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As coronavirus cases continued to soar in Arizona, dozens of people gathered on July 4 to protest restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus. (Video: Reuters)

Atlanta mayor tests positive for coronavirus; states mandate masks, shut down again

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms has tested positive for the coronavirus, she announced on Twitter on Monday.

“COVID-19 has literally hit home,” she tweeted. “I have had NO symptoms and have tested positive.”

More local and state leaders on Monday embraced new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus as the United States entered its 28th day reporting record-high average infections. Elected officials have called the rush to reopen a mistake.  

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Coronavirus: What you need to know

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change has raised concerns among medically vulnerable people.

New coronavirus variant: The United States is in the throes of another covid-19 uptick and coronavirus samples detected in wastewater suggests infections could be as rampant as they were last winter. JN.1, the new dominant variant, appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s how this covid surge compares with earlier spikes.

Latest coronavirus booster: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older gets an updated coronavirus shot, but the vaccine rollout has seen some hiccups, especially for children. Here’s what you need to know about the latest coronavirus vaccines, including when you should get it.