Biden Orders Vaccines Open To All By May

Plus: Lonely? At this farm, you can cuddle a cow.

The U.S. has now administered 100 million Covid-19 shots, in a vaccine rollout that is picking up steam each day. And soon, everyone across the country will be eligible for a shot. Yesterday President Biden directed states to make vaccines open to everybody by May, regardless of priority group. Several states have already done this, including Michigan, Utah, Alaska and others. Meanwhile, we have several new vaccines on the horizon that could be authorized by the FDA in the coming months. Biotech company Novavax announced that its Covid-19 shot was 96% effective at preventing the original virus strain, though it was less protective against variants. And pharma giant Sanofi just launched human trials of its mRNA vaccine.

Business

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is defending the massive $1.9 trillion stimulus package that President Biden just signed into law after some economists say it was too large. 

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says immediate help is needed at the southern border as staff and migrants struggle with the pandemic. 

Science & Health

Several countries have suspended trials of the AstraZeneca vaccine over concerns that the shot is linked to blood clots, but experts say that it is still safe. 

The World Health Organization has authorized the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, a big step for developing countries that may not have the infrastructure for the ultra-cold, two dose mRNA vaccines. 

What Else We Are Reading

• Did CDC’s Misguided Mask Advice Drive Up Covid Death Toll for Health Workers? (Kaiser Health News)

• People Are Keeping Their Vaccines Secret (The Atlantic)

• As more of the U.S. returns to indoor dining, restaurant workers clamor for vaccine access.  (New York Times)