Forbes - Climbing numbers of cases

Plus: Preventing ‘zombie mink’ Covid spread

The U.S. set still more records for Covid-19 today, both for the number of reported cases in a single day as well as more hospitalizations. Additionally, deaths caused by Covid-19 in the U.S. have reached numbers unseen since May, and the numbers don’t appear to be leveling off yet. Additionally, a new report from the CDC suggests that total cases in the U.S. may be around eight times higher than what’s currently being reported. On the bright side, public opinion polls show that more Americans have said they’d be willing to get vaccinated for Covid-19, with a recent poll showing 58% in that camp, up from the lowest point in September. 

Business

Disney will lay off 32,000 staffers in the first half of 2021 as the company continues to deal with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic on its businesses.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled late Wednesday to temporarily bar the state of New York from enforcing certain attendance limits on houses of worship in viral hotspots. 

Science & Health

Three companies have now issued preliminary data from phase 3 trials showing 90% or higher effectiveness for Covid-19 vaccines - but it’s still too early to tell exactly how ultimately effective they will be.

AstraZeneca will likely conduct an additional global trial of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate to validate preliminary findings that a lower dose may be more effective.

On The Upside

Healthcare From Space: SpaceX’s planned satellite internet service, Starlink, could make a huge difference for healthcare providers in underserved areas.