Did it all start with a raccoon dog?

PLUS: The NFL drops pandemic protocols

View this email online March 4, 2022 by Suzette Lohmeyer and Rachel Treisman Happy Friday, New Normal crew! Wishing you a rejuvenating weekend. Today we look at where the pandemic started and new NFL COVID protocols. Plus, did we forget about the immunocompromised? Was it a few raccoon dogs, inside a metal cage and stacked on top of a chicken coop? Or perhaps a lone red fox, curled up in the corner of its cage. An international team of scientists offer the strongest evidence to date that the COVID-19 pandemic originated in animals at a market in Wuhan, China. Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images NFL players and staff are no longer required to wear masks or get tested — regardless of vaccination status. We'd update you on the MLB's COVID protocol, but it's looking like there won't be a start to the baseball season 🙄. We miss you, Nats!  It's time to play Washington's favorite game: battle of the budget. Up next is money for pandemic relief. The White House says America needs $22.5 billion to support the nation's pandemic response. Republicans say, slow down there, sports, and first tell us where the trillions from earlier relief packages went.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message Did we forget about the immunocompromised?  Brian Baker; Johnnie Jae; Greg Condray While many Americans are cheering about the great unmasking, people who are higher risk are asking, what about us? Three people explain what it's like to be immunocompromised and chronically ill during the pandemic, and what can be done to allow them to better live their lives. Listen here.    What's Your Story? Courtesy of Judy Fern Judy Fern is a school nurse at a high school in Margate, N.J. She says she and her colleagues spend “an inordinate amount of the day” answering COVID-related questions from parents, teachers and students.  “We try to keep up with the rules and once we have them handled, the CDC changes them, initiating another round of calls,” she writes. “But we marshal on, waiting for either the next variant or everyone being vaccinated. Please!”  WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send your stories, insights and photos to thenewnormal@npr.org. You could be featured in an upcoming edition of The New Normal newsletter! Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: thenewnormal@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to New Normal emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy