Travel remains popular despite coronavirus variant concerns - July 22, 2021

Jobless claims rose to a level last recorded in early June with the Labor Department reporting 419,000 for the week ended July 17. The latest figures show the recovery remains uneven, though job gains and consumer spending remain elevated. Overall, numbers have been falling gradually from the peaks seen at the beginning of the pandemic, but the delta variant is sparking renewed fears regarding business closures and restrictions. Surprise Gain in Jobless Claims Shows U.S. Labor Market Churn - Bloomberg Stock futures are flat as jobless claims unexpectedly rise - CNBC @grossdm: Stimulus fading--between June 26 and July 3, the number of people receiving unemployment benefits fell 1.26 million as state end pandemic benefits Large tech companies in Silicon Valley are navigating the balance between business interests and the wellbeing of employees amid the pandemic’s ever-changing rules and recommendations. Google parent Alphabet Inc. is “strongly encouraging” all returning employees to wear a mask inside Google property at all times while Facebook, employees who provide proof of being fully vaccinated can forgo masks. Apple, whose workers have been one of the most vocal about misgiving in returning to campuses, recently pushed back its return to the office. Big Tech Companies Are Rethinking Office Reopening as Delta Variant Spreads - Observer The California Dream Is Dying - The Atlantic Navigating Out-of-Office Gatherings in the Age of Covid-19 - Bloomberg Law The French will begin having residents present a “COVID pass” in order to participate in any “leisure activity where more than 50 people are gathered.” This includes museums, cinemas, festivals and swimming pools. The pass confirms the holder is either fully vaccinated or recently tested negative for COVID-19. France Has Strict New Vaccine Requirements, Could It Work for US? - Healthline The EU vaccine 'passport' and what it means for travel - BBC Will vaccine passports ever really take off? - Slate Fox has quietly implemented its own version