Today’s news on the global pandemic.
Maryland’s Republican governor, Larry Hogan, has written a searing criticism of President Trump‘s response to the coronavirus crisis. (USA Today)
Another 1.3 million Americans filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week, making it 17 straight weeks of job losses in the millions. (USA Today)
Disney World is refusing to give guests their ride photos if they take off their masks while on the ride. (People)
San Francisco and Houston are the latest cities to announce that public schools will begin the year remotely.
There are now more than 13.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with more than 584,000 deaths. (Johns Hopkins)
In the U.S., there are more than 3.4 million confirmed cases with more than 137,000 deaths. (Johns Hopkins)
Mask mandates are gaining favor as businesses try to avoid conflict. (The Washington Post)
Scientific evidence for masks explained. (Vox)
The best and worst face masks ranked. (Business Insider)
Texas’s spike in coronavirus cases includes a spike in nursing homes. (NBC News)
A New Year’s tradition has already fallen by the wayside — the annual Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California won’t take place.
Walmart will require all customers to wear masks inside its stores. (NBC News)
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has tested positive for COVID-19. He attended President Trump‘s rally in Tulsa a few weeks ago. (USA Today)
In early trials, Moderna’s vaccine candidate seems to be safe and to provide some immunity from COVID-19. (USA Today)