This is Vaccine 411, the latest coronavirus vaccine information for December 20th, 2021.

How long will we have to wear masks on airplanes? How about forever? As in never again will we be able to fly without our face being covered. That’s what Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Meet the Press. He can’t see the end of mask wearing on planes ever, regardless of air purification systems touted by airline CEOs. 

The Netherlands began a full lockdown that will last through January 14. The Prime Minister ordered most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places to shut down. The public is urged to stay home, and households can only have two guests at a time.

Israel believes it can keep Omicron out if it can keep Americans out. Travel between the U.S. and Israel will be banned starting December 22. The U.S. joins Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey as being perceived threats to Israel.

Time for the celebrity infection report. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker announced they’ve tested positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated. Booker had also gotten a booster. Both are experiencing only mild symptoms and credit the vaccines. Also, Queen guitarist Brian May tested positive despite being fully vaccinated and what he called being “hermit-like.” May said he had two horrendous days.

Yes, it’s just a TV show but it is indicative of how serious New York City is getting about the Omicron wave. Saturday Night Live lost the live audience, the musical guest, and much of its cast and crew for its final episode of the season this past Saturday. Apparently, there was an in-house outbreak that included four actors. Others were fearful to come to the studio.

In the United States cases were up 21%, deaths are up 9%, and hospitalizations are up 16% over 14 days. The 7-day average of new cases has been trending up since December 14.  

The five states that had the most daily deaths per 100,000 are Michigan, Arizona, Alaska, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.  

There are 10,398,516 active cases in the United States.

The five states with the greatest increase in hospitalizations per capita: Connecticut 69%, Washington, DC 62%, Rhode Island 61%, New Jersey 57%, and North Carolina 54%. 

The top 10 counties with the highest number of recent cases per capita according to The New York Times: Thompkins, NY. Pike, IL. Cuyahoga, OH. Winona, MN. Clay, IL. Pope, MN. Fayette, IN. Greene, IL. Piatt, IL. And Jefferson, IN.

There have been at least 806,439 deaths in the U.S. recorded as Covid-related.

The top 3 vaccinating states by percentage of population that’s been fully vaccinated: Vermont at 76.3%, Rhode Island at 75.5%, and Maine at 75.1%. The bottom 3 vaccinating states are Idaho unchanged at 45.8%, Wyoming at 47%, and Alabama at 47.2%. The percentage of the U.S. that’s been fully vaccinated is 61.2%.

Globally, cases were up 4% and deaths down 11% over 14 days, with the 7-day average trending up since October 15. 

There are 22,963,723 active cases around the world. 

The five countries with the most new cases: The U.K. 82,886. The United States 66,751. France 48,473. Russia 27,967. And Italy 24,259.

There have been at least 5,354,224 deaths reported as Covid-related worldwide. 

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