Coronavirus Watch: US announces major changes to vaccine rollout
The U.S. government on Tuesday announced a slew of major changes to vaccine distribution aimed at accelerating a process that has gotten off to a slow start.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is now asking states to begin vaccinating people 65 years or older and those younger than 65 with proof of comorbidities.
Azar also said the government will no longer hold back a supply of second doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, saying vaccine production is now at at a point where "we can ensure second doses are available for people." Read more about the changes to vaccine rollout.
It's Tuesday, and this is Coronavirus Watch from the Paste BN Network. Here's the news to know today, as of 3 p.m. EST.
- Travelers flying to the U.S. from international destinations will soon have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before taking flight, the Wall Street Journal reported.
- Alabama football fans flooded the streets of Tuscaloosa after the Crimson Tide's national championship win Monday, raising COVID-19 concerns and drawing criticism from the city's mayor and many on social media.
- Disneyland is transforming into a vaccination station. The famous theme park's size will allow thousands of shots to be given each day.
- Multiple lawmakers have tested positive for the coronavirus after sheltering inside the Capitol building during last week's riot. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., is the among the latest to receive the diagnosis.
- "It's what we feared": Hospitals from Georgia to California are facing surging COVID-19 cases, staff shortages and rising deaths.
Check on the hospitals in your area: See if hospitals in your community are being overwhelmed using this searchable database.
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– Jay Cannon, Paste BN Network and Wires Editor, @JayTCannon on Twitter.