Hospitals saw a lot fewer patients and yet a lot more death in the early part of the pandemic, according to new federal data.
The big picture: Hospitals called off less-urgent procedures to keep beds open for COVID-19 patients, but health care workers dealt with tidal waves of death from a dangerous virus that was running rampant — similar to what some areas are experiencing all over again.
Pfizer announced Monday that it is testing an oral antiviral drug that would help prevent COVID-19.
Why it matters: This drug is one of several antiviral pills that could have a massive impact on coronavirus treatment since not everyone will get a vaccine, and it may take years to fully vaccinate people in certain countries, per Axios' Alison Snyder.
