As of Wednesday, the Delta coronavirus variant may have been responsible for 31% of all coronavirus cases in the US. Previous data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put that share of cases at about 10% as of June 5 and 2.7% on May 22.

Frontline health care workers — including nurses, doctors, residents, security guards, orderlies, and cleaning staff — have borne the brunt of a population made angrier and more frustrated by the pandemic.

More people have died from Covid-19 already this year than in all of 2020, according to official counts, highlighting how the global pandemic is far from over even as vaccines beat back the virus in wealthy nations.

“Why do they book your well-child checks for 15 minutes?” my medical student asked me yesterday. I laughed. I couldn’t help it. Gut reaction – like when you laugh instead of cry. I explained that all of our appointments are 15 minutes – well-checks (regardless of age), to colds, to suicidality or chest pain.