Indiana reports 5,853 new COVID-19 cases, 98 more deaths
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 slipped slightly, from 3,250 on Monday to 3,244 on Tuesday.
United Kingdom probing if allergic reactions linked to Pfizer vaccine
British regulators warned Wednesday that people who have a history of serious allergic reactions shouldn’t receive the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as they investigate two adverse reactions that occurred on the first day of the country’s mass vaccination program.
New White House offer adds $600 checks to COVID-19 relief package
The $916 billion offer, the separate ongoing talks among key rank-and-file senators, and the shifting demands by the White House all add up to muddled, confusing prospects for a long-delayed COVID-19 aid package.
Pandemic tames health care cost growth for some employers
Large U.S. employers saw their smallest health care cost increase in more than two decades due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and workers might benefit from that next year, according to the consulting firm Mercer.
COVID-19 aid in balance as Congress buys time for talks
Lawmakers are struggling to figure out how to deliver long-delayed pandemic relief, including additional help for hard-hit businesses, further unemployment benefits, funding to distribute COVID-19 vaccines and funding demanded by Democrats for state and local governments.
Indiana reports another 124 COVID-19 deaths, 5,457 cases
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 rose from 3,214 on Sunday to 3,250 on Monday, the second straight day of increases after five days of declines.
U.S. productivity increased at 4.6% rate in third quarter
Economists cautioned that the swings in productivity this year have been unusually large and are distorting the underlying trend in productivity.
Studies suggest AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine safe, effective
New results on a possible COVID-19 vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca suggest it is safe and about 70% effective, but questions remain about how well it may help protect those over 55.
U.S. regulators post positive review of Pfizer vaccine data
The positive review from the Food and Drug Administration sets the stage for a decision allowing the vaccine’s initial use in the United States within days.
Pfizer tells U.S. officials it cannot supply additional vaccine until late June or July
Trump administration officials denied that there would be availability issues in the second quarter, citing other vaccines in the pipeline, but others said problems are possible.
Virus relief talks drag on liability as Congress preps stopgap aid
Disagreements flared Monday over one key provision of a federal pandemic relief package—a proposed liability shield from COVID-19-related lawsuits for businesses, schools and organizations that reopen.
Michigan governor extends state’s partial shutdown by 12 days
In-person instruction at high schools and colleges, dine-in eating at restaurants and organized sports will continue to be prohibited, including the completion of fall high school sports tournaments. Entertainment venues such as movie theaters and bowling alleys will remain closed.
Restaurant closings top 110,000 with industry in ‘free fall’
The nationwide tally—representing one in six U.S. eateries—is among the findings of a survey released Monday by the National Restaurant Association.
Lilly starting new trial for COVID-19 antibody, potentially widening already red-hot market
Lilly said it will enroll up to 500,000 people in its latest study, with at least 5,000 people expected to receive bamlanivimab therapy. The drugmaker is partnering with health insurer UnitedHealth Group to see if the drug will help high-risk people.
Indiana COVID-19 hospitalizations rise again after 5 straight days of declines
The state has reported 531 new COVID-19 deaths over the past seven days, an average of nearly 79 per day. That’s up from 354 the previous week, an average of almost 51 per day.
Americans keeping up with credit card bills, but for how long?
For some, however, the ability to keep buying things with plastic and then pay the bill likely depends on whether current negotiations in Washington, D.C., produce another round of economic aid.
Michigan hospitals: Partial shutdown should be extended
Michigan hospital officials said Monday the state’s partial shutdown of businesses and schools to curb the coronavirus is working and should be extended through the holiday season to alleviate stress on the health care system.
Schools confront ‘off the rails’ numbers of failing grades
School districts from coast to coast have reported the number of students failing classes has risen by as many as two or three times—with English language learners and disabled and disadvantaged students suffering the most.
Lawmakers say COVID-19 relief bill won’t offer $1,200 checks
The $908 billion aid package to be released Monday would be attached to a larger year-end spending bill needed to avert a government shutdown this coming weekend.
Indiana reports 6,678 new COVID-19 cases, 34 more deaths
Testing of new individuals rose by 18,864, the 40th straight day that testing in that category has exceeded 10,000.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
covidresponse@iedc.in.gov State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana