Coronavirus update: Booster shots appear more likely, layoffs continue to decline Kroger has dropped its mask mandate 05/20/2021 Total U.S. confirmed cases: 33,029,091 (32,999,741) Total U.S. deaths: 587,930 (587,245) Total global cases: 165,015,132 (164,348,314) Total global deaths: 3,420,173 (3,407,240) Health officials considering the need for booster shots Are you fully vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19)? That’s great, but now you need to start thinking about getting a booster shot next winter. That’s the advice being given by health officials in the U.S. and the European Union, who are increasingly concerned that the virus could turn into a seasonal malady, one that needs annual protections -- just like the flu.