N.Y. Has Fewest Cases Since December; Merkel’s Vow: Virus Update Bloomberg 2/1/2021
(Bloomberg)
The U.S. recorded more than 95,500 Covid-related deaths in January, the worst monthly total since the pandemic began, though fatalities this month are expected to be lower. A major snowstorm forced New York City to halt vaccinations for two days.
Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed to offer all Germans a vaccine by the end of September, even if new shots aren’t approved. Europe’s largest economy will have sufficient supplies to stand by its target despite delivery delays, she said after crisis talks with pharmaceutical executives, regional German leaders and European Commission officials.
U.S. Deaths Surpass 300,000 as Vaccinations Begin: Virus Update
Bloomberg 12/14/2020
(Bloomberg)
The first Covid-19 vaccine shots were administered by U.S. hospitals Monday, the initial step in a historic drive to immunize millions of people as deaths passed the grim milestone of 300,000.
In New York, the original epicenter of the U.S. pandemic, critical-care nurse Sandra Lindsay received the first shot in that state at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. The state is headed toward a second full shutdown if new infections and hospitalizations continue at their current pace, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.
European governments are tightening restrictions. London will be placed under England’s toughest coronavirus restrictions from Wednesday. The Dutch government is expected to lay out extra measures and Ireland is facing the possibility of more curbs next month after an easing in December. Germany is set to enter into hard lockdown Wednesday.
CDC Gives Final Signoff on U.S. Vaccination Start: Virus Update
Bloomberg 12/13/2020
(Bloomberg)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention formally signed off on U.S. vaccinations against Covid-19 to begin as early as Monday, saying the goal is to “help restore some normalcy to our lives and our country.”
New York City, where indoor dining at restaurants and bars is halting on Monday, said its positive-test rate remains above the 5% threshold that influences virus-related restrictions. New Jersey plans to being vaccinations on Tuesday.
While the virus is raging in much of the U.S., the head of the government’s vaccine drive said as much as 80% of the U.S. population could be vaccinated by next summer, putting “herd immunity” within reach.