12.16.20 (Wired.com)
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| This is the last installment of WIRED’s Coronavirus Update until the New Year. Happy holidays, stay safe, and we’ll see you in 2021!State officials tackle vaccine logistics, the FDA authorizes an over-the-counter test, and Congress nears a stimulus bill agreement. Here’s what you should know: State officials work on vaccine logistics as health care workers and the elderly start receiving shots On Monday, health care workers across the US began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19. For the next few weeks, hospitals will focus on inoculating their employees, and pharmacy chains will take care of nursing home residents. State officials are also beginning to iron out many of the logistical issues they will have to contend with once they begin vaccinating the general public, likely in February or March. These include everything from how to handle the delicate vaccine to readying kits to tracking and scheduling vaccinations. The FDA authorizes its first over-the-counter at-home coronavirus test On Tuesday the FDA granted an emergency use authorization to the first at-home rapid coronavirus test. The test, which was developed by the Australian company Ellume, will cost around $30, does not require a prescription, and can be used by anyone older than 2. Nasal swab samples don’t need to be sent to a lab, but users are required to download an app that automatically sends test data by zip code to the cloud. Experts say US testing capacity should increase rapidly in the next two to three months as more new tests are approved for use. Congress nears an agreement on a $900 billion coronavirus relief package Congress is closing in on a $900 billion coronavirus relief deal that could be announced as soon as later today. The bill is expected to include a second round of stimulus checks (whose amount is still unannounced) as well as Paycheck Protection Program loans, money for vaccine distribution, and relief for hospitals. It won’t include liability protections for businesses or aid to state and local government, two of the issues that have been contentious throughout these negotiations. Lawmakers hope to pass the bill before the government shuts down on Saturday. |