US surpasses 10m coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins
[WASHINGTON] The United States recorded its 10 millionth case of the coronavirus Monday, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University, the same day that Pfizer and BioNTech announced their vaccine showed 90 per cent effectiveness.
Shortly before 1400 GMT Monday the tracker by the Baltimore-based university showed 10,018,278 cases recorded in the United States since the pandemic began, and 237,742 deaths.
Both are the highest tolls in absolute terms in the world.
The United States is now well into its third and by far biggest surge of its epidemic.
But interim results provided by Pfizer and BioNTech offered hope for a game changer in the trajectory of the pandemic.
According to preliminary findings, protection in patients was achieved seven days after the second of two vaccine doses, and 28 days after the first.
GET BT IN YOUR INBOX DAILY
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Outgoing President Donald Trump, heavily criticised for his handling of the health crisis, described the breakthrough as "great news," while top US pandemic expert Anthony Fauci said the result was "extraordinary."
President-elect Joe Biden meanwhile urged Americans Monday to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus and not consider it a "political statement," as he named the scientists who will lead his administration's response to the pandemic.
"We're still facing a very dark winter," Mr Biden said. "The bottom line: I will spare no effort to turn this pandemic around once we're sworn in on January 20."
Mr Biden applauded the vaccine announcement, but insisted a mask still remains "the most potent weapon" against the virus, and that "today's news does not change that urgent reality."
AFP
KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE
BT is now on Telegram!
For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to t.me/BizTimes
International
Bank of Japan’s Ueda says ‘very likely’ to hike rates if inflation keeps rising
Colombian fund managers eye US$750 million fee bonanza after senators tweak pension bill
Fed survey cites inflation, US election as key financial stability risks
Oil prices steady after Iran plays down reported Israeli attack
G7 pledges swift aid for Ukraine, seeks to calm Middle East
H5N1 strain of bird flu found in milk: WHO