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Sep 1, 2023 • 4 min read

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CDC Mandate Rumors:

The CDC has addressed rumors about reinstating mask mandates and lockdowns due to COVID-19. Despite some hospitals and offices reimposing mask mandates, and speculation about federal officials reintroducing mandates or lockdowns, a CDC spokesperson stated that there have been no agency discussions about bringing back mask mandates, and that current recommendations are tied to hospital admission levels.
They also emphasized the importance of vaccination before traveling and mentioned that individuals may choose to wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. The spokesperson also confirmed that there are no current mandates in effect. Additionally, a TSA spokesperson and another CDC spokesperson both refuted claims about upcoming mandates or lockdowns.
While there has been a recent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations, experts say it is not a surge or wave, and deaths have not significantly increased. Recently, some hospitals in the U.S. have reinstated mask mandates for staff, while others have made masks mandatory for everyone entering the facility.
Other institutions, like Lionsgate studios and a college in Atlanta, initially announced the return of masking but later clarified that it was not mandatory or was only for certain groups. Overall, there are no public plans by federal agencies to reimpose mask mandates or lockdowns. However, some hospitals and other institutions have chosen to reintroduce mask mandates locally due to increases in COVID-19 cases.

Amazon & Shopify's Collaboration:

Amazon and Shopify have announced an integration that will allow Shopify merchants to offer the "Buy with Prime" option in their stores. This move is surprising because, in the past, Shopify warned merchants against using Amazon's Buy with Prime feature as it violated Shopify's terms of service.
However, Shopify has now changed its stance and is committed to providing more choices to its merchants and their customers. Soon, Amazon will release an app that will allow Shopify merchants in the U.S. who use Amazon's fulfillment network to add the Buy with Prime option to their Shopify checkout, processed by Shopify Payments.
This app will make it easier for merchants to start using Buy with Prime and will utilize their existing Shopify settings and third-party app integrations. Customers will benefit from fast, free delivery, while merchants will maintain full control of their brand and customer data.
The app will be available to both new and existing Buy with Prime merchants, and Amazon's Vice President of Buy with Prime, Peter Larsen, expressed excitement about the collaboration and its potential benefits for merchants and Prime members.

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