The U.S. is approaching its second Thanksgiving in the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases are rising again.
The CDC reported that, as of Thursday, the seven-day daily average of new infections was 88,482, a 16.1% jump over the prior week.
Public health experts say families that are fully vaccinated can enjoy a normal Thanksgiving together, and they’re urging those who have not yet gotten the shot to do so.
Here are some other coronavirus updates:
Disney pauses employee vaccine mandate after new Florida law
Disney has paused its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for workers at Walt Disney World in Orlando, the company confirmed to NPR on Sunday.
It comes after a new Florida law signed Thursday by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bars employers from imposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and gives employees the ability to select an exemption or opt for periodic testing or the use of personal protective equipment.
“Nobody should lose their job due to heavy-handed COVID mandates and we had a responsibility to protect the livelihoods of the people of Florida,” DeSantis said.
In a statement to NPR, a Disney spokesperson said the company believes its “approach to mandatory vaccines has been the right one as we’ve continued to focus on the safety and well-being of our Cast Members and Guests.”
More than 90% of Disney’s Florida-based employees have verified that they’re fully vaccinated, the company said.