U.S. coronavirus: States seek more vaccine doses as nation’s death toll approaches 400,000

At least 12.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines were administered on Friday, according to the CDC amid a federal deployment that has come under intense scrutiny and criticism from officials in the State.

Some states have been shocked by the news from Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, who said there was no “back-up” of vaccines available to be released.

Vaccine supply problems

Oregon Governor Kate Brown said she was “shocked and dismayed” and said her state will have to order a two-week deadline to vaccinate more seniors.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said on Friday he was “extremely disappointed that we were lied to” about reserve vaccines, and that the next vaccines “will be delivered in the future of the supply chain.” .

“There is no influx of doses, unlike a call we had with the vice president [and] the Secretary of Health three days ago, where they informed us that we were going to make an additional amount available to the states, ”the governor said.

Polis estimated that of the 58,000 remaining doses in Colorado, “they will likely be all or nearly all used by Sunday.”

The governors of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota have written to Azar, criticizing federal plans and hoping to be able to buy vaccines directly from manufacturers.

“Without additional supplies or direct purchase authorization, our states could be forced to cancel plans for public vaccination clinics in the coming weeks, which are expected to vaccinate tens of thousands. It’s time for the Trump administration to do the right thing and help us. end this pandemic, ”the letter states.

Pfizer tried to reassure state officials and the public on the production of its vaccine on Friday, saying it does not anticipate any disruption to shipments.

“Operation Warp Speed ​​required us to start shipping second doses only recently. As a result, we have all second doses from previous shipments to the United States on hand. We are working around the clock to produce millions more every day, ”Pfizer said in a statement to CNN.

Mask restrictions continue to fluctuate by state

In the meantime, a recent coronavirus projection from the University of Washington estimates 566,720 deaths as of May 1 in the United States.

The university’s Institute for Health Measurement and Evaluation (IHME) said the figure could be lowered by about 32,000 deaths with universal mask requirements.

Health officials have strongly urged health officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and its implementation is expected to have a direct effect on future infections and deaths. State and local responses have varied greatly. Some states continue not to maintain any mask guidelines, allowing companies to set their own rules.

Mississippi extended its mask-wearing mandate in all but nine counties on Friday until February 3.

“It’s important that we continue to take this virus seriously. We are working to get Mississippians vaccinated, but continue to move away socially, keep gatherings small and wear your mask,” Gov. Tate Reeves said.

North Dakota, however, said officials were seeing its Covid-19 numbers drop from a previous outbreak and Gov. Doug Burgum said the mask’s mandate would be allowed to expire on Monday, reiterating at a point of press “we must remain vigilant.

North Dakota’s capacity limits for bars, restaurants and event venues will change from requirements to recommendations.