Three things for November 10
1. Pfizer claims COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective
On Monday, Pfizer announced their COVID-19 vaccine early trial results came back with a 90% effectiveness rate, leading the vaccine to be put up for approval from the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use later this month.
According to AP News, World Health Organization Senior Adviser Dr. Bruce Aylward said Pfizer’s vaccine could “fundamentally change the direction of this crisis” by March when the U.N. agency hopes to start vaccinating high-risk groups.
This announcement does not mean a vaccine is necessarily imminent. The study is not fully finished, so results may change by the end of the trial.
According to AP News, Dr. Jesse Goodman of Georgetown University, former chief of the FDA’s vaccine division, called the partial results “extremely promising.” However, many questions are still to be answered, including how long the vaccine’s effects last and whether it protects older people and younger people.
President-elect Joe Biden applauded the breakthrough but cautioned citizens not to expect it to be widespread for some time and reinforced the continuing reliance on masks and social distancing.
2. Trump fires Defense Secretary Mark Esper
President Donald Trump tweeted on Monday that he had fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
“I am pleased to announce that Christopher C. Miller, the highly respected Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (unanimously confirmed by the Senate), will be Acting Secretary of Defense, effective immediately … Chris will do a GREAT job! Mark Esper has been terminated. I would like to thank him for his service,” Trump tweeted.
The move comes two days after Biden was projected to win the presidential election, resulting in a loss for Trump. According to ABC News, Trump was expected to purge top members of his administration with whom he had long been unhappy.
According to AP News, the firing of Esper, which could unsettle international allies and Pentagon leadership, injects another element of uncertainty to a transition period expected to be rocky as Joe Biden prepares to assume the presidency.
3. Student Leadership Council to host ‘Fancy Trivia’ night
This Friday night, Nov. 13, Lee’s Student Leadership Council will host a trivia night with a twist. Students are encouraged to wear formal attire to the trivia night.
There will be prizes for the top three trivia winners. The first-place winner will receive $100, second place will receive $40 and third place will receive $20.
Teams will consist of two to four members. The event will be held in the Mayfield Annex at 6:30 p.m.
To learn more about this event, visit SLC’s Instagram @Leeuslc.
