Coronavirus Watch: HHS says stay safe over Thanksgiving, a vaccine is coming
If a vaccine garners authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in December, the U.S. hopes to ship 6.4 million doses in the ensuing 24 hours.
Each state has been notified how many doses it should expect from that first distribution cycle, which could happen shortly after a key FDA advisory committee meeting on Dec. 10.
In the meantime, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar preaches safety for Thanksgiving, saying it's important for Americans not to let their guard down early.
It's Wednesday, and this is Coronavirus Watch from the Paste BN Network. Here are today's headlines, as of 1:30 p.m. EST.
- Total U.S. deaths from COVID-19 reached the highest daily mark since May, when 2,100 fatalities were reported Tuesday, per Johns Hopkins University data. Keep track of the latest counts in your state and around the country, right here.
- A highly anticipated Thanksgiving Day NFL showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers was postponed to Sunday as the Ravens juggle multiple positive COVID-19 tests.
- Stay safe on Thanksgiving: Here are six tips to celebrate the holiday safely.
- This Harvard doctor was disappointed in how the U.S. has handled the pandemic, but he maintains confidence that it can "be brought to heel."
This will be a tough holiday for thousands of families. Jerry Stoddard's loved ones are preparing for their first Thanksgiving since he passed in April due to COVID-19. The same goes for Nathan Zimmerman's family.
Grieving the loss of life could be amplified during the holiday season, and while it's better off to be physically distanced, that doesn't mean you have to be emotionally isolated. Support groups, even virtual ones, could be beneficial for those coping with loss, one expert said.
Thank you for your continued support of the newsletter, and Happy Thanksgiving.
– Jay Cannon, Paste BN Network and Wires Editor, @JayTCannon on Twitter.