The race between the vaccines and the variants continues in America. And while the vaccine numbers are promising, the virus numbers are perilous. CDC head Dr. Rochelle Walensky: “Now is one of those times when I have to share the truth, and I have to hope and trust you will listen. I’m going to pause here. I’m going to lose the script, and I’m going to reflect on the recurring feeling I have of impending doom.”

+ Sharing the truth. What a concept. Meanwhile, from WaPo: Birx tells CNN most U.S. covid deaths ‘could have been mitigated’ after first 100,000. (Some comments are too soon. Some are too late.)

+ Some very positive news: Real world study by CDC shows Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were 90% effective.