upi--2020-12-27--Ice-T gets the boot in 'Masked Dancer' premiere

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Rapper and actor Ice-T was eliminated from Fox 's The Masked Dancer on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ He was dressed as a disco ball for the inaugural episode of The Masked Singer @ @ @ @ @ harder than the Singer because you do n't get anything , you just get to @ @ @ @ @ '' Ice-T told Variety .
`` I do n't really know how they 're going @ @ @ @ @ least with the Singer you get some kind of clue .
But these shows to @ @ @ @ @ I think it 's like watching celebrities and known people just have fun , and @ @ @ @ @ good look . ''
Actor and comedian Craig Robinson hosts The Masked Dancer , while @ @ @ @ @ , Brian Austin Green and Ashley Tisdale serve as judges .
Jeong is also a @ @ @ @ @ .
Green competed on Season 4 of that show , but ultimately lost out to @ @ @

1/3
Ice-T was the first disguised celebrity eliminated from "The Masked Dancer" Sunday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Rapper and actor Ice-T was eliminated from Fox's The Masked Dancer on Sunday night's premiere episode. He was dressed as a disco ball for the inaugural episode of The Masked Singer spinoff. Advertisement
"It's harder than the Singer because you don't get anything, you just get to look at somebody move," Ice-T told Variety.
"I don't really know how they're going to pick anybody. At least with the Singer you get some kind of clue. But these shows to me are just fun and I think it's like watching celebrities and known people just have fun, and I think that's a good look."
Actor and comedian Craig Robinson hosts The Masked Dancer, while Ken Jeong, Paula Abdul, Brian Austin Green and Ashley Tisdale serve as judges.
Jeong is also a judge on The Masked Singer. Green competed on Season 4 of that show, but ultimately lost out to LeAnn Rimes.


upi--2020-12-27--Hall of Fame knuckleballer Phil Niekro dies at 81

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro , known for his signature knuckleball , died Saturday night in his sleep after a lengthy battle with cancer , it was announced Sunday .
He was 81 .
Niekro , who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997 , won 318 games in a career that spanned 24 seasons , including 21 with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves .
`` We are heartbroken on the passing of our treasured friend , Phil Niekro , '' the Braves said in a statement Sunday .
`` Knucksie was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta .
Phil baffled batters on the field and later was always the first to join in our community activities .
It was during those community and fan activities where he would communicate with fans as if they were long lost friends .
`` He was a constant presence over the years , in our clubhouse , our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country and we will forever be grateful for having him be such an important part of our organization .
Our thoughts and prayers are with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John and Michael and his two grandchildren Chase and Emma . ''
The right-handed Niekro was a five-time All-Star selection and a five-time Gold Glove Award winner .
He won the league 's Roberto Clemente Award in 1980 .
Niekro , born in Blaine , Ohio , on April 1 , 1939 , led the National League in wins twice ( 1974 , 1979 ) and led the NL in strikeouts in 1977 .
`` Phil Niekro was one of the most distinctive and memorable pitchers of his generation , '' MLB commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last century , no pitcher threw more than Phil 's 5,404 innings .
His knuckleball led him to five All-Star selections , three 20-win seasons for the Atlanta Braves , the 300-win club , and ultimately , to Cooperstown .
`` But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability , Phil will be remembered as one of our game 's most genial people .
He always represented his sport extraordinarily well , and he will be deeply missed .
On behalf of Major League Baseball , I extend my condolences to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many fans he earned throughout his life in our National Pastime . ''
Niekro made his debut for the Braves in 1964 .
He also played for the New York Yankees ( 1984-85 ) , Cleveland Indians ( 1986-87 ) and Toronto Blue Jays ( 1987 ) before ending his career in Atlanta ( 1987 ) .
Niekro was preceded in death by his younger brother and former MLB pitcher , Joe Niekro , who suffered a fatal brain aneurysm in 2006 .
He is survived by his wife , Nancy , sons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two grandchildren , Chase and Emma .

Phil Niekro, shown in 2014 in Cooperstown, N.Y., died in his sleep after a long battle with cancer. The famous knuckleballer was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, known for his signature knuckleball, died Saturday night in his sleep after a lengthy battle with cancer, it was announced Sunday. He was 81. Niekro, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997, won 318 games in a career that spanned 24 seasons, including 21 with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves. Advertisement
"We are heartbroken on the passing of our treasured friend, Phil Niekro," the Braves said in a statement Sunday. "Knucksie was woven into the Braves fabric, first in Milwaukee and then in Atlanta. Phil baffled batters on the field and later was always the first to join in our community activities. It was during those community and fan activities where he would communicate with fans as if they were long lost friends.
"He was a constant presence over the years, in our clubhouse, our alumni activities and throughout Braves Country and we will forever be grateful for having him be such an important part of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael and his two grandchildren Chase and Emma."
Advertisement
The right-handed Niekro was a five-time All-Star selection and a five-time Gold Glove Award winner. He won the league's Roberto Clemente Award in 1980.
Niekro, born in Blaine, Ohio, on April 1, 1939, led the National League in wins twice (1974, 1979) and led the NL in strikeouts in 1977.
"Phil Niekro was one of the most distinctive and memorable pitchers of his generation," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. "In the last century, no pitcher threw more than Phil's 5,404 innings. His knuckleball led him to five All-Star selections, three 20-win seasons for the Atlanta Braves, the 300-win club, and ultimately, to Cooperstown.
"But even more than his signature pitch and trademark durability, Phil will be remembered as one of our game's most genial people. He always represented his sport extraordinarily well, and he will be deeply missed. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my condolences to Phil's family, friends and the many fans he earned throughout his life in our National Pastime."
Niekro made his debut for the Braves in 1964. He also played for the New York Yankees (1984-85), Cleveland Indians (1986-87) and Toronto Blue Jays (1987) before ending his career in Atlanta (1987).
Advertisement
Niekro was preceded in death by his younger brother and former MLB pitcher, Joe Niekro, who suffered a fatal brain aneurysm in 2006. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons Philip, John and Michael, and two grandchildren, Chase and Emma.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-27--Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, identified as Nashville Christmas Day bomber

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Authorities in Nashville said Sunday that Anthony Quinn Warner was responsible for an explosion on Christmas morning that damaged dozens of businesses in the city 's downtown area .
During a press conference Sunday , investigators declared that they matched human remains at the scene to the 63-year-old Warner 's DNA and matched a vehicle identification number to a registration associated with him .
The RV exploded in downtown Nashville on Friday after broadcasting a warning message advising people to leave the area 15 minutes before the blast that damaged 41 businesses , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said the RV played the 1963 song `` Downtown '' by Petula Clark over the speakers before the explosion on Friday .
Authorities did not specify exactly what the audio in the incident on Sunday included .
Earlier in the day , Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron confirmed to The Washington Post that Warner was under investigation for Friday 's blast after authorities gathered at his home in Antioch , Tenn. , about 10 miles southeast of the site of the blast .
Authorities said Warner owned an RV of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that was used in the explosion .
Authorities did not provide any insight on a possible motive for the explosion .
However , Nashville Mayor John Cooper told CBS News ' Face the Nation on Sunday that the presence of an AT & T building in the area of Friday 's blast may have indicated it was intended as an attack on the service .
`` To all of us locally , it feels like there has to be some connection with the AT & T facility and the site of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's a bit of just local insight in because it 's got to have something to do with the infrastructure . ''
In a statement Sunday afternoon , AT & T said that more than 75 % of mobility sites affected by Friday 's explosion had been restored .
`` Mobility service in the Birmingham and Huntsville , Alabama areas is now operating normally , '' the company said .
Metro Police Chief John Drake said there was no indication others were involved in Friday 's bombing .
`` Nashville is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday also apprehended the driver of a truck playing similar audio to that heard before a Christmas morning explosion in Nashville .
The Rutherford County Sheriff 's Office announced on Facebook around 2 p.m. Sunday that the driver traveled from their county to Wilson County where he was stopped by deputies and detained .
`` Sheriff 's deputies in Rutherford and Wilson Counties are investigating a box truck parked at a convenience store playing audio similar to what was heard before the Christmas Day explosion in Nashville , '' the sheriff 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Wilson County Sheriff 's Office said that Highway 231 South was closed as the scene remained active on Sunday afternoon .
Authorities on Sunday did not comment on any potential links between the two incidents .

1/2
Authorities in Nashville on Sunday matched human remains and a vehicle identification number from the scene of an explosion in the city's downtown area to 63-year-old Anthony Quinn Warner. Photo courtesy Metro Nashville Police Department
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Authorities in Nashville said Sunday that Anthony Quinn Warner was responsible for an explosion on Christmas morning that damaged dozens of businesses in the city's downtown area. During a press conference Sunday, investigators declared that they matched human remains at the scene to the 63-year-old Warner's DNA and matched a vehicle identification number to a registration associated with him. Advertisement
The RV exploded in downtown Nashville on Friday after broadcasting a warning message advising people to leave the area 15 minutes before the blast that damaged 41 businesses, including historic buildings in the area.
Police also said the RV played the 1963 song "Downtown" by Petula Clark over the speakers before the explosion on Friday. Authorities did not specify exactly what the audio in the incident on Sunday included.
Earlier in the day, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron confirmed to The Washington Post that Warner was under investigation for Friday's blast after authorities gathered at his home in Antioch, Tenn., about 10 miles southeast of the site of the blast.
Authorities said Warner owned an RV of a similar make and model to the one that was used in the explosion.
Advertisement
Authorities did not provide any insight on a possible motive for the explosion. However, Nashville Mayor John Cooper told CBS News' Face the Nation on Sunday that the presence of an AT&T building in the area of Friday's blast may have indicated it was intended as an attack on the service.
"To all of us locally, it feels like there has to be some connection with the AT&T facility and the site of the bombing," he said. "That's a bit of just local insight in because it's got to have something to do with the infrastructure."
In a statement Sunday afternoon, AT&T said that more than 75% of mobility sites affected by Friday's explosion had been restored.
"Mobility service in the Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama areas is now operating normally," the company said.
Metro Police Chief John Drake said there was no indication others were involved in Friday's bombing.
"Nashville is safe," he said.
Authorities on Sunday also apprehended the driver of a truck playing similar audio to that heard before a Christmas morning explosion in Nashville.
The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office announced on Facebook around 2 p.m. Sunday that the driver traveled from their county to Wilson County where he was stopped by deputies and detained.
Advertisement
"Sheriff's deputies in Rutherford and Wilson Counties are investigating a box truck parked at a convenience store playing audio similar to what was heard before the Christmas Day explosion in Nashville," the sheriff's office wrote.
Nearby residents were evacuated and the Wilson County Sheriff's Office said that Highway 231 South was closed as the scene remained active on Sunday afternoon.
Authorities on Sunday did not comment on any potential links between the two incidents.


upi--2020-12-27--Music City Bowl canceled after Missouri withdraws due to COVID-19

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- The 2020 Music City Bowl has been canceled after the Missouri Tigers withdrew from the game due to a rise in COVID-19 cases within their football program , it was announced Sunday .
Missouri was set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Wednesday in Nashville , but the Tigers called off practice Sunday after an increase in positive coronavirus tests .
The school paused all team activities until Jan. 2 .
`` The TransPerfect Music City Bowl received word today that due to an increase in positive COVID-19 tests among its student-athletes , coaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after consultation with local and state health departments , Missouri would be unable to participate , '' bowl officials said in a statement Sunday .
The new cases within the Tigers ' program have been traced to Missouri 's Dec. 19 game at Mississippi State .
`` Since concluding our regular season and conducting four rounds of tests over the last eight days , we have seen a significant increase in positive COVID-19 tests among our student-athletes , coaches and staff , '' Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our program is significant and has made it impossible for us to play in the bowl game . ''
Iowa was unaware of Missouri 's coronavirus issues until after the Hawkeyes ' practice Sunday morning .
Iowa resumed football activities Saturday after a five-day pause due to COVID-19 issues in its program .
`` We are extremely disappointed to have our season end today , '' Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said .
`` This is a remarkable group of players and men , and it has been an honor to coach them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team .
We have overcome several challenges together during a season like no other .
`` I am incredibly proud of this entire team and saddened that we will not have one more chance to get out and compete together . ''
Missouri finishes its season with a 5-5 record under first-year head coach Eli Drinkwitz .
Iowa ( 6-2 ) closes its 2020 campaign at No .
15 in the College Football Playoff rankings .

Missouri finished its 2020 season with a 5-5 record under first-year head coach Eli Drinkwitz. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The 2020 Music City Bowl has been canceled after the Missouri Tigers withdrew from the game due to a rise in COVID-19 cases within their football program, it was announced Sunday. Missouri was set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Wednesday in Nashville, but the Tigers called off practice Sunday after an increase in positive coronavirus tests. The school paused all team activities until Jan. 2. Advertisement
"The TransPerfect Music City Bowl received word today that due to an increase in positive COVID-19 tests among its student-athletes, coaches and staff following its final regular-season game and after consultation with local and state health departments, Missouri would be unable to participate," bowl officials said in a statement Sunday.
The new cases within the Tigers' program have been traced to Missouri's Dec. 19 game at Mississippi State.
"Since concluding our regular season and conducting four rounds of tests over the last eight days, we have seen a significant increase in positive COVID-19 tests among our student-athletes, coaches and staff," Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk said in a statement.
"... This eight-day uptick within our program is significant and has made it impossible for us to play in the bowl game."
Advertisement
Iowa was unaware of Missouri's coronavirus issues until after the Hawkeyes' practice Sunday morning. Iowa resumed football activities Saturday after a five-day pause due to COVID-19 issues in its program.
"We are extremely disappointed to have our season end today," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said. "This is a remarkable group of players and men, and it has been an honor to coach them. This has been a very special team. We have overcome several challenges together during a season like no other.
"I am incredibly proud of this entire team and saddened that we will not have one more chance to get out and compete together."
Missouri finishes its season with a 5-5 record under first-year head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Iowa (6-2) closes its 2020 campaign at No. 15 in the College Football Playoff rankings.


upi--2020-12-27--Josh Brolin's wife Kathryn gives birth to their 2nd child

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- The Goonies and Avengers : Endgame actor Josh Brolin 's wife Kathryn , a @ @ @ @ @ Instagram Sunday that she has given birth to their second child .
`` Chapel Grace @ @ @ @ @ on 12/25/20 Our little Christmas evening angel ... '' Kathryn Brolin captioned a photo of @ @ @ @ @ wrapped in a white blanket .
The couple married in 2016 .
They are also @ @ @ @ @ named Westlyn .
Josh has two adult children -- Eden and Trevor -- from a @ @ @ @ @ Adair .

1/2
Josh Brolin (L) and Kathryn have welcomed their second child. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Goonies and Avengers: Endgame actor Josh Brolin's wife Kathryn, a fashion designer, announced on Instagram Sunday that she has given birth to their second child. "Chapel Grace Brolin Born at 6:20 pm on 12/25/20 Our little Christmas evening angel..." Kathryn Brolin captioned a photo of the newborn, who was wrapped in a white blanket. Advertisement
The couple married in 2016. They are also parents to a 2-year-old daughter named Westlyn.
Josh has two adult children -- Eden and Trevor -- from a previous relationship with actress Alice Adair.
Advertisement


upi--2020-12-27--Billie Lourd marks 4th anniversary of Carrie Fisher's death

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- American Horror Story actress Billie Lourd paid tribute to her mom , the late @ @ @ @ @ , on the fourth anniversary of her death Sunday .
`` Sending my love and @ @ @ @ @ that 's missing a loved one they 've lost .
Especially those of you who @ @ @ @ @ crazy year .
You 're not alone , '' Lourd , 28 , captioned an @ @ @ @ @ with Fisher on a city street .
Fisher , who battled substance abuse and mental @ @ @ @ @ adult life , died on Dec. 27 , 2016 , several days after going into @ @ @ @ @ .
She was 60 .
Lourd gave birth to her first child -- son Kingston @ @ @ @ @ September .
She announced in June that she was engaged to actor-producer Austen Rydell .

1/3
Billie Lourd (L) marked the fourth anniversary of her mother Carrie Fisher's death on Instagram Sunday. File Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- American Horror Story actress Billie Lourd paid tribute to her mom, the late Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher, on the fourth anniversary of her death Sunday. "Sending my love and strength to everyone out there that's missing a loved one they've lost. Especially those of you who have lost someone during this crazy year. You're not alone," Lourd, 28, captioned an Instagram photo of her smiling with Fisher on a city street. Advertisement
Fisher, who battled substance abuse and mental illness for most of her adult life, died on Dec. 27, 2016, several days after going into cardiac arrest during a flight. She was 60.
Lourd gave birth to her first child -- son Kingston Fisher Lourd Rydell -- in September. She announced in June that she was engaged to actor-producer Austen Rydell.


upi--2020-12-27--'Wonder Woman 1984' tops North American box office with $16.7M

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Wonder Woman 1984 is the No .
1 movie in North America , earning @ @ @ @ @ , BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday .
The Gal Gadot-led superheroine adventure was simultaneously released in theaters @ @ @ @ @ as a strategy to appeal to a wide audience during the coronavirus pandemic .
A @ @ @ @ @ announced by Warner Bros. on Sunday .
Coming in at No .
2 at this @ @ @ @ @ is News of the World with $ 2.4 million , followed by The Croods : @ @ @ @ @ 1.7 million at No .
3 , Monster Hunter at No .
4 with $ @ @ @ @ @ 4 and Promising Young Woman with $ 680,000 at No .
5 .
Rounding out @ @ @ @ @ with $ 660,000 at No .
6 , Pinocchio with $ 275,000 at No .
@ @ @ @ @ 115,000 at No .
8 , National Lampoon 's Christmas Vacation with $ 91,000 at @ @ @ @ @ War with Grandpa with $ 90,900 at No .
10 .

Gal Gadot's "Wonder Woman 1984" topped this weekend's theatrical box office with $16.7 million. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Wonder Woman 1984 is the No. 1 movie in North America, earning $16.7 million in receipts, BoxOfficeMojo.com announced Sunday. The Gal Gadot-led superheroine adventure was simultaneously released in theaters and on HBO Max Friday as a strategy to appeal to a wide audience during the coronavirus pandemic. Advertisement
A third Wonder Woman film was announced by Warner Bros. on Sunday.
Coming in at No. 2 at this weekend's theatrical box office is News of the World with $2.4 million, followed by The Croods: A New Age with $1.7 million at No. 3, Monster Hunter at No. 4 with $1.1 million at No. 4 and Promising Young Woman with $680,000 at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are Fatale with $660,000 at No. 6, Pinocchio with $275,000 at No. 7, Elf with $115,000 at No. 8, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation with $91,000 at No. 9 and The War with Grandpa with $90,900 at No. 10.


upi--2020-12-27--Warner Bros. announces 'Wonder Woman 3' in the works

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Warner Bros. announced Sunday that a third Wonder Woman movie is in the works @ @ @ @ @ director Patty Jenkins are returning for the next chapter .
`` As fans around the @ @ @ @ @ Prince , driving the strong opening weekend performance of Wonder Woman 1984 , we are @ @ @ @ @ her story with our real life Wonder Women -- Gal and Patty -- who will @ @ @ @ @ theatrical trilogy , '' said the studio 's chief Toby Emmerich .
Wonder Woman 1984 @ @ @ @ @ 's Wonder Woman , was released in theaters and on the streaming service HBO Max @ @ @ @ @ unique hybrid release strategy was adopted as many movie houses remain closes and audience members @ @ @ @ @ entertainment amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Warner Bros. announced earlier this month that it will @ @ @ @ @ movies on HBO Max .
DC Comics superheroine Wonder Woman will be seen next year @ @ @ @ @ miniseries revamp of the 2017 movie Justice League .

1/2
Gal Gadot is returning for a third "Wonder Woman" film. File Photo by Chris Chew/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Warner Bros. announced Sunday that a third Wonder Woman movie is in the works. Star Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins are returning for the next chapter. Advertisement
"As fans around the world continue to embrace Diana Prince, driving the strong opening weekend performance of Wonder Woman 1984, we are excited to be able continue her story with our real life Wonder Women -- Gal and Patty -- who will return to conclude the long-planned theatrical trilogy," said the studio's chief Toby Emmerich.
Wonder Woman 1984, the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman, was released in theaters and on the streaming service HBO Max simultaneously on Friday.
The unique hybrid release strategy was adopted as many movie houses remain closes and audience members are still leery of indoor entertainment amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Warner Bros. announced earlier this month that it will release all of its 2021 movies on HBO Max.
DC Comics superheroine Wonder Woman will be seen next year in filmmaker Zack Snyder's miniseries revamp of the 2017 movie Justice League.


upi--2020-12-27--EU nations begin vaccinations as COVID-19 cases surppass 1% of world population

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- European Union nations on Sunday began mass inoculations of a vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has led to confirmed cases of more than 1 percent of the world 's 7.8 billion population .
The pandemic has grown to 80,944,933 infections and 1,769,932 fatalities , according to tracking by Worldometers.info since the first cases were announced one year ago in Mainland China .
On Sunday , the 27 European Union nations received doses of the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech and unofficially dubbed `` V-Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 741.4 million people .
About 12.5 million doses of the vaccine will arrive in EU countries before the end of this year as part of a 300-million dose bulk order signed by the European Commission .
Contracts have also been signed by five other drugmakers of 1.1 billion .
In Europe , a total of 521,327 people have died and 22,682,606 have been infected , more than any other continent .
And a new strain of COVID-19 is spreading through Britain during the height of the winter season .
The rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 % with the death toll at 520 per million .
The global death toll is 226.7 per 1 million .
For months , the United States has led the world with 332,000 deaths and 19 million cases .
In the U.S. , the cases percentage is nearly 6 % with the death rate per million 1,024 .
On Monday , the EU authorized the vaccine , which includes two spaced out doses per person and must be stored in ultra-low temperatures .
`` Today , we start turning the page on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ursula von der Leyen posted Saturday on Twitter .
`` The vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries . ''
Slovakia and Germany began vaccinations Saturday .
Germany ranks 14th with the most deaths at 30,280 , including 123 Sunday and a record 944 on Tuesday .
Slovakia is 51st with 1,773 fatalities .
On Sunday , vaccinations began in the large nations of Italy , Spain , France and Portugal .
Being given priority are healthcare workers , nursing home residents and elderly .
Czech Republic 's Prime Minister , Andrej @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country to receive the vaccine .
In Italy , the first five people to be given it were frontline medical and research workers .
The nation , which became an epicenter after China , has the fifth-most deaths at 71,925 behind the United States at more than 300,000 , Brazil at 190,815 , India at 147,343 and Mexico at 122,026 .
The nation added 305 deaths Sunday , behind the record 993 on Dec. 3 and 8,913 cases Sunday , compared with the record 40,896 infections Nov. 13 .
In France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first dose at a public hospital in greater Paris .
Second was a 65-year-old cardiologist , Dr. Jean-Jacques Monsuez The French government plans to vaccinate 1 million people by the end of February , with a focus on the oldest , the most vulnerable and caregivers , at no charge .
France has the seventh-most deaths at 62,746 , including 173 Sunday .
The death record is 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April with a record 86,852 cases on Oct. 31 .
Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the first person to be vaccinated was a 96-year-old resident in a nursing home with the second a staff member at the same home .
The nation is 10th in the world at 49,824 deaths with no data reported over the weekend .
Britain , which left the European Union in January , was first the first nation in the world to begin distributing the vaccine on Dec. 8 with the first dose going to a 90-year-old grandmother .
Through Dec. 20 , a total of 616,933 people have received the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like other European nations , Britain has experienced a surge in cases and deaths .
On Wednesday , Britain recorded 744 deaths , which was the highest since April , including the record 1,166 that month .
Cases reached a record 39,036 on Thursday .
Sunday 's deaths were 316 and cases were 30,501 .
Britain 's Office for National Statistics estimates about two-thirds of people testing positive in London , southeast England and the east of England could have the new variant .
Seven days ago , Britain went into a Tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas , amid a newly identified strain of COVID-19 that a top health official describes as `` out of control . ''
Subsequently , several European nations banned or controlled travel from Britain .
But cases of the more contagious variant have been confirmed in several European countries , including Spain , Switzerland , Sweden and France , plus Canada and Japan .
Russia developed its own vaccine , called Sputnik V , and began inoculations earlier this month , starting with the most vulnerable people in Moscow .
Russia set a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and passed Iran for seventh in the world at 54,778 , including 552 Sunday .
The nation has the fourth-most cases at 3,050,248 , including 28,284 Sunday after a record 29,935 Thursday .
Although COVID-19 originated in Asia , the continent has the fourth-most deaths at 332,002 and third-most cases at 20,361,798 .
Mainland China has n't reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 42nd place with 4,634 , behind Guatemala with 4,656 and Austria with 5,35 .
It added 22 cases Sunday .
The capital , Beijing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locally transmitted cases Friday .
Subsequently , the testing has so far identified five more infections .
South Korea and Japan have been experiencing record cases although at numbers far below other countries in the world .
Japan recorded a record 63 deaths Friday and added 40 more Sunday for a total of 3,287 , including 13 on a cruise ship , and 2,949 cases one day after a record 3,881 for a total of 222,093 .
On Friday , Japan reported five people tested positive for the highly contagious new variant through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Britain between Dec. 18 and Monday , the ministry said .
On Monday , Japan will ban new entry into the country of nonresident foreign nationals from around the world .
The nation has confirmed its first cases of the variants .
Tokyo already barred entry to foreign nationals who have recently been to Britain and South Africa .
South Korea will extend social distancing rules until Jan. 3 , Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a briefing on Sunday .
Seoul Metropolitan Area is at the second-highest level of required social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the third-highest level .
On Thursday , South Korea reported a record 1,216 local and 25 imported infections .
The total number of infections is 56,872 , while the death toll at 808 , including 15 more Sunday .
India and Iran are in the top 10 for most deaths .
On Sunday , India reported 279 deaths , the second day in a row it was under 300 .
And its cases were 18,732 , the lowest since June and 12th day in a row under 30th , for a total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the U.S .
The nation , which has the second-biggest population in the world with 1.37 billion , plans to vaccinate 300 million people with the first vaccine doses from three candidates .
These include 30 million essential workers and 270 million who are vulnerable .
Serum Institute of India is collaborating with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine .
The SII has already manufactured 40 million doses of the vaccine .
Iran is in ninth place for most deaths at 54,693 , including 119 Sunday after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases after a record 14,051 on Nov. 27 .
In Brazil , trials are underway for Pfizer 's vaccine that will be free though President Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who contracted the virus , said he wo n't get it because he said side effects could turn people who take it into `` crocodiles . ''
`` If you become superhuman , if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice , they will not have anything to do with it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spiking in Brazil with 68,437 reported Dec. 16 and twice last week more than 50,000 .
Between mid-August and late November , it had n't exceeded 50,000 .
The high was 70,869 on July 29 .
Saturday 's increase was 17,246 and the total of 7,465,806 is third in the world .
On Saturday , 300 deaths were reported after surpassing four digits on Dec. 17 with 1,054 .
The high was 1,554 on July 29 .
South America has the third-most deaths , 355,933 , and fourth-most cases , 12,856,852 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 for most deaths : Argentina in 11th with 42,501 , Colombia in 12th with 41,943 , Peru in 13th with 37,414 .
Chile , which is 21st with 16,404 , became the first nation in South America to begin vaccinating with the Pfizer-BioNTech drug Thursday with the first five health workers .
Argentina plans to begin vaccinations from Russian-produced Sputnik V on Tuesday with a shipment of 300,000 doses arriving Thursday .
It will be the fourth nation in Latin America after Mexico , Chile and Costa Rica , which is 66th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first country in Latin America to have this vaccine , '' Mexico 's president said in the news briefing Thursday .
`` Pfizer is fulfilling its commitment . ''
The head of nursing at an ICU unit in Mexico City 's General Hospital received the first dose during the live news briefing .
Close to 3,000 were vaccinated that day .
Mexico is expected to ship 50,000 more doses this week .
Also in North America , the U.S. and Canada have been vaccinating people .
In North America , Mexico reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections , including 12,129 , Sunday , close to a record 12,253 last week .
Mexico reported 189 deaths Saturday , compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4 in fourth place .
Cases were 4,974 two days after record 12,485 .
Canada is 23rd in the world for deaths at 14,800 , including 81 Saturday .
On Wednesday , there were 172 fatalities , which is the most since a record 222 on May 31 .
The cases are 541,616 , including 6,403 additional infections on Saturday after a record 8,119 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000 .
On Thursday , Canada received its first shipment of Moderna Inc 's COVID-19 vaccines , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said .
In all , there will be 168,000 doses by the end of the month with 40 million total guaranteed .
Canada joined the U.S. as the first nations to approve this vaccine .
Canada has already been administering the Pfizer vaccine to healthcare workers and those in long-term care facilities but the Moderna vaccine does n't have to be stored in as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The different storage and handling requirements of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine mean that it can be distributed to isolated and remote communities , including the territories , '' Health Canada said this week .
Canada , Mexico and the U.S. remain in a mutual travel ban through Jan. 21 .
All but around 18,000 of the total 496,771 deaths in North America are in those three nations .
The total number of cases : 22,369,880 .
North America is second behind Europe in those categories .
Oceania , with only 42.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
New Zealand 's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia 's toll has stayed at 908 since Nov. 30 .
New Zealand reported 16 cases Sunday , tallying 28 in one week , for a total of 2,144 and Australia was up 15 Sunday for 28,312 , an increase of 140 in seven days .
In New South Wales , more than 250,000 people are in lockdown .
A decision on whether public New Year 's Eve festivities could take place in Sydney would come by Wednesday , New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Sunday , Northern Beaches will be again barred from indoor gatherings after a three-day reprieve during Christmas time .
Antarctica recorded its first COVID-19 case after 36 people , 26 army personnel and 10 civilians , tested positive on a research base , according to a statement released by the Chilean Army last week .
The continent 's population varies between 1,000 and 5,000 depending on the season .
In Africa , there have been 62,832 deaths , which increased by 3,300 in one week and 2,675,178 cases .
South Africa leads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is 16th in the world , including 214 Sunday followed by Egypt at 7,352 after gaining 43 more Saturday and Morocco at 7,204 with an additional 34 Saturday .
South Africa has the 18th-most cases in the world at 994,911 including 11,552 more Saturday , behind the record 14,796 Friday .
On Thursday , Africa and Nigerian Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that a new strain that is different than the ones found in South Africa and Britain , has been found in Nigeria , the continent 's most populous country @ @ @ @ @

Mauricette, a 78-year-old former housekeep, on Sunday was the first person in France to receive a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Rene-Muret hospital in Sevran, on the outskirts of Paris. Photo by Thomas Samson/pool/EPA-EFE
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- European Union nations on Sunday began mass inoculations of a vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19 that has led to confirmed cases of more than 1% of the world's 7.8 billion population. The pandemic has grown to 81,133,819 infections and 1,771,467 fatalities, according to tracking by Worldometers.info since the first cases were announced one year ago in Mainland China. Advertisement
On Sunday, the 27 European Union nations received doses of the vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech and unofficially dubbed "V-Day." Plans are to inoculate 450 million of the 741.4 million people.
About 12.5 million doses of the vaccine will arrive in EU countries before the end of this year as part of a 300-million dose bulk order signed by the European Commission. Contracts have also been signed by five other drugmakers of 1.1 billion.
Advertisement
In Europe, a total of 521,504 people have died and 22,693,979 have been infected, more than any other continent. And a new strain of COVID-19 is spreading through Britain during the height of the winter season.
The rate of infection is higher in Europe at 2% with the death toll at 520 per million. The global death toll is 1 in 4,000.
For months, the United States has led the world with 341,000 deaths and 19.5 million cases. In the United States, the cases percentage is nearly 6% with 1 in 1,000 Americans to have died from the coronavirus.
On Monday, the EU authorized the vaccine, which includes two spaced out doses per person and must be stored in ultra-low temperatures.
"Today, we start turning the page on a difficult year," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen posted Saturday on Twitter. "The vaccine has been delivered to all EU countries."
Slovakia and Germany began vaccinations Saturday. Germany ranks 14th with the most deaths at 30,502, including 345 Sunday and a record 944 on Tuesday. Slovakia is 69th with 1,773 fatalities.
On Sunday, vaccinations began in the large nations of Italy, Spain, France and Portugal.
Being given priority are healthcare workers, nursing home residents and elderly.
Advertisement
Czech Republic's Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, was the first person in the country to receive the vaccine.
In Italy, the first five people to be given it were frontline medical and research workers.
Italy has received 9,750 doses.
The nation, which became an epicenter after China, has the fifth-most deaths at 71,925 behind the United States at more than 300,000, Brazil at 191,146, India at 147,622 and Mexico at 122,026. The nation added 305 deaths Sunday, behind the record 993 on Dec. 3 and 8,913 cases Sunday, compared with the record 40,896 infections Nov. 13.
In France, a 78-year-old former housekeeper named Mauricette received the first dose at a public hospital in greater Paris. Second was a 65-year-old cardiologist, Dr. Jean-Jacques Monsuez
The French government plans to vaccinate 1 million people by the end of February, with a focus on the oldest, the most vulnerable and caregivers, at no charge.
France has the seventh-most deaths at 62,746, including 173 Sunday. The death record is 932 on Nov. 13 that was the most since a record of 1,437 in April with a record 86,852 cases on Oct. 31. Sunday's cases were 8,822.
In Spain, the first person to be vaccinated was a 96-year-old resident in a nursing home with the second a staff member at the same home. The nation is 10th in the world at 49,824 deaths with no data reported over the weekend.
Advertisement
Britain, which left the European Union in January, was first the first nation in the world to begin distributing the vaccine on Dec. 8 with the first dose going to a 90-year-old grandmother.
Through Dec. 20, a total of 616,933 people have received the vaccine, according to the British government.
Like other European nations, Britain has experienced a surge in cases and deaths. On Wednesday, Britain recorded 744 deaths, which was the highest since April, including the record 1,166 that month. Cases reached a record 39,036 on Thursday. Sunday's deaths were 316 and cases were 30,501.
Britain's Office for National Statistics estimates about two-thirds of people testing positive in London, southeast England and the east of England could have the new variant.
Seven days ago, Britain went into a Tier 4 lockdown, including banning activities during Christmas, amid a newly identified strain of COVID-19 that a top health official describes as "out of control."
Subsequently, several European nations banned or controlled travel from Britain.
But cases of the more contagious variant have been confirmed in several European countries, including Spain, Switzerland, Sweden and France, plus Canada and Japan.
Russia developed its own vaccine, called Sputnik V, and began inoculations earlier this month, starting with the most vulnerable people in Moscow.
Advertisement
Russia set a record for daily deaths on Thursday, 635, and passed Iran for eighth in the world at 54,778, including 552 Sunday. The nation has the fourth-most cases at 3,050,248, including 28,284 Sunday after a record 29,935 Thursday.
Although COVID-19 originated in Asia, the continent has the fourth-most deaths at 332,013 and third-most cases at 20,362,653.
Mainland China hasn't reported a death since April 26 and has dropped to 42nd place with 4,634, behind Guatemala with 4,768 and Austria with 5,881. It added 22 cases Sunday.
The capital, Beijing, is testing 800,000 residents after detecting two locally transmitted cases Friday. Subsequently, the testing has so far identified five more infections.
South Korea and Japan have been experiencing record cases although at numbers far below other countries in the world.
Japan recorded a record 63 deaths Friday and added 40 more Sunday for a total of 3,287, including 13 on a cruise ship, and 2,949 cases one day after a record 3,881 for a total of 222,093. On Friday, Japan reported five people tested positive for the highly contagious new variant through airport screening when they arrived in Japan from Britain between Dec. 18 and Monday, the ministry said.
Advertisement
On Monday, Japan will ban new entry into the country of nonresident foreign nationals from around the world. The nation has confirmed its first cases of the variants.
Tokyo already barred entry to foreign nationals who have recently been to Britain and South Africa.
South Korea will extend social distancing rules until Jan. 3, Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said in a briefing on Sunday. Seoul Metropolitan Area is at the second-highest level of required social distancing with the rest of the country at the third-highest level.
On Thursday, South Korea reported a record 1,216 local and 25 imported infections. The total number of infections is 56,872, while the death toll at 808, including 15 more Sunday.
India and Iran are in the top 10 for most deaths.
On Sunday, India reported 279 deaths, the second day in a row it was under 300.
And its cases were 18,732, the lowest since June, for a total of 10,187,850, second in the world behind the United States.
The nation, which has the second-biggest population in the world with 1.37 billion, plans to vaccinate 300 million people with the first vaccine doses from three candidates. These include 30 million essential workers and 270 million who are vulnerable.
Advertisement
The Serum Institute of India is collaborating with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine. The SII has already manufactured 40 million doses of the vaccine.
Iran is in ninth place for most deaths at 54,693, including 119 Sunday after a record 486 on Nov. 16 and 5,502 cases after a record 14,051 on Nov. 27. In Brazil, trials are underway for Pfizer's vaccine that will be free though President Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who contracted the virus, said he won't get it because he said side effects could turn people who take it into "crocodiles."
"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," Bolsonaro said.
Cases have been spiking in Brazil with 68,437 reported Dec. 16 and twice last week more than 50,000. Between mid-August and late November, it hadn't exceeded 50,000. The high was 70,869 on July 29. Saturday's increase was 17,246 and Sunday's was 18,479 for the total of 7,484,285, which is third in the world.
On Saturday, 300 deaths were reported after surpassing four digits on Dec. 17 with 1,054. The high was 1,554 on July 29.
Advertisement
South America has the third-most deaths, 356,683, and fourth-most cases, 12,892,090.
The continent has three spots in the top 20 for most deaths: Argentina in 11th with 42,650, Colombia in 12th with 42,171 and Peru in 13th with 37,474. Chile, which is 21st with 16,443, became the first nation in South America to begin vaccinating with the Pfizer-BioNTech drug Thursday with the first five health workers.
Argentina plans to begin vaccinations from Russian-produced Sputnik V on Tuesday with a shipment of 300,000 doses arriving Thursday.
It will be the fourth nation in Latin America after Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica, which is 66th with 2,086 deaths.
"Mexico is the first country in Latin America to have this vaccine," Mexico's president said in the news briefing Thursday. "Pfizer is fulfilling its commitment."
The head of nursing at an ICU unit in Mexico City's General Hospital received the first dose during the live news briefing. Close to 3,000 were vaccinated that day.
Mexico is expected to ship 50,000 more doses this week.
Also in North America, the United States and Canada have been vaccinating people.
In North America, Mexico reported 9,679 cases Saturday and 4,974 Sunday ranking 13th with 1,377,217 infections.
Advertisement
Mexico reported 189 deaths Sunday, compared with a high of 1,092 on June 4 in fourth place. Cases were 4,974 two days after record 12,485.
Canada is 23rd in the world for deaths at 14,963, including 163 Sunday and 81 Saturday. On Wednesday, there were 172 fatalities, which is the most since a record 222 on May 31. The cases are 552,020, including 5,912 additional infections on Sunday and 6,403 on Saturday after a record 8,119 on Dec. 14. Between May 26 and Aug. 30 cases were never more than 1,000.
On Thursday, Canada received its first shipment of Moderna Inc.'s COVID-19 vaccines, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. In all, there will be 168,000 doses by the end of the month with 40 million total guaranteed. Canada joined the U.S. as the first nations to approve this vaccine.
Canada has already been administering the Pfizer vaccine to healthcare workers and those in long-term care facilities but the Moderna vaccine doesn't have to be stored in as cold conditions as the Pfizer one.
"The different storage and handling requirements of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine mean that it can be distributed to isolated and remote communities, including the territories," Health Canada said this week.
Advertisement
Canada, Mexico and the U.S. remain in a mutual travel ban through Jan. 21.
All but around 18,000 of the total 497,297 deaths in North America are in those three nations. The total number of cases: 22,458,456. North America is second behind Europe in those categories.
Oceania, with only 42.3 million people, has 1,052 deaths and 47,898 cases.
New Zealand's deaths have remained at 25 since Sept. 16 and Australia's toll has stayed at 908 since Nov. 30.
New Zealand reported 16 cases Sunday, tallying 28 in one week, for a total of 2,144 and Australia was up 15 Sunday for 28,312, an increase of 140 in seven days.
In New South Wales, more than 250,000 people are in lockdown.
A decision on whether public New Year's Eve festivities could take place in Sydney would come by Wednesday, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
On Sunday, Northern Beaches will be again barred from indoor gatherings after a three-day reprieve during Christmas time.
Antarctica recorded its first COVID-19 case after 36 people, 26 army personnel and 10 civilians, tested positive on a research base, according to a statement released by the Chilean Army last week.
The continent's population varies between 1,000 and 5,000 depending on the season.
Advertisement
In Africa, there have been 62,832 deaths, which increased by 3,300 in one week and 2,675,178 cases.
South Africa leads the continent with 26,735 deaths, which is 16th in the world, including 214 Sunday followed by Egypt at 7,405 after gaining 53 on Sunday and 43 on Saturday, and Morocco at 7,240 with an additional 36 Sunday and 34 Saturday.
South Africa has the 18th-most cases in the world and surpassed the 1 million infections on landmark after reporting 9,502 cases on Sunday for a total 1,004,413.
On Thursday, Africa and Nigerian Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that a new strain that is different than the ones found in South Africa and Britain, has been found in Nigeria, the continent's most populous country but only 1,247 deaths.


upi--2020-12-27--Bluegrass star Tony Rice dead at 69

Bluegrass star Tony Rice dead at 69

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Bluegrass star Tony Rice has died at age 69 , his former record label announced on social media .
`` Tony Rice June 8 , 1951 - December 25 , 2020 We were all deeply saddened by the news of Tony Rice 's sudden passing on Christmas Day , and we offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones and his many fans .
May he Rest In Peace , '' Rounder Records said Saturday .
The cause of his death has not been made public .
The California native was a guitarist famous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades-long career , he played with the bands J.D .
Crowe and the New South , as well as with guitarist Norman Blake , mandolin player David Grisman and the Grateful Dead 's Jerry Garcia .
His last album was 2011 's Hartford Rice and Clements , which was recorded in 1988 .
He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association 's Hall of Fame in 2013 .
Rice had n't played guitar publicly for the past seven years because of medical conditions that made it difficult to play guitar .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had n't sung in concert since then .
`` It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to one of the most iconic voices and musicians in bluegrass , '' association said in a statement .
`` David Anthony 'Tony ' Rice passed away yesterday , Dec. 25 , at his home in Reidsville , N.C. Few will ever match his skill and influence . ''
Another of Rice 's collaborators -- country and bluegrass great Ricky Skaggs -- called Rice `` the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if not all of the bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice 's music .
He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks .
I think that 's where he got most of his joy as a player , '' Skaggs said .

Bluegrass star Tony Rice has died at age 69. File photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Bluegrass star Tony Rice has died at age 69, his former record label announced on social media. "Tony Rice June 8, 1951 - December 25, 2020 We were all deeply saddened by the news of Tony Rice's sudden passing on Christmas Day, and we offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones and his many fans. May he Rest In Peace," Rounder Records said Saturday. Advertisement
The cause of his death has not been made public.
The California native was a guitarist famous for his flat-picking skills.
Throughout his decades-long career, he played with the bands J.D. Crowe and the New South, as well as with guitarist Norman Blake, mandolin player David Grisman and the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia.
His last album was 2011's Hartford Rice and Clements, which was recorded in 1988. He was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rice hadn't played guitar publicly for the past seven years because of medical conditions that made it difficult to play guitar.
He was diagnosed with muscle-tension dysphonia in 1994 and hadn't sung in concert since then.
Advertisement
"It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to one of the most iconic voices and musicians in bluegrass," association said in a statement. "David Anthony 'Tony' Rice passed away yesterday, Dec. 25, at his home in Reidsville, N.C. Few will ever match his skill and influence."
Another of Rice's collaborators -- country and bluegrass great Ricky Skaggs -- called Rice "the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years."
"Many if not all of the bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice's music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that's where he got most of his joy as a player," Skaggs said.


upi--2020-12-27--Fauci warns of 'post-seasonal surge' as U.S. COVID-19 cases pass 19M

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday warned of a `` post-seasonal surge '' of COVID-19 cases following holiday gatherings as the United States nears 19 million cases .
When asked during an appearance on CNN 's State of the Union if he believes the `` worst is still yet to come '' in the pandemic Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said `` I do '' citing high levels of holiday travel .
`` We very well might see a post-seasonal -- in the sense of Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci said .
`` We 're really at a very critical point .
If you put more pressure on the system by what might be a post-seasonal surge because of the traveling and the likely congregating of people for , you know the good warm purposes of being together for the holidays , it 's very tough for people to not do that . ''
The United States added 226,274 new positive COVID-19 cases and 1,663 new deaths on Saturday , with a total 19,093,241 infections and 332,723 fatalities so far Sunday since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University .
Cases passed 18 million on Monday .
Despite the world-leading totals of cases and deaths , the Transportation Security Administration said it screened 1,128,773 people at airports throughout the nation on Saturday , after a record 1.2 million people were screened on Wednesday .
International travel also remains a concern as federal regulators in the United States ordered on Friday that all air travelers from Britain must test negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before their flight , following the discovery of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
Fauci on Sunday said it was a `` prudent '' move to place some form of restriction on travel from Britain after many countries have banned travel from the country but said that both British and American officials have found the new strain `` does n't appear '' to make people more ill. '' Obviously , this is something we always take seriously and it 's concerning whenever you get a mutation but I think the American public needs to remember and realize that these are RNA viruses and continually mutating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time the mutations do n't have a functional significance , '' he said .
California leads the nation with 2,122,806 cases , adding 50,141 new cases reported Sunday .
The state also reported 237 more deaths , bringing its total to 24,220 since the start of the pandemic -- third in the nation .
Texas is second in cases and deaths after reporting 6,105 new cases for a total of 1,476,674 and 51 new deaths totaling 26,472 .
On Sunday , Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced on Facebook that he and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for coronavirus .
Bonnen said his symptoms were mild , while his wife 's were `` difficult but manageable , '' adding they could not pinpoint their initial exposure as they held Christmas celebrations within their own household and have followed health protocols since March .
`` This disease is no joke in its unpredictability and severity , so please continue to keep your guard up and your loved ones protected , '' he wrote .
`` Mask up social distance , avoid large gatherings and take care of one another . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ its fewest total since Nov. 30 , for a total of 1,271,979 as well as 77 new resident deaths for a total of 21,212 .
The state 's positive test rate , however , rose to 9.69 % on 65,939 tests on Saturday , the highest since Dec. 14 , while hospitalizations rose to 6,367 as of 11 a.m. Sunday , an increase of 731 over 24 hours .
Illinois recorded the nation 's fourth-highest case total at after reporting 3,767 new cases totaling 937,909 and 104 new deaths for a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Gov .
Andrew Cuomo announced the state reported 7,623 new confirmed cases for a total of 922,145 while holding the nation 's highest death toll at 29,511 including 115 new deaths .

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on Sunday warned that increased holiday travel could lead to a "post-seasonal surge" of COVID-19 cases in the United States. Pool Photo by Patrick Semansky/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday warned of a "post-seasonal surge" of COVID-19 cases following holiday gatherings as the United States nears 19 million cases. When asked during an appearance on CNN's State of the Union if he believes the "worst is still yet to come" in the pandemic Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said "I do" citing high levels of holiday travel. Advertisement
"We very well might see a post-seasonal -- in the sense of Christmas, New Years -- surge," Fauci said. "We're really at a very critical point. If you put more pressure on the system by what might be a post-seasonal surge because of the traveling and the likely congregating of people for, you know the good warm purposes of being together for the holidays, it's very tough for people to not do that."
Advertisement
The United States added 226,274 new positive COVID-19 cases and 1,663 new deaths on Saturday, with a total 19,093,241 infections and 332,723 fatalities so far Sunday since the start of the pandemic, according to data gathered by Johns Hopkins University. Cases passed 18 million on Monday.
Despite the world-leading totals of cases and deaths, the Transportation Security Administration said it screened 1,128,773 people at airports throughout the nation on Saturday, after a record 1.2 million people were screened on Wednesday.
International travel also remains a concern as federal regulators in the United States ordered on Friday that all air travelers from Britain must test negative for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before their flight, following the discovery of a new strain of the virus in the country.
Fauci on Sunday said it was a "prudent" move to place some form of restriction on travel from Britain after many countries have banned travel from the country but said that both British and American officials have found the new strain "doesn't appear" to make people more ill.
"Obviously, this is something we always take seriously and it's concerning whenever you get a mutation but I think the American public needs to remember and realize that these are RNA viruses and continually mutating all the time. Most of the time the mutations don't have a functional significance," he said.
Advertisement
California leads the nation with 2,122,806 cases, adding 50,141 new cases reported Sunday. The state also reported 237 more deaths, bringing its total to 24,220 since the start of the pandemic -- third in the nation.
Texas is second in cases and deaths after reporting 6,105 new cases for a total of 1,476,674 and 51 new deaths totaling 26,472.
On Sunday, Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced on Facebook that he and his wife, Kim, had tested positive for coronavirus. Bonnen said his symptoms were mild, while his wife's were "difficult but manageable," adding they could not pinpoint their initial exposure as they held Christmas celebrations within their own household and have followed health protocols since March.
"This disease is no joke in its unpredictability and severity, so please continue to keep your guard up and your loved ones protected," he wrote. "Mask up social distance, avoid large gatherings and take care of one another."
Third-place Florida reported 7,391 new cases, its fewest total since Nov. 30, for a total of 1,271,979 as well as 77 new resident deaths for a total of 21,212.
The state's positive test rate, however, rose to 9.69% on 65,939 tests on Saturday, the highest since Dec. 14, while hospitalizations rose to 6,367 as of 11 a.m. Sunday, an increase of 731 over 24 hours.
Advertisement
Illinois recorded the nation's fourth-highest case total at after reporting 3,767 new cases totaling 937,909 and 104 new deaths for a total of 15,969
New York ranks fifth in cases as Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state reported 7,623 new confirmed cases for a total of 922,145 while holding the nation's highest death toll at 29,511 including 115 new deaths.


upi--2020-12-27--Pro wrestler Jon Huber, aka Brodie Lee, Luke Harper, dead at 41

Dec. 27 ( UPI ) -- Professional wrestler Jon Huber , who went by the names Brodie Lee and Luke Harper , has died , his wife Amanda announced on Instagram .
He was 41 .
`` My best friend died today , '' Amanda Huber wrote in Saturday 's post .
`` I never wanted to write out those words .
My heart is broken .
The world saw him as the amazing @ brodielee ( fka Luke Harper ) but he was my best friend , my husband , and the greatest father you would ever meet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No words can express the love I feel or how broken I am right now .
He passed surrounded by love ones after a hard fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue .
The @ mayoclinic is literally the best team of doctors and nurses in the world who surrounded me with constant love .
On top of that , I ca n't express my love and admiration for the way @ allelitewrestling has treated not only my husband but myself and my kids . ''
Huber was part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to All Elite Wrestling this year .
`` WWE is saddened to learn that Jon Huber , known to WWE fans as Luke Harper , passed away today at age 41 , '' the WWE tweeted Saturday night .
`` WWE extends its condolences to Huber 's family , friends and fans . ''
Well-known figures from the wrestling world took to social media to mourn his death .
`` Jon was an awesome human being .
He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him .
A great man and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so many broken hearts tonight .
Thank you for the great memories brother .
# RipBrodieLee , '' wrestler Sheamus said .
`` This one really hurts , I am so heartbroken .
Brodie was really one of a kind .
He was family and I 'll always cherish those memories .
We will miss you so deeply .
My heart and prayers go out to Amanda and the boys , '' ring announcer Joseann Offerman said .
`` I do n't have the words .
# RIPBrodieLee May God send his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' wrestler Randy Orton said .
`` During a Australian tour I got to be around Jon for the first time , we did n't really know each other but that did n't stop him from inviting me into conversations and have a laugh !
He truly knew how to make a locker room laugh !
Sad day ! ''
wrestler Buddy Murphy said .
`` Gone way too soon .
His laugh lit up a room .
He was so much fun to watch .
And his kind soul will live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind Luke .
RIP .
@ mandahuber we all are here for you and the boys .
Ca n't even begin to imagine your pain .
So many thoughts , prayers , love and light to you and the fam , '' twin wrestlers Nikki and Brie Bella said .
Huber is survived by Amanda , his wife of 12 years , and their two children .

Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Professional wrestler Jon Huber, who went by the names Brodie Lee and Luke Harper, has died, his wife Amanda announced on Instagram. He was 41.
"My best friend died today," Amanda Huber wrote in Saturday's post.
Advertisement
"I never wanted to write out those words. My heart is broken. The world saw him as the amazing @brodielee (fka Luke Harper) but he was my best friend, my husband, and the greatest father you would ever meet," the grieving widow said. "No words can express the love I feel or how broken I am right now. He passed surrounded by love ones after a hard fought battle with a non Covid related lung issue. The @mayoclinic is literally the best team of doctors and nurses in the world who surrounded me with constant love. On top of that, I can't express my love and admiration for the way @allelitewrestling has treated not only my husband but myself and my kids."
Huber was part of the World Wrestling Entertainment organization 2012-19, then moved to All Elite Wrestling this year.
"WWE is saddened to learn that Jon Huber, known to WWE fans as Luke Harper, passed away today at age 41," the WWE tweeted Saturday night. "WWE extends its condolences to Huber's family, friends and fans."
Advertisement
Well-known figures from the wrestling world took to social media to mourn his death.
"Jon was an awesome human being. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him. A great man and even better husband & father. There are so many broken hearts tonight. Thank you for the great memories brother. #RipBrodieLee," wrestler Sheamus said.
"This one really hurts, I am so heartbroken. Brodie was really one of a kind. He was family and I'll always cherish those memories. We will miss you so deeply. My heart and prayers go out to Amanda and the boys," ring announcer Joseann Offerman said.
"I don't have the words. #RIPBrodieLee May God send his beautiful family as much strength as possible," wrestler Randy Orton said.
"During a Australian tour I got to be around Jon for the first time, we didn't really know each other but that didn't stop him from inviting me into conversations and have a laugh! He truly knew how to make a locker room laugh! Sad day!" wrestler Buddy Murphy said.
"Gone way too soon. His laugh lit up a room. He was so much fun to watch. And his kind soul will live on forever. You were your own kind Luke. RIP. @mandahuber we all are here for you and the boys. Can't even begin to imagine your pain. So many thoughts, prayers, love and light to you and the fam," twin wrestlers Nikki and Brie Bella said.
Advertisement
Huber is survived by Amanda, his wife of 12 years, and their two children.
Notable deaths of 2020


upi--2020-12-28--Watch: Monique Samuels leaves 'Real Housewives of Potomac'

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Monique Samuels is leaving Real Housewives of Potomac after four seasons .
The 37-year-old television personality announced her exit from the Bravo series in an Instagram video Sunday .
`` It was a crazy ride .
It 's not easy doing reality TV , and to be quite honest , I 'm over it , '' she said .
Samuels voiced her love and appreciation for everyone who has been `` Team Monique '' but said `` when you cross certain lines , there 's no going back . ''
`` For me , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the star said .
`` The opinion of my family and my kids and what they think about anything that I do is more valuable to me than anybody 's opinion , so I 'm over it . ''
`` If my kids were to get older and say they watched everything and they watched the show and they watched all of these different things that 's happening behind the scenes , what response can I give them ?
What would satisfy that ? ''
she added .
Samuels is married to former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three children , Christopher , Milani and Chase .
She said she appreciated the opportunity to show `` real Black love '' on TV .
`` I wanted to represent real Black love and show people something outside of what the stereotype has been on TV , and unfortunately this season I played right into that stereotype , '' the star said .
`` While people want me to be so emotional and all of those different things , as if I did n't really deal with everything that I had to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` I mean , I had two therapists .
I was working overtime to really check myself , because that is the exact opposite of what I want to display on a TV show , and in real life , most importantly . ''
News of Samuels ' exit follows her physical altercation with Candiace Dillard in Season 5 .
During the season , Samuels ' marriage to Chris Samuels was also a topic of much conversation , including rumors about the paternity of Samuels ' son Chase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season reunion .
Samuels previously teased how Chris Samuels got `` heated '' during the reunion .

Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Monique Samuels is leaving Real Housewives of Potomac after four seasons.
The 37-year-old television personality announced her exit from the Bravo series in an Instagram video Sunday.
Advertisement
"It was a crazy ride. It's not easy doing reality TV, and to be quite honest, I'm over it," she said.
Samuels voiced her love and appreciation for everyone who has been "Team Monique" but said "when you cross certain lines, there's no going back."
"For me, my family is that line," the star said. "The opinion of my family and my kids and what they think about anything that I do is more valuable to me than anybody's opinion, so I'm over it."
"If my kids were to get older and say they watched everything and they watched the show and they watched all of these different things that's happening behind the scenes, what response can I give them? What would satisfy that?" she added.
Advertisement
Samuels is married to former professional football player Chris Samuels and has three children, Christopher, Milani and Chase. She said she appreciated the opportunity to show "real Black love" on TV.
"I wanted to represent real Black love and show people something outside of what the stereotype has been on TV, and unfortunately this season I played right into that stereotype," the star said.
"While people want me to be so emotional and all of those different things, as if I didn't really deal with everything that I had to deal with, I 100 percent did," she said. "I mean, I had two therapists. I was working overtime to really check myself, because that is the exact opposite of what I want to display on a TV show, and in real life, most importantly."
News of Samuels' exit follows her physical altercation with Candiace Dillard in Season 5. During the season, Samuels' marriage to Chris Samuels was also a topic of much conversation, including rumors about the paternity of Samuels' son Chase.
Season 5 concluded Sunday with Part 3 of the season reunion. Samuels previously teased how Chris Samuels got "heated" during the reunion.


upi--2020-12-28--CCTV footage shows RV explosion in downtown Nashville

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Police in Nashville have released closed circuit television video of the moment an RV exploded on Christmas Day in what investigators believe is a suicide bombing .
The video , released late Sunday by the Metro Nashville Police Department , was recorded by a police camera about a block away from where the RV exploded while parked outside an AT & T transmission building early Friday .
Authorities have identified Anthony Quinn Warner as the bomber and say he died in the blast , which also damaged dozens of buildings .
The 63-year-old man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , officials said .
In the video footage , a police officer can be seen walking across Second Avenue North in downtown Nashville just seconds before the RV explodes and debris is hurtled toward the camera .
The RV broadcast a warning message before the blast that advised people to leave the area .
Police also said it played the 1964 song Downtown by Petula Clark over its speakers .
Authorities are still examining a motive for the bombing .
Officials have not yet said whether they believe the AT & T building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellphone service in parts of Tennessee , Kentucky and Alabama .
More than 48 hours after the explosion , some customers were still experiencing outages .
the company said on Sunday .
Warner , described by acquaintances as a quiet , self-employed computer expert , was not on authorities ' radar as a potential domestic terrorist , police said .
Neighbors in the suburban Nashville community of Antioch said Warner was polite but reserved and never displayed any obvious political or religious leanings .

Debris is seen in downtown Nashville last Friday after a recreational vehicle exploded on Second Avenue North. Photo courtesy Nashville Fire Department/Twitter/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Police in Nashville have released closed circuit television video of the moment an RV exploded on Christmas Day in what investigators believe is a suicide bombing. The video, released late Sunday by the Metro Nashville Police Department, was recorded by a police camera about a block away from where the RV exploded while parked outside an AT&T transmission building early Friday. Advertisement
Authorities have identified Anthony Quinn Warner as the bomber and say he died in the blast, which also damaged dozens of buildings. The 63-year-old man's DNA was found at the scene, officials said.
In the video footage, a police officer can be seen walking across Second Avenue North in downtown Nashville just seconds before the RV explodes and debris is hurtled toward the camera.
This is video of Friday morning's explosion recorded by an MNPD camera at 2nd Ave N & Commerce St. pic.twitter.com/3vaXhoUOAR— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 28, 2020
The RV broadcast a warning message before the blast that advised people to leave the area. Police also said it played the 1964 song Downtown by Petula Clark over its speakers.
Advertisement
Authorities are still examining a motive for the bombing. Officials have not yet said whether they believe the AT&T building was a target. The explosion disrupted cellphone service in parts of Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama.
More than 48 hours after the explosion, some customers were still experiencing outages. the company said on Sunday.
Warner, described by acquaintances as a quiet, self-employed computer expert, was not on authorities' radar as a potential domestic terrorist, police said.
Neighbors in the suburban Nashville community of Antioch said Warner was polite but reserved and never displayed any obvious political or religious leanings.
Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020
President Donald Trump takes off his face mask as he returns to the White House after undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on October 5. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo


upi--2020-12-28--Pictures of the Year: top U.S. news images for 2020

Pictures of the Year : top U.S. news images for 2020 It was a historic news year for the United @ @ @ @ @ causing global upheaval , a social justice movement gaining momentum after more killings of Black @ @ @ @ @ police , a deadly slate of wildfires and hurricanes and a presidential election that sowed @ @ @ @ @ Here 's how UPI 's photographers captured it all in pictures .

The casket containing the remains of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died on September 18 at age 87, is carried into the Supreme Court to lie in repose in Washington, D.C., on September 23. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI


upi--2020-12-28--Pictures of the Year: Top images from 2020

Pictures of the Year : Top images from 2020 2020 has been a year unlike any other , with the @ @ @ @ @ standstill amid the COVID-19 pandemic , which affected every aspect of life .
UPI photographers @ @ @ @ @ the world captured the year from all angles .
Here are some of the most @ @ @

Some 20,000 American flags are placed by the COVID Memorial Project on the National Mall to represent the 200,000 Americans who had died due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in Washington, D.C., on September 21. The death toll has since surged even higher. Photo by Pat Benic/UPI


upi--2020-12-28--Getting COVID-19 vaccines to rural Americans is harder than it looks

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- The enormous job of vaccinating the nation is underway , but for rural Americans , getting a COVID-19 vaccine becomes harder the farther they are from urban centers .
The current vaccines ' cold storage requirements and shipping rules mean many rural hospitals ca n't serve as vaccination distribution hubs .
That can leave rural residents -- about 20 % of the U.S. population in all -- traveling long distances , if they 're able to travel at all .
Getting the word to rural residents about when they can be vaccinated is n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of misinformation downplaying the risk of the coronavirus this past year has had an impact on rural residents ' willingness to get the vaccine .
We work in rural healthcare settings and have been examining the barriers to healthcare for these patients to find ways to ensure health and safety .
The problem with big batches and cold storage The first two authorized vaccines - one made by Pfizer and BioNTech and the other by Moderna -- are mRNA vaccines .
It 's a new type of vaccine that uses the molecular instructions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the weakened virus itself .
Both must be kept in very cold temperatures .
To ensure stability , the vaccine doses are shipped in special containers with dry ice , and for now , vaccines are being delivered only in large batches .
The Pfizer vaccine is shipped in increments of 975 doses at a time , which creates a challenge for small hospitals .
Urban areas will be able to quickly distribute those doses , but finding enough patients to vaccinate quickly in rural areas may prove more difficult .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a minimum order of 100 doses .
Both vaccines also require two doses per person , with the second dose of Pfizer 's vaccine given 21 days later and Moderna 's 28 days .
As a result , the vaccine distribution efforts will favor hubs that cater to more populated areas to avoid wasting any vaccine or leaving patients unable to get their second dose .
Cold storage is another challenge , since small hospitals are less likely to have expensive freezers .
The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at minus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Moderna 's at minus 4 Fahrenheit .
There are limits on how many times the vaccine shipping containers can be opened and how quickly the vaccines must be distributed .
Once thawed and prepared , the Pfizer vaccine must be used within five days and Moderna 's within 30 days .
Each patient must receive both doses of the vaccine from the same manufacturer to ensure safety and effectiveness , adding to the challenge .
Manufacturers have included personal dosing cards for patients to carry with them to help address this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and vaccines Rural America already has difficult barriers to healthcare access .
It has fewer healthcare providers serving a more geographically diverse population than in metropolitan communities .
And in many of these areas , rural hospitals have been closing at an alarming rate , leaving people to travel farther for care .
The population is also older .
Public transportation that could help poor or elderly residents reach hospitals is rare , and distance and geography , such as mountain roads , can mean driving to those sites takes time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to receive it into rural areas has also proved difficult .
Many rural counties still have limited access to broadband internet connections , smartphone service and other technologies .
That often means residents rely on television , newspapers and radio for news , which can limit the depth and scope of information .
While some rural counties have started getting the word out , many do n't not seem to have specific plans on how to inform their residents about how and when each person can get the vaccine , let alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They often rely just on local press releases that many residents never see .
Rural nonprofit healthcare organizations have tried to bridge that gap and improve rural communications about vaccines and the pandemic .
Care Compass Network , which coordinates organizations across southern New York , has offered educational webinars with the latest information about the virus and the vaccines , for example .
But there is still much work to do .
Rural Americans ' views on vaccines are influenced by media and word of mouth , politics and religion , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps most importantly , the difficulty of accessing healthcare .
In a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in December , about 35 % of rural Americans said they probably or definitely would not get the vaccine , higher than the 27 % nationwide .
Getting enough of the U.S. vaccinated to eventually end the pandemic will require more work in all of these areas .
That includes improving shipping and storage processes so orders can be broken up and distributed to smaller hospitals , distributing more vaccine doses , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving in smaller batches and not requiring such low temperatures for stability , it may prove to be more accessible for rural areas in the near future .
Utah has already taken advantage of those characteristics to get initial doses to smaller hospitals outside its urban areas and has started vaccinating healthcare providers .
Pfizer has said it may be able to offer smaller batches by April .
Other vaccines on the horizon are also expected to have less stringent storage requirements and may potentially be delivered in a one-shot method rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rural hospitals still remains a challenge for getting vaccines to patients , though .
Allowing community pharmacies to offer the vaccine -- particularly if independent pharmacies are included -- could eventually help expand the distribution network in rural areas .
Bennett Doughty , is a clinical assistant professor , pharmacy practice , at Binghamton University , State University of New York and Pamela Stewart Fahs is a professor of rural nursing at Binghamton University , State University of New York .
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Dr. Michelle Chester holds a vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center Northwell Health in New York City on Monday, December 14, 2020. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- The enormous job of vaccinating the nation is underway, but for rural Americans, getting a COVID-19 vaccine becomes harder the farther they are from urban centers. The current vaccines' cold storage requirements and shipping rules mean many rural hospitals can't serve as vaccination distribution hubs. That can leave rural residents -- about 20% of the U.S. population in all -- traveling long distances, if they're able to travel at all. Advertisement
Getting the word to rural residents about when they can be vaccinated isn't easy either, and the extraordinary amount of misinformation downplaying the risk of the coronavirus this past year has had an impact on rural residents' willingness to get the vaccine.
We work in rural healthcare settings and have been examining the barriers to healthcare for these patients to find ways to ensure health and safety.
Advertisement
The problem with big batches and cold storage
The first two authorized vaccines - one made by Pfizer and BioNTech and the other by Moderna -- are mRNA vaccines. It's a new type of vaccine that uses the molecular instructions for building virus proteins rather than injecting parts of the weakened virus itself. Both must be kept in very cold temperatures.
To ensure stability, the vaccine doses are shipped in special containers with dry ice, and for now, vaccines are being delivered only in large batches. The Pfizer vaccine is shipped in increments of 975 doses at a time, which creates a challenge for small hospitals.
Urban areas will be able to quickly distribute those doses, but finding enough patients to vaccinate quickly in rural areas may prove more difficult.
Moderna's vaccine is somewhat more manageable, with a minimum order of 100 doses.
Both vaccines also require two doses per person, with the second dose of Pfizer's vaccine given 21 days later and Moderna's 28 days.
As a result, the vaccine distribution efforts will favor hubs that cater to more populated areas to avoid wasting any vaccine or leaving patients unable to get their second dose.
Advertisement
Cold storage is another challenge, since small hospitals are less likely to have expensive freezers. The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 Celsius) and Moderna's at minus 4 Fahrenheit. There are limits on how many times the vaccine shipping containers can be opened and how quickly the vaccines must be distributed. Once thawed and prepared, the Pfizer vaccine must be used within five days and Moderna's within 30 days.
Each patient must receive both doses of the vaccine from the same manufacturer to ensure safety and effectiveness, adding to the challenge. Manufacturers have included personal dosing cards for patients to carry with them to help address this challenge.
Rural America's take on COVID-19 and vaccines
Rural America already has difficult barriers to healthcare access.
It has fewer healthcare providers serving a more geographically diverse population than in metropolitan communities. And in many of these areas, rural hospitals have been closing at an alarming rate, leaving people to travel farther for care. The population is also older. Public transportation that could help poor or elderly residents reach hospitals is rare, and distance and geography, such as mountain roads, can mean driving to those sites takes time.
Advertisement
Getting accurate information about the vaccine and how to receive it into rural areas has also proved difficult. Many rural counties still have limited access to broadband internet connections, smartphone service and other technologies. That often means residents rely on television, newspapers and radio for news, which can limit the depth and scope of information.
While some rural counties have started getting the word out, many don't not seem to have specific plans on how to inform their residents about how and when each person can get the vaccine, let alone specific plans for actually giving it. They often rely just on local press releases that many residents never see.
Rural nonprofit healthcare organizations have tried to bridge that gap and improve rural communications about vaccines and the pandemic. Care Compass Network, which coordinates organizations across southern New York, has offered educational webinars with the latest information about the virus and the vaccines, for example. But there is still much work to do.
Rural Americans' views on vaccines are influenced by media and word of mouth, politics and religion, as well as previous experience with vaccinations and, perhaps most importantly, the difficulty of accessing healthcare.
Advertisement
In a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in December, about 35% of rural Americans said they probably or definitely would not get the vaccine, higher than the 27% nationwide.
Small batches, new vaccines and pharmacies
Getting enough of the U.S. vaccinated to eventually end the pandemic will require more work in all of these areas. That includes improving shipping and storage processes so orders can be broken up and distributed to smaller hospitals, distributing more vaccine doses, and improving communication.
With Moderna's vaccine arriving in smaller batches and not requiring such low temperatures for stability, it may prove to be more accessible for rural areas in the near future. Utah has already taken advantage of those characteristics to get initial doses to smaller hospitals outside its urban areas and has started vaccinating healthcare providers. Pfizer has said it may be able to offer smaller batches by April.
Other vaccines on the horizon are also expected to have less stringent storage requirements and may potentially be delivered in a one-shot method rather than a two-dose series. The falling number of rural hospitals still remains a challenge for getting vaccines to patients, though. Allowing community pharmacies to offer the vaccine -- particularly if independent pharmacies are included -- could eventually help expand the distribution network in rural areas.
Advertisement
Bennett Doughty, is a clinical assistant professor, pharmacy practice, at Binghamton University, State University of New York and Pamela Stewart Fahs is a professor of rural nursing at Binghamton University, State University of New York.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


upi--2020-12-28--Alec Baldwin slams 'false' reports after wife Hilaria's Spanish heritage is questioned

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Alec Baldwin is calling out `` ridiculous '' and `` false '' reports amid questions about his wife Hilaria Baldwin 's Spanish heritage .
The 62-year-old actor and Hilaria Baldwin , 36 , took to Instagram Sunday after Hilaria Baldwin 's Spanish accent and heritage were called into question by journalist and podcast host Tracie Egan Morrissey .
In a video , Baldwin slammed Twitter trolls and tabloids and asked fans to `` consider the source '' when evaluating reports .
`` We live in a world where we 're hidden behind the anonymity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like they can say anything , '' he said .
`` They want to spray it all over you and spit it all over you , their venom and their hate . ''
Baldwin did not mention Hilaria Baldwin by name but said he was moved to speak out because , `` There are things that have been said lately about people that I love , that I care about deeply , which are just ridiculous . ''
`` I would say the majority of what 's been said ... is false .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've said it about people I love , false things , '' he added .
Morrissey questioned Hilaria Baldwin 's heritage in series of posts on Instagram Stories over the weekend .
She shared clips in which Hilaria Baldwin appears to speak in varying degrees of a Spanish accent and also questioned Hilaria Baldwin 's parents ' backgrounds .
Hilaria Baldwin addressed her heritage in a video Sunday on Instagram .
`` I was born in Boston and grew up spending time with my family between Massachusetts and Spain .
My parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose to live here , in the USA .
We celebrate both cultures in our home -- Alec and I are raising our children bilingual , just as I was raised , '' she said in the caption .
Hilaria Baldwin said she grew up speaking both English and Spanish and would go by the name Hillary in the United States and the name Hilaria in Spain .
`` I am that person that if I 've been speaking a lot of Spanish , I tend to mix them , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset , then I start to mix the two .
And again , that 's just something I 've always been a little insecure about . ''
Hilaria Baldwin confirmed she is `` a white girl '' and that her family is white .
`` Yes , I am a white girl .
And let 's be very clear that Europe has a lot of white people in there , and my family is white , '' she said .
`` Ethnically , I 'm a mix of many , many , many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the two cultures .
It really is simple as that . ''
Hilaria Baldwin further addressed the reports in a followup video .
Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin married in June 2012 and have five children , Carmen , Rafael , Leonardo , Romeo and Eduardo .
Actress and comedian Amy Schumer apologized to Hilaria Baldwin last week after jokingly sharing one of her postpartum photos .

Alec Baldwin (L) and his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, took to Instagram after Hilaria's Spanish accent and heritage were called into question. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Alec Baldwin is calling out "ridiculous" and "false" reports amid questions about his wife Hilaria Baldwin's Spanish heritage. The 62-year-old actor and Hilaria Baldwin, 36, took to Instagram Sunday after Hilaria Baldwin's Spanish accent and heritage were called into question by journalist and podcast host Tracie Egan Morrissey. Advertisement
In a video, Baldwin slammed Twitter trolls and tabloids and asked fans to "consider the source" when evaluating reports.
"We live in a world where we're hidden behind the anonymity of social media, and people feel like they can say anything," he said. "They want to spray it all over you and spit it all over you, their venom and their hate."
Baldwin did not mention Hilaria Baldwin by name but said he was moved to speak out because, "There are things that have been said lately about people that I love, that I care about deeply, which are just ridiculous."
Advertisement
"I would say the majority of what's been said... is false. It's so spectacularly false. And they've said it about people I love, false things," he added.
Morrissey questioned Hilaria Baldwin's heritage in series of posts on Instagram Stories over the weekend. She shared clips in which Hilaria Baldwin appears to speak in varying degrees of a Spanish accent and also questioned Hilaria Baldwin's parents' backgrounds.
Hilaria Baldwin addressed her heritage in a video Sunday on Instagram.
"I was born in Boston and grew up spending time with my family between Massachusetts and Spain. My parents and sibling live in Spain and I chose to live here, in the USA. We celebrate both cultures in our home -- Alec and I are raising our children bilingual, just as I was raised," she said in the caption.
Hilaria Baldwin said she grew up speaking both English and Spanish and would go by the name Hillary in the United States and the name Hilaria in Spain.
"I am that person that if I've been speaking a lot of Spanish, I tend to mix them," she said. "If I get nervous or upset, then I start to mix the two. And again, that's just something I've always been a little insecure about."
Advertisement
Hilaria Baldwin confirmed she is "a white girl" and that her family is white.
"Yes, I am a white girl. And let's be very clear that Europe has a lot of white people in there, and my family is white," she said. "Ethnically, I'm a mix of many, many, many things. Culturally, I grew up with the two cultures. It really is simple as that."
Hilaria Baldwin further addressed the reports in a followup video.
Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin married in June 2012 and have five children, Carmen, Rafael, Leonardo, Romeo and Eduardo. Actress and comedian Amy Schumer apologized to Hilaria Baldwin last week after jokingly sharing one of her postpartum photos.


upi--2020-12-28--Kaitlyn Bristowe says she lost her taste, smell in COVID-19 update

Dec. 28 ( UPI ) -- Kaitlyn Bristowe gave fans a health update on her Instagram Stories after recently announcing she and boyfriend Jason Tartick tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` So I 've officially lost my taste and smell , '' Bristowe said on Sunday , before stating that originally she did n't have any real symptoms .
`` And then a few days went by and I was like , 'Oh okay I jut feel like I have a cold . '
And then another day goes by and I 've lost my smell and my taste .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that 's the scariest part about COVID , '' she continued .
Bristowe said she was feeling very tired , but was not experiencing shortness of breath .
`` Jason is still sleeping right now .
He was in and out of sleep all night , but I think his fevers down , '' she continued about Tartick .
Bristowe , 35 , announced on Thursday that she and Tartick , 32 tested positive for COVID-19 .
Shemar Moore and Ellen DeGeneres are among the other celebrities who have recently contracted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dancing with the Stars in November and appeared on The Bachelor Season 19 and The Bachelorette Season 11 .
Tartick , who competed on Becca Kufrin 's season of The Bachelorette , was linked to Bristowe in January 2019 .

1/2
Kaitlyn Bristowe (R) and her boyfriend Jason Tartick arrive for the 45th annual E! People's Choice Awards on November 2019. Bristowe updated fans on Instagram after testing positive for COVID-19. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Kaitlyn Bristowe gave fans a health update on her Instagram Stories after recently announcing she and boyfriend Jason Tartick tested positive for COVID-19. "So I've officially lost my taste and smell," Bristowe said on Sunday, before stating that originally she didn't have any real symptoms. Advertisement
"And then a few days went by and I was like, 'Oh okay I jut feel like I have a cold.' And then another day goes by and I've lost my smell and my taste. It's just so unpredictable and I think that's the scariest part about COVID," she continued.
Bristowe said she was feeling very tired, but was not experiencing shortness of breath.
"Jason is still sleeping right now. He was in and out of sleep all night, but I think his fevers down," she continued about Tartick.
Bristowe, 35, announced on Thursday that she and Tartick, 32 tested positive for COVID-19. Shemar Moore and Ellen DeGeneres are among the other celebrities who have recently contracted the virus.
Bristowe won Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars in November and appeared on The Bachelor Season 19 and The Bachelorette Season 11. Tartick, who competed on Becca Kufrin's season of The Bachelorette, was linked to Bristowe in January 2019.


upi--2020-12-28--In photos: Scenes from the holiday season

The world is celebrating a holiday season like no other , with the COVID-19 pandemic resurging in many areas .
@ @ @ @ @ withstanding the disruption .
Here 's look at people observing the holidays in the United @ @ @ @ @ .

Parishioners sit in folding chairs with candles, listening to prayers outside of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Ladue, Mo., on December 24. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI