American coronavirus deaths rose to a daily record of 3,580 and hospitalizations soared for the 19th consecutive day on Wednesday, raising the stakes as regulators on Thursday considered approving a second Covid-19 vaccine.
Another 232,255 cases were reported, the second highest daily case ever recorded as California became the first state to report more than 50,000 cases in one day, according to a Reuters count.
The United States leads the world with a cumulative 307,767 deaths and nearly 17 million cases, as many Americans and the outgoing President Donald Trump administration have opposed orders to stay at home and wear masks that have proven effective in controlling the spread.
But more help could come soon with a second vaccine nearing approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A panel of external advisers from the FDA is expected to approve emergency use of Moderna Inc’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, a week after the same committee backed Pfizer Inc’s Covid-19 vaccine and German partner BioNTech SE.
The FDA approved emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine a day later, opening the gates to a large-scale vaccination program that began Monday.
About 570 vaccine distribution centers received the first batch of shipments on Monday and Tuesday, and an additional 886 locations would receive vials on Friday, said U.S. Army General Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of the government’s Operation Warp Speed campaign.
But the first major storm of the winter season could also disrupt the distribution of vaccines.
Courier companies Federal Express and United Parcel Service had contingency plans to keep delayed vaccine shipments safe until they can be delivered, Perna told reporters.
With millions of Americans out of work, Congress will soon be able to lend a hand too.
After months of arguing and with a rapidly approaching weekend deadline, congressional negotiators negotiated details of a $ 900 billion Covid-19 aid bill that leaders have vowed to pass before heading home this year.
The legislation is expected to include $ 600 to $ 700 incentive checks, expand unemployment benefits, help pay for vaccine distribution, and support small businesses.
Another 232,255 cases were reported, the second highest daily case ever recorded as California became the first state to report more than 50,000 cases in one day, according to a Reuters count.
The United States leads the world with a cumulative 307,767 deaths and nearly 17 million cases, as many Americans and the outgoing President Donald Trump administration have opposed orders to stay at home and wear masks that have proven effective in controlling the spread.
But more help could come soon with a second vaccine nearing approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A panel of external advisers from the FDA is expected to approve emergency use of Moderna Inc’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, a week after the same committee backed Pfizer Inc’s Covid-19 vaccine and German partner BioNTech SE.
The FDA approved emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine a day later, opening the gates to a large-scale vaccination program that began Monday.
About 570 vaccine distribution centers received the first batch of shipments on Monday and Tuesday, and an additional 886 locations would receive vials on Friday, said U.S. Army General Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of the government’s Operation Warp Speed campaign.
But the first major storm of the winter season could also disrupt the distribution of vaccines.
Courier companies Federal Express and United Parcel Service had contingency plans to keep delayed vaccine shipments safe until they can be delivered, Perna told reporters.
With millions of Americans out of work, Congress will soon be able to lend a hand too.
After months of arguing and with a rapidly approaching weekend deadline, congressional negotiators negotiated details of a $ 900 billion Covid-19 aid bill that leaders have vowed to pass before heading home this year.
The legislation is expected to include $ 600 to $ 700 incentive checks, expand unemployment benefits, help pay for vaccine distribution, and support small businesses.