Variant B.1.1.7 appears to infect human cells more easily, and a CDC simulation of its transmissibility raised concerns that it could become the most dominant form of coronavirus in March.
The CDC called for a continued and aggressive distribution of vaccines to try to curb the tide. “Greater vaccination coverage may need to be achieved to protect the public,” CDC researchers warned.
At least 12.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered as of Friday, according to the CDC amid a federal deployment that has received intense scrutiny and criticism from state officials.
Some states were upset by news from Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar, who said there is no “reserve reserve” of vaccines available for release.
Vaccine supply problems
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said she was “shocked and dismayed” and said her state will have to promote a two-week delay in vaccinating more seniors.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Friday that he is “extremely disappointed that we have been lied to” about the reserve vaccines and that the next vaccines “will be delivered in the future of the supply chain.”
“There is no influx of doses, contrary to a call we had with the vice president [and] the Secretary of Health three days ago, where we were informed that we would get an additional amount available for the states, ”the governor said.
Polis estimated that of the remaining 58,000 doses in Colorado, “all or almost all will probably be used on Sunday.”
The governors of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota wrote to Azar, critical of federal plans and hoping to be able to buy vaccines directly from manufacturers.
“With no additional supply or authorization to buy directly, our states may 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 things are going well and help us put an end to this pandemic, ”the letter states.
On Friday, Pfizer tried to reassure state leadership and the public about the production of its vaccine, saying it did not anticipate interruptions in shipments.
“Operation Warp Speed has asked us to start shipping second doses recently. As a result, we have on hand all the second doses of previous shipments to the United States. We are working 24 hours a day to produce millions more every day.” , Pfizer said in a statement to CNN.
Mask restrictions continue to fluctuate by state
Meanwhile, a recent coronavirus screening at the University of Washington estimates 566,720 deaths on May 1 in the US.
The university’s Institute of Health Metrics and Assessment (IHME) said the figure could be reduced by some 32,000 deaths with universal mask requirements.
Health officials strongly urge mask requirements to curb the spread of coronavirus and its implementation is expected to have a direct effect on future infections and deaths. State and local responses have varied widely. Some states still do not maintain guidelines on masks, which allows companies to set their own rules.
On Friday, Mississippi extended its mandate to wear masks to all but nine counties until Feb. 3.
“It’s important that we continue to take this virus seriously. We’re working to vaccinate Mississippi people, but we continue to make social distances, keep meetings small and wear the mask,” Governor Tate Reeves said.
North Dakota, however, said officials were watching its Covid-19 numbers fall from a previous outbreak and Gov. Doug Burgum said the mask’s term will expire Monday, reiterating in a briefing “We need to stay alert.”
North Dakota’s capacity limitations for bars, restaurants, and event venues will change from requirements to recommendations.
CNG’s Maggie Fox, Bianna Golodryga, Yon Pomrenze, Lauren del Valle, Melissa Alonso, Devon Sayers, Amanda Sealy, Kay Jones, Hollie Silverman and Rob Frehse contributed to this report.