Health agencies reported continued strain on hospitals as the national COVID-19 death toll approached 420,000. The seven-day average of new infections exceeded 175,000. Vaccine distribution remained uneven, with reports of appointment cancellations and limited supply in several major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.
President Joe Biden’s team announced plans to open federally supported vaccination centers in stadiums and convention halls. The administration also began coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expand cold-chain logistics for Pfizer and Moderna doses.
In Washington, the Senate prepared for confirmation votes on additional Cabinet nominees, including Janet Yellen for Treasury Secretary. Congressional staff confirmed that the article of impeachment against former President Donald Trump would be delivered to the Senate on Monday.
Public confidence in vaccination efforts showed modest improvement, with a Pew survey indicating 69 percent of Americans intended to receive a vaccine—up from 60 percent in December.