COVID cases rising again, Lakes vs ponds and wetlands, Mental health responses

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Hand sanitizer and coronavirus model on a table with Fauci in background
As a model of Covid-19 rests on a table, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, arrives for a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing Wednesday, May 26, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Stefani Reynolds/AP Photo

An infectious disease professor joins us to look at the BA.5 COVID-19 variant and an uptick in reinfections. Then, a freshwater ecologist brings us research that sets new definitions for lakes, ponds and wetlands. Later, we talk to the mayor of Madison about the city’s alternative response program for nonviolent mental health emergency calls.

Featured in this Show

  • COVID-19 cases and reinfections on the rise amid summer travel

    COVID infections and re-infections are on the rise. The emerging dominant variant, BA.5, is able to evade immunity from vaccination and previous infections. A public health expert explains the current surge and how to protect yourself and others if you’re traveling this summer.

  • What's the difference between lakes, ponds and wetlands?

    A group of researchers set specific definitions for what bodies of water classify as lakes, ponds and wetlands. We learn about their ecosystems and why the distinctions matter.

  • Checking in on a different approach to emergency mental health calls in Madison

    The City of Madison launched an alternative response program for nonviolent mental health emergency calls nearly a year ago. We talk to the city’s mayor about how the program is going, and its recent expansion city-wide.

Episode Credits

  • Dean Knetter Host
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Colleen Leahy Producer
  • Lorin Cox Producer
  • Rachael Vasquez Producer
  • Ajay Sethi Guest
  • Meredith Holgerson Guest
  • Satya Rhodes-Conway Guest

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