Long-awaited data from the Oxford/AstraZeneca U.S. trial suggests the vaccine is safe, 79% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19, and fully effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
Yes, but: The suspension of the vaccine in at least 13 countries due to blood-clotting concerns has severely damaged the shot’s reputation in Europe, with majorities in France (61%), Germany (55%) and elsewhere now deeming it unsafe, according to a YouGov poll.
Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said Monday she's concerned the U.S. could experience "another avoidable surge" in coronavirus infections due to new variants, if people don't follow mitigation measures like mask-wearing and social distancing.
Why it matters: A growing number of states have moved to reopen despite the spread of new variants. States are increasingly attributing their coronavirus cases to variants, Walensky noted.
DoorDash has launched a new initiative to provide same-day on-demand delivery of FDA authorized COVID-19 test collection kits, it announced in a statement Monday.
Why it matters: The initiative could go a long way in helping make at-home COVID-19 testing more accessible, as many Americans prepare to reenter workplaces and schools.
Vaccine makers have drastically increased their manufacturing capacity, and output of the three vaccines authorized in the U.S. is expected to in March be nearly triple the amount produced in February, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Why it matters: The faster shots are made, the faster they can be put in arms, and the sooner life can begin to approach normal.
Top executives at large health care companies have been registering more money during the 2020 pandemic year than before, new company filings show.
Why it matters: The coronavirus upended how and when people sought care, but it didn't change the stock-heavy nature of how the industry's power brokers get paid.
The U.S. accounts for 27% of the world’s coronavirus vaccine production, but 0% of the global supply beyond its own borders. Critics and allies alike say it’s time for that to change.
Why it matters: China has gotten a head start on vaccine diplomacy, sending millions of doses all over the globe, including to Latin America. Experts say it’s in America’s interests to compete in the race to vaccinate the world, and the calls to start doing so are getting louder.
The coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford was found to be 79% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective against severe disease and hospitalization, according to results from its Phase III trial in the U.S. announced Monday.
Why it matters: The long-awaited U.S. data, which showed no serious side effects among the more than 20,000 participants who received at least one dose, could bolster global confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
Republicans and rural Americans are among the strongest vaccine resisters, and strategies are emerging to reach them, but the bigger and quicker payoff will come from focusing on people who are more persuadable.
The big picture: A diverse cross-section of Americans are in “wait and see” mode when it comes to the coronavirus vaccine, including many of the communities of color who are at the greatest risk from the coronavirus. And that group has been shrinking.
The city of Miami Beach on Sunday night extended an 8 p.m. curfew for the entertainment district, which was introduced after crowds of spring breakers gathered in the city despite the pandemic.
Why it matters: Interim City Manager Raul Aguila said after declaring a state of emergency the measures were imposed in an effort to prevent COVID-19 transmission. SWAT teams were called in Saturday night to enforce the curfew, which was extended from 72 hours to up to three weeks, per the Miami Herald.
Editor's note: This article has been updated with details on the curfew extension and its enforcement.
Several European cities saw anti-lockdown protests on Saturday, with some leading to clashes between demonstrators and police.
Why it matters: As case numbers and variants in Europe surge, the vaccine rollout has been sluggish and countries have gone back into lockdown. The protests are part of the rising frustration with COVID-19 restrictions on the continent.
The U.S. is unlikely to face a fourth wave of the coronavirus, but will likely see plateauing case numbers before they continue to decline, Former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb told ABC's "Face the Nation" on Sunday.
Why it matters: It comes amid growing concerns about a possible surge in the U.S. Gottlieb noted that there are still many unanswered questions about new COVID-19 variants that could pose problems down the road.
The Idaho Legislature has shut down for two weeks after at least 10 members and staff tested positive for COVID-19, CNN reported Saturday.
Why it matters: The recess comes as House and Senate lawmakers are due to debate major issues, like "setting budgets and pushing through a huge income tax cut," per AP.
