With multiple companies scrambling to create a vaccine for Covid-19, which has about 83 million reported cases and almost 2 million deaths worldwide, companies like Pfizer and Moderna have completed fundamental tests and received FDA approval. They are now working to vaccinate as many people as possible. 

Although efforts are being made, the US has missed its goal of 20 million doses, falling short by almost 5 million. Meanwhile, Britain prepares for a 2nd dose of the coronavirus vaccine (after a notable delay). Although the Trump Administration has ordered almost 100 million doses, experts say that they would be ready well into 2021. Many studies and polls also prove that not many Americans will be vaccinated even then and many are also not comfortable with taking the vaccine. With concerning side effects, many Americans worry about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. According to a poll conducted by the PEW Research Center, about 20% or 2 in 10 Americans would not take a vaccine, even with more information. 

While countries have varying amounts of success about the vaccine distribution, coronavirus spikes popped up in many states throughout the US. The US has almost 20 million reported cases with 350,000 deaths, topping the highest number of cases and deaths by far worldwide. With California being the most infected state, an average of almost 15,000 new cases are reported every day. In addition, Georgia reports higher spikes in coronavirus cases. Voters are going out to vote in the crucial runoffs (Marc Lasson with the news) to determine our country’s fate. According to Healthline News, 29 states report Covid-19 spikes, and states like California are in the purple tier (widespread). 

Moreover, with the holiday season approaching, residents want to travel, especially after being cooped up for so long. Despite airplanes’ new distanced seats and air filtration systems, the risk is still prominent.  

With the pandemic killing more than 1 person per minute, the need for precautions is stronger more than ever. CDC guidelines recommend the wearing of a mask and a minimum social distance of 6 feet. Frequently washing your hands for 20 seconds and covering sneezes will also reduce the risk for infection. 

Hope you stay safe and healthy and join Pish News for a great start to 2021. Happy New Year!

Coronavirus Spikes and Vaccine Distribution

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnel blocked Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s attempt to unanimously pass a bill to increase direct payments year-end coronavirus relief packages from $600 to $2000. 

He claims that the Democrats have “quietly changed” what President Trump wanted in the bill. He adds that it lets wealthy households suck up even more money. McConnell says the Democrats are trying to do away with the repeal of section 230 and a review of the 2020 election.

“The Left took a break from trying to defund the police to try to defund our Armed Forces,” McConnell states. “Their amendment went down in a landslide. But now our colleague from Vermont [Sanders] is again putting political stunts before the needs of our men and women in uniform. Our colleague says he will slow down this vital bill unless he gets to muscle through another standalone proposal from Speaker Pelosi that would add roughly half a trillion dollars to the national debt, which does not align with what President Trump has suggested and which has no realistic path to quickly pass the Senate.”

The topic three priorities for Trump are larger direct payments, repeal of section 230 of the communications decency act, and a review of election integrity. McConnell says these three requests have not been adequately addressed and the job of the senate is “to ensure the president was comfortable signing the bill into law, the Senate committed to beginning one process that would combine three of the president’s priorities

“Three of the president’s priorities in one Senate process. That was the commitment, and that’s what happened yesterday when I introduced text reflecting just what the president had requested. Now, House and Senate Democrats want something very different. As they have tried to do countless times in the past four years, Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer are trying to pull a fast one on the president and the American people.” said McConnell.

Chuck Schumer testified in front of the Senate, asking for senate Republicans to join the rest of “America”.

Mitch McConnell blocks spending bill in the senate

A new strain of coronavirus, one that is said to be more contagious, has caused 40 countries to place travel restrictions on the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also issued an emergency lockdown in London and parts of southeastern England.

The COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 was found in Colorado, the first in the nation, and was brought to the CDC’s attention by the Colorado State Laboratory. The male Colorado patient diagnosed with the strain is in his 20s with no travel history. Similar to this case, a Canadian couple also tested positive for the new strain of the virus.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious. The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely. We are working to prevent spread and contain the virus at all levels,” Polis said. “I want to thank our scientists and dedicated medical professionals for their swift work and ask Coloradans to continue our efforts to prevent disease transmission by wearing masks, standing six feet apart when gathering with others, and only interacting with members of their immediate household.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci has stated a week ago that the mutated virus has most likely already made its way into the U.S. Luckily, he also adds that the current two vaccines being distributed, Moderna and Pfizer, should still be effective.

Mutated Coronavirus Strain from the U.K. Appears In Colorado

A swarm of protesters gathered today at Huntington Beach, California to defy the 10 p.m. curfew in purple tier zones (94% of Californian counties) ordered by Californian Gov. Gavin Newsom. The motives behind the mandate were to discourage individuals from attending social gatherings and drinking alcohol, which they say could help decrease the spread of the contagious COVID-19.

Crowds could be seen waving MAGA and American flags as they stood in the streets, filled with the noises of cars honking. The rally was publicized by Bill Melugin, a well-known reporter at Fox 11 LA.

The sheriff’s department has said publicly that they would not enforce the governor’s directive. The protest was mostly law-abiding, with the exception of an arrest because of intoxication. This protest was most likely the buildup of questioning and concern from those who have followed the governor’s authority and policies, especially after his birthday party visit, defying his own directives. Others also questioned why he dissolved his task force despite an uptick in infections.

Protestors gather to defy Gov. Newsom's 10 p.m. curfew

Topic: Coronavirus

Coronavirus Spikes and Vaccine Distribution

Mitch McConnell blocks spending bill in the senate

Mutated Coronavirus Strain from the U.K. Appears In Colorado

Protestors gather to defy Gov. Newsom's 10 p.m. curfew