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Epidemics

New Year, New Challenges: Key Takeaways and Statistics on Business and Tech

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the US enters 2021, the country faces new challenges in business and tech. Despite the passing of a much-needed pandemic relief package, disagreements over stimulus payments and trade agreements continue to plague the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $900 billion pandemic relief package passed by Congress includes direct stimulus payments of $2,000 for most Americans, up from the original $600 proposed in the bill.
  • The Justice Department has accused Walmart of knowingly filling suspicious opioid prescriptions at its pharmacies, alleging that the company disregarded reports from its pharmacy employees.
  • Russian hackers breached the email system used by top-level officials at the Treasury Department in July, without anyone's noticing until recently, and also infiltrated hundreds of US organizations, including Cisco, Intel, and Nvidia.
  • The British government has discovered a new mutation of the coronavirus that's potentially up to 70% more contagious, leading to travel bans and trade disruptions in the region.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that 30 million frontline essential workers, including emergency responders and grocery store employees, receive priority for the coronavirus vaccine.
  • The Labor Department has proposed a rule that allows restaurants to require employees to pool their tips and share them with the wider staff, including back-of-house workers.
  • Amazon workers at an Alabama warehouse will vote next year on whether to unionize, a rare instance at the e-commerce giant.
  • The snowshoeing industry is experiencing a renaissance as Americans seek pandemic-friendly winter activities.

Statistics:

  • $900 billion: The amount of the pandemic relief package passed by Congress.
  • $2,000: The new amount of direct stimulus payments included in the relief package.
  • 30 million: The number of frontline essential workers recommended for priority in receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
  • 70%: The potential increase in contagiousness of the new Coronavirus mutation.
  • 1000+ million: The number of coronavirus vaccines already distributed to healthcare workers.
  • 2021: The year in which Amazon workers at an Alabama warehouse will vote on whether to unionize.

Sources:

  • What's Up? (Dec. 20-26)
  • The New York Times (caption for the photograph)

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