Viral challenges often sound unsafe and pointless. Think of the cinnamon challenge and the COVID-19 challenge. It seems like they’re only getting worse.
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This forecast map shows where COVID may spread 2 weeks from now
As temperatures cool, there are concerns that we can see an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Though most cities and states relaxed their policies as vaccinations increased, some tightened things up again as new variants spread.
If you’re planning to travel within the U.S., you should know what you’re getting into before reaching your destination. Mask requirements, travel restrictions and emergency declarations vary from state to state. Tap or click here to track COVID policy activity across the country.
The Mayo Clinic has created a map that shows a rolling average of daily COVID cases for the past week across the country. There’s also an option for a 14-day forecast. All data and predictions include the Delta variant and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Tracking the virus
Though we can’t look too far down the road, we can get an idea of what things will be like shortly. The Mayo Clinic tracks COVID-19 cases and hotspots in the U.S. to keep its staff and hospitals safe. It shares this data with an interactive map so we can do the same for ourselves.
The map tracks rolling averages of daily cases for the past week. The Mayo Clinic says that this 7-day average is the best sign of hot spots, as local health departments now focus on vaccine reporting rather than case counts every 24 hours.
You can find the interactive map at mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/map. It shows average daily cases per 100,000 people. Grab the slider and you can scroll from the past 24 hours to the last 60 days. Hovering your mouse over a state gives you more detailed statistics.
Toggling Show 14-day forecast will allow you to move the slider forward from tomorrow to two weeks down the road.
If you are fully vaccinated, the CDC says that you can return to many activities that you did before the pandemic without wearing a mask. Check local laws for exceptions. The public health agency also recommends you continue to wear a mask if you’re in an “area of substantial or high transmission” of new cases.
More data
Scroll down from the hot spot map and you’ll find another one showing total cases for the U.S. This map works similarly, but rather than showing daily cases, it shows cumulative figures from the start of the pandemic to current day.
Did you take a COVID test at Walgreens? Records of it were left open online
Millions of people across the country have stood in line for a COVID-19 test. By the last count, over 606 million tests have been conducted. Whatever your results were, if you got a COVID test from Walgreens, there is some bad news. Tap or click here for how to store your COVID vaccine card on your phone.
Pharmacist faces 120 years in prison for selling fake vaccination cards - Here's what the punishment is if you buy one
Thanks to the Delta variant, we’re seeing a spike in fake vaccine cards on Dark Web black markets. Tap or click here to track the Delta variant. When you buy a fake vaccination card, you’re opening yourself up to a world of danger. Sure, you can head to offices or other places that are requiring vaccines — but you could also find yourself in the back seat of a police car.
Traveling to a different state? Use this site to check COVID-19 policies
The Delta variant is taking the top spot of COVID-19 strains, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its policies. The CDC recommends you wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an “area of substantial or high transmission.” You should also wear a mask if you or someone in your home is particularly vulnerable.
The CDC says you should avoid these 16 COVID hotspots
If you are thinking of taking a vacation soon, you may want to rethink exactly where you are going. Things have gotten a bit tricky when it comes to travel plans due to recent developments.
For the last few weeks, COVID cases have been rising globally. Florida, for instance, has seen over 21,000 new cases a day recently. The new Delta variant is said to be worse than any others we’ve seen before. Tap or click here to track the spread of this contagious new strain with this map.
Delta variant: Track the spread of contagious new strain with this map
Tech has a prominent role in much of our daily lives, which became apparent during the pandemic. We used the internet to order essentials, work and communicate via video chat. We also learned through virtual classrooms and more.
Easy way to help your child start their own online business
Kids are now born into a world of technology, innovation and a growing market of non-traditional jobs. In contrast, most of those from our generation couldn’t work until we were a teenager. Today’s entrepreneurial environment has changed things for our children.
How to store your COVID vaccine card on your phone
By the CDC’s last count, as many as 172 million Americans have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. That number makes up 67% of the adult population.
The number of fully-vaccinated Americans is far less, with only about 157 million people (or around 47%) who have received both doses. As the numbers keep growing, many are not sure where to keep their vaccination card, or how to store it properly.
Looking for cheap airfare? Don't fall for this sneaky scam
Are you ready to start exploring the world again? Most people are after the crazy year we just went through.
But before you go booking a vacation rental, we need to share some helpful advice with you. Vacation rental scams are getting trickier, and they’re not easy to spot. Tap or click here for red flags to watch for.
Use this map to track the COVID Delta variant in the US
The U.S. is rapidly returning to pre-COVID norms, but there are still pockets of concern across the country. Millions of vaccines have been administered to a large swath of the population, but the new Delta variant of the virus is starting to create havoc.
The new, convincing tactic phone scammers are using to steal your money
As part of the recently passed COVID stimulus package, many Americans will receive early payments from the child tax credit. Those are scheduled to be mailed out by the IRS between July and December.
The first half of the child tax credit will be allocated during the scheduled 6 month period, and the rest will be completed when you file your taxes. But whenever money is being sent to citizens, criminals are gearing up to steal it.
Rentals are in high demand - Here's how much your home can earn you
President Biden’s administration has made massive strides in getting much of the adult population vaccinated against COVID-19. With the risks of the virus subsiding, it means that more people are open to traveling again.
Watch out for fake COVID cards!
As we begin returning to offices, restaurants, and retail outlets, here’s a word of caution. No business should ever accept a COVID-19 vaccine card as proof that someone has been vaccinated. The online scams are rampant!
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Check your closets for this video game that could be worth $372,000
Creative works regularly sell for thousands or even millions of dollars at auctions. Anything from antique furniture to ceramic vases and paintings is sold to the highest bidder worldwide. Although COVID-19 has put a damper on in-person bidding, the industry swiftly moved online.
Vaccination cards: The new Dark Web danger
Not too long from now, you’ll need proof that you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel. You might even need proof to get a job! Here’s the problem, though: No one can trust the so-called proof.
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Be careful what you share if you're searching for a vaccine appointment
For quite a while, Covid-19 vaccines were only available to seniors. Now, more states are lifting age restrictions and most adults can sign up for that much-needed shot. Tap or click here for insider tech tips for scheduling your COVID-19 vaccination.
True or False: It's OK to post your vaccination card online
All over Facebook and Instagram, people are posting pictures of their COVID-19 vaccination cards. Seems innocent enough, but it’s another way for scammers to make money off your back … or, in this case, your arm.
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Warning: Why you shouldn't post a selfie with your vaccine card
The COVID-19 vaccine has been delivered to millions of people in the U.S so far. Don’t know when you’re eligible to receive the vaccine? Tap or click here to take a quiz that can give you an idea of when you will be.
Stimulus checks: See how much you'll receive this round
There’s been a ton of buzz about stimulus checks lately, and Congress just passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill. The $1,400 stimulus checks are the largest we’ve seen yet, and they will be leaping into bank accounts of anyone who makes less than $75,000 a year.