The Daily Skimm

The Story

If you're fully vaccinated and you know it, clap your hands.

**I'm not but clap clap anyway...**

Well, you're not alone. The CDC considers someone fully vaccinated two weeks after they've received their single-dose shot (of Johnson & Johnson) or their second shot (of either Pfizer or Moderna). As of now, that's less than 10% of the US population. President Biden said 'I'm working on it' and hopes to have enough doses for every American adult by the end of May. (Shot girl summer, here we come.) In the meantime, the CDC's saying 'if you've been fully vaccinated, listen up.' Here's...

What you can do now…Hang out with other fully vaccinated people indoors, no mask, no social distancing. Pop in to say 'hi' to friends and family who may be unvaccinated but are at low risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19. Say 'hasta la vista, baby' to quarantine and testing if asymptomatic after being exposed to the virus.

What you still shouldn't do…Go maskless in public. Get too close to strangers. Forego the precautions near unvaccinated people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19. Plan a big party. Travel.

So if I'm vaccinated and do all this I'm good?

Not necessarily. Some variants may reduce vaccine efficacy. It's also not clear how likely vaccinated people are to spread the virus (stay tuned for more info). Hence, the CDC's conflicting advice: hang out with some people indoors, mask up outside. The CDC thinks the benefits of reducing social isolation may outweigh some of the risks. But people have to make their own call.

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We're not at a place where vaccinated people can go back to fully living out their pre-pandemic lives (remember "large-sized crowds"?). But the CDC's message is clear: vaccines are a crucial tool in getting the country a little closer back to normal.

PS: On last week's episode of "Skimm This," we spoke with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about vaccines, double-masking, and what it will take for schools to reopen.

And Also...This

Who still has people talking…

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. Yesterday, Oprah dropped more bombshells from her interview with the couple. Meghan and Harry's explosive tell-all exposed the racism and mental health struggles they faced during their time with the royal family and British tabloids. And raised eyebrows everywhere when they shared that family members had "concerns and conversations" about their baby Archie's skin color. Now, Oprah's saying Harry made it clear that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were not involved in those conversations.

There's more: New clips also aired on CBS This Morning where Markle opened up about her estranged relationship with her father and half-sister. And defended herself from the media scrutiny, saying that "rude and racist are not the same."

#AbolishTheMonarchy: The hashtag trended on social media as supporters came out in the couple's defense. The White House said it "takes courage" to speak out about mental health. Buckingham Palace has not responded.

What people are watching…

Senegal. Since last week, the West African nation has seen protests following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Authorities arrested Sonko on accusations that he raped a beauty salon employee. But Sonko denied the allegation, and said current President Macky Sall was trying to derail his 2024 presidential bid. Sall reportedly said 'wasn't me,' but history shows he's been accused of this before. Thousands took to the streets in anger, calling for Sonko's release. At least eight people died in clashes with police – marking the worst unrest in one of West Africa's most stable democracies in a decade. Sonko was released but protests could continue this week.

Raising alarms: In Senegal, rape wasn't considered a serious crime until last year. Now, some women's rights activists worry that the public's eagerness to believe Sonko could prevent other women from reporting sexual assaults.

Who's saying 'we see you'...

President Biden. Yesterday, he signed two executive orders aimed at closing the gender equity gap on International Women's Day. One forms a White House council to coordinate federal policies on things like closing the gender wealth gap, supporting women in STEM, and reducing gender-based violence. The other EO calls on the Education Dept to review how colleges and universities handle sexual assault allegations.

Whose programs you'll have to add to your binge-watching list…

Malala Yousafzai's.

Not-so-fun fact: researchers have found that eating sugar, specifically fructose – the kind that's in lots of processed foods and drinks – may actually make you crave more sugar. On the flip side, you tend to be satisfied with fewer sweet things when you eat less sugar. Rock, meet hard place.

Enter: Sakara's best-selling Metabolism Super Powder. It contains Gymnema Sylvestre, an herb that can help regulate blood sugar and lower cortisol. Making it a great addition to your daily routine if you're trying to kick a sugar habit. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Sweet.

The Supportive Side of History

In the 1920s, the style was short hair, drop-waist flapper dresses, and making your body look as slim and straight as possible. But dressmakers Enid Bissett and Ida Rosenthal thought accentuating a woman's natural shape was a better idea. So they started selling cupped bras. Almost 100 years later, the company they founded is still helping women look and feel better in their clothes. Example: the Maidenform® Self Expressions® Simply the One® T-Shirt Bra. It's supportive, comfy, and newly available at Target for less than $20. Plus, Skimm'rs get 15% off. Proudly add to cart.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...

1. 15 products that honor game-changing women in history. We're honoring trailblazers like Maya Angelou, RBG, and Dolly Parton. Who run the world?

2. 9 must-read books by inspiring women. For when you need a pep talk from some VIPs. Shonda, Greta, and Gloria to the rescue.

3. Some face masks that you can layer together for added protection. Start off with a disposable mask. And then choose your second layer. We recommend these tie-dye ones or this lightweight mask that can ship fast.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Monday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs

Just like us, Hulu is all about elevating and celebrating female voices and stories. So this Women's History Month, we've partnered to help Skimm'rs shine the spotlight on the women who will go down in their history books. Got someone in mind? Head here to give them a shoutout.

Spreading the word...Aleah C-A (FL). She's a student at New College of Florida and has started StaySafelyAway.com. It sells clothing that helps immunocompromised people politely inform others to keep a distance during the pandemic. And the company's got more products in the works.

Lighting the way...Jules K (MA). She's a volunteer and mentor for empowerHER, an org on a mission to empower, support, and connect girls and young women who've lost their mothers. It's hosting an event all over the US for Mother's Day. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Anna Liguori (NY), theSkimm's Carly Mallenbaum (CA), Ryan Abbadi (NY), Courtney Connelly (CA), Brittany Snow (LA), Jeffrey Rudnick (NY), Ginny Lasco (PA), Mona Chawla (LA), Whitney Jarosch (UT), Maureen Miller (TX), Bailey Wimmer (TN), Debbie Maack (MO), Sue Grimm Hanley (NY), Claire Johnson (MN), Moomal Shaikh (NY), Emily Fraser (DC)

Skimm Share

Check out our product recs to give your home a tech upgrade. Think: voice-control smart plugs, a wireless charging tray, and a Bluetooth shower speaker.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain