Variant B.1.1.7 appears to infect human cells more quickly and a CDC simulation of its transmissibility raised concerns that it could become the most dominant form of coronavirus in March.
The CDC called for a continuous and aggressive distribution of the vaccine to try to contain the tide. “It may be necessary to achieve higher vaccination coverage to protect the public,” warned the CDC researchers.
At least 12.2 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines were administered by Friday, according to the CDC in the midst of a federal launch that received intense scrutiny and criticism from state officials.
Some states were uncomfortable with news from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar, who said there was no “reserve stock” of vaccines available for release.
Problems with vaccine supply
Oregon Governor Kate Brown said she was “shocked and horrified” and said her state would have to decree a two-week delay in vaccinating older people.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis said on Friday that he is “extremely disappointed that we have lied to us” about reserve vaccines and that the next vaccines “will be delivered in the future of the supply chain”.
“There is no influx of doses, unlike a connection we made with the vice president [and] the Secretary of Health three days ago, where he informed us that we would be receiving an additional amount at the disposal of the states ”, said the governor.
Polis estimated that of the 58,000 doses left in Colorado, “probably all or almost all will be used on Sunday”.
The governors of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota wrote to Azar, criticizing federal plans and hoping they could buy vaccines directly from manufacturers.
“Without additional supplies or authorization to buy directly, our states may be forced to cancel plans for public vaccination clinics in the coming weeks, which are expected to vaccinate tens of thousands. It’s time for the Trump administration to do the right thing and help us end this pandemic “, states the letter.
Pfizer on Friday tried to reassure the state’s leadership and the public about the production of its vaccine, saying it did not foresee any interruption in shipments.
“Operation Warp Speed asked us to start sending second doses recently. As a result, we have all second doses of previous shipments to the US on hand. We are working 24 hours a day to produce millions more each day,” Pfizer said in a statement to CNN.
Mask restrictions continue to fluctuate by state
Meanwhile, a recent coronavirus projection from the University of Washington estimates 566,720 deaths as of May 1 in the United States.
The university’s Institute of Health Metrics and Assessment (IHME) said the number could be reduced by about 32,000 deaths with universal mask requirements.
The mask requirements are strongly recommended by health authorities to slow the spread of the coronavirus, and its implementation should have a direct effect on future infections and deaths. State and local responses vary widely. Some states still do not maintain masking policies, allowing companies to define their own rules.
On Friday, Mississippi extended its mask mandate in all but nine counties until February 3.
“It is important that we continue to take this virus seriously. We are working to vaccinate Mississipians, but continue to maintain social distance, hold small meetings and wear a mask,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
North Dakota, however, said officials are seeing their Covid-19 numbers drop from a previous outbreak and Governor Doug Burgum said the mask’s term could expire on Monday, reiterating at a news conference “we must remain vigilant “.
North Dakota’s capacity limitations for bars, restaurants and venues will change from requirements to recommendations.
CNN’s Maggie Fox, Bianna Golodryga, Yon Pomrenze, Lauren del Valle, Melissa Alonso, Devon Sayers, Amanda Sealy, Kay Jones, Hollie Silverman and Rob Frehse contributed to this report.