The Biden administration has organized to buy an extra 100 million doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine — sufficient when added to vaccines from different sources to present the nation with greater than sufficient doses to inoculate each American, the White House stated Wednesday.
The actions come as states ease pandemic restrictions; Texas has dropped all of them, turning into open “100%,” Gov. Greg Abbott stated.
Also Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed a $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief bill, which now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. The stimulus bundle contains $1,400 checks for many Americans, billions for vaccines, and cash to reopen faculties. Biden is predicted to sign the legislation Friday.
He stated the extra doses of the single-shot J&J vaccine are wanted for “maximum flexibility. … A lot can happen. A lot can change. And we need to be prepared.”
Biden spoke at a White House occasion with the heads of Johnson & Johnson and Merck, the pharmaceutical firm that’s partnering with its competitor to assist produce the vaccines.
The new buy is on high of the 100 million doses J&J pledged to provide by the top of June. It’s additionally along with the 200 million doses of the two-shot vaccines being made by Pfizer and Moderna, which together with the almost 128 million doses already distributed can be sufficient to vaccinate each U.S. grownup.
The additional 100 million, anticipated to be delivered principally within the second half of the 12 months, provides the administration a cushion in case of issues.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki identified that it is not recognized which of the vaccines shall be only on kids and higher at defeating the rising coronavirus variants.
– Courtney Subramanian
Also within the information:
►The seven-day rolling common for each day new instances within the U.S. dropped over the previous two weeks from 67,713 on Feb. 23 to 55,844 on Tuesday, in line with Johns Hopkins University knowledge. The seven-day rolling common for each day deaths over those self same dates decreased from 1,986 to 1,566.
►Georgia will increase COVID-19 vaccine standards beginning Monday to everybody 55 and older, plus youthful adults who’re obese or have severe well being circumstances, making greater than two-thirds of Georgians 16 and older eligible for vaccination.
►The pandemic seems to be easing in North America, with U.S., Canada and Mexico persevering with to report a drop in new infections, the Pan American Health Organization stated. Brazil, nonetheless, is battling rising infections and final week had its deadliest day, with virtually 2,000 fatalities reported, the company stated.
►Maryland will ease restrictions on eating places and different companies beginning Friday, Gov. Larry Hogan stated, citing bettering COVID-19 well being metrics and rising vaccinations.
📈 Today’s numbers: The U.S. has over 29.15 million confirmed coronavirus instances and greater than 529,100 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The world totals: More than 117.9 million instances and a couple of.61 million deaths. More than 127.8 million vaccine doses have been distributed within the U.S. and 95.7 million have been administered, according to the CDC.
📘 What we’re studying: In simply two months, the United States might be swimming in COVID-19 vaccine. That might convey its personal issues. Read more here.
USA TODAY is monitoring COVID-19 information. Keep refreshing this web page for the newest updates. Want extra? Sign up for our Coronavirus Watch newsletter for updates to your inbox and join our Facebook group.
Vaccine now out there at some Target shops
The COVID-19 vaccine has arrived at Target shops in 17 states.
The retailer introduced Wednesday the rollout of vaccines for individuals who are eligible at more than 600 CVS in-store pharmacies at Target locations in components of the nation. CVS Health acquired pharmacies in Target shops for $1.9 billion in 2015.
Target instructed USA TODAY that choose shops within the following states are providing vaccines by appointment by way of CVS: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Which of the vaccines can be found varies by location.
— Kelly Tyko
Democratic-led states fared poorly early in pandemic, then rallied forward
States led by Republican governors fared higher within the first few months of the pandemic, however the development reversed in early June, and from mid-year by way of early December, states with Democratic governors had a decrease incidence of coronavirus infections and deaths, a brand new examine discovered.
The report, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, says researchers theorized Democratic-led states would do poorly early on due to entry factors within the U.S. coasts, that are principally Democratic strongholds. That certainly occurred, however whereas most states issued stay-at-home mandates when infections skyrocketed in March and April, Republican governors have been slower to reply and stored the orders in place for a shorter time, the researchers stated. They additionally identified Democratic governors have been extra more likely to require using masks.
“Gubernatorial party affiliation may drive policy decisions that impact COVID-19 infections and deaths across the U.S.,” the study concluded. “Future coverage choices must be guided by public well being issues fairly than political ideology.”
Guidance on nursing house visits relaxed
The marked lower in COVID-19 infections in long-term care amenities and the in depth vaccination program in them has led federal well being officers to loosen visiting tips, permitting for in-person contact with residents.
While noting that out of doors visits are the popular choice, the rules from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services advocate that the amenities enable indoor visits “at all times and for all residents” even when neither get together has been vaccinated, with some exceptions.
“Visitation can be conducted through various means based on a facility’s structure and residents’ needs, including in resident rooms, visitation spaces, and outdoors,” the recommendations say.
Texas ends mask mandate, fully opens for business
Texas formally dropped its mask mandate and businesses shed all restrictions Wednesday as Gov. Greg Abbott followed through on his plan to “open Texas 100%.” Abbott noted that the test positivity rate has dropped for 15 straight days and is down to 6.64%. He tweeted: “Keep up the good work to crush COVID in Texas.”
Some health officials aren’t sold. Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the Baylor College of Medicine, stated the extremely infectious U.Ok. variant is sweeping the state whereas vaccinations lag.
“None of that’s excellent news,” he instructed CBS News. “I fear we’re in for the right storm.”
Los Angeles students, teachers headed back to school. Next month.
The nation’s second-largest public school system is headed back into the classroom. In California, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the union representing more than 33,000 educators announced a tentative agreement on how to reopen schools for in-person instruction “as quickly as potential and within the most secure means potential.” The plan prioritizes preschools, elementary schools and services for students with learning differences to reopen by mid-April.
“Conditions finally allow us to resume in-person instruction,” college board President Kelly Gonez stated. “With the declines in COVID-19 in our communities, the preparation of all our school sites and the vaccinations of our school staff, we are excited to start safely welcoming students in a hybrid model in the coming weeks.”
Contributing: The Associated Press
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