Pandemic roundup: Long Covid explained; some Christians with weak immune systems worry about attending church

Here's a roundup of recent news stories about the pandemic and vaccination efforts:

Federal pandemic assistance will soon end, and some experts worry rural health care could suffer as a result. White House policymakers say they're taking that into account. Read more here.

As states, counties and municipalities increasingly lift pandemic restrictions, Americans with weakened immune systems say they feel left behind. Attending church during the pandemic has been a source of anxiety for many immuno-suppressed Christians, The Washington Post reports.

Millions of Americans have developed long Covid, which is an umbrella term for various long-term complications from the coronavirus infection. That's caused many to become homeless. The Post has a great explainer on long Covid, including current understanding of its risks, symptoms, and recovery.

Social workers are the unsung heroes of the pandemic, but many are feeling burned out and leaving their positions. Read more here.