Topline
According to the White House Covid Data director, more than 7 million coronavirus vaccines have been administered in the United States over the past seven day. This surge came as companies prepare vaccine requirements for their employees.
Charles Muro, 13 years old, celebrates being inoculated at a mass vaccination [+] centre at the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, Connecticut, on May 13, 2021. (Photo by JOSEPH PRIZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images). AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
According to Dr. Cyrus Shahpar (White House Covid-19 Data Director), 7.13 million shots have been administered in the last week. This is the highest number of shots given in seven days since July 4. On Friday, the nation surpassed 400,000,000 doses since December's first shot was administered. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 65% of Americans have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine. This includes 76% of people 12 and older and 95% for those 65 and over. According to the CDC, the vaccination rate has been steadily increasing since the summer. The lowest levels were recorded in July, when the average dose of coronavirus vaccines was less than 450,000 per day.
Important Background
After a wave of mandates that were large-scale in nature, the rising number comes after all public health workers in California and New York City's school system personnel were vaccinated. United Airlines, Walgreens, and UPS all have mandates that at least part of their employees must be vaccinated. More companies are also making it mandatory for them to do so. For activities such as dining out, attending concerts or going to sporting events, it is becoming more common for employers to require proof of vaccination. For example, at least half of NBA teams plan to have some kind of mandate in the upcoming season. More than 80 million employees in the private sector will be required to submit to weekly testing or get vaccinated. President Joe Biden announced last week that mandates are being drafted by the federal government for businesses with more than 100 employees. Mandates have been met with a high level of compliance, in most cases exceeding 90%.
What to Watch
After shots are approved for children aged 12 and under, the pace of vaccinations will likely increase. Pfizer submitted a request to federal officials on Thursday for the vaccine to be approved for children aged 5-11 years old.
Contra
LSU announced Friday that it would no longer require fans to submit negative tests or vaccines for football games. This was in spite of a national trend towards stronger mandates and more strict enforcement. The state is still considered to be at the highest risk of Covid transmission by the CDC.
Continue reading
U.S. Now Has 400 Million Covid Vaccine Doses
Here's Proof that Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates Work (Forbes).
Half of NBA teams require Covid-19 vaccines or tests to allow fans to attend games. See the full list (Forbes).
LSU Drops Vaccine Mandate For Football Games Despite Louisianas High Covid Risk (Forbes)
Parents are relieved when Pfizers requests that shots be OK for their children (The Associated Press).
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