THE CDC is recommending a return to wearing masks at indoor public gatherings in some areas of the U.S. where new cases are surging (Pexels/Cottonbor).

Just when you thought it was safe to leave your masks off and your hand spray on the counter, a new warning of resurgent coronavirus emerged on Wednesday.

According to The Associated Press, COVID-19 cases are fast increasing, so much so that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued guidelines that suggest that those who live in the hardest hit parts of the nation – Northeast and Midwest – should mask up at indoor public gatherings.

No changes in guidelines for California and the Pacific West have been made.

Additionally, the rise of new variants could make for a dangerous environment in the fall and winter if new vaccines are not developed.

Baby formula shortage prompts action

The snarled supply chain has led to a disruption in the production and distribution of infant formula, and President Joe Biden on Wednesday invoked the Defense Production Act in an effort to ease the crunch.

According to United Press International, the law requires manufacturers to “prioritize” supplying the resources used to create the formula. Also several federal departments will use commercial aircraft to fly in infant formula from other countries.

Sports: Angels lose 3rd straight, Dodgers win 5th

The two LA-OC teams in Major League Baseball are headed in different directions. The Los Angeles Angels lost 6-5 in 10 innings to the Texas Rangers on Wednesday. The Halos led 5-4 in the top of the 10th, Nathaniel Lowe hit a two-run pinch-hit homer to give the home team the win.

Shohei Ohtani pitched six strong innings, giving up two hits and two runs. He struck out seven batters and walked two. But the relief corps gave up three home runs.

For the Angels, Jared Walsh hit two homers and drove in three runs. After Wednesday’s loss, the team is 24-16, still in second place and one game back of the Houston Astros in the American League West.

The Los Angeles Dodgers can do no wrong now, with five straight victories. The Blue Crew bested the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3. Justin Turner did the most damage with his bat, hitting a three-run homer in the fourth inning. The win went to Walker Buehler (5-1) who pitched five innings, giving up six hits and two runs. He struck out four and walked two.

With the win, the Dodgers are 25-12 and lead the National League West by two games over the San Diego Padres (23-14).

Weather: More of the same

Partly cloudy conditions will continue through the West Orange County area all the way to Monday. Thursday’s predicted high will be 70 with an overnight low of 61. Friday should cool slightly to 68 (60). A warming trend starts on Saturday with a high of 71 (59). Sunday should hit 72 (59) and Monday will be 74 (58).

Business: Inflation fears rout market

Persistent worries that inflation may get worse, compounded by worrisome earnings reports by big retailers such as Target, drove stock prices down on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1,164.52 points (3.57 percent), while the S&P 500 declined by 3,923.68 (4.04 percent). Nasdaq was down 556.37 points (4.73 percent).