- There were 217,664 new cases and 2,879 deaths – both new highs
- Biden plans to urge all Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days
- ‘Not enough to go around’: states struggle over who should get vaccine
- Sign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email
10.10am GMT
California, the country’s most populous state, has announced sweeping plans for a new, regional stay-at-home order that is likely to affect nearly all of the state within days.
The order is pegged to hospital capacity – regions where where ICU capacity falls below 15% will come under the new restrictions.
The new stay-at-home order will impose new restrictions on business and gathering spaces. Residents have been directed to remain at home and avoid all non-essential travel. Activities such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, dog walks and individual outdoor exercise are permitted.
Restaurants will be limited to takeout and pickup service, while bars, breweries and distilleries will be closed, along with fitness centers, hair salons, barber shops, casinos and nail salons.
Related: Q&A: California’s new stay-at-home order explained
10.07am GMT
Here’s those clips of last night’s interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper where US president-elect Joe Biden said that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president. Biden and vice-president-elect, Kamala Harris, also committed to receiving coronavirus vaccinations as soon as possible, when approved by US regulators. Yesterday, former presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton all committed to getting vaccinated on TV if it would help dispel people’s worries over the vaccine.
Continue reading…There were 217,664 new cases and 2,879 deaths – both new highsBiden plans to urge all Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days‘Not enough to go around’: states struggle over who should get vaccineSign up to receive First Thing – our daily briefing by email 10.10am GMTCalifornia, the country’s most populous state, has announced sweeping plans for a new, regional stay-at-home order that is likely to affect nearly all of the state within days.The order is pegged to hospital capacity – regions where where ICU capacity falls below 15% will come under the new restrictions.The new stay-at-home order will impose new restrictions on business and gathering spaces. Residents have been directed to remain at home and avoid all non-essential travel. Activities such as grocery shopping, medical appointments, dog walks and individual outdoor exercise are permitted.Restaurants will be limited to takeout and pickup service, while bars, breweries and distilleries will be closed, along with fitness centers, hair salons, barber shops, casinos and nail salons. Related: Q&A: California’s new stay-at-home order explained 10.07am GMTHere’s those clips of last night’s interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper where US president-elect Joe Biden said that he will ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks as one of his first acts as president. Biden and vice-president-elect, Kamala Harris, also committed to receiving coronavirus vaccinations as soon as possible, when approved by US regulators. Yesterday, former presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton all committed to getting vaccinated on TV if it would help dispel people’s worries over the vaccine. Continue reading…