COVID-19 kills US daily record 3,580 as second vaccine nears approval

December 17 (Reuters) – U.S. coronavirus deaths soared to a daily high of 3,580 and hospitalizations rose for the 19th day in a row on Wednesday, raising the stakes as regulators on Thursday considered whether to approve a second vaccine COVID-19.

Another 232,255 cases were reported, the second-highest daily load on record, with California becoming the first state to report more than 50,000 cases in a single day, according to a Reuters tally.

The United States leads the world with 307,767 cumulative deaths and nearly 17 million cases, as many Americans and the outgoing administration of President Donald Trump have resisted orders to stay home and the wearing of masks that are being imposed. have been shown to be effective in controlling the spread.

But more help could soon arrive with a second vaccine undergoing approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

A panel of outside FDA advisers is expected to approve emergency use of Moderna Inc’s coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, a week after the same committee endorsed the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE .

The FDA cleared the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine a day later, opening the doors to a massive inoculation program that began on Monday.

Some 570 vaccine distribution centers received the first batch of shipments Monday and Tuesday, with an additional 886 sites expected to receive vials on Friday, said U.S. Army General Gustave Perna, chief operating officer of the government campaign. Operation Warp Speed.

But the first big storm of the winter season could also disrupt the distribution of vaccines.

Express delivery companies Federal Express and United Parcel Service had contingency plans to secure delayed vaccine shipments until they could be delivered, Perna told reporters.

With millions of Americans laid off, Congress may soon lend a hand.

After months of wrangling and with a weekend deadline quickly approaching, congressional negotiators have negotiated the details of a $ 900 billion COVID-19 aid bill that leaders have pledged to adopt before returning home this year.

The legislation is expected to include stimulus checks of $ 600 to $ 700, expand unemployment benefits, help pay for vaccine distribution, and help small businesses.