In this week’s Coronavirus update, we highlight the full approval of the Pfizer vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the impact is it already having in the workplace. We also have updated nationwide and worldwide coronavirus numbers for you.
FDA Awards Pfizer Vaccine Full Approval
On Monday, the FDA gave full approval for the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine for anyone 16 and over. The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be authorized under an emergency-use basis last year and has become the most received vaccine in the U.S. Moderna, as well as Johnson and Johnson, stated that they are gathering the necessary data to apply for full approval as well.
After the announcement, President Biden stated that was "calling on more companies in the private sector to step up with vaccine requirements that will reach millions more people...“I call on you to do that—require it.”
Dr. Anothony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), stated that he expected a flood of mandates to follow the FDA's full approval.
Vaccine Mandates Quickly followed Pfizer's Approval
Many have answered the President's call. Monday, following the FDA's announcement of Pizer's full clearance, the Pentagon stated that it would require full vaccination for U.S. service members by mid-September.
Also, on Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, announced that all New York City school staff must have at least one dose by September 27, 2021, which impacts 148,000 teachers, principals, and other school staff.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that every school employee in the state, private or public, would need to be fully vaccinated or be subject to weekly or twice weekly Covid tests.
Here are some companies that have instituted some kind of vaccine mandate for their employees: Chevron, CVS Pharmacy, Hess Corporation, Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Facebook, Adobe, Netflix, Disney, and many others. Health care systems, colleges, and universities across the nation have begun instituting vaccines mandates as well.
U.S. Daily Covid Cases Surpass 175,000
As of August 27, 2021, the number of daily Covid infections has surpassed 175,000. This is the highest since January 22nd when new infections were at 190,000. The current seven-day average is 147,030. Earlier, we reported that the U.S. seems to be following the same path as the UK. The UK had its third wave in July, which resembled its biggest wave in January.
The U.S. is continuing on the same trajectory. When the UK's infections crested in mid-July, their numbers resembled that of early January. That means the U.S. could reach 250,000 daily cases again if the trajectory of infections continues.
Latest U.S. Numbers
Over the last two weeks, there has been a 20% increase in the number of cases, a 25% increase in the number of hospitalizations, and 95% increase in deaths.
Several areas in the U.S. continue to have hot spots. Florida's cases have increased 5% with 106 cases per 100,000. Mississippi's cases have decreased by 7% with 103 cases per 100,000. Louisiana's cases have decreased 27% over the last 14 days with 92 cases per 100,000.
The CDC estimates that 173.1 million Americans are fully vaccinated. This accounts for 52.1% of the total population and 63.1% of adults 18 years and older. 61.4% of the total population (73.9% 18 and over) have received at least one dose.
Below is a risk map of the U.S. based on testing data and current cases.
Latest Worldwide Covid Numbers
The number of Covid cases decreased around the world. Cases have decreased by 1% to just over 641,000 cases on a daily average. Deaths have increased by 1% to over 9,800 on a daily average.
Countries around the world are continuing to have spikes in cases. Countries with the highest level of cases per capita are Georgia with 113 cases per 100,000, Kosovo with 104 cases per 100,000, and Montenegro with 103 cases per 100,000.
📌 If you are traveling anytime soon, be sure to check out the appropriate travel requirements. We track each country's testing and vaccination requirements for you, so you don't have to.
