 

5. California COVID-19 deaths cause air quality agency to lift limit on cremations Full story

6. Alabama nurse who refused to retire during pandemic dies from COVID-19 Full story

7. Don't-miss learning opportunities:

• Was your hospital affected by mass cancellations of nonurgent procedures in 2020? Click here to learn how to better manage the surgery backlog in 2021.
   
• Your access strategy has blind spots. Get to know your patients' needs here
   
• Download this whitepaper to learn how pediatric hospitals can recover from the pandemic and take advantage of CMS’ increased reimbursement rates by expanding telehealth.

8. Wisconsin pharmacist accused of trying to ruin COVID-19 vaccines charged with misdemeanor Full story

9. 3 healthcare executive actions Biden plans to take today Full story

10. Lawsuit alleges Black worker at UNC Health Care hospital faced hostile environment Full story

11. 95% of drug diverters go undetected by health systems. Click here to learn how to identify red flags and detect the undetected. 

12. Rapid blood test helps predict COVID-19 severity, researchers find Full story

13. New Jersey nursing students petition after school requires COVID-19 vaccination Full story

14. Nearly 40% of Americans still hesitant to visit physician's office due to COVID-19 Full story

Becker's Learning Opportunities

1. Still calling your patients? Click here to find out why texting them will bring about better results for your practice.

2. What can CFOs learn from an analysis of more than 100M hospital transactions? Click here to read the 2020 Denials Index.

3. Does your health system have a digital engagement strategy that coincides with its transformation goals? Download this whitepaper to learn how Bon Secours Mercy Health formulated its digital backbone.