In coronavirus news, New York City and other parts of the Northeast have reported an uptick in cases as the Omicron subvariant BA.2 spreads. One genomics firm estimates BA.2 now represents between 50% to 70% of all U.S. cases, though many health experts say they do not expect a major surge. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the city’s mask mandate for children under 5 will be dropped on April 4 if officials deem case numbers remain low enough. This comes as the Biden administration said this week it does not have sufficient funds to purchase a fourth vaccine dose for all U.S. residents, if called for, and urged lawmakers to pass a stalled $15 billion funding package.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has tested positive for the coronavirus for the second time in five months. Hillary Clinton also announced she has COVID and is experiencing mild cold symptoms.