You're listening to shortwave from NPR.

Maddie, so some promising news when it comes to the pandemic here in the US.

More than 61 million people are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

And we've been able to regularly administer more than 3 million shots a day.

But here's the not so good news.

And at least 20 states reported cases are on the rise again.

So today, we talk with MPR Health Correspondent Alison Aubrey for a quick little COVID news roundup.

We're talking vaccines, travel, and the possibility of a fourth wave.

You're listening to shortwave, the Daily Science Podcast from NPR.

Hey NPR Health Correspondent Alison Aubrey is here with me now.

Welcome Alison.

Hey there Maddie, good to be here.

Okay, so in more than 20 states, COVID-19 cases keep rising.

Alison, what's going on?

What explains some of this increase?

You know, I think the virus is still circulating widely at a time when only about 23% of the

adult population is fully vaccinated.

I mean, the good news is that the pace of vaccinations has really picked up.

And the supply has to, the CDC says 208 million doses of the vaccine have been delivered.

But the bottom line, Maddie, estates have loosened restrictions.

People are out and about.

I mean, most older people are now protected.

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