COVID-19 Update

World

New Cases:   452,463 (⬆︎ .44%)
New Deaths:    14,750 (⬆︎ .66%)

USA

New Cases:   114,785 (⬆︎ .43%)
New Deaths:      3,644 (⬆︎ .80%)

Vaccination Scorecard

Total Vaccinations:          26.8 million
Total Priority Population: 23.5%
Total Population:               8.1%

The new administration is still ramping up the vaccination program, but they seem to be running ahead of their goal of a million vaccinations per day, averaging close to 1.3 million per day so far.

There are some vexing supply chain issues, and it remains to be seen whether or not the vaccines will suffice against the new variants. It's a race, and something of a gamble.

For me, the good news is that we can be more confident the SNAFUs will be of the normal everyday variety and not something deliberate, built into the policy of the national government itself, or because of some rent-seeking asshole looking to turn pain and suffering into a profit opportunity. There will always be that, but I think the chances are much lower now.

WaPo:

AstraZeneca vaccine shows strong effect against coronavirus with just one dose

Researchers at Oxford University released new results from their vaccine, which is being manufactured by British-Swedish firm AstraZeneca, showing it gives 76 percent protection for three months after just one dose. Testing also reveals that those vaccinated are much less likely to transmit the disease, which will help stem the continuing spread of the virus.

The good news comes amid worrying discoveries by scientists over a mutation in the coronavirus variant identified in Britain that makes it more resistant to the vaccines. The mutation, dubbed “Eeek” by scientists, alters the part of the virus targeted by most vaccines and antibodies — making it stealthier.

More:

• Some U.S. pharmacies will be getting shipments of vaccines directly in a new White House strategy to simplify getting shots into people’s arms.
• Sir Tom Moore, who captured British hearts for his efforts to raise funds for the National Health Service, died at 100 from the virus he battled.
• The majority of infected people develop antibodies that last for at least six months, likely offering temporary protection against reinfection, a new study says.