Dec 11 COVID-19 viral spread related to Thanksgiving appears across U.S. By Carla K. Johnson, Amy Forliti, Associated Press Contact tracers and emergency room doctors are hearing repeatedly from new coronavirus patients that they socialized during the Thanksgiving holiday with people outside their households. The next round of festivities could yield even more cases. Continue reading
Dec 11 FDA says it will work to authorize Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 By Associated Press The FDA decision will kickstart an unprecedented vaccination campaign needed to eventually defeat the virus. Continue reading
Dec 10 U.S. panel endorses widespread use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine By Associated Press The Food and Drug Administration is expected to follow the recommendation issued Thursday by its expert advisers. The advisory group, in 17-4 vote with one abstention, concluded that the shot appears safe and effective against the coronavirus in people 16… Continue reading
Dec 10 CDC official says she was ordered to delete an email suggesting attempted interference by Trump administration, probe finds By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Associated Press A senior manager with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has told congressional investigators she was ordered to delete an email suggesting attempted political interference by the Trump administration in coronavirus reports to the public. Continue reading
Dec 10 European Union strikes deal on landmark budget, virus recovery fund By Lorne Cook, Raf Casert, Associated Press The 1.82 trillion-euro ($2.21 trillion) seven-year budget and recovery package is vital for virus-battered European economies. Hungary and Poland had threatened to veto it over a move to tie the use of EU funds to upholding the rule of law. Continue reading
Dec 10 One-day U.S. deaths top 3,000, more than D-Day or 9/11 By Heather Hollingsworth, Associated Press Up until last week, the peak was 2,603 deaths on April 15, when New York City was the epicenter of the nation's outbreak. More than 106,000 people were hospitalized — also a record total. Continue reading
Dec 10 U.S. jobless claims jump to 853,000 amid virus resurgence By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press The number of people applying for unemployment aid jumped last week to 853,000, the most since September, evidence that companies are cutting more jobs as new virus cases spiral higher. Continue reading
Dec 10 When it comes to coronavirus risks, Americans are divided over indoor sports By Jamie Leventhal A majority of Americans – 58 percent – say that people should not participate in indoor team sports this winter, according to the latest PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll. Continue reading
Dec 09 Lawmakers act to avert shutdown, buying time for virus relief talks By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press The House on Wednesday easily passed a temporary funding bill that sets a Dec. 18 deadline for Congress to wrap up both a virus relief measure and a $1.4 trillion government spending bill. Continue reading
Dec 09 Tensions rise over masks as virus grips smaller U.S. cities By Heather Hollingsworth, Ryan Foley, Associated Press Public health officials in Boise, Idaho, were about to vote on a mask mandate but ended the meeting because of fears for their safety amid protests outside the building and at some of their homes. Continue reading