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Death Toll Passes 400,000; More Moderna Snags; Cash, TVs, Weed for COVID Jab

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On President Trump’s last full day in office, the U.S. surpassed 400,000 deaths from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. (CNN)

With 400 lights illuminating the Lincoln Memorial’s reflecting pool to honor the dead, a 29-year-old nurse from Michigan sang “Amazing Grace” at a COVID-19 national memorial observance led by President-elect Joe Biden. (PBS)

The unofficial U.S. COVID-19 toll increased to 24,254,737 cases and 401,777 deaths as of 8:00 a.m. ET Wednesday, up 175,533 and 2,774, respectively, since the same time yesterday.

Biden is slated to have the U.S. resume its membership in the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day in office, with National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, MD, leading the U.S. delegation. The incoming administration also plans an order requiring masks and social distancing on federal property. (Bloomberg)

Health officials said 4,400 Moderna vaccine doses sent to Maine were compromised because they were not kept cold enough and will be replaced. (NPR)

Moderna said it is working closely with the FDA and CDC as it investigates possible allergic reactions to its COVID-19 vaccine in California.

Acceptance of coronavirus vaccines is rising, but so is pessimism about when the U.S. will get back to normal. (USA Today)

Cash bonuses, free TVs, and paid time off are among the incentives nursing homes are offering employees to get vaccinated. (NBC News)

Free weed for a COVID jab: anyone showing written proof of a COVID-19 vaccine can get a free pre-rolled joint, a Michigan marijuana dispensary announced. (Detroit Free Press)

The FDA fought “a substantial amount of pressure” from the Trump administration, outgoing agency chief Stephen Hahn, MD, told Politico.

Rhode Island suspended a North Providence physician’s license after an investigation showed he “recklessly” exposed patients and staff to COVID-19. (WPRI News)

In other news:

  • Judy George covers neurology and neuroscience news for MedPage Today, writing about brain aging, Alzheimer’s, dementia, MS, rare diseases, epilepsy, autism, headache, stroke, Parkinson’s, ALS, concussion, CTE, sleep, pain, and more. Follow

Source: MedicalNewsToday.com