Sign in Subscribe
Cable television broadcasting industry

Desperate Measures: States Impose Lockdowns as US Hits Record COVID-19 Cases

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the US battles a surge in coronavirus cases, states are taking drastic measures to slow the spread of the virus. Governors and mayors are ordering new restrictions, including stay-at-home advisories, as the daily death toll rises. President-elect Biden's plan to help turn things around is underway, but the complexity of vaccine distribution poses a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced thousands of people to evacuate from wildfires in California.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has set a new record for daily COVID-19 cases, with over 217,000 new infections reported yesterday.
  • The daily death toll is also on the rise, with nearly 2,900 people dying of COVID-19 yesterday alone.
  • Governors and mayors are imposing new restrictions, including stay-at-home advisories, to slow the spread of the virus.
  • The Pfizer vaccine has been approved in the UK, but US approval is still pending due to regulatory scrutiny.
  • Vaccine distribution is a significant challenge, with the company forced to cut its production target for the end of the year in half due to issues with ingredient standards.
  • The US is still on track to receive its 20 million dose allotment of the Pfizer vaccine by the end of the year.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to impose the strictest lockdown orders in the state since March, including shutting salons, bars, and limiting restaurants to takeout and delivery only.
  • Hospitals are being stretched to the breaking point, with admissions up and healthcare workers calling for more support.

Statistics:

  • 217,000+ new COVID-19 cases reported in the US yesterday
  • 2,900+ people died of COVID-19 yesterday alone
  • 34 states broke records for new daily coronavirus cases in the last two weeks
  • Hospital admissions are up, with many hospitals stretching to the breaking point
  • Pfizer's initial production target for the end of the year has been cut in half due to issues with ingredient standards
  • The US is still on track to receive its 20 million dose allotment of the Pfizer vaccine by the end of the year

Sources:

  • CBS News: "Desperate new measures in some states to slow the spread of coronavirus"
  • The Wall Street Journal: "Pfizer Cuts Vaccine Production Target Amid Ingredient Issues"
  • CBS News: "Adriana Diaz reports on the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations"
  • Dr. Anthony Fauci, NIAID Director: CBS News podcast, The Takeout
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom: statement on lockdown orders in the state.

Read more