Record 3,100 die in 1 day; toll may hit 450K by February

The nation’s one-day toll of coronavirus deaths surpassed 3,000 for the first time Wednesday, a number perhaps inflated by fatalities reported days late because of the Thanksgiving holiday but still reflective of a pandemic racing out of control.

The death toll of 3,157 came as hospitalizations surpassed 100,000 for the first time. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicted the U.S. could reach 450,000 deaths by February.

“The reality is, December and January and February are going to be rough times, and I actually believe they’re going to be the most difficult time in the public health history of our nation, largely because of the stress it’s going to put on our public health system,” Dr. Robert Redfield said Wednesday at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation event.

The U.S. has reported more than 13.9 million cases and over 273,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: 64.6 million cases and 1.49 million deaths.

Can vaccinated people still spread infection?

The CEO of Pfizer says he is not sure whether inoculation prevents the vaccinated person from infecting others. Albert Bourla told Dateline NBC, for an episode airing Thursday that “this is something that needs to be examined. We are not certain about that right now.” Pfizer could grant emergency use authorization for its vaccine as soon as Dec. 10.

NYC creating institute to prep for future epidemics

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the creation of the Pandemic Response Institute to prepare the city and other jurisdictions for future health emergencies. This effort is part of a long-term recovery agenda. Building new technologies that detect, track and monitor health issues is among the institute’s goals.

WHO now says social distance at 3 feet

The World Health Organization now urges physical distancing of at least three feet.

Six feet has been the standard by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WHO also warns to avoid touching your face and urges “adequate ventilation in indoor settings,” plenty of testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation.

Masks should be worn outdoors and in well ventilated indoor spaces where physical distancing can’t be maintained, the guidelines say. In areas of COVID-19 spread, WHO also advised “universal” wearing of medical masks in health care facilities, including when caring for other patients.