Results from a survey released today show 74% of Tennesseans support mask mandates in their local communities. It is the first time that the survey, conducted by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee, found that the majority of Tennesseans were more concerned about their health than the economic impact of the pandemic. 

Here’s a rundown of other developments and stories related to the coronavirus:
  • While Russia is planning to begin a vaccination campaign despite not conducting human trials, more than 400 public health experts sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn urging him to allow the distribution of a future coronavirus vaccine only after the FDA is able to evaluate safety and effectiveness data from completed Phase 3 trials.
  • Gilead has filed an application with the FDA seeking full approval for remdesivir, its experimental COVID-19 drug currently used under emergency authorization.
  • Johnson & Johnson plans to produce 1 billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate by the end of 2021 if imminent large-scale trials yield positive result. 
  • How is the pandemic impacting vulnerable patients? Listen to the latest I Am BIO podcast with Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath and autoimmune disease expert Randy Rutta.