Is There a Doctor (Left) in the House?

While vaccine progress is surpassing the most optimistic projections, the virus spread is living up to our worst fears. As the US tops 250,000 deaths, more than 3 million Americans are estimated to be contagious with the virus.

+ The surge is proving to be unmanageable for many hospitals. 900 on Mayo Clinic staff have contracted coronavirus in last two weeks. And that’s part of a broader trend: Twenty-two percent of American hospitals don’t have enough workers right now.

+ Chuck Grassley, second oldest senator (and third in the line of succession to the presidency) tests positive for COVID-19. From the halls of power to the smallest towns, Covid doesn’t care who you are or where you are. Texas Monthly: COVID Is Everywhere, Even in the Last COVID-Free County.