The B.1.1.7 variant appears to infect human cells more easily, and one CDC simulation of its transmissibility raised concerns that it could become the most dominant form of coronavirus in March.
The CDC called for continued and aggressive distribution of vaccines to try to turn the tide. “Higher vaccination coverage may need to be achieved to protect the public,” warned CDC researchers.
According to the CDC, at least 12.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered as of Friday during a federal rollout that has drawn intense scrutiny and criticism from state officials.
Some states were alarmed by news from Alex Azar, Secretary of Health and Human Services, who said there is no “reserve” of vaccines available to release.
Vaccination problems
Oregon Governor Kate Brown said she was “shocked and appalled” and said her state will have to pass a two-week delay to vaccinate more seniors.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Friday that he is “extremely disappointed that we have been lied to” about the backup vaccines and that the next vaccines will be “delivered down the supply chain in the future.”
“There is no inflow of doses, unlike a phone call we had with the vice president [and] the health minister three days ago, where they told us we would be getting an extra amount available to the states, ”said the governor.
Polis estimated that of the 58,000 doses left in Colorado, “probably all or nearly all will have been used by Sunday.”
Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota governors were critical of federal plans for Azar, hoping they could purchase vaccines directly from manufacturers.
Without additional supplies or direct purchase permission, our states could be forced to cancel plans for public vaccination clinics in the coming weeks, which are expected to vaccinate tens of thousands. It is time for the Trump administration to do the right thing and us. help end this pandemic, ”the letter states.
Pfizer tried to reassure state leadership and the public on Friday about the production of its vaccine, saying it did not expect any disruptions in shipments.
“Operation Warp Speed has asked us to ship second doses only recently. As a result, we have all the second doses from previous shipments to the US on hand. We are working around the clock to produce millions more every day,” Pfizer says. said in a statement to CNN.
Mask restrictions continue to fluctuate by state
Meanwhile, a recent coronavirus projection from the University of Washington estimates 566,720 deaths on May 1 in the US.
The university’s Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) said the number could be reduced by about 32,000 deaths with universal mask requirements.
The requirements for masks are strongly urged by health officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and its implementation is expected to have a direct effect on future infections and deaths. Reactions at the state and local levels varied widely. Some states still don’t enforce mask guidelines, allowing companies to set their own.
On Friday, Mississippi extended its mandate to wear masks in all counties except Feb. 9-3.
“It is important that we continue to take this virus seriously. We are working on getting Mississippians vaccinated, but we are staying at a social distance, keeping meetings small and wearing your mask,” said Gov. Tate Reeves.
However, North Dakota said officials are seeing its Covid-19 numbers drop following an earlier outbreak, and Governor Doug Burgum said the mask mandate will expire Monday, reiterating “we need to remain vigilant” during a newsletter.
North Dakota’s capacity limitations for bars, restaurants and event venues will change from requirements to recommendations.
CNN’s Maggie Fox, Bianna Golodryga, Yon Pomrenze, Lauren del Valle, Melissa Alonso, Devon Sayers, Amanda Sealy, Kay Jones, Hollie Silverman and Rob Frehse contributed to this report.