delta variant is set to become the dominant Covid strain in the U.S., boosting concerns it could lead to a surge in cases in under-vaccinated hot spots.
The World Health Organization, meanwhile, urged caution on reopenings worldwide with most regions seeing rising case counts.
Japan is planning to declare a fresh state of emergency for Tokyo that would cover the entirety of the Olympics, according to local media.
In France, a government spokesman warned the Delta variant’s growth could spur a “quick fourth wave." A study by top international scientists concludes that animal contagion is the most likely explanation for the pandemic’s genesis.