Overview: Senior U.S. officials test postive, Covid developments in China and Latin America

What you need to know about the coronavirus right now Here's what you need to know about the pandemic right now: Reuters Reuters

-- As Washington emerges from its COVID cocoon, with tourists returning to the U.S. Capitol and officials attending a white-tie party that had been scotched for the past two years, the coronavirus is again stalking the halls of power.

At least a half-dozen senior officials, including members of President Joe Biden's Cabinet and lawmakers, have tested positive for COVID in recent days, even as caseloads drop across the country. read more  

Pelosi positive for COVID-19, was at White House with Biden

 -- The Shanghai government said on Thursday it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing public discontent as COVID curbs stretched into an 11th day.

China's financial hub has fallen largely silent after the city imposed harsh curbs under the country's "zero tolerance" policy, with only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission allowed on the streets. read more

-- COVID cases falling in Americas, but risk of further surges remains

Infections and deaths have dropped across most countries and territories in the Americas over the past few weeks but the risk of further surges cannot be ignored as restrictions are relaxed and 240 million people remain unvaccinated, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said on Wednesday.

"Many countries and territories in the Americas have scaled back public health measures, and some have done so prematurely," PAHO director Carissa Etienne said, noting that case counts have risen recently in places that rely on tourism, especially in parts of North America and the Caribbean where vaccination coverage is low. read more