U.S. detects first case of COVID-19 variant as Biden offers gloomy vaccine outlook

By Trevor Hunnicutt and Lisa Lambert

 

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden delivers remarks on the U.S. response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at his transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., December 29, 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

 

WILMINGTON, Del./WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The first known U.S. case of a highly infectious coronavirus variant was detected in Colorado on Tuesday, and President-elect Joe Biden said that it could take years for most Americans to be vaccinated for the virus at current distribution rates.

 

Biden's prediction of a grim winter appeared aimed at lowering public expectations that the pandemic will be over soon after he takes office on Jan. 20, while also sending a message to Congress that his administration will want to significantly increase spending to expedite vaccine distribution, expand testing and provide funding to states to help reopen schools.

 

Biden, a Democrat, said some 2 million people have been vaccinated, well short of the 20 million that outgoing Republican President Donald Trump had promised by the end of the year. Biden defeated Trump in a November election.

 

President-elect Joe Biden criticized President Donald Trump's promised swift coronavirus vaccine rollout, saying it has fallen behind expectations.

 

"As I long feared and warned, the effort to distribute and administer the vaccine is not progressing as it should," Biden said in Wilmington, Delaware. At the current rate, "it's going to take years, not months, to vaccinate the American people."

 

Shortly after his remarks, Colorado's Governor Jared Polis announced on Twitter that his state had discovered a case of a highly infectious coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first detected in the United Kingdom.

 

Biden's goal of ensuring that 100 million shots are administered by the end of his 100th day in office would mean "ramping up five to six times the current pace to 1 million shots a day," Biden said, noting that it would require Congress to approve additional funding.

 

"Even with that improvement, even if we boost the speed of vaccinations to 1 million shots a day, it will still take months to have the majority of the United States' population vaccinated," he said. He predicted that the situation may not improve until "well into March."

 

Biden also said he plans to invoke the Defense Production Act, which grants the president the power to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security or other reasons, to “accelerate the making of materials needed for the vaccine.”

 

Trump himself has invoked the law during the pandemic.

 

To reopen schools safely, Biden said Congress will need to provide funding for such things as additional transportation so students can maintain social distancing and improved ventilation in school buildings.

 

Congress also needs to help make COVID-19 tests more easily available and help pay for protective equipment for healthcare workers, Biden added.

 

HARRIS GETS THE VACCINE

Earlier in the day, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received a COVID-19 vaccination live on television in a bid to boost confidence in the inoculation even while warning it will be months before it is available to all.

 

Harris, who is Black and Asian American, received the Moderna Inc COVID-19 vaccine from a nurse wearing a mask and a face visor at a medical center in predominantly Black southeast Washington.

 

The Biden team has emphasized the importance of encouraging vaccine distribution and inoculation in non-white groups especially hard hit by the coronavirus.

 

Biden has vowed to make a top priority of fighting the coronavirus, which has infected more than 19 million people in the United States and killed over 334,000. He received his first injected dose of the vaccine live on television last week. Two doses are required for full protection.

 

Trump, who had COVID-19 in October, has often played down the severity of the pandemic and overseen a response many health experts say was disorganized and cavalier and sometimes ignored the science behind disease transmission.

 

Biden repeated his call that people wear masks and listen to the advice of medical experts to avoid spreading infection.

 

Dr. Atul Gawande, a member of Biden's COVID-19 advisory board, told CBS News the transition team still did not have all the information it needed to understand the bottlenecks hampering vaccine distribution.

 

He said the Trump administration may have set unrealistic expectations that everyone who wanted to get vaccinated could do so by the end of June 2021.

 

Separately on Tuesday, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell put off a vote on Trump's call to boost COVID-19 relief checks for Americans to $2,000, in a rare challenge to his fellow Republican. Biden has said he favors the increase from an already approved $600.

 

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Susan Heavey, Lisa Lambert and David Brunnstrom; Writing by David Brunnstrom and Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Jonathan Oatis and Howard Goller)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-12-30

 

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Imo gloomy isent correct,realistic is perhaps a better word stay safe all follow protocols I was at the grocery store today 99.99%complyance with protocols to me that says folks are taking it seriously it’s about(censored)time!!

I remember someone saying we were "rounding the corner" and that after the election we "wouldn't hear any more about the virus."

 

And just yesterday I heard from a dear friend in Jomtien giving me grief for still believing in this "hoax."

 

No wonder it's getting worse.

 

 

Edited December 30, 20205 yr by J Town
speling [sic]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Biden, a Democrat, said some 2 million people have been vaccinated, well short of the 20 million that outgoing Republican President Donald Trump had promised by the end of the year. Biden defeated Trump in a November election.

Sadly Trump has abdicate his duties as President and US is without any leadership at the moment. The coronavirus task force has not formally meet since 20th October and Trump has not attended any task force meeting for last 5 months. Distribution of vaccine has been sharply handicapped by lack of proper coordinated planning and leadership. Warp speed has become snail speed and US is doomed to control the surging infections and deaths which will spike after the festive holidays. Trump has let the country down once again. 

24 minutes ago, J Town said:

I remember someone saying we were "rounding the corner" and that after the election we "wouldn't hear any more about the virus."

 

And just yesterday I heard from a dear friend in Jomtien giving me grief for still believing in this "hoax."

 

No wonder it's getting worse.

 

 

I’m sorry to hear that your friend is in denial stay safe 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

 HARRIS GETS THE VACCINE

Earlier in the day, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris received a COVID-19 vaccination live on television in a bid to boost confidence in the inoculation even while warning it will be months before it is available to all.

 

Harris, who is Black and Asian American, received the Moderna Inc COVID-19 vaccine from a nurse wearing a mask and a face visor at a medical center in predominantly Black southeast Washington.

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

7 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

Using Fox as a source strains credibility. Vice President elect Harris said she wouldn't trust 45 but she WOULD trust health care officials.

VP debate: Harris would take COVID-19 on doctor's orders, not Trump's (usatoday.com)

13 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

 

let's all read beyond the foxnews quote-mined headlines.......

 

“ When asked about a poll showing half of Americans would not take a vaccine as soon as it is available, Harris indicated that she was skeptical of Trump’s involvement in the rollout of a potential vaccine.

 

If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us we should take it, I’ll be the first in line to take it, absolutely,” Harris said. “But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I’m not taking it.”

 

 

 

i suppose if dr. fauci recommended injecting bleach into her lungs along with a UV colonoscopy.........

trump and giroir claim they've done a stellar job and it's the State's fault for not administering vaccinations.

 

During states of emergency (natural disasters) the Federal Government almost always steps in and provides funds, materiel and personnel. Can we put aside the need for praise/criticism for a month or two, and figure out a way to increase vaccinations?

 

 

 

 

 2020 was the year of the Wuhan virus strain.

 

Looks like 2021 is going to be even worse with the UK mutant strain. 
 

70% more infectious. 
which sounds bad, but when you take into consideration the compounding effect, it is going to be a lot worse. 

 

Now it is already in Australia, Europe and Japan. And unfortunately the USA, where it will spread like wildfire as they don’t have any rules in place to stop it. 
 

This will be the final nail in the coffin for many businesses worldwide who have just managed to hold on until now. 
I really feel for them.
 

I know a woman in Phuket who has worked hard all her life and had to close down her 11 pharmacy shops last week. The bank will also take her house. Nice lady. She is one of millions in this situation.
 

 

1 hour ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

You've shown your true colors.  Fox News propaganda.  from that link:

 

“If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us we should take it, I’ll be the first in line to take it, absolutely,” Harris said. “But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I’m not taking it.”

6 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

You've shown your true colors.  Fox News propaganda.  from that link:

 

“If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us we should take it, I’ll be the first in line to take it, absolutely,” Harris said. “But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I’m not taking it.”

Are you suggesting 45 supporters would ever be honest and abide by facts?

Off topic post removed

16 minutes ago, VillageIdiot said:

You're probably right about Trump.

   But just wait until the reality of a dementia patient in the White House becomes more than just a joke.

We get use of those jokes or allegations about mental health. DJ Jr claimed Biden was exhibiting signs of Alzheimer or dementia and DJ senior claimed Hillary 'didn't have the stamina'. It's easy to paint these political attacks wrapped in faux-concern for someone's health as nothing more than ruthless campaign strategies. Mostly born out of laziness and convenience to throw people with physical and mental disabilities. 

6 minutes ago, simple1 said:

 

BS. USA has declined to be a member of the worldwide Covid vaccine distribution organisation; COVAX.

 

https://www.gavi.org/covid19

Under Trump, the USA has bagged out of many global initiatives.  Sadly.

Just now, Eric Loh said:

We get use of those jokes or allegations about mental health. DJ Jr claimed Biden was exhibiting signs of Alzheimer or dementia and DJ senior claimed Hillary 'didn't have the stamina'. It's easy to paint these political attacks wrapped in faux-concern for someone's health as nothing more than ruthless campaign strategies. Mostly born out of laziness and convenience to throw people with physical and mental disabilities. 

Hard to believe a word from any member of the Trump family.  DJ Jr especially.  But I think it's been proven Trump isn't 100% mentally healthy.

1 hour ago, Natai Beach said:

 2020 was the year of the Wuhan virus strain.

 

Looks like 2021 is going to be even worse with the UK mutant strain. 
 

70% more infectious. 
which sounds bad, but when you take into consideration the compounding effect, it is going to be a lot worse. 

 

Now it is already in Australia, Europe and Japan. And unfortunately the USA, where it will spread like wildfire as they don’t have any rules in place to stop it. 
 

This will be the final nail in the coffin for many businesses worldwide who have just managed to hold on until now. 
I really feel for them.
 

I know a woman in Phuket who has worked hard all her life and had to close down her 11 pharmacy shops last week. The bank will also take her house. Nice lady. She is one of millions in this situation.
 

 

UK should have shut its borders as soon as it was aware. Same as people blame china, blame UK.

43 minutes ago, Jeffr2 said:

Hard to believe a word from any member of the Trump family.  DJ Jr especially.  But I think it's been proven Trump isn't 100% mentally healthy.

Not even 10%

2 hours ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

What a sleazy post!

Shame on you.

That was in October.

She made a good point. Any vaccines should be cleared by scientists without political influence, not by any president.

Indeed, yesterday Vice President Elect Harris took the vaccine.

 

1 hour ago, Jeffr2 said:

You've shown your true colors.  Fox News propaganda.  from that link:

 

“If the public health professionals, if Dr. Fauci, if the doctors tell us we should take it, I’ll be the first in line to take it, absolutely,” Harris said. “But if Donald Trump tells us we should take it, I’m not taking it.”

Fox News propaganda. 

14 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

Fox News propaganda. 

If you know it's propaganda, why read it?  And for sure, why post the misleading article here?

We'll have to wait and see how things pan out, but at least Biden has a plan how to handle this.

5 hours ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

This is why Biden, Harris, and the young AOC jumped in and got their vaccine in head of the line. I can understand why Biden did but not the other two as the aged must be in the front of the line, with the medical workers.

6 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

This is why Biden, Harris, and the young AOC jumped in and got their vaccine in head of the line. I can understand why Biden did but not the other two as the aged must be in the front of the line, with the medical workers.

The Trump administration set the line. Biden, Harris and AOC took their place in the line. If you have any problems with that, blame the present administration. 

5 hours ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

Oh dear, were you hoping people wouldn’t click on the link and read the entirety of Kamala Harris’ statement and the context of the headline quote?
 

LOL

Edited December 30, 20205 yr by Bluespunk
Punctuation

14 minutes ago, vandeventer said:

This is why Biden, Harris, and the young AOC jumped in and got their vaccine in head of the line. I can understand why Biden did but not the other two as the aged must be in the front of the line, with the medical workers.

Biden and Harris got jabs first because they are the president-elect and the VP-elect.  Set to be running the US shortly.  This was per Faucci's recommendation.  AOC is a member of congress.  Also very important.

 

What's wrong with valuable members of society getting a jab?  But I guess you are OK with Pence jumping in line?

Not having a go at the US but about May of this year did not all the Pharma Companies in the world  sign an MOU with WHO  to work together worldwide to  help fight this ?

Stupid me they smell the money now 

7 hours ago, Kelsall said:

 

Well, Kamala is off the a good start in showing her true colors.

 

Vice presidential debate: Kamala Harris claims she won't take vaccine if Trump recommends

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vice-presidential-debate-kamala-harris-coronavirus-vaccine-trump

congratulations for winning the most misleading and dishonest comment of the year, with only a couple of days to go.

 

Your comment is diametrically opposite to your link.

7 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

trump and giroir claim they've done a stellar job and it's the State's fault for not administering vaccinations.

 

During states of emergency (natural disasters) the Federal Government almost always steps in and provides funds, materiel and personnel. Can we put aside the need for praise/criticism for a month or two, and figure out a way to increase vaccinations?

 

 

 

 

A way to increase vaccines roll out would be to use the tens of thousands of officials currently engaged in the futile and corrupt war on drugs.

1 hour ago, Jeffr2 said:

Biden and Harris got jabs first because they are the president-elect and the VP-elect.  Set to be running the US shortly.  This was per Faucci's recommendation.  AOC is a member of congress.  Also very important.

 

What's wrong with valuable members of society getting a jab?  But I guess you are OK with Pence jumping in line?

Leaders set and example by taking the jab first. Its to set an example and inspire confidence..nothing to do with privilege.