First Covid-19 Vaccine Authorized In U.S.

Plus: Boston superspreader event led to 300,000 Covid-19 cases

Nearly 1 in every 1,000 Americans has now died from Covid-19. It’s a staggering statistic, and one that is only getting worse. At the same time, U.S. Covid-19 hospitalizations have reached an all-time high, yet again. But now, there’s a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Late Friday evening, the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization to a Covid-19 vaccine created by Pfizer and BioNTech. The vaccine was found to be safe and effective, and healthcare workers around the country have started to get vaccinated today (see the moving photos here). By the time you read this, the vaccine will be in all 50 states in the U.S. 

Business

Diagnostic firm Fluxergy’s Covid-19 testing was supposed to give the company a boost-- but even with a billionaire backer, it’s stuck in limbo. 

Bipartisan lawmakers are finally, finally ready to release a $908 billion stimulus bill, but it’s not a done deal yet. 

Science & Health

Influenza and Covid-19 have similar symptoms, but one is far deadlier. Here’s how to tell the difference between the two. 

New research shows that genes might determine the severity of Covid-19 illness-- and could also lead to new treatments. 

An academic article recently compared Covid-19 school closures to a decrease in life expectancy for children. Forbes healthcare contributor Nina Shapiro writes about why that comparison isn’t a legitimate one. 

Crispr-based Covid-19 testing with smartphones might be the future of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

On The Upside

Vaccines For Pets: Russia is developing a Covid-19 vaccine for pets and mink after worldwide outbreaks on mink farms have led to the killing of millions of animals.