* The W.H.O. has calculated the global death toll at approximately 15 million by the end of 2021. That’s more than double the official total of six million reported by countries individually. More than a third of the additional nine million deaths are estimated to have occurred in India, where the government has stood firm on its count of about 500,000. It’s believed India has the highest total in the world.
* The BA.2 mutant is thought to be about 30 percent more contagious than COVID-19. Keeping a surge somewhat in check is a higher level of immunity in the U.S. from vaccination or past infection.
* Total U.S. population that is boosted: 30 percent.
Total Florida population that is boosted: 26 percent.
* Florida positivity rate: 6.2 percent.
Hillsborough County positivity rate: 3.5 percent.
* As the Omicron variant has receded, the airline industry has rebounded. The Adobe Digital Economy Index reported that ticket sales for domestic flights in February exceeded those for the same (pre-pandemic) month in 2019.
* Masks would still be required until at least May 3 for those flying commercially—as well as other transportation settings, including buses, subways and ferries. At least they were until a federal district judge in Tampa (Kathryn Kimball Mizelle) voided it. But, yeah, it’s OK to wear a mandate-free mask just to be on the safer side.