A study on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines agains the Delta variant, a “right to repair” rule, higher price tests, updated Connecticut sexual harassment laws, and appointments to a group associated with Connecticut’s new recreational marijuana law are among the top business news items this morning.
National
Countering other research suggesting that vaccines are largely effective against the Delta variant of COVID-19 Israeli study suggests that the Pfizer vaccine is only 39 percent effective against infections by the variant. The study found that the vaccine was still highly effective in reducing the likelihood of severe illness or hospitalization.
Federal Trade Commission commissioners have unanimously approved a “right to repair” policy, saying it could expand options for consumers looking to repair certain devices and equipment. That statement follows President Joe Biden’s recently announced anti-competitive agenda, which set right to repair as a goal.
Business trends
Companies are testing prices increases as they cope with higher expenditures for materials, labor, and transportation. However, some businesses are proceeding more cautiously due to concerns that further increases might drive away customers.
Connecticut
Revisions to Connecticut’s sexual harassment training laws will go into effect on Oct. 1. The Connecticut General Assembly is exempting certain workers who completed the training from taking it again if they change employers.
Governor Ned Lamont has named the five members of Connecticut’s Social Equity Council, with more appointments to come. The council was established as part of Connecticut’s legalization of recreational cannabis to help ensure the equitable rollout of the program, including efforts to help those who were disproportionately affected by previous cannabis enforcement.