By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/second-1000-coronavirus-deaths-kansas-came-5-times-faster-first-1000">Kansas News Service</a>

WICHITA, Kansas — The number of Kansans who have died from COVID-19 topped 2,000 on Friday.

How
 quickly the state passed that milestone — it took the state seven-plus 
months to lose its first 1,000 people to the coronavirus, and little 
more than a month to lose 1,000 more — shows how quickly the spread is 
accelerating.

“There’s just so many more people getting COVID 
right now that inevitably that’s going to lead to more death,” said 
Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health 
System.

The number of people who die after contracting the 
disease has remained relatively stable at about 1.9% in the U.S. and 
about 1% in Kansas.

But the rapid increase in the number of new 
deaths mirrors the increases in new cases. In the past two weeks, the 
state has averaged nearly 2,500 new cases a day.

In Kansas, it 
took about six months to go from the first death, to 500 deaths. The 
next 500 took only six weeks. The 500 after that, four weeks. And the 
most recent 500, to get the state over 2,000, took about two and a half 
weeks.

● 1 to 500 - 6 months (3/18/20 to 9/11/20) ● 500 to 1,000 - 6 weeks (9/11/20 to 10/28/20) ● 1,000 to 1,500 - 4 weeks (10/28/20 to 11/25/20) ● 1,500 to 2,000 - 2.5 weeks (11/25/20 to 12/11/20)

The
 rapid rise takes a toll on doctors and nurses in intensive care units 
who have to watch their patients die, while dealing with grieving family
 members.

“It has been palpably more difficult over the last 
month, and even couple of weeks,” said Lewis Satterwhite, a critical 
care physician at the KU Health System hospital.&nbsp;

So far, the 
youngest person to die of COVID in Kansas is 18. But young people dying 
from the disease remains rare. Of the coronavirus deaths in Kansas, 
94.4% have come among people 55 or older. The median age is 80.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-02/its-becoming-increasingly-hard-to-find-a-nursing-home-in-kansas-where-coronavirus-hasnt-shown-up" target="_blank">Nursing homes remain hot spots</a>.
 Two-thirds of all facilities in the state have had confirmed cases. And
 dozens still have to wait up to a week to receive test results from 
backlogged labs.

Deaths are pretty evenly split between male and 
female, but have hit Black people particularly hard, with a death rate 
of 61.47 per 100,000 people.

Physicians fear that the number of 
daily deaths hasn’t quite peaked yet. Deaths usually lag four to six 
weeks behind spikes in cases.

Almost every Kansas county has a 
percent positive testing rate greater than 10%, a sign of uncontrolled, 
widespread community transmission.

U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services regional administrator Catherine Satterwhite said 
reducing the spread of the virus is still the best way to reduce the 
number of deaths.

“It’s really important to know,” she said, “that this is not inevitable.”

Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter @briangrimmett or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607710594610.png" alt="The number of COVID-19 deaths by day in Kansas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment" />
 <figcaption>The number of COVID-19 deaths by day in Kansas. Kansas Department of Health and Environment</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIAN GRIMMETT <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/second-1000-coronavirus-deaths-kansas-came-5-times-faster-first-1000">Kansas News Service</a>WICHITA, Kansas — The number of Kansans who have died from COVID-19 topped 2,000 on Friday.How
 quickly the state passed that milestone — it took the state seven-plus 
months to lose its first 1,000 people to the coronavirus, and little 
more than a month to lose 1,000 more — shows how quickly the spread is 
accelerating.“There’s just so many more people getting COVID 
right now that inevitably that’s going to lead to more death,” said 
Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health 
System.The number of people who die after contracting the 
disease has remained relatively stable at about 1.9% in the U.S. and 
about 1% in Kansas.But the rapid increase in the number of new 
deaths mirrors the increases in new cases. In the past two weeks, the 
state has averaged nearly 2,500 new cases a day.In Kansas, it 
took about six months to go from the first death, to 500 deaths. The 
next 500 took only six weeks. The 500 after that, four weeks. And the 
most recent 500, to get the state over 2,000, took about two and a half 
weeks.● 1 to 500 - 6 months (3/18/20 to 9/11/20) ● 500 to 1,000 - 6 weeks (9/11/20 to 10/28/20) ● 1,000 to 1,500 - 4 weeks (10/28/20 to 11/25/20) ● 1,500 to 2,000 - 2.5 weeks (11/25/20 to 12/11/20)The
 rapid rise takes a toll on doctors and nurses in intensive care units 
who have to watch their patients die, while dealing with grieving family
 members.“It has been palpably more difficult over the last 
month, and even couple of weeks,” said Lewis Satterwhite, a critical 
care physician at the KU Health System hospital.&nbsp;So far, the 
youngest person to die of COVID in Kansas is 18. But young people dying 
from the disease remains rare. Of the coronavirus deaths in Kansas, 
94.4% have come among people 55 or older. The median age is 80.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-02/its-becoming-increasingly-hard-to-find-a-nursing-home-in-kansas-where-coronavirus-hasnt-shown-up" target="_blank">Nursing homes remain hot spots</a>.
 Two-thirds of all facilities in the state have had confirmed cases. And
 dozens still have to wait up to a week to receive test results from 
backlogged labs.Deaths are pretty evenly split between male and 
female, but have hit Black people particularly hard, with a death rate 
of 61.47 per 100,000 people.Physicians fear that the number of 
daily deaths hasn’t quite peaked yet. Deaths usually lag four to six 
weeks behind spikes in cases.Almost every Kansas county has a 
percent positive testing rate greater than 10%, a sign of uncontrolled, 
widespread community transmission.U.S. Department of Health and 
Human Services regional administrator Catherine Satterwhite said 
reducing the spread of the virus is still the best way to reduce the 
number of deaths.“It’s really important to know,” she said, “that this is not inevitable.”Brian
 Grimmett reports on the environment, energy and natural resources for 
KMUW in Wichita and the Kansas News Service. You can follow him on 
Twitter @briangrimmett or email him at grimmett@kmuw.org.

Second 1,000 virus deaths in Kan. came 5 times faster than first 1,000 

Public Information Officer - Riley County Emergency Operations Center

Riley County has identified 94 new positive cases and 87 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, December 9. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for six positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Four of these patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). &nbsp; A total of 558 people were swabbed at yesterday’s free testing event in CiCo Park. As results are received, positive patients will be contacted first. &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Friday, December 11, 2020:

&nbsp; Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

By Vivienne UccelloPublic Information Officer - Riley County Emergency Operations CenterRiley County has identified 94 new positive cases and 87 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, December 9. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for six positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Four of these patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). &nbsp; A total of 558 people were swabbed at yesterday’s free testing event in CiCo Park. As results are received, positive patients will be contacted first. &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Friday, December 11, 2020:<ol>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 4,270</li><li>Total active: &nbsp;500</li><li>Total recovered: 3,754</li><li>Total deaths: 16</li>
 </ol>&nbsp; Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

New COVIXD-19 cases slightly exceed recovered cases

WESTMORELAND, Kan. — Pottawatomie County released a community update on COVID-19 numbers Friday.&nbsp;

The update included 23 new positive cases confirmed by the KDHE and 25 confirmed by the Pottawatomie County Health department. There are currently 75 active cases, a decrease in one since the last report.&nbsp;

There have also been 26 additional recoveries since the last report. While there are four cases currently pending. Pending cases are awaiting a confirmed positive test.&nbsp;

Currently in Pottawatomie County, there are seven COID-related hospitalizations, up two from the last report.&nbsp;

WESTMORELAND, Kan. — Pottawatomie County released a community update on COVID-19 numbers Friday.&nbsp;The update included 23 new positive cases confirmed by the KDHE and 25 confirmed by the Pottawatomie County Health department. There are currently 75 active cases, a decrease in one since the last report.&nbsp;There have also been 26 additional recoveries since the last report. While there are four cases currently pending. Pending cases are awaiting a confirmed positive test.&nbsp;Currently in Pottawatomie County, there are seven COID-related hospitalizations, up two from the last report.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County Community Update

Via Gary Berges, Geary County Emergency Services

Geary County is reporting a COVID 19 related death. This involves a 60 year old male, who had been a patient at Geary Community Hospital in the I.C.U. area. This is the sixth person who has died in Geary County related to COVID 19.

This is the only information that will be released by the Emergency Operations Center concerning the death.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of the individual and our condolences go out to the family and friends.

A total of 11 COVID patients are currently being treated at Geary Community Hospital with 3 in the ICU area.

As the COVID numbers continue to dramatically increase across Kansas, Geary County authorities strongly encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, do social distancing, and conduct frequent handwashing. With the holiday season fast approaching, please limit your contact with anyone outside of your immediate family whom you reside with.

Via Gary Berges, Geary County Emergency ServicesGeary County is reporting a COVID 19 related death. This involves a 60 year old male, who had been a patient at Geary Community Hospital in the I.C.U. area. This is the sixth person who has died in Geary County related to COVID 19.This is the only information that will be released by the Emergency Operations Center concerning the death.We are saddened to hear of the passing of the individual and our condolences go out to the family and friends.A total of 11 COVID patients are currently being treated at Geary Community Hospital with 3 in the ICU area.As the COVID numbers continue to dramatically increase across Kansas, Geary County authorities strongly encourage everyone to wear masks when in public, do social distancing, and conduct frequent handwashing. With the holiday season fast approaching, please limit your contact with anyone outside of your immediate family whom you reside with.

Geary County Reports Sixth Covid-Related Death

WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507053-2/fda-advisory-committee-votes-recommend-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine">CLICK here t</a>o watch Thursday's discussion on the vaccine.

Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert committee’s recommendation.

In a 17-4 vote with one abstention, the government advisers concluded that the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech appears safe and effective for emergency use in adults and teenagers 16 and older.

That endorsement came despite questions about allergic reactions in two people who received the vaccine earlier this week when Britain became the first country to begin dispensing the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.

Despite all the remaining unknowns, in an emergency, “the question is whether you know enough,” said panel member Dr. Paul Offit of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who concluded that the shot’s potential potential benefits outweigh its risks.

The independent review by non-government experts in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics was considered critical to boosting Americans’ confidence in the safety of the shot, which was developed at breakneck speed less than a year after the virus was identified.

The decision came as COVID-19 cases surge to ever-higher levels across the U.S., with deaths hitting an all-time, one-day high of more than 3,100 on Wednesday.

Pfizer has said it will have about 25 million doses of the two-shot vaccine for the U.S. by the end of December. But initial supplies will be limited and reserved primarily for health care workers and nursing home residents, with other vulnerable groups next in line until the shots become widely available on demand, something that will probably not happen until the spring.

Experts estimate at least 70% of the U.S. population will have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the point at which the virus can be held in check. That means it could be several months before things start get back to normal and Americans can put away their masks.

The FDA next week will review a second vaccine, from Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, that appears about as protective as Pfizer-BioNTech’s shot. A third candidate, from Johnson &amp; Johnson, which would require just one dose, is working its way through the pipeline. Behind that is a candidate from AstraZeneca and Oxford University

All eyes now turn to the FDA staff scientists who will make the final decision on whether to greenlight use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Regulators not only in Britain but in Canada have already approved it for use in their countries, and President Donald Trump and White House officials have complained for weeks about the pace of FDA’s careful review.

FDA’s vaccine director Dr. Peter Marks said ahead of the expert meeting that a decision would come within “days to a week.”

“Americans want us to do a scientific review, but I think they also want us to make sure we’re not wasting time on paperwork as opposed to going forward with the decision,” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said before the meeting.

A positive vote for the vaccine was virtually assured after FDA scientists issued a glowing review of the vaccine earlier in the week. Agency staffers said data from Pfizer’s ongoing study of 44,000 people showed strong protection across different age groups, races and health conditions with no major, unexpected safety problems.

The Pfizer-BioNTech shot remains experimental because that final-stage study isn’t complete. As a result, the expert panel wrestled with a list of questions that have yet to be answered.

For example, while the vaccine is more than 90% effective in blocking the symptoms of COVID-19, the FDA’s advisers stressed it is not yet clear if it can stop the silent, symptomless spread that accounts for up to half of cases.

“Even though the individual efficacy of this vaccine is very, very, very high, you really as of right now do not have any evidence” that it will lower transmission, said Dr. Patrick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh. He urged Pfizer to take additional steps to answer that question.

And the advisers are worried that Pfizer will lose its opportunity to answer critical questions as it begins offering the real vaccine to study participants who had been getting dummy shots.

The company proposed gradually moving those patients to the vaccine group, with priority based on age, health conditions and other factors. Under that plan, 70-year-old participants would cross over before healthy 30-year-olds.

Pfizer must still show whether the vaccine works in children younger than 16 and in pregnant women.

On the safety front, as widespread vaccinations begin, the first recipients will be closely tracked by government health authorities since studies in tens of thousands of people can’t detect rare risks that strike 1 in a million. Hanging over the meeting were the British allergic reactions and a warning from authorities there that people with a history of serious reactions shouldn’t get the vaccine for now.

Pfizer representatives said they have seen no signs of allergic reactions in their trial. But some of the FDA advisers fear the British warning will deter millions of Americans with allergies who might benefit from the COVID-19 vaccine from giving it a try, and urged additional studies to try to settle the issue.

“This issue is not going to die until we have better data,” Offit said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607640634805.png" alt="Virtual FDA panel discussion Thursday image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Virtual FDA panel discussion Thursday image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A U.S. government advisory panel endorsed widespread use of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine Thursday, putting the country just one step away from launching an epic vaccination campaign against the outbreak that has killed close to 300,000 Americans.<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507053-2/fda-advisory-committee-votes-recommend-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine">CLICK here t</a>o watch Thursday's discussion on the vaccine.Shots could begin within days, depending on how quickly the Food and Drug Administration signs off, as expected, on the expert committee’s recommendation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607648760719.png" alt="Zoom vote Thursday afternoon on the vaccine" />
 <figcaption>Zoom vote Thursday afternoon on the vaccine</figcaption>
 </figure>In a 17-4 vote with one abstention, the government advisers concluded that the vaccine from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech appears safe and effective for emergency use in adults and teenagers 16 and older.That endorsement came despite questions about allergic reactions in two people who received the vaccine earlier this week when Britain became the first country to begin dispensing the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.Despite all the remaining unknowns, in an emergency, “the question is whether you know enough,” said panel member Dr. Paul Offit of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, who concluded that the shot’s potential potential benefits outweigh its risks.The independent review by non-government experts in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics was considered critical to boosting Americans’ confidence in the safety of the shot, which was developed at breakneck speed less than a year after the virus was identified.The decision came as COVID-19 cases surge to ever-higher levels across the U.S., with deaths hitting an all-time, one-day high of more than 3,100 on Wednesday.Pfizer has said it will have about 25 million doses of the two-shot vaccine for the U.S. by the end of December. But initial supplies will be limited and reserved primarily for health care workers and nursing home residents, with other vulnerable groups next in line until the shots become widely available on demand, something that will probably not happen until the spring.Experts estimate at least 70% of the U.S. population will have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the point at which the virus can be held in check. That means it could be several months before things start get back to normal and Americans can put away their masks.The FDA next week will review a second vaccine, from Moderna and the National Institutes of Health, that appears about as protective as Pfizer-BioNTech’s shot. A third candidate, from Johnson &amp; Johnson, which would require just one dose, is working its way through the pipeline. Behind that is a candidate from AstraZeneca and Oxford UniversityAll eyes now turn to the FDA staff scientists who will make the final decision on whether to greenlight use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Regulators not only in Britain but in Canada have already approved it for use in their countries, and President Donald Trump and White House officials have complained for weeks about the pace of FDA’s careful review.FDA’s vaccine director Dr. Peter Marks said ahead of the expert meeting that a decision would come within “days to a week.”“Americans want us to do a scientific review, but I think they also want us to make sure we’re not wasting time on paperwork as opposed to going forward with the decision,” FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn said before the meeting.A positive vote for the vaccine was virtually assured after FDA scientists issued a glowing review of the vaccine earlier in the week. Agency staffers said data from Pfizer’s ongoing study of 44,000 people showed strong protection across different age groups, races and health conditions with no major, unexpected safety problems.The Pfizer-BioNTech shot remains experimental because that final-stage study isn’t complete. As a result, the expert panel wrestled with a list of questions that have yet to be answered.For example, while the vaccine is more than 90% effective in blocking the symptoms of COVID-19, the FDA’s advisers stressed it is not yet clear if it can stop the silent, symptomless spread that accounts for up to half of cases.“Even though the individual efficacy of this vaccine is very, very, very high, you really as of right now do not have any evidence” that it will lower transmission, said Dr. Patrick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh. He urged Pfizer to take additional steps to answer that question.And the advisers are worried that Pfizer will lose its opportunity to answer critical questions as it begins offering the real vaccine to study participants who had been getting dummy shots.The company proposed gradually moving those patients to the vaccine group, with priority based on age, health conditions and other factors. Under that plan, 70-year-old participants would cross over before healthy 30-year-olds.Pfizer must still show whether the vaccine works in children younger than 16 and in pregnant women.On the safety front, as widespread vaccinations begin, the first recipients will be closely tracked by government health authorities since studies in tens of thousands of people can’t detect rare risks that strike 1 in a million. Hanging over the meeting were the British allergic reactions and a warning from authorities there that people with a history of serious reactions shouldn’t get the vaccine for now.Pfizer representatives said they have seen no signs of allergic reactions in their trial. But some of the FDA advisers fear the British warning will deter millions of Americans with allergies who might benefit from the COVID-19 vaccine from giving it a try, and urged additional studies to try to settle the issue.“This issue is not going to die until we have better data,” Offit said.

FDA panel votes to approve Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine faces one final hurdle as it races to become the first shot greenlighted in the U.S.: a panel of experts who will scrutinize the company’s data for any red flags.

or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507053-1/fda-holds-open-meeting-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine">CLICK here to watch</a>&nbsp;the hearing that begins at 8 a.m. CST

Thursday’s meeting of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel is likely the last step before a U.S. decision to begin shipping millions of doses of the shot, which has shown strong protection against the coronavirus.

The FDA panel functions like a science court that will pick apart the data and debate — in public and live-streamed — whether the shot is safe and effective enough to be cleared for emergency use. The non-government experts specialize in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics. The FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-236677e5030e61b70ce432cfd9fd9b8b">is expected to follow</a>&nbsp;the committee’s advice, although it is not required to do so.

The FDA’s decision comes as the coronavirus continues surging across much of the world, claiming more than 1.5 million lives, including more than 289,000 in the U.S.

Hanging over the meeting is a warning from U.K. officials that people with a history of serious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/allergy-reaction-vaccines-rare-explained-4ee5fb2f2553863d9d2659b1f06a0e21">allergic reactions</a>&nbsp;shouldn’t get the vaccine. Government officials there are investigating two reports of reactions that occurred when the country began mass vaccinations.

Still, a positive recommendation and speedy U.S. approval seem nearly certain after FDA scientists issued an overwhelmingly positive initial review of the vaccine earlier this week.

FDA said results from Pfizer’s large, ongoing study showed the shot, which was co-developed with Germany’s BioNTech, was more than 90% effective across people of different ages, races and underlying health conditions, including diabetes and obesity. No major safety issues were uncovered and common vaccine-related side effects like fever, fatigue and injection site pain were tolerable.

“The data presented in the briefing report were consistent with what we heard before and are really exciting,” said Dr. William Moss, head of Johns Hopkins University’s International Vaccine Access Center. “Nothing that I see would delay an emergency use authorization.”

The meeting also gives regulators an opportunity to try to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">public confidence</a>&nbsp;in the breakneck development process that has produced the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and a string of other upcoming shots in less than a year. The FDA has also faced weeks of verbal abuse from President Donald Trump for not rushing out a vaccine before Election Day.

“There have been a lot of questions about why it takes us so long or ‘are we being rigorous enough?’” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn in an interview. “I’m hoping that people will see with our transparency that we have taken a very rigorous stance on this.”

Hahn said the agency has already teed up the process to authorize the vaccine by filling out all the legal paperwork in advance, regardless of the ultimate decision.

The FDA uncovered no major safety issues in its review of Pfizer’s 44,000-person study, including no allergic reactions of the type reported in the U.K. But such studies can’t detect rare problems that might only affect a tiny slice of the general population.

FDA reviewers noted four cases of Bell’s palsy that all occurred among people getting the vaccine. They concluded the cases were likely unrelated to the vaccine because they occurred at rates that would be expected without any medical intervention. But the agency did say cases of the nerve disorder should be tracked, given that other vaccines can cause the problem.

“I think we have to be upfront, without scaring people, that we don’t know yet about any potential, rare, long-term adverse events,” Moss said.

The FDA found the vaccine highly effective across various demographic groups.

But it’s unclear how well the vaccine works in people with HIV and other immune-system disorders.

The study excluded pregnant women, but experts will tease apart the data for any hints in case women get vaccinated before realizing they’re pregnant.

A study of children as young as 12 is underway.

Answering some of these questions will require keeping Pfizer’s study going for many more months.

When the FDA panel met in October, experts warned against allowing trial participants who received placebos to switch and get the real vaccine immediately after it receives the FDA’s emergency OK. Doing that could make it impossible to get answers to long-term questions, including how long the protection lasts.

Pfizer and BioNTech say they want to allow such participants to get the vaccine either upon request or, at the latest, after six months of follow-up.

The FDA still hasn’t made clear if it will accept that approach.

“FDA is adamant that they want these trials completed,” said Norman Baylor, former director of FDA’s vaccine office, adding that its expert panel members “know that too.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607605686018.png" alt="During a news conference Wednesday, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman shows the packaging container used to ship the vaccine to the state from Pfizer. It contains a probe to monitor the cold temperature necessary to store the vaccine." />
 <figcaption>During a news conference Wednesday, KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman shows the packaging container used to ship the vaccine to the state from Pfizer. It contains a probe to monitor the cold temperature necessary to store the vaccine.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine faces one final hurdle as it races to become the first shot greenlighted in the U.S.: a panel of experts who will scrutinize the company’s data for any red flags.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FFDA%2Fvideos%2F849134789187196%2F&show_text=false&width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?507053-1/fda-holds-open-meeting-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine">CLICK here to watch</a>&nbsp;the hearing that begins at 8 a.m. CSTThursday’s meeting of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel is likely the last step before a U.S. decision to begin shipping millions of doses of the shot, which has shown strong protection against the coronavirus.The FDA panel functions like a science court that will pick apart the data and debate — in public and live-streamed — whether the shot is safe and effective enough to be cleared for emergency use. The non-government experts specialize in vaccine development, infectious diseases and medical statistics. The FDA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-236677e5030e61b70ce432cfd9fd9b8b">is expected to follow</a>&nbsp;the committee’s advice, although it is not required to do so.The FDA’s decision comes as the coronavirus continues surging across much of the world, claiming more than 1.5 million lives, including more than 289,000 in the U.S.Hanging over the meeting is a warning from U.K. officials that people with a history of serious&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/allergy-reaction-vaccines-rare-explained-4ee5fb2f2553863d9d2659b1f06a0e21">allergic reactions</a>&nbsp;shouldn’t get the vaccine. Government officials there are investigating two reports of reactions that occurred when the country began mass vaccinations.Still, a positive recommendation and speedy U.S. approval seem nearly certain after FDA scientists issued an overwhelmingly positive initial review of the vaccine earlier this week.FDA said results from Pfizer’s large, ongoing study showed the shot, which was co-developed with Germany’s BioNTech, was more than 90% effective across people of different ages, races and underlying health conditions, including diabetes and obesity. No major safety issues were uncovered and common vaccine-related side effects like fever, fatigue and injection site pain were tolerable.“The data presented in the briefing report were consistent with what we heard before and are really exciting,” said Dr. William Moss, head of Johns Hopkins University’s International Vaccine Access Center. “Nothing that I see would delay an emergency use authorization.”The meeting also gives regulators an opportunity to try to boost&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ap-norc-poll-us-half-want-vaccine-shots-4d98dbfc0a64d60d52ac84c3065dac55">public confidence</a>&nbsp;in the breakneck development process that has produced the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and a string of other upcoming shots in less than a year. The FDA has also faced weeks of verbal abuse from President Donald Trump for not rushing out a vaccine before Election Day.“There have been a lot of questions about why it takes us so long or ‘are we being rigorous enough?’” said FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn in an interview. “I’m hoping that people will see with our transparency that we have taken a very rigorous stance on this.”Hahn said the agency has already teed up the process to authorize the vaccine by filling out all the legal paperwork in advance, regardless of the ultimate decision.On Thursday’s agenda:RARE ADVERSE REACTIONSThe FDA uncovered no major safety issues in its review of Pfizer’s 44,000-person study, including no allergic reactions of the type reported in the U.K. But such studies can’t detect rare problems that might only affect a tiny slice of the general population.FDA reviewers noted four cases of Bell’s palsy that all occurred among people getting the vaccine. They concluded the cases were likely unrelated to the vaccine because they occurred at rates that would be expected without any medical intervention. But the agency did say cases of the nerve disorder should be tracked, given that other vaccines can cause the problem.“I think we have to be upfront, without scaring people, that we don’t know yet about any potential, rare, long-term adverse events,” Moss said.EFFICACY QUESTIONSThe FDA found the vaccine highly effective across various demographic groups.But it’s unclear how well the vaccine works in people with HIV and other immune-system disorders.The study excluded pregnant women, but experts will tease apart the data for any hints in case women get vaccinated before realizing they’re pregnant.A study of children as young as 12 is underway.IMPACT OF EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATIONAnswering some of these questions will require keeping Pfizer’s study going for many more months.When the FDA panel met in October, experts warned against allowing trial participants who received placebos to switch and get the real vaccine immediately after it receives the FDA’s emergency OK. Doing that could make it impossible to get answers to long-term questions, including how long the protection lasts.Pfizer and BioNTech say they want to allow such participants to get the vaccine either upon request or, at the latest, after six months of follow-up.The FDA still hasn’t made clear if it will accept that approach.“FDA is adamant that they want these trials completed,” said Norman Baylor, former director of FDA’s vaccine office, adding that its expert panel members “know that too.”___

🎥  Countdown to vaccine: FDA approval hearing 

Free, online series addresses challenges faced by families&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H youth development program is addressing unique challenges faced by parents during the COVID-19 pandemic with a free, online series that launched in late November.&nbsp;

The program, Parenting Through a Pandemic, will be offered twice more in December, according to Kansas 4-H Youth Development State Program Leader Wade Weber.&nbsp;

“This is a way to help connect with parents of 4-H youth,” Weber said, adding that in doing so, “we’re helping youth to build resilience. It’s a way to help families cope with challenges that are in front of them, but also put them in a position to thrive as they go forward.”&nbsp;

Though the program is free, organizers encourage interested persons to register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">www.Kansas4-h.org</a>&nbsp;to receive login information.&nbsp;

Elaine Johannes, a youth development specialist and associate professor in K-State’s Department of Applied Human Sciences, spoke on Dec. 7 about how families can get ready for the winter and holiday break together.&nbsp;

“During this time of year, there are often rituals and routines that we look back to as our rhythm of life, including time spent with family,” Weber said. “That is pretty significant in helping us mark time, establish connections with family or reinforce our relationships.”&nbsp;

Johannes’ talk focused on how family members can continue to build each other up, talk about current challenges – “hopefully while they’re small and still manageable,” Weber said – and how to be purposeful in planning for better days ahead.&nbsp;

“We’ve encountered a lot of disruptions this year,” Weber said. “I think that one of the things we learned in 2020 is that we have the opportunity to define the values and clarify the purposefulness we’ll have in relationships with each other. The difficulties we’ve faced during the pandemic don’t change the fact that we have a basic need for community and family and learning. That’s one of the things we want to highlight and encourage parents through this program, and provide resources to help them.”&nbsp;

Johannes’ full talk and previous presentations are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/grant-and-expansion-opportunities/index.html" target="_blank">available online on the Kansas 4-H website</a>. Upcoming programs include:&nbsp;

Weber said a focus of the series is that parents and children should still have goals toward learning and growing.&nbsp;

“You can say, ‘what are the things we want to learn about’ and identify the resources to learn those things,” he said. “Or, ‘what’s a community I can be involved in that deepens my passions.’ And you can still be involved in those, even if it’s virtual.”&nbsp;

“In some respects, the virtual environment is throwing the doors open to gain access to people who maybe relationally you didn’t know was down the street, and now all of a sudden you also have an opportunity to build a relationship with somebody halfway around the world. That’s a unique opportunity, and I’m really thankful that as part of the extension system, the Kansas 4-H program allows access and opportunities for young people to learn in ways that are unprecedented.”&nbsp;

Free, online series addresses challenges faced by families&nbsp;MANHATTAN, Kan. – The Kansas 4-H youth development program is addressing unique challenges faced by parents during the COVID-19 pandemic with a free, online series that launched in late November.&nbsp;The program, Parenting Through a Pandemic, will be offered twice more in December, according to Kansas 4-H Youth Development State Program Leader Wade Weber.&nbsp;“This is a way to help connect with parents of 4-H youth,” Weber said, adding that in doing so, “we’re helping youth to build resilience. It’s a way to help families cope with challenges that are in front of them, but also put them in a position to thrive as they go forward.”&nbsp;Though the program is free, organizers encourage interested persons to register online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kansas4-h.org/" target="_blank">www.Kansas4-h.org</a>&nbsp;to receive login information.&nbsp;Elaine Johannes, a youth development specialist and associate professor in K-State’s Department of Applied Human Sciences, spoke on Dec. 7 about how families can get ready for the winter and holiday break together.&nbsp;“During this time of year, there are often rituals and routines that we look back to as our rhythm of life, including time spent with family,” Weber said. “That is pretty significant in helping us mark time, establish connections with family or reinforce our relationships.”&nbsp;Johannes’ talk focused on how family members can continue to build each other up, talk about current challenges – “hopefully while they’re small and still manageable,” Weber said – and how to be purposeful in planning for better days ahead.&nbsp;“We’ve encountered a lot of disruptions this year,” Weber said. “I think that one of the things we learned in 2020 is that we have the opportunity to define the values and clarify the purposefulness we’ll have in relationships with each other. The difficulties we’ve faced during the pandemic don’t change the fact that we have a basic need for community and family and learning. That’s one of the things we want to highlight and encourage parents through this program, and provide resources to help them.”&nbsp;Johannes’ full talk and previous presentations are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/grant-and-expansion-opportunities/index.html" target="_blank">available online on the Kansas 4-H website</a>. Upcoming programs include:&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Dec. 14&nbsp;– Conversations about family recovery: Getting through touch patches during winter/holiday break together.&nbsp;</li><li>Dec. 17&nbsp;– Conversation about resistance and return: Preparing for 2021 together.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Weber said a focus of the series is that parents and children should still have goals toward learning and growing.&nbsp;“You can say, ‘what are the things we want to learn about’ and identify the resources to learn those things,” he said. “Or, ‘what’s a community I can be involved in that deepens my passions.’ And you can still be involved in those, even if it’s virtual.”&nbsp;“In some respects, the virtual environment is throwing the doors open to gain access to people who maybe relationally you didn’t know was down the street, and now all of a sudden you also have an opportunity to build a relationship with somebody halfway around the world. That’s a unique opportunity, and I’m really thankful that as part of the extension system, the Kansas 4-H program allows access and opportunities for young people to learn in ways that are unprecedented.”&nbsp;

Kansas 4-H launches 'Parenting Through a Pandemic

There were 26 new positive COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday by the Pottawatomie County Health Department. There were 16 recovered cases and 76 cases are active. Four tests are pending. Five people are hospitalized.&nbsp;

There were 26 new positive COVID-19 cases reported Wednesday by the Pottawatomie County Health Department. There were 16 recovered cases and 76 cases are active. Four tests are pending. Five people are hospitalized.&nbsp;

More COVID-19 cases reported in Pottawatomie County

&nbsp;Riley County has identified 153 new positive cases and 44 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, December 7. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for six positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). &nbsp; The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) announced this morning that it will adopt the new 10-day quarantine guidelines proposed by CDC and KDHE effective Thursday, December 10, 2020. The new guidelines state quarantine can end after day 10 if the patient has no symptoms of COVID-19. Riley County will not adopt the alternate 7-day quarantine option at this time. &nbsp; Patients currently in quarantine may end their quarantine period after day 10 if they do not develop symptoms. Contact tracing staff will reach out to patients directly to share information about the new guidelines. &nbsp; “To reduce the personal burden on patients and gain more compliance with quarantine, we will adopt the new 10-day alternative,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Symptoms may appear after day 10, but the likelihood decreases significantly. RCHD continues to recommend a quarantine period of 14 days for anyone exposed to COVID-19 if they have the ability to do so.” &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; People who are waiting for test results should not call the Screening Line. That line is reserved for patients who need advice about testing. RCHD contact tracing staff will call people who participated in the free testing events directly. If staff are unable to reach the patient on the first try, they will call again. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, December 9, 2020:

&nbsp;Riley County has identified 153 new positive cases and 44 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, December 7. &nbsp; Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for six positive patients and two PUI patients at this time. Two of the positive patients are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). &nbsp; The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) announced this morning that it will adopt the new 10-day quarantine guidelines proposed by CDC and KDHE effective Thursday, December 10, 2020. The new guidelines state quarantine can end after day 10 if the patient has no symptoms of COVID-19. Riley County will not adopt the alternate 7-day quarantine option at this time. &nbsp; Patients currently in quarantine may end their quarantine period after day 10 if they do not develop symptoms. Contact tracing staff will reach out to patients directly to share information about the new guidelines. &nbsp; “To reduce the personal burden on patients and gain more compliance with quarantine, we will adopt the new 10-day alternative,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Symptoms may appear after day 10, but the likelihood decreases significantly. RCHD continues to recommend a quarantine period of 14 days for anyone exposed to COVID-19 if they have the ability to do so.” &nbsp; Any person who is sick or would like more information about how to get tested, should call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any person experiencing life-threatening symptoms should call 911. &nbsp; People who are waiting for test results should not call the Screening Line. That line is reserved for patients who need advice about testing. RCHD contact tracing staff will call people who participated in the free testing events directly. If staff are unable to reach the patient on the first try, they will call again. &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, December 9, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 4,176</li><li>Total active: &nbsp;493</li><li>Total recovered: 3,667</li><li>Total deaths: 16</li>
 </ul>

Riley County health officials release the latest COVID-19 count

The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) will adopt the new 10-day quarantine guidelines proposed by CDC and KDHE effective Thursday, December 10, 2020. The new guidelines state

quarantine can end after day 10 if the patient has no symptoms of COVID-19. Riley County will not adopt the alternate 7-day quarantine option at this time.

Patients currently in quarantine may end their quarantine period after day 10 if they do not develop symptoms. Contact tracing staff will reach out to patients currently in quarantine to share information about the

“To reduce the personal burden on patients and gain more compliance with quarantine, we will adopt the new 10-day alternative,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Symptoms may appear after day 10, but the likelihood

RCHD continues to recommend a quarantine period of 14 days for anyone exposed to COVID-19 if they have the ability to do so.” 

According to CDC, with the 10-day strategy, residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be about 1% with an upper limit of about 10%. 

The Riley County Health Department (RCHD) will adopt the new 10-day quarantine guidelines proposed by CDC and KDHE effective Thursday, December 10, 2020. The new guidelines statequarantine can end after day 10 if the patient has no symptoms of COVID-19. Riley County will not adopt the alternate 7-day quarantine option at this time.Patients currently in quarantine may end their quarantine period after day 10 if they do not develop symptoms. Contact tracing staff will reach out to patients currently in quarantine to share information about thenew guidelines. “To reduce the personal burden on patients and gain more compliance with quarantine, we will adopt the new 10-day alternative,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “Symptoms may appear after day 10, but the likelihooddecreases significantly."RCHD continues to recommend a quarantine period of 14 days for anyone exposed to COVID-19 if they have the ability to do so.” According to CDC, with the 10-day strategy, residual post-quarantine transmission risk is estimated to be about 1% with an upper limit of about 10%.

Riley County will go with 10-day quarantine guideline

By Vivienne Uccello&nbsp; - Public Information Officer - Riley County Emergency Operations Center

Riley County has identified 118 new positive cases and 122 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, December 4. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 11 positive patients and 2 PUI patients at this time. Three of those patients are in the Intensive Care Unit. Most of the test results, 601 out of 657, from last Thursday’s free testing event were received over the weekend. Almost all of the positive patients in that group have been called. Contact tracing staff have started contacting negative patients and will continue to make calls as more results come in. Of the 601 results received so far, 25% have been positive. Some of the participants live in other counties and their data will not be included in Riley County statistics. &nbsp; Governor Kelly launched a website to help Kansans find free COVID-19 testing sites across the state&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3ec7c831dd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.gogettested.com/kansas</a>. Free drive-up testing will be offered in Manhattan’s CiCo Park every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. In holiday weeks, testing will be offered on Mondays instead. Future testing dates are December 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. If you are sick or would like more information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Monday, December 7, 2020:

Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.



By Vivienne Uccello&nbsp; - Public Information Officer - Riley County Emergency Operations Center

Riley County has identified 118 new positive cases and 122 additional recoveries since the last report on Friday, December 4. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 11 positive patients and 2 PUI patients at this time. Three of those patients are in the Intensive Care Unit. Most of the test results, 601 out of 657, from last Thursday’s free testing event were received over the weekend. Almost all of the positive patients in that group have been called. Contact tracing staff have started contacting negative patients and will continue to make calls as more results come in. Of the 601 results received so far, 25% have been positive. Some of the participants live in other counties and their data will not be included in Riley County statistics. &nbsp; Governor Kelly launched a website to help Kansans find free COVID-19 testing sites across the state&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3ec7c831dd&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.gogettested.com/kansas</a>. Free drive-up testing will be offered in Manhattan’s CiCo Park every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. In holiday weeks, testing will be offered on Mondays instead. Future testing dates are December 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. If you are sick or would like more information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. Riley County Statistics for Monday, December 7, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 4,023</li><li>Total active: 384</li><li>Total recovered: 3,623</li><li>Total deaths: 16</li>
 </ul>Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

Riley County health reports more positive COVID-19 cases

LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.

Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.

“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.

“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.

Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.

Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.

The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.

“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.

Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on speculation that Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, will soon be vaccinated and then make it public, a move that could reassure anyone nervous about getting a vaccination.

“Our goal is totally to protect every member of the population, Her Majesty, of course, as well,” Dr. June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which authorized the vaccine, told the BBC.

The U.K. has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which can cover 20 million people. Since the British government will only immunize people over 16, around 55 million people in the U.K. will be eligible. In total, Britain has procured 357 million doses of seven vaccine candidates, including 100 million of the much cheaper Oxford vaccine, which has a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Now that the first tranche of the vaccine has arrived from Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Belgium, checks are being conducted by a specialist medical logistics company to ensure there was no damage in transit. This could take up to a day.

Each box containing the vaccines, which includes five packs of 975 doses, will need to be opened and unpacked manually at specially licensed sites. After that, the vaccines will then be made available to hospitals.

Delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is complicated because it needs to be stored at super-chilled temperatures: about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Fortunately, the vaccine is stable at normal refrigerator temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 F), for a few days, meaning it can be stored locally. After defrosting the vaccine, which takes a few hours, additional time is required to prepare it to be given in a shot.

Public Health England has secured 58 special Twin Guard ultra-low temperature freezers that provide sufficient storage for approximately five million doses. The fridges, which are not portable, each hold around 86,000 doses.

The vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-germany-immunizations-coronavirus-pandemic-3ac7e19981b7937f0f08a29667ddf09e">won’t just be provided by hospitals</a>. Local doctors’ offices and other local health care centers are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccine, with a small number expected to do so the week of Dec. 14. More medical practices in more parts of the country will be phased in during December and in the coming months.

There are plans for vaccination centers treating large numbers of patients in sports areas and conference centers and for local pharmacies to be able to offer the jabs as they do with annual influenza shots.

Although nursing home residents top the prioritization list given to the British government by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, they won’t be getting the vaccinations straight away, as the vaccine packs of 975 doses cannot yet be divided, making it very difficult to deliver vaccines to individual care homes.

The NHS hopes authorities will soon approve a safe way of splitting up the dose packs so the shots can get to nursing homes during December.

During the first phase of the immunization program, Britain has created nine separate groups in its prioritization list down to those aged 50 and above. Overall, it hopes that up to 99% of people most at risk of dying from COVID 19 will have been immunized during the first phase.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) — Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech were delivered Sunday in the U.K. in super-cold containers, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine were expected to be in place for the start of the immunization program on Tuesday, a day that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed as “V-Day,” a nod to triumphs in World War II.“To know that they are here, and we are amongst the first in the country to actually receive the vaccine and therefore the first in the world, is just amazing,” said Louise Coughlan, joint chief pharmacist at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, just south of London.“I’m so proud,” she said after the trust, which runs Croydon University Hospital, took delivery of the vaccine.Last week, the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uk-authorizes-vaccine-emergency-use-ea0170c978eb281a905866e5bd78bbdf">U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine</a>&nbsp;for emergency use. In trials, the vaccine was shown to have around 95% efficacy. Vaccinations will be administered starting Tuesday at around 50 hospital hubs in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also begin their vaccination rollouts the same day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605532171471.png" alt="Photo courtesy Moderna" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Moderna</figcaption>
 </figure>Governments and health agencies around the world will be monitoring the British vaccination program, which will take months, to note its successes and failures and adjust their own plans accordingly. The U.S. hopes to start vaccinations later this month. British regulatory authorities are also examining data on the vaccines from American biotechnology company Moderna and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.Russia on Saturday began vaccinating thousands of doctors, teachers and others at dozens of centers in Moscow with its Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine, which was approved over the summer after being tested in only a few dozen people.The excitement in Britain, which has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at more than 61,000, was palpable.“Despite the huge complexities, hospitals will kickstart the first phase of the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history from Tuesday,” said Professor Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director.Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospitals as outpatients and those being discharged after a stay in the hospital will be among the first to receive the jab. Hospitals will also start inviting over 80s in for a vaccine shot and will work with nursing homes to book staff into vaccination clinics. Any appointments not taken up will be offered to those health workers deemed to be at the highest risk of COVID-19. Everyone who is vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.Buckingham Palace refused to comment on speculation that Queen Elizabeth II, 94, and her 99-year-old husband, Prince Philip, will soon be vaccinated and then make it public, a move that could reassure anyone nervous about getting a vaccination.“Our goal is totally to protect every member of the population, Her Majesty, of course, as well,” Dr. June Raine, chief executive of Britain’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which authorized the vaccine, told the BBC.The U.K. has secured 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which can cover 20 million people. Since the British government will only immunize people over 16, around 55 million people in the U.K. will be eligible. In total, Britain has procured 357 million doses of seven vaccine candidates, including 100 million of the much cheaper Oxford vaccine, which has a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.Now that the first tranche of the vaccine has arrived from Pfizer’s manufacturing plant in Belgium, checks are being conducted by a specialist medical logistics company to ensure there was no damage in transit. This could take up to a day.Each box containing the vaccines, which includes five packs of 975 doses, will need to be opened and unpacked manually at specially licensed sites. After that, the vaccines will then be made available to hospitals.Delivering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is complicated because it needs to be stored at super-chilled temperatures: about minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit). Fortunately, the vaccine is stable at normal refrigerator temperatures, between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 F), for a few days, meaning it can be stored locally. After defrosting the vaccine, which takes a few hours, additional time is required to prepare it to be given in a shot.Public Health England has secured 58 special Twin Guard ultra-low temperature freezers that provide sufficient storage for approximately five million doses. The fridges, which are not portable, each hold around 86,000 doses.The vaccine&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-germany-immunizations-coronavirus-pandemic-3ac7e19981b7937f0f08a29667ddf09e">won’t just be provided by hospitals</a>. Local doctors’ offices and other local health care centers are being put on standby to start delivering the vaccine, with a small number expected to do so the week of Dec. 14. More medical practices in more parts of the country will be phased in during December and in the coming months.There are plans for vaccination centers treating large numbers of patients in sports areas and conference centers and for local pharmacies to be able to offer the jabs as they do with annual influenza shots.Although nursing home residents top the prioritization list given to the British government by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, they won’t be getting the vaccinations straight away, as the vaccine packs of 975 doses cannot yet be divided, making it very difficult to deliver vaccines to individual care homes.The NHS hopes authorities will soon approve a safe way of splitting up the dose packs so the shots can get to nursing homes during December.During the first phase of the immunization program, Britain has created nine separate groups in its prioritization list down to those aged 50 and above. Overall, it hopes that up to 99% of people most at risk of dying from COVID 19 will have been immunized during the first phase.

Huge coronavirus vaccine rollout set to begin

Pottawatomie County has reported three COVID-19 related deaths in November. The information was provided by the County following confirmation with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment.&nbsp;

In a report released Friday Pottawatomie County health officials confirmed 20 new positive COVID-19 cases. There are 64 active cases in the county. Twenty tests are pending.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County has reported three COVID-19 related deaths in November. The information was provided by the County following confirmation with the Kansas Department of Health &amp; Environment.&nbsp;In a report released Friday Pottawatomie County health officials confirmed 20 new positive COVID-19 cases. There are 64 active cases in the county. Twenty tests are pending.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County officials issued a COVID-19 update

&nbsp;Riley County has identified 125 new positive cases and 128 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, December 2. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 10 positive patients at this time. A total of 657 people were swabbed at the free testing event on December 3. Riley County Health Department staff will begin notifying patients as soon as test results come in. Free drive-up testing will be offered next Thursday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary.&nbsp; Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. “Numbers continue to increase in Riley County and across the state,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “You should assume you come into contact with the virus anytime you are in public and take precautions accordingly.” Riley County Statistics for Friday, December 4, 2020:

Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.

One new outbreak has been identified at a long term care facility since Wednesday’s report and one outbreak associated with a childcare facility has expired. There are a total of 13 active outbreaks in the county.



&nbsp;Riley County has identified 125 new positive cases and 128 additional recoveries since the last report on Wednesday, December 2. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 10 positive patients at this time. A total of 657 people were swabbed at the free testing event on December 3. Riley County Health Department staff will begin notifying patients as soon as test results come in. Free drive-up testing will be offered next Thursday, December 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary.&nbsp; Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. “Numbers continue to increase in Riley County and across the state,” said Local Health Officer Julie Gibbs. “You should assume you come into contact with the virus anytime you are in public and take precautions accordingly.” Riley County Statistics for Friday, December 4, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 3,905</li><li>Total active: 388</li><li>Total recovered: 3,501</li><li>Total deaths: 16</li>
 </ul>Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification.One new outbreak has been identified at a long term care facility since Wednesday’s report and one outbreak associated with a childcare facility has expired. There are a total of 13 active outbreaks in the county.

Riley County health officials update COVID-19 numbers

The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided an update Wednesday, siting 12 new positive Coronavirus cases in the county, bringing the total for the pandemic to 703.

There is one current hospitalization due to the virus. There have not been any confirmed new deaths in the county, however there is one that is still awaiting confirmation from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;

Pottawatomie County has 41 current active cases, with 51 new recoveries since the last report on Monday. Of the 703 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, 666 have recovered.&nbsp;

The Pottawatomie County Health Department provided an update Wednesday, siting 12 new positive Coronavirus cases in the county, bringing the total for the pandemic to 703.There is one current hospitalization due to the virus. There have not been any confirmed new deaths in the county, however there is one that is still awaiting confirmation from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.&nbsp;Pottawatomie County has 41 current active cases, with 51 new recoveries since the last report on Monday. Of the 703 total cases in the county since the pandemic began, 666 have recovered.&nbsp;

(RILEY COUNTY, KS – December 2, 2020) An 86 year-old Riley County woman passed away November 28th after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 8th. She was a resident of Leonardville Nursing Home and her passing represents the 16th COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has 71 new positive cases and 9 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, November 30. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 9 positive patients and 3 PUI patients at this time. Two of the positives and one of the PUIs are on ventilators. Persons Under Investigation or PUIs are patients who have symptoms and are waiting for test results. “Private social gatherings have been one of the most significant sources of spread since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Gibbs. “If you choose to gather with friends and family please avoid close contact and follow safety guidelines. Wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently.” &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, December 2, 2020:

Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. Patient test results are calculated in the week the test was given, not the week in which results were received. As results come in for tests performed in previous weeks, the percent positive information is updated. Typically, results are processed in three to five days for tests in Riley County, but sometimes there is a delay in reporting those numbers to the health department.

Two new outbreaks have been identified since Monday’s report and one expired. One of new outbreaks apppears under the school category and is associated with a school transportation department staff. No students have been associated with the outbreak.

If you are sick or would like information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. &nbsp; Free drive-up testing will be offered this Thursday, December 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary. Please enter CiCo Park from the Kimball/Candlewood entrance and drive to the 4H barns near Pottorf Hall for testing. &nbsp; Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 3, 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. &nbsp; The next written update will be published Friday, December 4. The next video update will be today, December 2 at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3511ae6899&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. &nbsp; Find information about the Fight for the Front Line: Riley County Challenge to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3df7b72bd6&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=19768</a> &nbsp; Drive-up flu shots are available at the health department. Please make an appointment by calling 785-776-4779 ext. 7675 or schedule an appointment online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=90d80cca2f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f0a3c7deba&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>, follow RCHD on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=fcdae3e9e2&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>&nbsp;and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.

By Vivienne Uccello(RILEY COUNTY, KS – December 2, 2020) An 86 year-old Riley County woman passed away November 28th after testing positive for COVID-19 on November 8th. She was a resident of Leonardville Nursing Home and her passing represents the 16th COVID-related death in the county. No further information will be released about the patient. Riley County has 71 new positive cases and 9 additional recoveries since the last report on Monday, November 30. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is caring for 9 positive patients and 3 PUI patients at this time. Two of the positives and one of the PUIs are on ventilators. Persons Under Investigation or PUIs are patients who have symptoms and are waiting for test results. “Private social gatherings have been one of the most significant sources of spread since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Gibbs. “If you choose to gather with friends and family please avoid close contact and follow safety guidelines. Wear a mask, keep your distance, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently.” &nbsp; Riley County Statistics for Wednesday, December 2, 2020:<ul>
 <li>Total positive cases in Riley County Residents: 3,780</li><li>Total active: 391</li><li>Total recovered: 3,373</li><li>Total deaths: 15</li>
 </ul> Positive Rate<ul>
 <li>Week 48 (November 22-28): 14.6%207 positives1,414 total tests</li><li>207 positives</li><li>1,414 total tests</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Week 47 (November 15-21): 17.3%469 positive2,713 total tests</li><li>469 positive</li><li>2,713 total tests</li><li>Two-week average: 16.38%676 positives4,127 total tests</li><li>676 positives</li><li>4,127 total tests</li>
 </ul>Case counts are preliminary and subject to verification. Patient test results are calculated in the week the test was given, not the week in which results were received. As results come in for tests performed in previous weeks, the percent positive information is updated. Typically, results are processed in three to five days for tests in Riley County, but sometimes there is a delay in reporting those numbers to the health department.<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc/images/686888f0-0f8d-46bf-a51c-862b4c2709ed.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Two new outbreaks have been identified since Monday’s report and one expired. One of new outbreaks apppears under the school category and is associated with a school transportation department staff. No students have been associated with the outbreak.<figure>
 <img src="https://mcusercontent.com/95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc/images/9cc2a5cb-6667-45fd-b48b-46c56b19304b.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you are sick or would like information about testing, please call the Riley County Screening Line at 785-323-6400. The Screening Line is staffed by nurses and is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911. &nbsp; Free drive-up testing will be offered this Thursday, December 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at CiCo Park in Manhattan. Everyone is welcome and no appointment is necessary. Please enter CiCo Park from the Kimball/Candlewood entrance and drive to the 4H barns near Pottorf Hall for testing. &nbsp; Testing will be offered every Thursday except Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Future testing dates are December 3, 10, 17, 21, 28 and Jan. 7. Additional testing dates may be added in January. &nbsp; The next written update will be published Friday, December 4. The next video update will be today, December 2 at 4:15 p.m. on the RCHD Facebook page at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3511ae6899&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>. &nbsp; Find information about the Fight for the Front Line: Riley County Challenge to Slow the Spread of COVID-19 at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=3df7b72bd6&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">https://www.rileycountyks.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=19768</a> &nbsp; Drive-up flu shots are available at the health department. Please make an appointment by calling 785-776-4779 ext. 7675 or schedule an appointment online at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=90d80cca2f&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">http://www.rileycountyks.gov/flu</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp; For more information about Riley County’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, visit the Riley County website at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=f0a3c7deba&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">www.rileycountyks.gov/coronavirus</a>, follow RCHD on Facebook at&nbsp;<a href="https://gmail.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=95221c46aac4689e49a7c0bfc&amp;id=fcdae3e9e2&amp;e=fd06d17886" target="_blank">/Rileycountyhealthdepartment/</a>&nbsp;and Twitter @RileyCoHealth.

Riley County Covid-19 Update

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated Press

British officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.

The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.

“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.

“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.

Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.

Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.

Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.

A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.

Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”

“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.

While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.

One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.

Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.

“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.

The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”

Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.

The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.

“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.

The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.

Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.

The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1604926559777.png" alt="Photo courtesy Pfizer" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Pfizer</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and DANICA KIRKA, Associated PressBritish officials authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use on Wednesday, greenlighting the world’s first shot against the virus that’s backed by rigorous science and taking a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic.The go-ahead for the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as the virus surges again in the United States and Europe, putting pressure on hospitals and morgues in some places and forcing new rounds of restrictions that have devastated economies.The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, which licenses drugs in the U.K., recommended the vaccine could be used after it reviewed the results of clinical trials that showed the vaccine was 95% effective overall — and that it also offered significant protection for older people, among those most at risk of dying from the disease. But the vaccine remains experimental while final testing is done.“Help is on its way,″ British Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC, adding that the situation would start to improve in the spring.“We now have a vaccine. We’re the first country in the world to have one formally clinically authorized but, between now and then, we’ve got to hold on, we’ve got to hold our resolve,” he said.Other countries aren’t far behind: Regulators in the United States and the European Union also are vetting the Pfizer shot along with a similar&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moderna-asks-regulators-ok-virus-shots-a65a00cdf9725c9104886ded9052a85d">vaccine made by competitor Moderna Inc</a>. British regulators also are considering another&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/astrazeneca-vaccine-third-cheaper-oxford-c99d26eb2946f6fde45a1edc002ff028">shot made by AstraZeneca and Oxford University</a>.Hancock said Britain expects to begin receiving the first shipment of 800,000 doses “within days,″ and people will begin receiving shots as soon as the National Health Service gets the vaccine.Doses everywhere are scarce, and initial supplies will be rationed until more is manufactured in the first several months of next year.A government committee will release details of vaccination priorities later Wednesday, but Hancock said nursing home residents, people over 80, and healthcare workers and other care workers will be the first to receive the shot.Pfizer said it would immediately begin shipping limited supplies to the U.K. — and has been gearing up for even wider distribution if given a similar nod by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a decision expected as early as next week.Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla called the U.K. decision “a historic moment.”“We are focusing on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world,” Bourla said in a statement.While the U.K. has ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, enough for 20 million people, it’s not clear how many will arrive by year’s end. Hancock said the U.K. expects to receive “millions of doses” by the end of this year, adding that the actual number will depend on how fast Pfizer can produce the vaccine.One concern about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is that it must be stored and shipped at ultra-cold temperatures of around minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit), adding to the challenge of distributing the vaccine around the world.Pfizer says it has developed shipping containers that use dry ice to keep the vaccine cool. GPS-enabled sensors will allow the company to track each shipment and ensure they stay cold, the company says.“Pfizer has vast experience and expertise in cold-chain shipping and has an established infrastructure to supply the vaccine worldwide, including distribution hubs that can store vaccine doses for up to six months,” the company said in a statement.The company also says it has agreed to work with other vaccine makers to ensure there is sufficient supply and a range of vaccines, “including those suitable for global access.”Every country has different rules for determining when an experimental vaccine is safe and effective enough to use. Intense political pressure to be the first to roll out a rigorously scientifically tested shot colored the race in the U.S. and Britain, even as researchers pledged to cut no corners. In contrast, China and Russia have offered different vaccinations to their citizens ahead of late-stage testing.The shots made by U.S.-based Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech were tested in tens of thousands of people. And while that study isn’t complete, early results suggest the vaccine is 95% effective at preventing mild to severe COVID-19 disease. The companies told regulators that of the first 170 infections detected in study volunteers, only eight were among people who’d received the actual vaccine and the rest had gotten a dummy shot.ADVERTISEMENT“This is an extraordinarily strong protection,” Dr. Ugur Sahin, BioNTech’s CEO, recently told The Associated Press.The companies also reported no serious side effects, although vaccine recipients may experience temporary pain and flu-like reactions immediately after injections.Final testing must still be completed. Still to be determined is whether the Pfizer-BioNTech shots protect against people spreading the coronavirus without showing symptoms. Another question is how long protection lasts.The vaccine also has been tested in only a small number of children, none younger than 12, and there’s no information on its effects in pregnant women.___

First COVID-19 vaccinations expected next week

By JODI FORTINO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-01/coronavirus-deaths-in-missouri-top-4-000-as-hospitals-worry-about-capacity-for-rising-number-of-patients">Kansas News Service</a>

COVID-19-related deaths in Missouri hit 4,006 in updated data 
released by the state Tuesday, as officials on both sides of the state 
line worried that hospitals in rural and metropolitan areas were 
reaching capacity.

In Missouri, 19,716 new cases, including 60 deaths, were reported in the last seven days, according to <a href="https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/public-health/" target="_blank">a public health dashboard run by the state</a>. In all, there have been nearly 303,000 total cases. In Kansas, there have been a total of 157,446 cases and 1,560 deaths, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/Nov-30-case-summary?bidId=" target="_blank">according to a state website</a>.

In the nine-county Kansas City area (which encompasses both sides of the state line) 1,088 have died, according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.

The
 University of Kansas Health System announced at its daily briefing 
Tuesday that 101 patients have active COVID-19 cases, of which 53 are in
 the intensive care unit and 24 are on ventilators.

KU experts 
said the increase of patients in the intensive care unit was a reason 
for concern as the hospital’s capacity continues to dwindle. Around 47% 
of ICU beds in Kansas City are taken up by coronavirus patients, 
according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.

“In
 general, the data tells us that we're in for at least a couple of weeks
 more of challenges with the hospitalizations at this point,” said David
 Wild, KU’s vice president of performance improvement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1606851264919.png" alt="Health experts in rural counties of Kansas said routine treatment and care is being put on hold because of the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Health experts in rural counties of Kansas said routine treatment and care is being put on hold because of the number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By JODI FORTINO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2020-12-01/coronavirus-deaths-in-missouri-top-4-000-as-hospitals-worry-about-capacity-for-rising-number-of-patients">Kansas News Service</a>COVID-19-related deaths in Missouri hit 4,006 in updated data 
released by the state Tuesday, as officials on both sides of the state 
line worried that hospitals in rural and metropolitan areas were 
reaching capacity.In Missouri, 19,716 new cases, including 60 deaths, were reported in the last seven days, according to <a href="https://showmestrong.mo.gov/data/public-health/" target="_blank">a public health dashboard run by the state</a>. In all, there have been nearly 303,000 total cases. In Kansas, there have been a total of 157,446 cases and 1,560 deaths, <a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1529/Nov-30-case-summary?bidId=" target="_blank">according to a state website</a>. In the nine-county Kansas City area (which encompasses both sides of the state line) 1,088 have died, according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>. The
 University of Kansas Health System announced at its daily briefing 
Tuesday that 101 patients have active COVID-19 cases, of which 53 are in
 the intensive care unit and 24 are on ventilators.KU experts 
said the increase of patients in the intensive care unit was a reason 
for concern as the hospital’s capacity continues to dwindle. Around 47% 
of ICU beds in Kansas City are taken up by coronavirus patients, 
according to the <a href="https://marc2.org/covidhub/" target="_blank">Kansas City Region COVID-19 Data Hub</a>.“In
 general, the data tells us that we're in for at least a couple of weeks
 more of challenges with the hospitalizations at this point,” said David
 Wild, KU’s vice president of performance improvement.Wild said 
he believes the dip in the case numbers the week of Thanksgiving was 
likely a result of less people getting tested over the holiday weekend. 
The hospital tested around 1,000 over the four-day period, a number it 
normally tests in a day.Now that people are back to work, Wild 
said lines are forming at the system’s testing centers. If case numbers 
don’t begin to decrease soon, he anticipates another lockdown will take 
place.“I think that there's a need for further intervention for 
our community risk mitigation and whether that's a full lockdown or 
whether that's additional sort of restrictions on how we move and 
gather, especially in the places that we know by data are likely to be 
hotspots for transmission,” said Wild.Rural counties, many of 
which still do not have mask mandates, will have a harder time accepting
 more restrictions, said Bob Moser, dean of the University of Kansas 
School of Medicine-Salina.While the university has managed to keep case numbers down through mask-wearing and social-distancing, <a href="https://www.saline.org/Coronavirus" target="_blank">Saline County</a> jumped from five to 34 hospitalizations in just four weeks.As
 Kansas City-area hospitals also begin to fill up, Moser said rural 
hospitals are struggling to find open rooms for critical patients. <a href="https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/about-us/community/care-collaborative" target="_blank">The University of Kansas Health System Care Collaborative</a> spent nearly eight hours this month finding an available hospital for just one patient, said Moser.As a result, smaller hospitals are holding on to more COVID-19 patients rather than facing the challenges of transferring.“That
 means other health conditions, chronic conditions that we deal with 
every day, may have to suffer because they don’t have the capacity for 
that. It's getting pretty critical,” said Moser.Moser said 
another one of his biggest concerns is how rural communities will fit 
into the state’s plan to distribute vaccines. During the H1N1 crisis, 
Moser said rural counties were given very few vaccines because the state
 based area’s needs on their population size.There is no plan yet
 for when rural areas will receive the vaccine, but KU health experts 
said it will first go to those at highest risk, first responders and 
healthcare workers.“That's why we need more companies, because we
 know that through Operation Warp Speed, there has been a buildup of 
supply from those other companies that will help as well, if they do get
 approved. So this first batch is going to be a range, but it will be a 
small range,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease expert at 
the University of Kansas Health System.Hawkinson said the system 
is now working with Wyandotte County on a plan to get vaccinations to 
the area’s most vulnerable populations.

Coronavirus Update