Global

Airline, transit mask mandates extended through April 18 - Roll Call The CDC will craft a revised policy framework for future mask use on public transportation, a Biden administration official said. Roll Call

The White House on Thursday announced it would extend the current federal mask mandate for passengers on airplanes and public transit for another month — the third extension of the mandate since it was imposed in January 2021.

Top lawmakers reach deal on Ukraine aid, $1.5T spending WASHINGTON (AP) — Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan deal early Wednesday providing $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and European allies plus billions more to battle the pandemic as part of an overdue $1.5 trillion measure financing federal agencies for the rest of this year. AP NEWS

...

Covid will 'probably' be a seasonal virus, like the flu, CDC director says CDC Director Walensky says that Covid could act the flu, with cases increasing seasonally, as a part of the new normal. YahooNews

Even as cases of Covid-19 continue to fall nationwide, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that the coronavirus is most likely here to stay — and that it could behave similarly to influenza.