China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Australia and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
Taiwan Opposition Criticizes Plan to Block Chinese App Rednote Over Security Concerns 
As millions of COVID-19 vaccine doses have already been administered, with a good portion of Americans being fully vaccinated, many have also wondered about the requirement to wear a face mask outdoors or in gatherings. Joe Biden will reportedly make an announcement regarding new CDC guidelines for face masks this week.
People familiar with the matter revealed that Biden is set to announce new CDC guidelines concerning face masks this week. This announcement would be ahead of his first address to Congress. Biden will be addressing the state of the pandemic in the country Tuesday and announce whether people will still need to wear facemasks outdoors despite being fully vaccinated.
The final message that will be announced remains to be seen. Biden’s chief medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested that the CDC guidelines would be updated this week. As of now, the CDC still recommends that vaccinated people should still wear a mask and stay six feet from others in public spaces.
Americans are considered fully vaccinated by the CDC two weeks after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. As of now, 229 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the country, ahead of Biden’s first 100 days in office as the new US president. Nevertheless, Americans are still advised to wear masks and practice social distancing in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In other news, the Biden administration has yet to finalize the details of the upcoming American Families Plan. This proposal would address child care needs, long-term care, and paid leave. Parents would also receive monthly checks even after the end of the year under the plan.
However, it remains to be seen whether Biden would propose a permanent benefit for families under the plan or another short-term extension. Economic advisers originally planned on the child tax credit getting a four-year extension until 2025. The White House is also under pressure to make this a permanent benefit rather than a short-term one.
The details of the plan would also be announced ahead of Biden’s first address to Congress this week.
