NBC News has the stories of elderly people who have died from long periods of isolation duringthe coronavirus pandemic. And former surgeon general Vivek Murthy talks with NPR about the negative effects of loneliness and the power of human connection. Social scientist Kasley Killam writes for Scientific American about a recent study that found that levels of loneliness have mostly remained unchanged during the pandemic, despite increased isolation. Astronauts tell USA Today their strategies for coping with anxiety and loneliness during long periods of isolation. And Vox spoke with Murthy about his suggestions for addressing feelings of loneliness.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.