The United States reported over 300,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time Friday, as the death toll is nearing 375,000. Daily new cases are on the rise in almost every state. As frustration mounts over the slow rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, President-elect Joe Biden said he will release all available vaccines when he comes into office. But some health experts warn the strategy could backfire if authorities fail to administer second doses in a timely manner.
New York has loosened rules in recent days around who is eligible for vaccines, after reports of medical providers throwing out doses because they could not find patients who matched the state’s strict vaccination guidelines. Teachers, pharmacy workers who interact with the public, and New Yorkers 75 years and older are now able to get vaccinated. The Javits Center is set to become a mass vaccination center in New York City.
In related news, data suggests that large numbers of frontline workers, including up to 40% of frontline workers in Los Angeles County and 60% of care home workers in Ohio, are refusing vaccinations. Experts say more efforts are needed to understand the reasons behind this and to counteract the uncertainty.