By Albert Sun and Giulia Heyward

Read the full article from The New York Times, here.

The summer surge in cases in the United States, led by the domination of the more contagious Delta variant, is well into its second month, and the number of those hospitalized with Covid-19 has reached heights last seen during the overwhelming winter wave.

The number of those patients who are critically ill, requiring treatment in an intensive care unit, has risen, too. Data from the Department of Health and Human Services shows that the number of hospitals with very full I.C.U.s doubled in recent weeks. Now, one in five I.C.U.s have reached or exceeded 95 percent of beds occupied, a level experts say makes it difficult or impossible for health professionals to maintain standards of care for the very sick.

By Caroline Vakil

Read the full article from The Hill, here.

More than 400 students in Palm Beach County, Fla., were required to quarantine just two days after schools began instruction due to an outbreak of the coronavirus, according to local officials.

Palm Beach County School Superintendent Michael Burke said in an interview with MSNBC on Thursday that since school began, 51 students and staff had tested positive for COVID-19, WPTV-TV reported. In total, 440 students have had to isolate.

By Nathaniel Weixel

Read the full article from The Hill, here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday officially recommended that people who are pregnant be vaccinated against COVID-19, updating and strengthening previous guidance due to new evidence.

“COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future,” CDC said.

The agency’s previous guidance said pregnant people were “eligible” and merely suggested a conversation with their health care provider.

By Adam Barnes

Read the full article from The Hill, here.

More than 1 million people fully vaccinated with Pfizer or Moderna’s coronavirus shot have gone back for a third dose.

The estimates, based on documents reviewed by ABC News, show that five states lead the way in the number of residents opting for the unauthorized shot.

But the document does not differentiate between third doses obtained without regard to CDC guidance and those directed by their physician to seek additional protection.

By Apoorva Mandavilli

Read the full article from The New York Times, here.

Still, most vaccinated people with breakthrough infections are likely to have mild symptoms, and each exposure to the virus is an opportunity for the immune system to strengthen its defenses against future variants.

Here’s what’s useful to know about breakthrough infections and the Delta variant.

By Christine Hauser

Read the full article from The New York Times, here.

As the number of reported coronavirus cases in Ohio rises, some judges have attached a condition for people being released on probation: Get vaccinated or face possible prison time.

By Roselyn Romero

Read the full article from AP News, here.

As the delta variant of the coronavirus sweeps across the United States, a growing number of colleges and universities are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students to attend in-person classes. But the mandatory requirement has opened the door for those opposed to getting the vaccine to cheat the system, according to interviews with students, education and law enforcement officials.

Both faculty and students at dozens of schools interviewed by The Associated Press say they are concerned about how easy it is to get fake vaccine cards.

By Ethan Hauser and Alyssa Lukpat

Read the full article from The New York Times, here.

For the first time since February, the United States is averaging more than 100,000 new coronavirus cases a day, marking a resurgence that is hitting especially hard in states where large portions of the population remain unvaccinated.