Coronavirus vaccine news, updates and information for 5-21-2021

<p>This is Vaccine 411, the latest coronavirus vaccine information for May 21st, 2021.</p><p><br></p><p>The CDC apparently believes relaxing mask requirements will encourage people who haven’t already done so to get vaccinated. Some experts in human behavior say not likely. The gamble is people will be nervous in a maskless world if they aren't vaccinated. The risk is that those people never felt at risk and all this will do is cause unvaccinated people to go unmasked.</p><p><br></p><p>With 52 more COVID-19 fatalities added to the statewide total yesterday, Texas has crossed over the 50,000 deaths mark. The number per day had been decreasing into the 30s earlier this month before beginning a steady climb back into the 50s. Still, the state is now reporting about the same number of deaths in a week they were reporting every day in January.</p><p><br></p><p>Panama temporarily closed its border with Colombia starting yesterday to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and tighten security. Panama said Colombia's decision to reopen borders "puts at risk the significant progress" Panama has made. So no entry by land, sea, or river routes.</p><p><br></p><p>Some good news for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Public Health England says real-life data suggests it’s providing more protection than was expected from clinical trials. After a second dose, the chance of falling ill is reduced by around 89% as opposed to the previously believed 70-75%.</p><p><br></p><p>Other states are taking notice of the success of Ohio’s vaccine lottery and are doing similar things. New Yorkers 18 and older who get their first dose between May 24 and 28 at some locations across the state will get a free lottery scratch-off ticket for a $5 million lottery. Maryland also announced its $2 million VaxCash Promotion, which will divide that amount among 41 residents who get vaccinated. Daily drawings will reward some of the newly vaccinated with $40,000 starting May 25 until July 4. And on the Fourth, one person will win $400,000.</p><p><br></p><p>In the United St